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FAQS

FAQs

1

What is counselling?

Counselling is a safe and supportive space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, experiences, patterns, and past. It is a confidential relationship where you work through what has happened in your life, and then focus on what you want for yourself moving forward. Our sessions together will consist mostly of having conversations. In the first session(s), I often guide the conversation by asking a series of questions to get to know you and gain an understanding of what you want to explore in counselling. Together, we will discover what ways of working resonate with you.

2

Is counselling confidential?

All information from sessions is strictly safe and confidential, and will not be disclosed to anyone without the client’s permission. Please note that there are certain exceptions to confidentiality. As a mental health professional, I am obliged by law to break confidentiality under the following exceptional circumstances:

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  • Should you be a danger to yourself or others, confidentiality will be broken to ensure that you receive the best help possible.

  • If required by law or a court order to disclose certain information.

  • In the case of child abuse, I am mandated by law to report such information to the appropriate authorities.

3

What can I expect in the first counselling session?

Going for counselling with someone new for the first time can be intimidating. The first session is about getting to know you and what you hope to gain from the space. This information will then assist me in formulating the most-appropriate, personalised management approach. You can ask any questions you have about counselling or how I work. You will not be expected to share details of painful past experiences. 

4

What is your approach?

I follow an integrative approach to counselling drawing from a range of psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to each client's unique needs. While my overarching approach is integrative, I frequently draw from person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and attachment theory. 

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I am qualified level 1 BWRT practitioner. BWRT is a therapeutic technique that can result in positive change in a short period of time. BWRT is effective in working with trauma, grief, stress and anxiety, phobias and fears, and performance anxiety. BWRT works by reprogramming your brain’s automatic reactions to distressing triggers or behaviours. Within a short period of time, new, positive and adaptive neural pathways are created, resulting in the client no longer being triggered by past traumatic memories.

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BWRT can only be practiced by certified practitioners. To qualify for the training one must already be a psychologist, psychiatrist, registered counsellor or medical practitioner.

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5

How long does each session last?

An individual session is 50 minutes long.

6

How do I book an appointment?

You can reach out via the contact form on this website to arrange a convenient time. Alternatively, please feel free to send me a message on WhatsApp (062 356 4995) or email me counselling.katiapestana@gmail.com

7

What are your fees?

This is a fully cash-based practice and all sessions are to be privately paid at the end of every session. As a cash practice you are responsible for settling your account with me in full. You can then use your receipt to claim back from your medical aid. Please check with your medical aid for more information on what your plan covers for counselling and if there are any limits or specific requirements. Fees and services include:

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  • Individual counselling: R650 per 50-minute session

  • Couples counselling: R780 per 60-minute session

  • Subject choice assessment: R2 200  

  • Career guidance assessment: R2 200 

  • School readiness assessment: R1 500

8

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions necessary depends on the unique needs of the client seeking counselling.

9

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

All appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours before the appointment. Please note that if you do not cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior, or if you do not attend the appointment, you will be charged in full for the appointment. If you are late for your appointment, even though the session will be shorter, the full fee will still be charged.

10

What is the HPCSA? 

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating health professions in South Africa. The HPCSA was established to oversee the education, training, and registration for health practitioners. The HPCSA aims to protect the public from harm and ensures that health care practitioners uphold and maintain professional and ethical standards.

 

The HPCSA is also the statutory board for doctors, dentisits, physiotherapists, dieticians, optometrists, psychologists, registered counsellors, and more. Please note that "registered counsellor" is a designation assigned solely by the HPCSA. The HPCSA provides an iRegister page on its website, which allows the public to search for a practitioner’s registration details. This platform enables individuals to verify whether a mental health care practitioner is registered with the HPCSA.

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