BA (Psych), BA Hons (Psych), MSc (War and Psychiatry), MA (Counselling Psych)
HCPC No. PYL043774
HPCSA No. PS0145874
BHF Practice No. 0883344
Welcome
Carl R. Rogers
“When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, "Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it's like to be me”
―
About Me
I'm Bêne Otto, a passionate Counselling Psychologist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), I am currently in Private Practice both in Johannesburg and online, while pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Johannesburg, in Disenfranchised Grief.
My professional journey began after graduating from King's College London with a MSc in War and Psychiatry, which delved into the psychological complexities and impact of warfare on soldiers and civilians. This led to an opportunity to work at the Priory Hospital in Woking as a Senior Healthcare Assistant where I worked on the Acute Male Ward as part of the Psychiatric Nursing team.
After 3 years at the Priory, I returned to South Africa to train as a Counselling Psychologist at the University of Johannesburg. As part of my training, I interned at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) at the University of Witwatersrand before graduating in 2020. Since qualifying, I have worked in my own private practice, as a Locum Psychologist at the Mayo Clinic and Akeso Arcadia, and a temporary lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.
I am honoured to work with adults and adolescents facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout and work-related stress, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I have a special interest in working with people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, where I focus on empowering them to grieve authentically and normalising the grief experience.
Much like my approach to life, my therapeutic style is down-to-earth, open and real. I value genuine connections and prioritise authenticity. With this, I strive to make the therapeutic environment warm, authentic and collaborative. I am a strong believer in the power of the therapeutic relationship and am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients can explore, heal, and grow.
A Bit About Therapy
Therapy is a highly individual and unique journey, and can mean different things to different people. For some, it's the roadmap to rediscovering meaning and purpose. Others find it to be a toolkit, helping develop practical coping skills when life throws challenges.
It can be a safe space to express emotions that might have been tucked away, leading to a deeper understanding of those very emotions. Whatever the goals, therapy is always a safe and non-judgemental space. It's where you can openly share, be heard and understood, and navigate your unique journey towards growth, healing and your authentic self.
I was trained in various therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), client-centred therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). I am also completing further training Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
As a therapist, I work from an integrative perspective, drawing on the various modalities I was trained in so that services are tailored and personalised according to the needs of the client and their presenting problem. In doing so, my aim is to create a safe, authentic, and nurturing environment that can facilitate healing and growth.
Services Offered
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy involves ongoing sessions that are scheduled either weekly or every bi-weekly, depending on the need. The therapeutic process can last anywhere between a few weeks to years and is informed by the presenting problem, desire to continue therapy and resources.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy, across the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spectrum, is a process attended by both parties in a relationship, usually with the aim of disrupting problematic patterns and improving communication.
Therapy services can be accessed from the comfort of your home and are conveniently offered online to clients living in South Africa and the United Kingdom. You will need a smartphone, laptop or computer with a camera and microphone; a secure wifi connection; and a safe space (room) where you can have an uninterrupted, confidential conversation with me.
Fees
Medical Aid
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy is charged in accordance with Medical Aid rates.
Medical Aid rates differ from one another and are amended on an annual basis. The Discovery rate for 2024 is R1194.70.
Claims are submitted directly to the Medical Aid. Alternatively, sessions can be paid for and then claimed back from the Medical Aid.
Private
Should you not belong to a Medical Aid, you are consulted on a cash basis.
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy will be charged at a private rate per 60 minutes. After the first session, a discount is offered to clients who pay in advance or before midnight on the day of their session.
Sessions can be paid for in cash or via EFT.
UK Rates
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy will be charged in accordance with UK rates per 60 minutes.
The following Insurance providers are accepted:
Aviva
AXA PPP
Vitality
Sessions can be paid via bank transfer.
*Please note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Sessions not cancelled 48 hours before the time will be charged for in full.
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
FAQ
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by contacting me either via this website, WhatsApp, or email. I will send you forms to read and complete before our first session. The appointment will be confirmed once payment for the first session has been received and the documents have been filled, signed and returned.
I've booked a session. What should I expect?
After discussing the completed forms and confidentiality, the first session will be spent exploring working together, your goals and expectations of therapy, and any anxieties you may have about the process. It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist so as to develop a strong and safe therapeutic relationship.
How do I know if you're the right psychologist for me?
To determine if I'm the right psychologist for you please feel welcome to reach out and schedule a conversation. This allows us to connect, discuss your needs and give you a sense of if there is a potential therapeutic connection before committing to a session.
Are your services offered online?
Therapy services are offered online to SA and UK clients. You will need a smartphone, laptop or computer with a camera and microphone; a secure wifi connection; and a safe space (room) where you can have an uninterrupted, confidential conversation with me.
