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
Elonie travelled and worked with a performance arts company for 4 years. She worked with children in underprivileged communities for 3 years, teaching life skills through dancing. While doing her three-year undergraduate psychology studies through UNISA, she worked full time – a time in her life that taught her a lot of determination and perseverance. Her Honours studies was completed at North West University and her Master’s Degree at the University of Johannesburg. During her internship year she worked mainly with students. Since 2018 she has worked in a private practice with a wide variety of people, cultures and ages.
Tools in her toolkit include:
- Solution Focused Therapy (®SFT)
- Ego-state Therapy
- Eye Movement Integration Therapy (®EMI)
- Brain Working Recursive Therapy (®BWRT)
- Resource Therapy (®RT)
- The Gottman Method (Couple’s therapy)
- Somatic Experiencing (SE® Intermediate Level)
About the Therapist
Hi, I’m Elonie – Woman; wife to my husband Deon for 18 years and mom of two awesome boys. When I’m not on the chair opposite my client/clients, I enjoy active and quite time with my family and friends – hiking a mountain, working out, camping, dancing, good wine and coffee.
I work in both private practice in Stellenbosch and Paardevlei and online via trusted Telehealth platforms. As a counselling psychologist I use my training, professional and personal life experiences to guide clients to freedom and healing from past traumas. As a trauma survivor and victor myself, I believe it’s possible to heal from any trauma and that we are all able to live the life we were meant to live.
My approach to therapy:
I believe becoming aware of a difficulty/trigger in your life is an opportunity to grow and heal. I want to meet you in your current state of functioning and follow an integrative approach. Together, we determine the best short and/or long term goals for your therapeutic journey. I follow a holistic approach wanting each person to live a quality life, but also be free from past trauma and unnecessary anger, guilt and fear that could possibly hold you back from living the life you are worthy of.