It’s completely normal to feel stuck or need some extra help sometimes. Life can get tough, and dealing with mental health struggles or just feeling lost can be a lot to handle. 

Finding the right counselling services in Johannesburg shouldn’t add more stress to your plate. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to make your search easier and help you find a safe space that actually feels right for you. We’ll explore places that offer trauma support, as well as practical coaching for teens and more. 

So, take a moment for yourself, maybe grab a cup of tea, and let’s check out some of the most compassionate and effective spots in the city!

1. Conscious Psychology

Website: http://www.consciouspsychology.co.za/

Address: 36 Ashford Road, Parkwood

Contact: 076 932 9254

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Conscious Psychology’s team is made up of people from different backgrounds who actually use their own experiences to connect with clients. Because of that, every session feels more relatable and safe. 

They also offer a mix of care like play therapy for kids and deep trauma support for adults, so you can design a care plan that fits your needs, short- or long-term.

When we talked with someone who tried their workplace burnout coaching, she said the emotional regulation strategies were easy to put into practice and helped her feel more in control. 

Just know they only take bookings through WhatsApp, which might not suit everyone if you’d rather pick up the phone.

Also, you need to stick to their 24-hour cancellation policy to avoid any extra charges.

I highly recommend Conscious Psychology to anyone starting therapy

Sanam and her team are truly incredible. I’ve been working with Noelle for over a year now, and the impact on my personal and professional growth has been profound. The support has been consistent, thoughtful, and genuinely transformative.

The administrative process is seamless, with sessions scheduled easily and without any unnecessary hassle.

Finding a therapist is one thing, but finding someone you genuinely connect with is another, especially as a person of colour. Because of that, I highly recommend Conscious Psychology to anyone starting therapy, as well as to those who may be looking for a change. 

• Jayant Vijayakumar, Google Review

My sessions have been amazing

I’ve never been in therapy before Conscious Psychology, and I’m so grateful I started here! My sessions have been amazing, and I feel like a stronger human being after putting in the work (still lots to do though). Huge thank you to Michaela and the entire team 💜 … 

• Kanushka Venketsamy, Google Review

2. Johannesburg Parent & Child Counselling Centre

Website: http://www.jpccc.org.za/

Address: 2nd Floor (Entrance 13), CMI Building, Cnr. Empire & Hillside, Parktown

Contact: 011 484 1734 / 071 608 9361

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

If you’re feeling concerned about your child’s emotional well-being at school, the Johannesburg Parent & Child Counselling Centre is a trusted name that’s been helping families since 1944. 

One thing that makes them special is how they send trained counsellors directly into local schools, so kids can get support where they feel comfortable. They use play therapy, with toys and paints, to help children open up and deal with tough feelings. 

The centre also offers thorough psycho-educational assessments to check how a child is doing both academically and emotionally. Best of all, they organize support groups for trauma and grief right on school grounds! 

Sadly, their school-based programs are only for short-term support, so for anything ongoing or more complex, they’ll refer families to other mental health clinics in the city.

3. Meraki Counselling

Website: http://merakicounselling.co.za/

Address: 79 Oxford Rd, Saxonwold

Contact: 076 238 7666

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Getting through high school stress can feel overwhelming, which is why Meraki Counselling is a solid option for teens who need extra support. 

They use Enneagram assessments and coaching to help teenagers figure out their strengths and handle major academic decisions with more confidence. 

They also make appointments easy, so you can either hop on a Zoom call or meet in person at their Saxonwold office.

We heard from one family who tried their career guidance, and they shared that the feedback report was super detailed and gave them the reassurance they needed about their choices. 

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to book directly with the founder, since she isn’t taking any new clients at the moment. You’ll also have to reach out through WhatsApp or their online form instead of calling.

The effect it has had on my family and my relationships has brought so much joy

Meraki has helped my husband and I work through what we thought was a stalemate and I am so grateful to have found these services. Funeka was an excellent objective mirror to our situation and so empathetic when things got difficult.

Counselling seemed like a last resort to me but the effect it has had on my family and my relationships has brought so much joy. 

• Lesego Masekela, Google Review

Very empathetic and empowering couple therapy

I was blessed with the opportunity to be paired with Funeka for over 12 sessions and what a fruitful experience and sessions. Non biased and very empathetic and empowering couple therapy, she handled us with care and compassion. Thank you so much for the experience and support 

• viwechina baliso, Google Review

4. Ingrid Pollak, Psychotherapist

Website: http://www.inneressence.co.za/

Address: 107 14th St, Orange Grove

Contact: + 27 (82) 331 8424

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sometimes just talking things out isn’t enough, and that’s where Ingrid Pollak’s approach really makes a difference. She brings together traditional therapy and holistic somatic treatments, focusing on both your mind and body as a connected whole. 

With specialized tools like EMDR and Brainspotting, she helps you let go of deep-seated trauma that can get stuck physically, not just emotionally. 

She’s especially helpful if you’re going through major life changes like tough divorces or dealing with the emotional side of chronic illness. Alongside regular talk therapy, there’s also the option to try alternative healing methods like Reiki. 

However, her services are only for teens and adults aged 13 and up. If you’re looking for support for younger kids, you’ll need to find a different specialist.

She is intuitive, sensitive and just a real human being

Ingrid made me feel completely comfortable the minute I walked in. She took the time initially to get a background of why I was there, and she  made sure I understood everything she was doing at all times, during the reiki session. She is intuitive, sensitive and just a real human being.  The best part is that it is energy therapy and talk therapy combined! Amazing experience! 🙏🏻 

• Nina Noa Rappaport, Google Review

I highly recommend seeing Ingrid for Counselling

I love coming to Ingrid for therapy of all kinds, and have also highly recommended her to those closest to me.

She truly is warm and offers a service that makes you feel comfortable and safe. I highly recommend seeing Ingrid for Counselling or the alternative healing methods she practices. 

• Khumo Tlhaboloa, Google Review

5. Sarah Cohen Schwarz Professional Counsellor

Website: https://creativetherapy.co.za/

Address: Parkwood Medical Centre, 46 Ashford Rd.

Contact: 083 675 5952

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

When you’re dealing with intense emotional distress, finding the right words can be really tough. That’s where Sarah Cohen Schwarz steps in.

She uses a mix of traditional techniques and creative art or play therapy to help people work through difficult family issues and emotional crises. Her counselling is especially helpful for anxiety and moments when talking alone feels overwhelming. 

If you manage a team, she even offers trauma debriefings to support your staff after stressful events. Her practice is flexible too, so you can set up sessions online, over the phone, or meet her in person at her Parkwood office. 

One thing to keep in mind is that she works on her own, so if you need more specialized medical help, you’ll probably have to look into bigger women’s health clinics or other medical centers.

I am grateful that she appeared on my path

Sarah helped me realize the roots of the relationship issues I was facing regarding my choices and my reactions. I remember her with love and respect. I am grateful that she appeared on my path! 

• Sotiria Dritsou, Google Review