Therapy is designed help individuals address and resolve various concerns, issues, and symptoms. It intends to promote increased self-awareness, insight, and understanding, thereby enhancing a client’s experience of themselves and others. Thus, not only is therapy effective for helping clients overcome barriers, treatment can also help to enhance many positive qualities of an individual’s life, such as increasing self-esteem and enhancing feelings of self-compassion, connectedness and overall well-being.

During the course of therapy, the mental health professional functions as a support in a way that is different from the support of a friend or family member. Although there is often a strong bond between the client and therapist, it is not the same type of relationship. Therapy allows for a safe environment where anything can be said. The therapist is also able to provide clients with objective support and aid in helping them to find constructive ways to cope with stress, negative feelings and other challenges.

What are the potential benefits of individual therapy?

1.  It provides a safe space for emotional expression.
2.  Individuals learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in constructive ways.
3.  It fosters decision-making and acceptance of responsibility.
4.  It facilitates the development of problem-solving, coping skills and resilience.
5.  It helps individuals to explore and practise social skills.
6.  It allows individuals to learn from mistakes safely.
7.  It encourages confidence and concentration.
8.  It fosters imagination and creativity.
9.  It supports emotional healing and growth.

How long will therapy last?

The duration of therapy is often dependent on the individual's personality, the nature of the bond between client and therapist and the nature of the problem. Some individuals are very shy and need a lot of encouragement to express their feelings and thoughts, while others are more willing to talk. Individuals who have been hurt badly by others might be apprehensive and may need a long time to trust someone and feel free to express themselves. Some individuals have developed clever ways to avoid thinking about their feelings because this process is too painful. They may need time to feel safe, to break down their barriers and to build the courage needed to deal with their emotions and the painful events in their lives.

In general, an individual usually attends therapy for a minimum of six sessions. This provides the individual and therapist with sufficient time to build a relationship of trust and to have time to discover more about the client’s thoughts and feelings. The individual will then become more comfortable expressing him or herself and be open to discussing potential solutions.

Many situations in life leave individuals feeling powerless and out of control. My hope is to assist clients to move from a position of self-doubt or insecurity to one where they feel more comfortable, content and in control of their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

I provide assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the following psychological concerns with adults:

Adjustment difficulties (such as separation and divorce, bereavement or loss)
Anger management
Anxiety disorders, panic attacks and phobias
Behavioural problems
Eating disorders (including obesity)
Lifespan development
Mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar mood disorder)
Psychotic disorders
Relationship difficulties
Self-esteem and identity development
Stress management
Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviours
©Copyright 2021 Christine Slabbert
HPCSA Number:       PS 0119733
Practice Number:     0524980
©Copyright 2021 Christine Darney
HPCSA Number:       PS 0119733
Practice Number:     0524980
HPCSA Number:       PS 0119733
Practice Number:     0524980