Debbie

Mrs Debbie van der Merwe

Registered Counselor

“An experienced and committed counselor who is passionate about emotional growth and healing. Focus on shorter term therapeutic intervention.”

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About Me

I am an experienced counsellor, deeply committed to supporting emotional growth and healing. My passion lies in shorter-term therapeutic intervention, guiding clients to navigate specific challenges effectively. We work together to identify core issues and develop practical strategies. Each session aims to provide clear steps you can use immediately. This focused approach is ideal for individuals seeking lasting change and a quicker way forward.

Approach

Sessions are structured to move quickly from concern to concrete steps, balancing clarity with a calm, practical pace. I work with clients face-to-face in Sandton or via secure online sessions in English, so the plan fits your life. Together we map patterns, set achievable weekly goals, and practise skills between meetings—addressing issues like loss, trauma, addiction and conduct concerns—then refine strategies based on what helps. This focused, action-oriented way often suits people wanting meaningful change in a shorter time.
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Basic Information

Languages:

English

Fees:

Cash practice

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

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

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Ukraine Aid

    Mental health support specifically for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, including refugees, displaced families, and those experiencing war trauma.

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Couples
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

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

  • 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.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Adoption

    The process of legally becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically yours, which can raise complex emotions around identity, attachment, and belonging for all involved.

  • 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.

  • Grief & Loss

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

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • 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.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder

Professional Title:

  • Registered Counselor

    A counselor who is formally registered with a professional or regulatory body.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)

Registered Counsellor

Registration: PRC 0016594

Verify License

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics

Wits

Year: 2010

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Unisa

Year: 2010

Service Areas

Healing Feeling

In-person & Online

Douglasdale

Sandton, Gauteng

South Africa

Douglasdale, Sandton, South Africa