Samara

Samara Ragaven

Registered Clinical Psychologists

“I am a clinical psychologist working psychodynamically, offering a thoughtful and compassionate space for deep, meaningful therapy.”

About Me

I offer psychodynamic therapy, creating a thoughtful, compassionate space. Here, we can explore the deeper patterns influencing your life. This approach helps you understand long-standing feelings and behaviours, fostering meaningful change. If you seek a safe space to reflect on experiences and gain self-awareness, this approach may suit you. I provide a steady presence as you uncover insights at your own pace.

Approach

Working psychodynamically, I pay attention to the small, often overlooked moments—silences, repeated reactions, and the feelings that surface between sessions—to help you trace how earlier experiences shape current difficulties. Sessions in English are offered from Johannesburg or online, paced to your comfort with a steady, reflective rhythm that balances close listening, occasional gentle interpretation and collaborative planning for what to try between meetings. This way of working suits people seeking thoughtful self-understanding and practical shifts in relationships, mood or grief.
Contact Samara

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Services Offered:

  • •
    Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, understand cognitive and emotional functioning, and guide treatment planning.

  • •
    Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • •
    Relationship Counseling

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

Works With:

  • •Adolescents
  • •Adults
  • •Couples

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
  • •
    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
  • •
    Dementia

    A group of brain conditions causing progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning severe enough to interfere with daily life.

  • •
    LGBTQI+ Support

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

  • •
    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
  • •
    Personality Difficulties

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

  • •
    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
  • •
    Sexual Issues

    Difficulties related to sexual functioning, desire, identity, or behaviour that cause distress or interfere with relationships.

    Learn more about Sexual Issues

Professional Title:

  • •
    Registered Clinical Psychologists

    A psychologist registered with a regulatory body to independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.

Qualifications

University of Johannesburg

Smith College

Registrations

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

Clinical Psychologist

Service Area

My Practice

In-person & Online

Saxonwold

Johannesburg, Gauteng

South Africa