Counselling approach - calm and supportive environment in Bloubergstrand

About Helené de Klerk

I believe life is a journey that takes us to many different stages along the way. Some feel joyful and energising, while others leave us feeling ungrounded, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. Even during challenging seasons, we each have the capacity to grow, reconnect, and find our way forward.

Today I work as a registered counsellor in Bloubergstrand, supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across Bloubergstrand, Table View, Melkbosstrand, Parklands, Sunningdale, Flamingo Vlei, and nearby areas. Sessions are available in person and online, and you can explore my services here if you would like an overview of the support I offer.

Part of my own journey involved making a career shift. This change taught me a great deal about growth, resilience, and the ongoing process of becoming. It was driven by the belief that I could make a real difference. I realised counselling is my true passion and calling, the place where I feel most energised and purposeful.

I am deeply curious about others’ experiences, their way of living, and the many ways we all make meaning of what happens in and around us. With over 15 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults across diverse contexts, helping them reconnect with themselves, find balance, and move forward with clarity and confidence. This work has included roles within NGOs, schools, and community-based interventions, shaping my understanding of how each person’s story, context, and environment influence their growth and wellbeing.

My Approach

My approach to counselling is grounded in the belief that growth happens through connection, grounding, and understanding the context in which a person’s life unfolds. I work from a person-centred and relational foundation, drawing strongly on the work of Carl Rogers. This means counselling is collaborative, respectful, and guided by curiosity rather than judgement.

My work is also informed by attachment theory and trauma-informed principles, recognising how early relationships and overwhelming experiences shape emotional responses, patterns of connection, and ways of coping. I pay close attention to safety, pacing, and emotional regulation. Above all, my approach is guided by compassion and curiosity. I believe each person holds an inherent capacity for growth and becoming. My role is to walk alongside you as you reconnect with your inner resources, find steadier ground, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

If you are wondering whether this way of working feels right for you, you can read through the frequently asked questions or contact me to arrange a session or a free 15 minute compatibility call.

Helené de Klerk - Registered Counsellor in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

Evidence-informed counselling skills and interventions

Mindfulness-based practices

These practices support noticing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment. They can help reduce overwhelm and create space for calmer, more intentional responses. Over time, mindfulness can strengthen emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Narrative therapy-based interventions

Narrative-based work explores the stories we hold about ourselves and our experiences. By gently examining these stories, new perspectives and meanings can emerge. This can support a more compassionate and flexible understanding of self.

Cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions

These interventions focus on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They support awareness of patterns that may contribute to distress. Practical strategies are introduced to help respond in more balanced and helpful ways.

Dialectical behavioural therapy-based interventions

This approach supports managing intense emotions while balancing acceptance and change. It focuses on skills such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. These skills can help create greater stability during emotionally challenging times.

Solution focused brief therapy-based interventions

This approach emphasises strengths, resources, and what is already working. Attention is given to small, achievable steps toward change. It can support hope, confidence, and forward movement.

Art-based interventions

Art-based work uses creative expression to explore emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words. It can be helpful when talking feels limiting or overwhelming. The focus is on expression and meaning rather than artistic skill.

Play-based interventions

Play-based work uses structured and unstructured play to support expression, emotional regulation, and connection. It offers an alternative way of communicating experiences that may be difficult to verbalise. While often used with children, elements of play-based work can also support adults in accessing emotions and insight.