Therapists in Western Cape

I am a bilingual registered counsellor, offering both individual and group counselling for children, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning difficulties. My approach is integrative, which means that I draw from various approaches and interventions and tailor them in a way that best suits each individual. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space which allows for clients to freely express their thoughts, opinions, feelings and experiences.

You know you need help but you have no idea where to start? Well right here and right now is a step in the right direction.

All of us at some point might need support to deal with the many challenges of life, whether it be a personal crisis, a loss, an addiction, a feeling of stuckness or a change in one's ability to cope. I offer compassionate and non-judgemental psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. It is not always easy to take the first step to start therapy and to be vulnerable, but allowing yourself to open up is often the start of the journey towards acceptance or change.

I am a Neuropsychologist specialising in the review and understanding of the relationship between changes and differences in one’s brain and how this affects cognition and behaviour. I work with patients of all ages, covering assessments & diagnoses for individuals with changes to their brain, whether from developmental differences (e.g., ADHD, Autism), injury to their brain (e.g., traumatic brain injury), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., Stroke), or neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., various Dementia’s). I am also trained and experienced in Autism diagnostic assessments.

Counselling is my life purpose. Whilst working in Corporate HR, I engaged many who had mental health challenges, felt misunderstood & lacked support in their environment. I have empathised, listened to & supported those who shared their concerns, dreams & challenges with me esp. when they were not experiencing fulfillment at work. Helping clients to find their true life purpose may reduce symptoms relating to mental health & bring about change that will impact individuals, families & communities. Other interests: End of Life, Dementia, Carers Support, GBV, Toxic Relationships, Dealing with Change.

I offer a reflective space and collaborate relationship for individuals, couples and families who are willing to engage in a process to better understand and think about their emotional and inner lives. Goals therefore does not only include symptom reduction, but longer term understanding and change.

I aim to provide a safe and warm space where individuals who are experiencing challenges feel comfortable to share, explore and move toward self-knowledge and personal growth. The most helpful therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one and my goal is to collaborate with clients to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their situations so that they can create a more fulfilled life.

My psychotherapeutic stance is accepting and judgment-free. The therapeutic relationship is essential in effective therapy. Based on this, it is crucially important to get to know my clients on a personal level, and for my clients to get to know me. I position myself alongside my clients to collaboratively formulate a focused treatment plan.

Welcome! Whatever has led you here, please know that I would be honoured to hear and hold your story, to talk with you, and to share tools and techniques to help you move forward and create the life that is in your heart. We all have moments in our lives where we find ourselves just not coping; that feeling of constantly treading water with no end in sight; struggling with overwhelm, burnout, stress, fatigue, anger, or anxiety, doubting ourselves and never feeling good enough; being in conflict with others or feeling alone. Perhaps you have gone through a traumatic situation or major life transition?

I work with adults only and in my experience, it seems many of us present with elements of ‘dysfunction’; that it is the human condition to be somewhat flawed, imperfect, damaged or messed-up. Our ‘dysfunction’ can often be exposed (to ourselves and others) at points of challenge or change; what I refer to as ‘growing pains’ (this is not reserved for childhood; us adults can also undergo mild, moderate and sever growing pains)

I help people who are stuck, in their heads or in undigested emotions, or in difficult life circumstances, relationships and families. I teach that the only person you can change is yourself, but when you do, the ripple effect is massive. Be the change you want to see, never mind what trauma has led to your anxiety, depression etc. We're all addicts: we all have devoted habits or coping mechanisms. After a while these harm us. Find another way. I use a Transpersonal approach because it's v effective. This means I remind you you are connected to something greater than yourself, however you define that - and how to employ that daily.

I like to describe our therapy together as a journey where we walk alongside each other. I won't offer advice but instead encourage curiosity for us to shine light on the hidden truth which we are all capable of finding within ourselves. Movement Psychotherapy - in which I have specialized - while welcoming talking intervention and the spoken language, rather shifts the focus to body movement, trusting the language of the body. - Embodiment. This therapy is creative in its nature meaning we use different modes of art in our explorations. You can expect mindfulness, movement, music, art and play in our sessions.

Having worked with people of all ages in the States and South Africa, and now globally, I am confident that we can find a good pace and work towards your desired outcome.

You are confused, you can't understand what you should or shouldn't say or do. You are scared to do it your way. Perhaps you're wrong.Perhaps you aren't good enough...I can help you make sense of what you are experiencing and help you find ways to resolve your problems in your own way and at your own pace.

Mienke van Niekerk embarked on her psychology journey at the University of Stellenbosch in 2017 and furthered her studies in the field at the University of South Africa. She has experience in working with children, teenagers, adults, couples and families. The relationship she builds with her client is her number one priority. She builds this relationship by presenting and holding a safe space for them (a bubble to express what they want, without consequences, fear or judgement, but unconditional acceptance). Together they gain a deeper understanding of the client’s challenges and how to go about them.

When our usual way of coping no longer feels enough, it can really help to seek more support. As a registered counsellor I can work with you to explore the current challenges in your life. My approach is warm, non-judgmental and compassionate; based on rigorous training and experience. I will offer you emotional support alongside psycho-education about mental wellbeing, whatever your circumstances or stage of life. Together we will discover your goals for counseling, explore what helps and celebrate the strengths that make you who you are.

I facilitate a creative, non-judgemental and compassionate space to help individuals discover healing and growth. I work with clients facing a wide array of challenges, including, but not limited to life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, and self-esteem issues. With appreciation and understanding of the therapeutic potential of the arts, I support my clients on their unique journeys towards and emotional well-being and self-discovery. My holistic approach addresses the complex interplay between emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being; focusing on the authentic expression of all parts self.

The therapy room seems to be one of the only remaining places where two people can sit together uninterrupted for 50 minutes. My practice offers an unconditional, non-judgemental containing space to women seeking the clarity to live with increased insight, personal power, and purpose. By supporting your personal growth and healing, I’ll help you steadily move towards a state of centeredness and equilibrium. I combine practical, solution-focused techniques with insight-oriented psychodynamic theory and a dash of eastern wisdom to help you find healthier perceptions of yourself.

On the surface, it seems like things are okay. Objectively you have the things that society says is suppose to make you happy - yet you are not happy. You are overwhelmed with anxiety and dissatisfaction. No matter what you do, or force yourself to do, you just don't find it in anything. The last time you felt true joy was as a child on the playground. It seems as if though everyone around you is doing extremely well, so what is wrong with you for not feeling the same. This feeling is more common than you think. You are not as alone as you might think.