michellebennettsa@gmail.com or whats app or SMS your email address to the consulting rooms private cell: 083 461 58 91 for appointment rates and queries.

I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years' experience in private practice in Durban. I work with both Adults and Adolescents. I adapt the therapeutic framework to the unique individual and presenting concerns in order to achieve the best results. Privacy, confidentiality and varying belief systems are treated with the utmost respect. I have experience in working with a wide range of clients, concerns, belief systems, spiritual orientations, lifestyles and different cultural groups.
Very private separate consulting rooms on my private property ensuring complete confidentiality.
I also offer international Skype therapy.

- Individual Therapy:

Depression; Bereavement/Grief; Stress; Relationship Concerns and Destructive Relationship patterns; Interpersonal Difficulties; Divorce Adjustment; Improving Relationships in general- family, friends, partnerships, Parent/child, couples (done in individual therapy or seen together) Step-family/ Blended family issues; Sexual orientation and identity; Adults with a History of Sexual Abuse or Rape, Emotional Abuse; Self-esteem; Anger Management; Anxiety , such as Panic Attacks, Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma (including hi-jacking, burglary etc.) ; Assertiveness Training; Crisis; Adjustment including to Life Stages; Loneliness; Work Difficulties; Single life; Infertility; Miscarriage or pregnancy termination Co-dependency; Burnout; Adult children or partners of those with drug/alcohol addiction; Visualisation including advanced techniques and practical use thereof ; Personal Growth and more.

- Couple Counselling and Marriage Counselling:

Couple counselling encompasses marriage counselling, pre-marital counselling and general relationship counselling. This also includes: eg infidelity, trust issues, communication difficulties and much more. Both straight and gay couples are seen.

Different religions/belief systems and cultural groups
I have extensive knowledge, respect and experience in working with and using various belief systems. This includes working with even the most “traditional” of beliefs and practices, understanding of terminology used and so on.

- Therapeutic orientation:

I am trained and have experience in various therapeutic frameworks and therefore tailor the particular type of therapy to the individual and presenting problem in order to achieve the best results. I use a wide range of therapeutic techniques. These include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Therapy, CBT (Cognitive- Behavioural Therapy), Integrative/ Eclectic Therapy, Transpersonal therapy, Solution focused therapy, Psychodynamic and Client centred therapy. I do both short and long term therapy, depending on the requirements of the case. I generally, although, not always, use CBT for the treatment of anxiety disorders. These are techniques based on research evidence.
. The mind body connection has also been widely documented. Scientists are recognising the extremely powerful effects of our minds and imagination in our lives. The influence of our thoughts (in words and images) on our emotions and subsequent effect in our lives can no longer be ignored. From a cognitive understanding, we cannot continue to plant the same seeds/thoughts and wonder why we get the same flowers/results in our lives.
- Experience:

I have over 20 years' experience in private practice.

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of Natal, Durban. My internship was at the Clinic/ Centre for Applied Psychology, at the University of Natal, Durban. This is akin to a private practice setting. It was here that I was initially trained and supervised in the assessment, diagnosis (applies to "disorders") and treatment of my special interests listed above and much more.

I also have experience in IOD (Injured on duty) / Workman's Compensation cases. This mainly involved trauma work. I have therefore developed a particularly special interest in dealing with trauma cases. I have also done a significant amount of private practice work for various Corporates and also smaller companies over the years. I also do work for some EAP groups (Employee Assistance Programs), comment for various magazines and supervise internships.

- My commitment to you, the client:

I regard it of the utmost importance to put the client's "best interests" first, while practicing within the ethical boundaries of my profession. I look forward to the honour of working together with you.

- Professional Memberships:

HPCSA, BHF, South African National Association of Practicing Psychologists, Durban Practicing Psychologists Group, South African Depression and Anxiety Group MPS - Medical Protection Society Attorneys, Counselling Psychologists SA, and more.