Registered Counsellor
BA Hons Psychology (UJ) | BPsych (Unisa) | HPCSA & BHF Registered | Certified Life Coach
My journey into the field of mental health was born from a deep and lifelong curiosity about human behavior – what drives us, shapes us, and sometimes holds us back. I’ve always admired the power of deduction and insight, much like the intuitive brilliance of Sherlock Holmes. But my path hasn’t been purely intellectual. Through my own personal journey, I’ve experienced the profound relief of letting go of old defenses and stepping into a life rooted in hope, clarity, and openness. That transformation has shaped not only who I am – but how I work.
Today, I combine clinical training with intuitive presence, offering a practice that honors both evidence-based approaches and deep emotional wisdom. My goal is to help you move beyond survival and into the richness of a life fully lived – with self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
My Therapeutic Philosophy & Unique Approach
I hold a steadfast belief that it is the therapeutic relationship itself that creates the foundation for healing. When you feel truly seen, heard, and compassionately held, something profound begins to shift. My goal is to help you find your own equilibrium and inner clarity, as your thoughts and emotions are gently organized and reflected back in a hopeful, empowering way. What sets my work apart is the integration of deep intuition, clinical experience, and over 30 years of dedicated psychological study.
My approach is informed by a strong academic foundation, enriched by decades of voracious reading and an enduring commitment to personal and professional growth.In every session, I draw from a wide range of modalities – combining evidence-based psychological principles with creative strategies and body-based practices. But at the heart of my work is something even more essential: an authentic, natural, and compassionate energy that creates a safe space for lasting transformation.
I am fully grounded in a psychological framework, yet deeply attuned to the emotional and intuitive realms -honoring the complexity of your story, your strengths, and your innate capacity to heal.
Qualifications & Commitment to Your Growth
I am a Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA and BHF, holding a BA Hons in Psychology from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and a BPsych from the University of South Africa (Unisa). Additionally, I am a Certified Life Coach, trained at the Rivka Malka School of Coaching and Transformation.
My ultimate hope is that, through our work together, you will experience a greater sense of integration – moving toward living with more confidence, clarity, and empowerment. It is truly inspiring to witness those pivotal moments of individuation and differentiation as my clients step into their fullest selves. Your growth is at the heart of my practice, and I am committed to walking alongside you with dedication, compassion, and integrity.
The Protea Flower: A Quiet Symbol of Strength
The protea flower, native to South Africa, quietly mirrors much of what I believe about healing. It only releases its seeds after fire – a gentle reminder that growth can emerge from even the most difficult experiences.
To me, the protea represents resilience, renewal, and the quiet strength we all carry within. Like this simple yet striking flower, we too have the capacity to adapt, to soften through hardship, and to move forward with deeper wisdom and grace.It’s a symbol I hold close – one that reflects the potential for meaningful transformation, even in life’s more tender chapters.
Ariella assisted me in unlocking challenges in my relationship which have in turn allowed me to become a better partner and parent, and in the work context a more effective leader.
– Dane