Grief Comes In Waves
Grief is a universal and deeply personal experience. It comes in waves, moving through stages like denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are...
Clarina Du Plessis, MA
Psychotherapist
Verified“As an experienced Therapist, I specialise in counselling related to relationships, trauma and loss. Furthermore, I assist clients in identifying triggers that lead to unwanted behavior, anxiety, stress, and despair - in order to develop strategies to cope, regulate, heal and grow.”
About Me
My clients often describe me as calm, intuitive, and grounded yet open and very human. I am kind, caring and have a genuine sense of humor. I value creating a therapeutic space that feels safe and familiar. I believe that when you feel comfortable and seen, real healing and insight naturally follow. Therapy, for me, is about connection as much as it is about technique.
Approach
My approach to therapy is both structured and intuitive. I believe that individuals heal best when we work Integratively, combining insight and understanding with techniques that calm and rewire the nervous system.
The therapeutic relationship is at the center of my work. I aim to create a space that feels genuine and safe, where clients can speak freely without fear of judgment. The tone of our sessions will be relaxed and conversational, allowing you to explore difficult experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
Every person I work with is unique, and so is each process. Some clients come looking for tools and direction, while others need deeper emotional healing. I adapt to where you are in the moment, helping you move from simply coping to living with greater connection, calm, and self trust.
Contact Clarina
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Basic Information
In-person & Online
Services
I use a blend of evidence based methods. From the top down, I often integrate CBT, psychoeducation, solution focused strategies, and practical skills that help clients gain clarity and direction. These tools support awareness, problem solving, and emotional regulation in daily life. From the body up, I draw on EMDR, Brainspotting, hypnotherapy, and grounding techniques (whichever you feel comfortable with) to help process stored emotions and body held trauma that talking alone cannot reach.
Services Offered:
Brainspotting
A therapy that uses fixed eye positions to access and process unresolved trauma stored in the brain and body.
Learn more about BrainspottingCounseling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about CounselingHypnosis
A therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind and facilitate positive change.
Learn more about HypnosisPsychoeducation
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.
Learn more about PsychoeducationIndividual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
Learn more about Individual TherapyCBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBTPsychotherapy
In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.
Learn more about PsychotherapyEMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.
Learn more about EMDR
Works With:
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Couples
- Elderly
- Families
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 & LossStress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / BurnoutAnxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about AnxietyRelationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Self-Esteem
A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.
Learn more about Self-EsteemTrauma
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
Professional Title:
Psychotherapist
A professional trained to provide in-depth therapy that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting change.
Credentials
Registrations
American Psychological Association (APA)
International Associate
Qualifications
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
University of The Free State
Year: 2019
Bachelor of Behavioural Science
University of the Free State
Year: 2009
Bachelor of Psychology
University of South Africa
Year: 2015
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
University of South Africa
Year: 2015
Hypnosis
American Hypnosis Association
Year: 2015
Service Areas
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
