Counselling Psychologists have studied human behavior and the brain (including how people think, feel, learn and behave) and have been trained to assist people who are having challenges coping with emotions, thoughts and actions. This can include those experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders.

In the first few sessions, I’ll typically ask you questions about yourself, your life, and any presenting problems you would like to work on. Together, we’ll create a plan of how therapy can assist you with these problems, how many sessions it may take, and how frequently we should meet.

The length of treatment depends upon several variable including the nature and severity of the problem, the treatment goals selected, and the approach of the psychologist.

Counselling psychologists are not eligible to prescribe medication. However, a psychiatrist can assess you for a prescription, and this can complement your therapy work.

Ideally, you will attend all sessions together as a couple. In instances where one of you is unable to attend, I can see the person who can attend.

As a counselling psychologist with a specialist interest in clinical psychosexual therapy, I will never ask a patient to do anything of a sexual nature in session with me…ever! Unfortunately, around the world many people who have consulted with ‘sex therapists’ have sadly experienced unethical and abusive behaviour from the ‘therapist’. I would like to make sure you are informed and understand what to expect, and what will not happen in a sex therapy session with me. I will not ask you to do anything of a sexual nature – whether that is a physical examination or to perform a sexual act in front of me or with me. An ethical sex therapist will provide ‘talk therapy’, to fully understand and explore your sexual concerns and the underlying causes with aim of providing treatment. This may involve work to be done at home on your own or with a partner/s, but certainly not in my therapy room.

When it comes to clinical sexology only those who are licensed and qualified to do physical examinations may do so – these include medical doctors and physiotherapists as part of their work is the physical element of your sexual concerns. Unfortunately, like many fields there are people who claim to be trained, licenced and experienced, however they are not and cause pain and suffering to people. As a counselling psychologist with a specialist interest in psychosexual therapy with 25 years’ experience in the field of sexual health I am still learning and studying as part of my professional development, which I take very seriously to provide my patients the most up-to-date and ethical treatment. I must maintain a certain number of continuous professional development points (CPD) which need to be submitted every year in order to maintain my accreditation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the United Kingdom. Please be informed and do your homework on your potential psychosexual therapy providers – ask about their qualifications, accreditations, experience, professional development and what to expect in the therapy room with them. If anything feels uncomfortable, follow your instincts, and find another therapist.

In my practice as a counselling psychologist, I am committed to creating a safe and confidential space where individuals can explore their unique experiences with sexuality, gender, and relationship diversity. I strongly believe in the importance of honoring each person’s journey and providing a supportive environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. By embracing and celebrating diversity, my practice aims to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves, fostering self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth. Together, we navigate the complexities of gender and sexuality, fostering a sense of understanding, validation, and well-being.