Introduction

Hello, I'm Steve, a Social Worker and Holistic Therapist  in Private Practice. My deepest passion lies in supporting adults on their unique journey of life from the ages of 30 to 60+. This is the time when life becomes really interesting. Some of the main tasks of youth are coming to an end, and the joys and stressors of adulthood often start piling up in our relationships, our work, our family, our body, our health, and in the questions of meaning and purpose we start asking about ourselves and our lives.

I'm truly glad our paths are crossing here.  Now, navigating my 60s, I've certainly had a life journey that has not been a straight line. It’s unfolded with its own share of sunshine and shadows, challenges that stretched me, unexpected joys, and profound lessons and sorrows and struggles along the way. Perhaps you feel that your own life may in some ways be similar? 

These experiences aren't separate from my work; they deeply inform my capacity to approach Therapy from a compassionate, deeply respectful perspective with great confidence that you already have the answers to the questions or problems that disturb your peace. My role is to support you to uncover those solutions.

In the course of working with someone, I usually notice that healing emerges from a shared space we create together. Think of it less as the therapist 'fixing' or healing anything, and more as a collaborative dance where your own inner wisdom and drive towards wholeness meet compassionate and skilled presence and support. We work together, honouring and nurturing your natural capacity for growth, healing, and rediscovering your authentic self. It's a journey towards a life lived with more vibrancy and deeper connection to your deeper self.

My Journey into this Profession

My personal experiences sparked a deep desire to understand the human condition more fully. This led me through diverse studies – from clinical psychology and social work through alternative energy healing modalities to contemplative spirituality (both Christian and Buddhist) and the healing associated with these traditions.. I developed firsthand experience of the difference that truly honouring and attending to the whole person - body, mind, and  spirit - can make.

Witnessing the effectiveness of these integrated approaches ignited a lasting passion. Seeing clients reconnect with their own inner wisdom and begin to trust their unique path continues to be the greatest inspiration for my work today. Ultimately, these experiences, both personal and professional, carved a deep empathy and fuel my commitment to offering a supportive, holistic space for others exploring their own journey towards healing and authenticity.

My Qualifications & Professional Background

I am committed to providing ethical, skilled, and informed therapeutic support. My credentials include:

Academic Qualifications 

BA Hons Clin Psych (UNP) 1984; 

BSocSc Hons AS (UCT) 1986;

BSocSc SW (UCT) 1996

My Professional Affiliations include

The South African Council of Social Service Professionals (SACSSP)

The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF)

The South African Association of Social Workers In Private Practice (SAASWIPP)

The South African Oncology Social Workers Forum (SAOSWF)

The Association of Palliative Care Practitioners in South Africa (PALPRAC)

My Professional Background and Approach

I have been in private practice for approximately the last 25 years. 

My professional background includes experience in individual and group therapy, clinical work, palliative care, grief Counselling, trauma-informed therapy, care for care workers and emergency service staff, employee assistance programs, and community mental health and wellness programs. 

It has involved specialized training in Therapeutic Touch, Energy Work and Somatic Techniques, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based Interventions, and Meditation.

Key principles guiding our work include

• Holistic Integration: We pay attention to the rich interplay between your thoughts and beliefs (mind), your emotions and physical sensations (body), and your sense of meaning, values, and connection (spirit). My therapeutic approach recognizes the deep interplay between our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and spiritual awareness.

• Unconditional Compassion: My commitment is to create a warm, non-judgmental, and truly safe space where every part of your experience is welcome and met with understanding. We aim for compassionate exploration, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can gently explore patterns, heal past wounds, and build resilience.

• Client-Centred Collaboration: You are the expert on your life. I see myself as a knowledgeable and supportive guide, offering perspectives, tools, and presence, but always honouring your unique pace, values, and goals. Heart-Centered Therapy is a collaborative dance of healing.

• Embodied Awareness: Gently learning to listen to the wisdom held within your body can be a powerful pathway to insight, emotional release, and grounding.

• Focusing on Strengths: While we address challenges honestly, we also actively identify and nurture your inherent strengths, resources, and resilience. We honour and nurture your natural drive for growth, regeneration, healing, and happiness.

• Cultivating Inner Alignment: Helping you shift focus from external validation to living in accordance with your own values and inner truth.

• Embracing 'Soul Force': Supporting you in uncovering and expressing your unique potential, wisdom, and vitality.

While these core principles are mentioned, in our sessions, this integration might involve e.g. paying attention to where you feel emotions in your body during our sessions, exploring how core values influence difficult decisions, or using brief mindfulness exercises to anchor you in the present. My therapeutic approach is grounded in helping you cultivate inner alignment and embrace your 'soul force'.

What Makes Working With Me Unique?

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm and gentle presence, and my ability to hold space for very difficult emotions. In the course of my work I've often had to support individuals through intense suffering. Over time, I've developed a deep capacity to be present with individuals needing palliative support, navigating deep grief and loss, or seeking support as professional or family caregivers. My own Near-Death Experience (NDE) and spiritual journey also enables me to be comfortable with and supportive of the exploration of spiritual questions. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that feels both deeply supportive and genuinely empowering.

My Commitment to You

Choosing to begin therapy is a courageous step. When you choose to work with me, you can expect:

• Strict Confidentiality within ethical guidelines.

• A respectful, reliable, and professional therapeutic relationship.

• Deep empathy and understanding for your unique experience.

• A collaborative approach focused on your goals and well-being.

• Support grounded in both professional knowledge and genuine human connection.

My commitment is to walk alongside you with integrity and care as you navigate challenges, uncover your strengths, and move towards a life lived with greater authenticity, peace, and fulfillment.

Location & Service Area

My practice operates exclusively online. This allows me to offer accessible, confidential therapeutic services to individuals located anywhere across South Africa. 

Ready to Connect?

If my approach resonates with you, I invite you to:

• Learn more about specific services offered here.

• Reach out to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs here.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my practice. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you.