Psychotherapy is collaboration between a psychotherapist and a client (individual, couple, family or group) The purpose of therapy is to enter into a therapeutic journey in a safe and trusting environment where it is possible to deal with issues of a traumatic or psychological nature.
Building the inner strength and facing the trauma and distress of the past, present and anticipated future, the therapist and client are able to rewire, challenge and learn to deal with the life challenges that brought about the search for therapy.
Psychotherapy provides a safe, unbiased and confidential relationship with a trained professional to assess, understand and treat psychological distress, while also providing the opportunity to adjust and release unhealthy habits. Within a space of safety, psychotherapy can facilitate a heightened awareness and a sense of accountability that can add meaning and a sense of purpose to everyday life.
Therapist Toolkit
Bertus has experience working with adults and teenagers in many different settings. These include private practice, rehabilitation centres, clinics, high schools, sport codes and corporate institutions.
He has experience in dealing with the following challenges:
– Mood disorders
– Anxiety disorders
– Trauma
– Sport performance
– Relationship challenges
– Chronic Pain
Tools in his toolkit include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy- ACT
- Brain Working Recursive Therapy– BWRT® L1
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT®
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy – DBT®
- Finished Somatic Experiencing – SE® Year 1 – Beginner
About the Therapist
Bertus obtained his MA in Counselling Psychology at the University of Pretoria in 2008. He finds it a great honour and privilege to do what he does and have spent most of his years learning, growing and teaching in the field of psychology since 2008.
He initiated and chaired the South African Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Sciences (ACBS) where he deepened his understanding of the therapeutic processes necessary to bring change. He experienced the power of acceptance and mindfulness on a very personal level and have committed himself to understanding the processes of change from a third wave CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Somatic and Jungian perspective.
Bertus enjoy spending time with his wife and two children and likes to hike in the mountains or hop in the car with his family to explore the beautiful Western Cape on weekends.
He also enjoys spending time on the farm in the Free State where he enjoys a very different world and appreciate the simplicity and down to earth nature of farm life.
Working philosophy:
I have a client centered approach and it is important to me that my clients feel what Carl Rogers called “unconditional positive regard”.
“The kind of caring that the client-centered therapist desires to achieve is a gullible caring, in which clients are accepted as they say they are, not with a lurking suspicion in the therapist’s mind that they may, in fact, be otherwise. This attitude is not stupidity on the therapist’s part; it is the kind of attitude that is most likely to lead to trust…”
Carl R. Rogers
It is a great privilege to listen and reflect with my client in such a way that the psychology processes and tools which has a good evidence base in research come “alive’ in the therapy room.
For more info on Bertus you can view his website at www.bertusswanepoel.co.za
Consultations
Treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Medical Aid as well as Private Rates apply. We also apply for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) where applicable. Our practice is contracted in to Medical Aids. We submit claims to the medical aid on your behalf. The private fee can be paid in cash or via EFT.
Sessions are in English or Afrikaans.