Clinical Psychologist | Individual & Teen Therapy in Parktown North
"We repeat what we don't repair."
- Christine Langley-Obaugh
Individual Therapy:
Psychological Therapy For Adults
I want to help you. But I also want to understand you so that my help is useful to you and where you are at. I believe that I have the skills, training and experience to make this happen. So take a look at what I have to offer and see if you would like to give it a try. Contact form is at the end when you are ready. I look forward to meeting you.
Issues I commonly treat
Depression
The World Health Organization lists depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide. I can help you assess the toll that depression is taking on your life and assist you in developing skills to deal with the symptoms of depression like hopelessness, lack of motivation and suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can range from generalised anxiety to conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder. I can help you to develop skills and ways of thinking that empower you to feel more in control of your life and to manage the symptoms of anxiety in a constructive way.
Trauma and PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a debilitating condition that makes normal everyday functioning difficult. Being in an accident, losing a loved one, suffering a serious physical injury or being a victim of crime and violence will leave you with some degree of trauma that can affect your life adversely. I can assist in helping you to make sense of the way that you are feeling and to manage the symptoms of trauma.
Difficulty managing emotions and relationships
Difficulty managing emotions constructively, confusion about who you are in the world, and difficulties with intimacy and attachment to others can often present together as what professionals term a personality disorder. This is quite common in my practice, and I assist individuals with these symptoms to better manage their emotions as well as to cope with the painful distress of the insecurity they may feel about themselves and their relationships with others.
How I can help you
If it is the first time that you are thinking about therapy, you may feel that you might be better off speaking with your friends or family about what you are going through. Whilst this support can be really invaluable, therapy provides a space where it is just about you and free from the baggage or dynamics that might be tied to your friends and family. As your therapist, I have also been trained to deal with the issues that you are struggling with, using methods that I have seen work over the years and which are supported and validated by research in the field. The space is also confidential and private so you can express things to me that you might be embarrassed to say to a friend, family member or colleagues.
Whilst medication might be useful to assist in managing certain conditions dealt with in adult therapy, it is not a prerequisite for me to work with you or always suggested. Depending on your particular needs, I work either short term (6-12 sessions) or more long term (24-48 sessions) - just long enough to get you on your feet again so that you can return to living a fulfilling and content life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a first session?
The first session is really about getting to know each other — what's brought you to therapy, what you're hoping to get out of it, and a bit about your background. There's no pressure to have it all figured out; we'll work it out together.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer both online and in-person sessions at my practice in Parktown North, so we can find whatever works best for you.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on what you're working through. Some people benefit from shorter-term work (around 6–12 sessions), while others prefer a longer-term process (24–48 sessions). We'll discuss what feels right for you as we go.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?
In South Africa, clinical psychologists complete specific postgraduate clinical training and are registered with the HPCSA in that category, which covers the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological difficulties. I'm registered as a Clinical Psychologist (Independent Practice) with the HPCSA.
Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share with me is confidential, with the standard legal and ethical exceptions that apply to all registered psychologists (for example, where there's a risk of serious harm).