Frequently Asked Questions

I am a registered clinical psychologist, and as such have a registered practice number with the BHF (Board of Healthcare Funders), so all medical aids will cover the cost of sessions up to the extent that they make provision for a psychological therapy benefit. All or most of the therapy rate may be covered by your medical aid (different medical aids pay different amounts) depending on the terms of the particular medical aid package you have.

There is also something called Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) where South African legislation makes it highly likely that your medical aid will cover you for a number of therapy sessions for certain diagnosed psychological conditions that include drug addiction, depression, bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia. It is always best to confirm what your medical aid will cover prior to commencing sessions so that there are no surprises down the line.

I run a cash practice, and therefore you will be sent a monthly account personally whether or not you are on a medical aid, and it is your job to send it on to your medical aid. As mentioned above there is a discounted rate available for any account that is settled within the same calendar month as the therapy sessions (for example June therapy sessions that are paid for within the month of June) Some clients find that it is difficult for them to pay the account before the medical aid reimburses them, and therefore they wait until the medical aid transfers the money into their account before they pay me.

Research shows clearly that cognitive-behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for emotional problems, relationship difficulties, personality disorders and drug dependence. Of course, this does not mean that everyone succeeds in managing to get complete relief from their problems. Sometimes CBT can quite quickly help clients to understand their predisposition towards certain issues and to break the cycle that is maintaining the problem (e.g. depression), at which point the problem lifts. If the client continues with therapy after the depression lifts then they are able to erode the old predisposition cementing new, more effective behaviours and by challenging belief systems until they become more flexible. This results in a decreasing chance of the problem re-occurring.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a very conversational style of therapy. It is somewhat more of a dialogue, with responsibility and direction coming from both the therapist and the client. The psychological formulation, working hypotheses and agreed goals in turn provide direction for these dialogues, as do the homework tasks.

My office contains chairs. Comfortable enough for you to feel relaxed, but hopefully not enough for you to fall asleep! We face each other and communicate as equals who are both taking ownership of directing our efforts towards achieving the best long-term, sustainable solutions to your problems.

Hypnosis is a particular tool utilised by some cognitive therapists in very particular circumstances, and always with the agreement of the client. CBT mainly explores your conscious belief systems and identifies any that may be holding you back from being happy or from realising your full potential. You will be completely conscious and cognisant during this process. As for clairvoyancy, that’s not what any qualified psychologist does. You are the expert on your own mind, and cognitive therapists spend a fair amount of time trying not just assuming that they understand what you mean by words but trying to get behind them to better understand your world. They are then able to help you make sense of it.

Therapy is for anyone. If you are looking for a psychologist to help you, chances are that you feel you have a problem. This problem does not mean there is something fundamentally wrong with you. And realising you have a problem is an excellent start to feeling better. Many people undertake therapy as way of responding to warning signs that something is out of equilibrium, and thus as a means of avoiding more serious problems from developing. So the act of engaging in psychotherapy does not make a particular issue more or less severe; it merely means that you have chosen to address the issue. Some people who attend regular therapy sessions are simply doing so in order to lead more fulfilled lives and attain more personal growth. This therapy can take the form of life coaching or more traditional cognitive-behavioural work.

If you feel hostility or animosity of any kind towards your therapist, it may be worth exploring why. Be honest with them – psychologists are trained to understand feelings. There may be a reason you feel that way which could help with your healing process. If your feelings towards your therapist negatively impact on the therapeutic process then they will refer you on to another therapist.