Originally focused on children I soon realized that by supporting the parents, the children were automatically happier, more confident, and doing better at school. This got me interested in learning more regarding couples therapy. I saw that couples counseling is not the same as individual counseling and specialized skills were necessary. I also noticed most fellow therapists avoided couples counseling as it's so challenging. I then dove in and started studying more. I completed the Gottman Level 1 (USA) Clinical training in 2015 and their level two training in 2017. Dr. John and Julia Gottman are the pioneers of Couples Counselling and together have been scientifically studying the most effective techniques of couples counseling for many many years. Their research has been followed up with their clients year after year for over 25 years! Their method is strategic, to the point, and directed so as to give the client the most effective diagnosis and planning available.

Another science-based great in Couples therapy is Sue Johnson EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). I see and use her 'dance' analogy in my practice and look forward to becoming certified in EFT within the next few years. Attachment theory is an important component of couples therapy.

I am a big fan of Elliot Connie and his work with BSFT (Brief Solutions Focused Therapy) where the goal is focused on the positive! Very contrary to the long-held belief that the only way to create change is to focus on the problem, BSFT is geared towards finding the good in every situation. I am registered with SFT - South Africa and look forward to completing their courses in 2018.

Another new approach rising in fame for its incredible work is BWRT (Brain-Working Recursive Therapy). You can see more here, but the premise is alleviating past trauma that might be affecting your relationship now within one or two sessions (without hypnotherapy).

My formal university training was in Gestalt Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Person-centered, and Psycho-dynamic schools of thought. I use things from all of their premises, as suits the couples that walk through my door. I've even been able to use a lot I learned in all my play therapy training, making our sessions able to be lighter and a little more fun sometimes. The 5 love languages, Transactional Analysis, and non-violent communication is also a major component of my interventions.

I learned a lot and continue to learn daily but being married, having two little children, and working with very broken and hurt couples have been my biggest lessons and continue to change and shape the way I do my work every day.

I also work with individuals who need support, guidance, help with confidence and self-esteem, forgiveness, building their dreams, or fixing their marriage (when the other partner doesn’t want to come to therapy). I also help divorcees process the pain, confusion, anger, and grief of their marriage ending. I help blended families (families who have remarried, for whatsoever reason), to adjust to the new dynamics and expectations. I love supporting teens who find it hard to connect with their parents – where both parents and teens feel they keep missing each other and no one the wiser. I give them a safe place to vent, talk, and learn new ways of connecting with the family.

For those of you who have decided the ‘property isn’t salvageable, and divorce is necessary, I’m here to help you make the transition as smooth as possible with your children. Helping them and you know what to expect and how to support each other during this time because at no point does your ex ever become your child’s ex (unless there is abuse). And in the midst of a traumatic divorce, emotions are understandably high and messy, and it’s very hard to see clearly then. Clients often say it felt like they were drowning or referred to their divorce as a roller-coaster ride with massive ups and downs. With therapy, we can’t stop the ups and downs but we can be better prepared for them and make, what's often been described as a horrible roller coaster ride, shorter.

I aim to support, strengthen, and salute our families.