Cato

Ms Cato Terblanche

Registered Social Worker

“Qualified Social Worker and Play Therapist with more than 20 years experience working with children.Has a special interest in Play Therapy with sick and hospitalised children.Believe in early intervention and uses the integrated holistic child-centered approach”

About Me

I help children, particularly those who are sick or hospitalised, to explore big feelings through play. With over 20 years' experience, I believe in early support. My child-centred approach ensures every part of their unique experience is welcomed. This gentle, holistic method helps children find their voice. It offers a safe space for them to process challenges and begin healing.

Approach

Play becomes the language I follow, letting each child's pace and curiosity shape our sessions so they can make sense of hard things without pressure. In Cape Town I work face-to-face, offering sessions in Afrikaans and English in a calm setting close to medical services when needed, with time held for caregivers between meetings. Sessions are play-led but gently focused—short activities, storytelling and regulated pause points help children express grief, fear or anger and build steady coping. This way often suits families facing illness or loss.
Contact Cato

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Services Offered:

  • •
    Play Therapy

    A therapy for children that uses play as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express feelings and process difficult experiences.

    Learn more about Play Therapy

Works With:

  • •Children

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • •
    Cancer Support

    The psychological and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and their loved ones, including fear, grief, and adjustment to treatment.

  • •
    Child Behaviour

    Behavioural difficulties in children, such as tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or defiance, that signal emotional distress or developmental needs.

  • •
    Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • •
    Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • •
    Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

Professional Title:

  • •
    Registered Social Worker

    A social worker registered with a regulatory body to provide social work services including therapy and case management.

Qualifications

University of Stellenbosch

Play Therapy UK Accredited by Leeds Beckett

Registrations

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Social Worker

Play Therapy International

Play Therapist

Service Area

Durbanville ,Western Cape

In-person

Eversdal

Cape Town, Western Cape

South Africa