Tanya

Dr Tanya Defferary

Counseling Psychologist

We all go through moments in life where sometimes things may feel overwhelming or we may want to explore and grow our personal purpose.

About Me

I am a Counseling Psychologist in Theescombe, Eastern Cape, South Africa. I support individuals and families with behaviour or conduct problems, family and relationship difficulties, parenting support, adoption concerns, and low self-esteem through individual therapy.

Approach

At times when things feel heavy or you're ready to explore your sense of purpose, I focus on practical, paced sessions that balance immediate coping with deeper change. In my Gqeberha consulting room and via English-language online appointments I listen for patterns in behaviour and relationships, inviting families or parents when helpful and using targeted therapies to process distress and build new responses. Sessions are collaborative and task-oriented, with gentle experiments and reflections between meetings to track progress. This way often suits adults, young people and parents seeking clearer direction and steadier relationships.
Contact Tanya

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


I conduct in-person and online therapy sessions with individuals of all ages. My main focus is on helping people cope with the various stressors that come our way. The current situation that we are facing with Covid-19 is a global as well as a unique to each of us as individuals. My aim it to assist people to find meaning and purpose in these stressful times.

Services Offered:

  • Psychology

    The scientific study and clinical practice of understanding the mind, emotions, and behaviour, applied to promote healthier functioning.

    Learn more about Psychology
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

    Learn more about Family 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
  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy
  • Online Therapy

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

    Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Families
  • Organisations
  • Parents

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • 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.

  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Young Adult Issues

    The unique psychological challenges of emerging adulthood (18–25), including identity formation, independence, relationship navigation, and finding direction.

    Learn more about Young Adult Issues

Professional Title:

  • Counseling Psychologist

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

Qualifications


Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Registrations


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

Counseling Psychologist

Service Area


Dr Tanya Defferary

In-person & Online

Theescombe

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

South Africa