Mrs Shenila Maharaj

Counseling Psychologist

Verified

“A passionate psychologist who works with adults, couples and teenagers and uses a Cognitive Behavioural Approach, Dialetical Behaviour Therapy Approach and a Solution Focused Approach.”

About Me

I work towards equipping adults, couples, and teenagers with strategies to navigate life's complexities. I use different therapy approaches (i.e. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Solution Focused Behaviour Therapy) tailored to your unique needs. I take an active, goal-oriented approach to equip you with insight and tools to build resilience and improve relationships.

Approach

I work with clients across different life stages. I guide sessions toward practical, stepwise change—brief, focused check-ins that balance skill practice and calm reflection. In my Johannesburg office and online, we set clear goals each week, try out small experiments during sessions, and plan short between-session tasks to test new ways of relating and coping. I combine thought-and-behaviour experiments with emotion-regulation exercises, pacing interventions to fit couples, individuals or teens while keeping the work collaborative and grounded in what feels most urgent. This way of working suits those seeking hands-on, measurable progress.

Contact Shenila

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Johannesburg, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

I consult with adults, couples and teenagers on a range of mental health issues ranging from but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship strain, life adjustments, grief/bereavement, trauma, personal growth and development, etc.

Services Offered:

Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling
Psychology
The scientific study and clinical practice of understanding the mind, emotions, and behaviour, applied to promote healthier functioning.
Learn more about Psychology
Stress Management
Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.
Learn more about Stress Management
Therapy
Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.
Learn more about Therapy
Individual 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 Therapy
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
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

Works With:

Adults
Couples
Individuals
Adolescents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
Grief & Loss
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
Learn more about Grief & Loss
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
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
Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.
Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
Depression occurring during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, affecting mood, energy, bonding with the baby, and daily functioning.
Learn more about Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Stress
The body and mind's response to excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, physical symptoms, and reduced functioning.
Learn more about Stress

Professional Title:

Counseling Psychologist
A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.