Lynette Rajagopal Psychological Services

Counselling Psychologist I East London

I am a registered counselling psychologist in private practice. My main practice is conveniently located in Beacon Bay North, within walking distance from Beacon Bay Life Hospital. I also facilitate admissions to St Marks Clinic. I run a subsidiary practice in Qonce at Grey Monument Private Clinic. In addition, I do in- hospital visits at Beacon Bay Life Hospital. The practice provides services to residents of various suburbs in and around East London, Qonce, and outlying areas such as Stutterheim, Fort Beaufort, Alice, Bisho, Butterworth, and Umtata.

I work with people from diverse ethnic groups and cultures. Although English is the primary medium, I am reasonably conversant in Afrikaans, and interpretation services are provided for Xhosa speaking clientele, if necessary.

I am contracted to most medical aids and do submissions of claims of behalf of clients. Feel free to enquire about our cash rates.

Bereavement Divorce Stress, anxiety and depression Addictions and substance/alcohol abuse Trauma, abuse, rape and victims of violent crime

Parenting skills Play therapy Behavioual problems Marital and relationship counselling Scholastic assessments for learning difficulties and disorders such as ADHD

Sexual/Intimate problems Work related stress Careers assessments and counselling Personal development and growth

Frequently Asked

Here are some questions we frequently get about therapy and the process. Click on the question (or the down arrow at the right) to see the answer.

What is therapy?

Therapy is a process in which individuals engage with me to address and manage emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. It involves a variety of techniques, depending on the therapeutic approach, such as talking through feelings, exploring past experiences, or learning coping strategies to handle stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

Why is Counseling beneficial?

Counseling is beneficial for several important reasons, particularly when it comes to mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:

Emotional Support: Counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can express their feelings and concerns. This emotional outlet can help individuals feel understood and supported, which can be incredibly healing.
Problem-Solving: Counselors can help clients identify the root causes of their challenges and guide them in developing strategies to address these issues. This might include offering coping mechanisms, cognitive-behavioral strategies, or other tools to improve mental health and decision-making.
Self-Awareness: Through counseling, individuals can gain deeper insight into themselves, including their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth, improved relationships, and greater emotional resilience.
Stress Relief and Coping Skills: Counseling helps individuals learn how to manage stress and anxiety in healthy ways. Counselors can teach relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and other coping strategies that are essential in navigating life’s difficulties.
Improved Relationships: Counseling can enhance communication skills, conflict resolution, and empathy, which in turn can improve personal and professional relationships. It can be especially beneficial for couples, families, or those experiencing relationship challenges.
Mental Health Improvement: Counseling is effective in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. It can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Confidentiality and Privacy: One of the core aspects of counseling is confidentiality. Clients can feel secure knowing that what they discuss with their counselor remains private, which fosters trust and encourages openness.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Counseling can help individuals confront and challenge negative thought patterns or self-doubt. With support, clients can build confidence and develop healthier, more positive self-beliefs.

Overall, counseling offers an opportunity for individuals to improve their mental and emotional health, gain clarity about their life challenges, and build a stronger foundation for personal growth and well-being.

What are the different types of therapy?

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s effective for conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy
Based on the idea that unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behavior. It helps individuals understand their past and emotional conflicts to make positive changes.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A form of CBT, DBT is specifically designed to help individuals with intense emotions, often used for Borderline Personality Disorder. It emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and emotional regulation.
4. Exposure Therapy
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy where individuals gradually confront their fears or traumatic memories in a controlled environment to reduce anxiety and avoidance.
5. Family Therapy
Focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family dynamics. It can help address issues such as addiction, mental health disorders, and relationship problems.
6. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills. It’s often used to treat depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
7. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices, helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
8. Art Therapy
Involves using creative processes (like drawing, painting, or sculpting) to help individuals express emotions and explore personal issues, often used in trauma or stress-related disorders.
9. Play Therapy
Primarily used for children, this therapy helps them express feelings and resolve emotional issues through play activities. The therapist observes and interacts with the child to understand their emotions and experiences.
10. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
A goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions to current problems rather than dwelling on past issues. It’s often brief and practical.
11. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A type of therapy used to help people process and heal from trauma. It involves using bilateral stimulation (often eye movements) while recalling traumatic memories.
12. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A type of therapy that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them, while focusing on behaviors that align with their core values.
13. Narrative Therapy
Focuses on how individuals interpret and tell the story of their lives. It helps people reframe their narratives to find new meanings and solutions to their problems.
15. Couples Therapy
A form of therapy that helps couples improve their relationships by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building healthier interactions.
16. Group Therapy
Involves a therapist working with a group of individuals to address common issues. It provides social support, fosters interpersonal connections, and helps people learn from others’ experiences.
These therapies may be used alone or combined depending on an individual’s needs, goals, and the specific issues they are facing.

How long is therapy?

Therapy sessions are typically 45-50 minutes, while groups run longer per session. Clients typically meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on the client’s needs. The length of time while in therapy will depend on the individual client’s circumstance. The therapist and client will determine that together.

What does the first session look like?

Initial Assessment:
First session: Typically, the first session focuses on understanding your reasons for seeking therapy, your history, and your goals. You’ll be asked about your personal background, mental health history, relationships, and current struggles.
Confidentiality: The therapist will explain the confidentiality of the sessions and the limits of it (for example, if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others).
Questions: You may be asked about your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and any challenges you’re facing in your life.