Samara Ragaven, MA

Clinical Psychologist

“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

Johannesburg, South Africa

In-person & Online

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:

Clinical Psychologist
An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.