Frequently asked questions

A clinical psychologist studies human thought, emotion and behaviour within a scientific framework and applies these principles to understand and support people to make adjustments and bring about change.

It is understandable to feel nervous that psychotherapy may be overwhelming at first.

The first session is your opportunity to meet me and share your concerns and expectations. I may make suggestions and recommend a psychotherapy treatment plan that incorporates your goals. If you feel comfortable with our working relationship and my approach, a psychotherapy process of several sessions may follow.

Sessions normally span 1 hour.

Continuity is important in psychotherapy. I recommend weekly sessions.

The length of a psychotherapy process is unique to everyone. There is no set period or limit.

We assess and revise your goals from time to time.

We discuss options and the duration of psychotherapy as we go along.

You may attend as many sessions as you want, normally until you get to the point where you feel that you’ve resolved what needed to be addressed.

Clients sometimes return for refresher psychotherapy once in a while.

Confidentiality is strictly maintained and in accordance with the law.

A medical doctor may refer you, but it isn’t required.

Your medical condition and medication are always taken into account. I work closely with medical professionals and may refer for a medical opinion.

If you have benefits for psychological services, we submit claims directly to your medical scheme by prior agreement.

Your medical scheme’s contribution may be restricted to an annual limit. While a lot can be accomplished in short-term therapy, you may feel that you need more sessions after medical scheme benefits end.

It is a good idea to contact your medical scheme to enquire about your benefits for psychotherapy (alternatively categorised as clinical psychology or mental health).

Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)

All medical schemes in South Africa have to include PMBs in their health plans, regardless of the member’s benefit option. There are, however, certain requirements to be met.

This means that even if your benefits for a year have run out or treatments are excluded on your choice of plan, your medical scheme has to pay for the treatment of PMB conditions according to prescribed protocols.

Medical schemes cannot use your medical savings account to pay for PMBs or charge you a co-payment on a PMB if you follow the scheme protocol.

Psychotherapy as PMB

Some psychological disorders and their treatments are covered under PMBs.

This includes a number of psychotherapy sessions that need to be pre-authorised. For clients who qualify, we assist with these applications.

Visit the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) website for more information on PMBs.

My fees are based on the recommended rates.

Regulations stipulate that healthcare professionals may not share the quantum of fees on any public domain.

Information on my fee structure is available on request. You may enquire by phone, email or via the contact form.

You can pay in cash or via electronic funds transfer (EFT).

No credit/debit card facilities.

Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
Friday 08:00 – 13:00

As an exception I may schedule consultations until 19:00, at no extra charge, to accommodate clients who find it difficult to attend sessions during normal office hours.

My practice is located in Durbanville, Cape Town North, Western Cape.

I provide services to clients from various places in Greater Cape Town, West Coast and Cape Winelands.

Closer suburbs include Brackenfell, Kraaifontein and Bellville.

Appointments can be scheduled by phone, email or via the contact form.