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.

Why TherapyNow?
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
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.
Meeting on online platforms:
Whatsapp voice, text or video, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams
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
Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Belgravia, East London
Juanita Ragbeer
From a young age, I always tried to help and encourage others when they needed it the most. It was then that I realised I will pursue my studies in the field of psychology to fulfil this purpose. Psychology is not only a passion of mine but also a calling to be able to guide and advise others where possible.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of any other need. In every person's life there comes a time that could be difficult to navigate. My goal is to help my clients navigate this journey in a safe and confidential space where they are free to express themselves.
Specialised and Professional Interests:
Trauma
Anxiety
Companies team building at both corporate and government level
Substance Dependence
Relationship Counselling
Family Counselling
Bereavement Counselling
Career Guidance
Stress Management
Living with long Covid
Qualification and experience:
10 years of experience working in private practice and higher education.
Degree in Psychological Counselling from UNISA.
BPsych Equivalent Honours from UNISA.
Registered Counsellor (Practice number 0508772) since 2012 with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Languages: English & Hindi


Counselling Online: Any online platform that suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Durban
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.
Janika Cumpsty
“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.
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.
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
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
Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Noordhoek, Cape Town
Wayne Hadley
I firmly believe in equipping my clients with practical tools that can be used daily or as required in order to regain control of their lives and achieve the joy they so deeply deserve. During this time I support my clients by providing them with a safe space where they can comfortably refrain from wanting or needing to depend on any harmful behavior or substances and feel heard and understood. I am passionate when it comes to sadness, self-medicating, self-harm and isolating in order to cope with life.
Past repressed trauma can play a huge role. My life has been filled with trauma leading to very harmful coping mechanisms to handle life. After getting counseling I was amazed before I was even halfway through. I just had to pass this Gift of Wellbeing onto others and to tell you to never underestimate the power of sharing. I believe we are herd mammals and as such should rely on each other when things get tough.
"No person is an island onto their own" - words I shall never forget.
I serve to enhance the TOTAL WELLBEING of my clients by making use of a systems approach to counseling – working towards achieving wholeness within the integrative unity of body, mind and spirit. I have a dedicated interest in what I do and offer Best Practice ethics and complete confidentiality to help my clients find their way back to a Wellness and Balanced Lifestyle.
Specialized and Professional Interests:
Substance Use Disorder
Sadness and feeling alone and misunderstood or just feeling no joy
General Trauma
Trauma relating to Substance Abuse Disorder
Family counseling in general/substance abuse disorders
Loss and bereavement
Anger management
Relationship and marriage counseling
Gender based violence
HIV /AIDS counseling
Gambling
General Wellness and Wellbeing
Qualification and experience:
Registered Substance Abuse Counselor with a BA PSYCH degree
SACAP Diploma in Counseling and Communication
Registered with ASCHP Reg No WC19/416 NQF LEVEL 7
Languages:
English and Afrikaans
Online Counselling done via: WhatsApp video, zoom, Microsoft teams, WhatsApp text or voice note.
In-Person Counselling: Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth
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
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
Online Counselling: whichever online platform suits the client, including texting and audio.
In-Person Counselling: Tokai, Cape Town