About Us

Our History

Elza Berk started TherapyNow in February 2022 due to having started her own personal  journey when she was 19 years old after having reached her rock bottom with drugs, alcohol and a lifelong eating disorder. She admitted herself to a six month inpatient treatment facility followed by intensive outpatient trauma counseling.

Over the last 24 years she has been counseling at some of the most exclusive rehabilitation centers in South Africa while studying and researching trauma methodologies. She strongly believes in individualized treatment and believes in person centered counseling.

Elza believes that  her drug use, alcohol abuse and eating disorder covered up her feelings of depression, anxiety, shame and loneliness. Only once she started allowing herself to become vulnerable and share the pain she felt with another human being, did her difficulties around being intimate and close to people allow her to find belonging within herself.

“I believe in counseling as I have been on the other side. I have felt the resistance and fear knowing you have to lean into the feelings in order to grow. This can only be achieved with a counselor I trusted and connected with. The counseling relationship was the first relationship where I experienced real empathy and understanding. I had someone witness my pain and for the first time I felt safe in that vulnerability.

Through creating TherapyNow I wanted to start changing the narrative around substance abuse, eating disorders as well as mental health. Looking after and investing in your relationship with yourself and those that you choose to have a relationship with should be a human right, and not seen as a luxury. The stigma and shame around mental health needs to change and TherapyNow is here to do that.”

TherapyNow is here to help you make time to invest in the relationship you have with yourself.

Counsellor - Elza

Why TherapyNow?

Counselling and Online Therapy in South Africa

The research suggests that online counselling can be just as effective as in-office counselling albeit relatively new in South Africa.

TherapyNow is a safe space for you to speak your story and receive assistance to move through your situation that is negatively impacting you, with freedom and without judgment. Having a personal online counsellor can help you gain a new perspective and find a way forward.

TherapyNow counsellors have experience in one of the most exclusive and innovative inpatient treatment centres in South Africa. Online counselling has become a quick and easy way to get professional mental health counseling services.

Schedule a discreet and secure online session with your dedicated personal counsellors via Zoom, Google Meet or WhatsApp.

Our Approach

  • We carefully listen to your story without judgement
  • We listen to what you are saying and what you are not saying
  • We work through each issue, with you, as it comes up
  • We work with you to shift what you want to change
  • We do not assume, we simply offer support, guidance & tools

How TherapyNow Can Help You

TherapyNow's skilled and experienced counsellors have an integrated approach using a variety of tools, services, and evidence-based therapies that are designed specifically to support your personal growth journey as an individual.

Why Companies need TherapyNow

Stress and Anxiety have severely increased in the last three years which has led to us at TherapyNow providing an online counselling platform. TherapyNow offers an online platform where clients can reach their counselor via an online platform. At TherapyNow we have been told by our clients that they have experienced a severe decrease in anxiety and depression as they feel less alone and can talk to their counselor from the comfort of their home or even from the car or office.

Our TherapyNow clients spend the majority of their time occupied with work even though they are dealing with depression, loneliness, and anxiety. If these struggles are not addressed productivity in the workplace decreases which can also lead to mood swings, absenteeism, lack of motivation, mental health leave, sick leave, substance dependency, and lack of effective communication between employees.

There is more and more research showing that the companies that invest in their employees’ mental health inspire economic efficiency in their businesses as employees feel supported and worth investing in. Companies can support the mental well-being of their employees by providing them with a confidential space which will lead to a company with happier, well-rounded employees, who are motivated and reliable.

Counselling provides an online platform where employers and employees can learn about communication skills, build on the leadership and gain insight into how to best support and encourage the individuals in their companies to get the help they need.

Meet our Counsellors

Janika Klapwijk

“Just because no one else can heal, or do your inner-work for you, does not mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” - Lisa Olivera

Every person, in my opinion, possesses the ability to make a significant difference in their mental health. In order to empower my clients, I work to build a collaborative relationship with them. I want to help them gain understanding, identify their inherent strength and resilience, and take action to bring about the change they truly want to see in the world.

As a result of my strong commitment to my clients, I make sure to participate in ongoing training and supervision in order to not only expand my knowledge and expertise but also to offer the best services. With an integrated approach, I can personalize interventions to each client's particular needs, preferences, and context, which is how I prefer to work.

Specialized and Professional Interests:
Trauma
Inner child work, including working with adults with childhood trauma.
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Bereavement
Adjustments - including for neurodivergent & neurotypical individuals/families struggling to find their balance with one another.
Eating disorders
Sustainable self-actualisation and/versus burnout.

Qualifications and experience:
BA Psychology and Criminology (2016, UNISA)
Counselling Skills Practical Workshop (2016, Hope House Counselling Centre, SA)
BA Hons. Psych. (2019, UNISA)
Trauma-Informed Counselling (2023, Centre of Healing, Aus)
Counselling experience since 2016 in volunteer, corporate and health settings.
Business management in the psychiatry private sector since 2017.
Victim Support for the South African Police Service since 2018.
In-house individual counsellor for other victim support counsellors at SAPS and referrals as required, as well as facilitating monthly group debriefing sessions for counsellors.
Monthly training of community members in trauma debriefment and self-care, requested through Victim Support at SAPS.
Professional registration with Council for Counsellors South Africa: CO3044

Languages: Afrikaans, English & Dutch.

Counselling is facilitated on whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.

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Mimi Shirindza

My greatest passion is to help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves where they are able to learn new coping skills and strengthen their relationships. I offer an empathetic approach, listening without judgement and encouraging openness in order to help my clients find the best suitable ways forward. I provide emotional support and counselling to individuals from diverse backgrounds, both teenagers and adults, who have been through a traumatic or stressful experience, grief and loss and overwhelming life-transitions.

Specialties and Professional interests:
Grief Counselling
Depression
Trauma Counselling
Adjustment to different life stages or stressful circumstances

Qualifications:
Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA since 2014.
B.Psych (2013)

Languages: English, Xitsonga and IsiZulu.

Medical Aid Approved Counsellor

Meeting on online platforms: Whatsapp voice, text or video, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams

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Marlene Voss

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, depending on the individual and the presenting symptoms, with an overreaching nonjudgemental approach of deep empathy.

Specialized and Professional Interests:
Trauma
Sadness & Loss
Relationship Counseling
Family Counseling

Qualification and experience:
30 years of experience working with survivors of trauma, rape, and abuse.
Degree in Psychological Counseling from UNISA
Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling from SACAP

Language: English

In-Person Counselling

Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Noordhoek, Cape Town

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Phumza Zonke

I listen because I know exactly how it feels to be unheard.
- Unknown
My passion lies in providing a safe, non-judgmental space for all. Having been a therapist for more than 2 years I have had the opportunity to sharpen my skills effectively to support and help children, individuals, couples and companies with the mental wellness. My passion for mental health/mental wellness stems from that motive of we are all human and we should all be given a chance to find ourselves and grow.
You are worth it.

Specialities & professional interests:
Bereavement Counselling
Counselling for gambling addiction
Drug and alcohol abuse counselling
Employee Wellness
Group Counselling
HIV/AIDS Counselling
Individual Counselling
Marriage Counselling
Support and assistance in human development (child and adolescents)
Trauma Counselling

Qualifications & Experience:
BA Social Sciences (Counselling Psychology) UFH
Practice Number: WC23/1762
Registered with ASCHP Reg No WC23/1762 NQF LEVEL 7

Language: English, Xhosa and Afrikaans

In-Person Counselling

Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Belgravia, East London

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Cyril Chiloane

Mental health is not a destination but a process. It is about how you drive, not where you are going.  I am passionate about supporting and empowering clients with adjusting well to life changes. My role as a Counsellor is to provide guidance and understanding in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner. I make use of an integrated approach and my preference of counselling model is based on the client’s needs.

Specialized and Professional Interests:
Work-related stress
Adjustment
Trauma
Anxiety
Self-development
Relationship Counselling
Family Counselling
Grief and Bereavement Counselling
Stress/burnout Management

Qualification and experience:
More than 5 years of working experience in the Employee Health and Wellness Industry as well as Private Practice.
Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych)
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Registered Counsellor in Independent Practice.  - PRC 0037516.

Languages: English, Sepedi, Setswana and Sotho

Counselling sessions are facilitated through the client’s preferred online platform, including texting and audio.

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Naylin Coombe

A philosophy that has driven me in life and in my counselling approach is "Many things can be taken away from us but not our freedom to choose.” I have always been motivated to assist the outcast and downtrodden who feel their choice has been taken from them and to help them gain a sense of control. I firmly believe that counselling can be beneficial to everyone whether they need to unburden themselves of a secret they have been carrying or to create a safe space where they are able to voice those thoughts they keep to themselves.

Specialities and Professional interests:
LGBTQ+ Counselling
Abortion Counselling
Addiction Counselling
Anger Management
Anxiety and depression Counselling
Couples Counselling (monogamous and polygamous)
Grief Counselling
HIV/AIDS Counselling
Pastoral Counselling
Teen Counselling
Trauma Counselling

Qualifications:
Registered Counsellor with CCSA Reg No CO20607.
BA in Counselling Psychology (2019)
BA HONS in Counselling Psychology (2022).

Languages: English and Afrikaans

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Talita Kondlo

I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life's changes and find their own path to healing and personal growth. With a client-centred approach, I create a warm, non-judgemental space where clients feel safe, heard, and truly understood. I am well-versed in various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, and expressive arts therapy which I tailor to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies, enhance their self-awareness, and build resilient mindsets that will support their long-term well-being.

Specialties and Professional interests:
Abuse
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety and stress
Adjustments to different stages of life
Career and Work-related Challenges
Cultural and Identity Issues
Childhood and Adolescent Issues
Couples and Marriage Counselling
Depression
Domestic violence
Gender-based violence
Grief
Self-esteem and Confidence Building
Substance Abuse
Trauma

Qualifications:
BA (Psychology), BA Hons (Psychology)
Registration Number: SWC23/1993

Languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu

Meeting on online platforms: Whatsapp voice, text or video, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams

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Megan Andrew

Talking about one's problems can be an intimidating prospect. Deciding to find help is a courageous step in the right direction and ultimately a huge investment in oneself. In the work that I do, I strive to help clients reach their full potential and find their joy.

Specialities and Personal Interests:
Trauma Counselling
Bereavement
Post/Peri Partum Counselling
Anxiety

Qualifications and experience
10 years experience working in private practice.
BPsych from Midrand Graduate Institute.
Registration with HSPCA as Registered Counsellor  - PRC 001 7981.

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Sameer Charles

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” - Eleanor Roosevelt.

I have been working in the healing industry for over a decade and have been a therapist for nearly half that time. I create safe spaces to catalyze deep healing and transformation through a unique integration of counselling, coaching and NLP, alongside experiential learning (including a range of tailored workshops, courses, programs and soon, retreats).

I have been working on different levels of society, which includes individuals, couples, and groups within both community and organisational settings. I assist people to connect more deeply with themselves (and others), to release fear & disharmony, to embrace love & abundance, to tap into inner-strength and to ultimately experience more joy, more connection, and more fulfillment in every area of life.

I am a dedicated learner and researcher, constantly honing my craft to ensure I offer the best possible service to my client's. My favourite quote definitely influences the way that I live my life: “We are all one-winged angels, and by embracing each other – we can fly!”

Specialities and Professional Interests:
Integrative Mental Health (Counselling, Coaching, & NLP)
Men's Mental Health
Relationships
Trauma
Anxiety, Stress, and/or Depression
Behaviour and habits
Wellness & Wellbeing
Life & Success Coaching
Personal growth and development
Consciousness and Sexuality

Qualifications:
Master of Social Science (Community Mental Health Promotion), SACAP – NQF 9
Bachelor of Psychology (Applied Psychology and Counselling), SACAP – NQF 8
Certified Master NLP Practitioner, AUNLP
Certified Life Coach, AUNLP
Certified Business Coach, AUNLP
Registered with ASCHP as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor Reg No SWC23/4002

Languages: English

Meeting on online platforms: Whatsapp voice, text or video, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams

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Omashree Balie

Looking for a Counsellor that you can connect with, that creates a confidential space for you to be open and honest, without fear of judgement or criticism? Whether you are seeking, or referred for counselling, it  remains a very personal, difficult and scary decision/step to take. At times it can be a very lonely road but the end results are very rewarding and life changing. I aim to help my clients achieve these rewards by making this journey as comfortable as possible for them whilst walking next to them as they work their way through these "new and "unchartered" waters.
I was drawn to this profession through my own personal life  experiences, which provides me with the ability to understand common patterns that affect most people. My goal is to hold a safe space for my clients as I walk beside them in the navigation of their own life's journey and challenges.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination" Carl Rogers

Specialties and Personal Interests:
Abuse Counselling (Drugs, alcohol, gambling)
Anxiety and Stress Counselling
Adjustments to different stages of life Counselling
Couples Counselling
Divorce Counselling
Domestic Violence Counselling
Employee Wellness Counselling
Gender Based Violence Counselling
Grief Counselling
Individual Counselling
LGBTQIA + Friendly
Marriage Counselling
Trauma Counselling

Qualifications and experience
BA (Psychology), BA Hons (Psychology)
Humanitas Counselling Course
Internship completed with Humanitas Training Centre
Volunteer work with Rape Crisis Centre, Rise Against Domestic Violence SA, Rare Diseases SA
Counselling experience in Corporate, EAP, Private and Volunteer Settings including
within the LGBTQIA+ community

Registration:
ASCHP Registration Number SW 22/1510 Level 8

Languages: English and Afrikaans

Meeting on online platforms: Online Counselling (afterhours, weekends and public holidays)
Facilitated in whichever method suits the client including audio and texting

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Kyra Gould

The idea of counselling can be daunting for most. Having been on the other side myself, I know how much courage it takes to work on your own internal landscape. I celebrate that strength within you, and aim to create a safe environment; where each part of you is heard, validated and accepted.

In sessions, I might draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion-focused therapy, helping you connect with your inner ‘parts’; by hearing their story, and meeting them with compassion and understanding.

There are no bad parts, only fierce internal protectors that need to have their voice heard.

I look forward to walking this journey alongside you.

Specialties and Personal Interests:
Adjustment to Life Transitions
General Wellbeing
Grief
Interpersonal Relationships
LGBTQIA+ Friendly
Life Coaching
Overwhelm
Personal Growth
Teen Counselling
Women’s Empowerment

Qualifications and experience
BA Humanities (2019)
Hons. Psych (2019, Stellenbosch University)
ASCHP NQF 8 Reg No: SWC211100

Registration:
ASCHP Registration Number SW 22/1510 Level 8

Languages: English

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Claudia Roodt

I am a student and activist, who emphasizes the counselor-client relationship for healing.

With 33 years of diverse experience, including trauma counseling and empowerment work, I focus on creating a safe space for healing.

As a survivor, I advocates for understanding the link between neuroscience and behavior. I help individuals, groups, and communities heal from trauma and abuse.

I enjoy running, reading, family time, nature, and participating in The Art of Holding Space.

Specialties and Personal Interests:

Childhood and developmental trauma
Relationships
Couple therapy
The link between addictions and trauma
Trauma-informed therapy and training
Debriefing of teams or staff wellness
Webinars and information sessions on what it means to be a trauma-informed organization, business, or company
The mental health of employees
Training of my own designed – Trauma Informed First Responder course – helping people to understand:
1. The brain and relationships
2. The nervous system
3. Being trauma-informed and holding space
4. Trauma Informed First Responder Toolkit

Qualifications and experience
B A Social Work (Reg no with SACSSP 10-11713)
International courses on Trauma Informed Care

Languages: English and Afrikaans

Meeting on online platforms: Whatsapp voice, text or video, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams

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Elza Berk

Being emotionally bare and vulnerable is scary, which is why you may be hiding behind emotionally numbing behaviour, especially when having to face it on your own.

I am here to help you feel that you are not alone and that the pain, shame, and grief can be walked through and sat with, in a confidential, safe environment.

Specialities & professional interests:
Trauma
Sadness
Stress
Difficult and challenging emotions
Difficulties & challenges around food
Substance dependence

Qualifications & Experience:
Diploma in Counselling
20 years of working in some of South Africa's most pristine Rehabilitation Centres.
Over 20 years of experience working with Substance Abuse and Eating disorders.
ASCHP Reg No: WCW/271

Language: English & Afrikaans

In-Person Counselling

Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Tokai, Cape Town

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