My name is Svenja, I work as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP Membership Number: 8608) and Supervisor (SUP2026/0011) in private practice.
I provide a safe, grounded space to help individuals, couples, and families figure things out when life feels tough.
Wherever you find yourself, my goal is the same: to give you a reliable space to process what’s happening and work out a practical way forward.
My Background & Experience
I hold a B.Sc. in Psychology (2016) and an M.Sc. in Psychology (cum laude, 2017) from the University of Konstanz in Germany. My professional journey has taken me from family counselling in Germany to trauma counselling work in Uganda, giving me a deep, cross-cultural appreciation for human resilience and relationships.
In 2019, I moved to South Africa, and in 2023, I established my private practice as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor. Alongside my individual client work, I served as a wellness consultant from 2023 to 2025 for a group of private addiction facilities across South Africa—an experience that deepened my clinical understanding of complex behavioral patterns, addiction, recovery, and holistic wellness.
Building on my practice and consultation experience, I expanded my services in 2026 to include supervision for fellow counsellors.
Today, I offer counselling and supervision sessions both in person in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, and online via Zoom.
Ongoing Learning & Professional Development
To ensure I am providing the most effective, current, and thoughtful support possible, I actively invest in continuous training, clinical workshops, webinars, and conferences. My ongoing development focuses on key areas such as:
- Neurodiversity & Adult ADHD: Advanced practical tools for executive functioning, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent-affirming practice.
- Relational & Experiential Therapies: Deepening my practical application of Internal Family Systems (IFS), ACT, and systemic relationship dynamics.
- Trauma-Informed & Addiction Care: Continuing education on trauma-informed and gender-responsive behavioral recovery, and emotional integration.
ADHD & Executive Functioning Support
I have a special interest in supporting individuals who navigate ADHD challenges—whether formally diagnosed or self-identified. If you struggle with focus, emotional regulation, overwhelm, or feeling constantly behind on daily life, we work together to build practical strategies and systems that fit the way your brain works.
I look forwards to my sessions with Svenja because she really listens. She lets you talk and talk. And then she gently helps you through your grief, anger, guilt or whatever your issues are and you just know she understands. There is never a magic cure but talking to Svenja every week has been a God send for me. I have already recommended her to a great friend of mine and would not hesitate to recommend her again.
Stephanie
*The ASCHP (ID 984) is a SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) recognized professional body with listed designations on the National Qualifications Framework (Act 67 of 2008)
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION NO 8608
Counsellors are bound to a specific scope of practice which is comprehensive but excludes psychotherapy, social work, medical health work and occupational therapy. Counsellors are obliged to terminate counselling and refer clients to a professional (doctor, psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist) where their counselling, with reference to possible pathology or dysfunction, falls outside the scope of their practice.