Claire

Mrs Claire Moore

Counseling Psychologist

We are all born with the potential for love, joy, peace and success but as we grow, the world often constrains and distorts our true self. We may hear messages from our parents about what is expected of us; we may hear judgement from society about who we are; or we may be exposed to conflict or trauma. All these pressures mold and shape our perceptions of ourselves, the world, and what our role is in society. We create beliefs and patterns that we hold deep in our subconscious, which unwittingly alter our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. We begin to see the world through the filter of our unconscious scripts about life and so they become self-fulfilling prophesies that endlessly reconfirm themselves. We constantly long for someone or something to disprove our negative self-beliefs and yet if we find evidence in the world that might contradict these beliefs, we tend to dismiss or undermine those experiences. And so, many of us become locked into patterns of feeling and behaviour that hold us back from love, joy, peace or success. Instead we may experience self-recrimination, guilt, self-sabotage, and conflict. We look around and see others experiencing similar pain and so we tell ourselves that this is normal. We tell ourselves that we have to change, whilst all the while believing that we are not capable of the changes we strive for. We try to alter patterns of feelings and behaviour when our thoughts and beliefs remain the same. And so we fight a constant war between our conscious and unconscious selves. We make changes but then falling back into old habits. We beat ourselves up and try again but, something seems to get in the way. So we say, “I told you so” and give up for a time. Then when we tire of the unhappiness, pull ourselves together and try again, only to live out the same script. But we don’t have to live this cycle. To recapture the potentials we had as children, we need to piece together the jigsaw of our psyches so that we can see all the different parts and layers of ourselves. Instead of holding onto beliefs that we imbibed from the world before we were old enough to understand them, we need to challenge those beliefs and make conscious choices about what we believe about ourselves and the world. Once we begin to shift our beliefs, this allows us to change the way we think, which in turn allows us to change the way we feel and behave. In therapy we can learn to stop beating our head against our unconscious, and begin to live consciously.

About Me

I qualified from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal with my Masters degree (cum laude) in Counselling Psychology in 2000 and I completed my internship at the Centre for Applied Psychology at the University of KZN in 2001. Once qualified, I worked in London for three years in a drug rehabilitation centre where I gained my passion for working with addictions. In 2004 I returned to South Africa and I have been in private practice for the last 21 years. During this time I have worked extensively with addictions of all kinds, and I have developed a second passion for marriage and relationship counselling.

Approach

I am eclectic in my therapeutic style, and I tailor my approach to suit each individual. I primarily use Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional analysis (TA), Ego state Therapy and Solution Focussed Therapy (SFT). I work with multiple different levels of any issue, from practical goal setting or communication skills, to challenging dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, to shifting unconscious pressures, patterns and resistances. I provide a completely non-judgemental space wherein my clients can release repressed emotion and integrate all parts of themselves in order to live more consciously.
Contact Claire

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Basic Information

Services


Depression Anxiety Marriage or couple therapy LQBTQIA+ affirming and relationship therapy: Family therapy Finding a lasting relationships Ego state therapy and inner child work Drugs and alcohol Addiction Pornography Addiction: Over eating Life issues PTSD Rage Personality disorders

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

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  • Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

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  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Trauma Counseling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

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  • Mediation

    A structured process in which a neutral third party helps people in conflict reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

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  • Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

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  • Psychology

    The scientific study and clinical practice of understanding the mind, emotions, and behaviour, applied to promote healthier functioning.

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  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

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Works With:

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Groups

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

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  • Anger

    An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.

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  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

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  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

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  • Eating Disorders

    A group of conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, involving disturbed eating behaviours and a distorted relationship with food and body image.

    Learn more about Eating Disorders
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Personality Difficulties

    Long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that cause persistent distress or problems in relationships and daily life.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling

    Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.

Professional Title:

  • Counseling Psychologist

    A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.

Qualifications


University of KwaZulu-Natal

Registrations


Health Professions Council of South Africa

Counselling Psychologist (PRC)

Registration: PS 0073601

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Memberships


Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA)

Full Member

Service Area


Heaalth Haven

In-person & Online

Westville

Durban, KwaZulu Natal

South Africa

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