Debbie

Ms Debbie Lopes

Psychologist

Verified

“As a psychotherapist with over 20 years in private practice, I am dedicated to honest insight, firm guidance, and gentle support for individuals and couples.”

About Me

I am a passionate and experienced psychologist, and have been in private practice for over 20 years. My aim has always been to support and honour each person’s unique story and therapeutic journey. I offer psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, parents and couples, as they navigate a wide range of emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges, creating a safe space to explore what truly matters and what will bring about the change you seek in your life. Reconnecting with your inner wisdom and tapping into your inherent strengths. If you're ready to take that step, I'm here to walk alongside you.

Approach

As a psychologist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to explore the deeper layers of their inner worlds, building greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and meaningful change. My integrative approach draws from psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapies, carefully adapted to your specific needs, going beyond symptom relief to uncover and address the underlying patterns that sustain distress. Whether facing anxiety's quiet storms, healing from past wounds, or seeking clarity in life's uncertainties, I honour the unique rhythm of your journey. Our conversations may sometimes be direct and challenging, yet they are always grounded in compassion, respect, and a deep understanding of your vulnerability. You do not have to navigate this path alone. If you're ready to engage in this important work, I would be honoured to support you with curiosity, care, and commitment.
Contact Debbie

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

 Phase of Life  Family & Relational Difficulties  Career Challenges  Parent Teen Conflict  Young Adult Issues  Couple Therapy  Significant Life Changes (Relocation, Divorce, Empty Nest, Retirement )  Grief, Loss & Trauma  Stress & Burn-out  End of Life and Care Giver Support  Attention Deficit Disorder (Adult & Adolescent)

Services Offered:

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy
  • Relationship Counseling

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

  • Individual Psychotherapy

    In-depth one-on-one therapy that explores the deeper roots of a person's difficulties, often drawing on psychodynamic or psychoanalytic models.

  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Individuals
  • Parents
  • Adolescents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Stress / 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 / Burnout
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Abuse

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

  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • 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-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • Psychologist

    A professional trained to assess and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological methods.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Psychologist

Qualifications

Stellenbosch University

Memberships

Cape Town Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Group (CTCAPG)

Association of Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (ACPP)

Service Areas

Private Practice

In-person & Online

Rondebosch

Cape Town, Western Cape

South Africa