JOHANNES BODENSTEIN
Clinical Psychologist
PLETTENBERG BAY | ONLINE
In-person sessions in Plettenberg Bay, or online therapy via secure virtual platforms.
ABOUT ME &
MY APPROACH
- Making space for all that makes us human. -
I am a Clinical Psychologist based in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay. With over 20 years of experience in practicing Psychology, I consider it a privilege and an honour to walk alongside people as they navigate the challenges in their lives.
I believe that meaningful change in therapy is grounded in the relationship between therapist and client. In therapy, we use a lot of the amazing resources that Psychology provides us with, but learning these tools is reliant on a trustful therapeutic relationship. My aim is to establish this relationship and work together with each person on their unique challenges and hardships.
My work is shaped not only by my professional training, but also by my personal experiences. I have faced many life challenges, including loss, cancer, and relational difficulties. As I continue to navigate my own winding path, I have come to understand that, through processing these experiences, a sense of wisdom and peace can gradually emerge.
I am a Clinical Psychologist based in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay. With over 20 years of experience in practicing Psychology, I consider it a privilege and an honour to walk alongside people as they navigate the challenges in their lives.
I believe that meaningful change in therapy is grounded in the relationship between therapist and client. In therapy, we use a lot of the amazing resources that Psychology provides us with, but learning these tools is reliant on a trustful therapeutic relationship. My aim is to establish this relationship and work together with each person on their unique challenges and hardships.
My work is shaped not only by my professional training, but also by my personal experiences. I have faced many life challenges, including loss, cancer, and relational difficulties. As I continue to navigate my own winding path, I have come to understand that, through processing these experiences, a sense of wisdom and peace can gradually emerge.
Outside of my work, I feel most alive when I am outdoors – whether enjoying water activities, seeking out adventure, or taking my old Landy into the bush for a camping trip. Above all, I treasure spending time with my wife and our two daughters.
Outside of my work, I feel most alive when I am outdoors – whether enjoying water activities, seeking out adventure, or taking my old Landy into the bush for a camping trip. Above all, I treasure spending time with my wife and our two daughters.
WHO I SEE
I work with adults (18 years and older), supporting both men and women through a range of emotional and psychological challenges. People often come to therapy for different reasons, and I aim to offer a space where people can feel understood, respected, and able to speak openly.
I work with a variety of concerns, including:
- Depression
When you’re feeling low, stuck, disconnected, or struggling to find meaning or motivation.
- Bipolar Disorder
Support in understanding and managing shifts in mood, energy, and behaviour.
- Anxiety
Whether it shows up as constant worry, panic, overwhelm, or difficulty relaxing.
- Trauma
Including sexual, physical, and emotional trauma.
Therapy can offer a safe and steady space to begin making sense of these experiences at your own pace.
- Relational Difficulties
Struggles in relationships — whether with partners, family, or others — including communication problems, conflict, patterns that feel hard to change, or difficulties with closeness and trust.
- Substance Use (as a Secondary Concern)
When substance use is connected to underlying emotional or psychological struggles.
- Loss and Grief
Support in navigating bereavement, life changes, and other forms of loss.
- Medical and Health-Related Challenges
The emotional impact of illness, diagnosis, or ongoing health concerns.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A Collaborative and Adaptive Process
Therapy is a collaborative journey. Your input and feedback are always valued,
and we will regularly review your progress to ensure the approach remains aligned with your needs and goals.
The Process
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to wonder what will happen in your first few sessions. While every therapeutic journey is unique, there is a general flow that helps guide the process and ensures you receive the best possible care.
1. Initial Administration
We begin with essential administrative steps, including consent, confidentiality, and practical details such as session structure and fees. This creates a clear and safe framework for our work together.
2. Building a Therapeutic Relationship
A strong, trusting relationship is central to effective therapy. Early sessions focus on helping you feel comfortable, understood, and respected. You are always welcome to share at your own pace.
3. Clinical Assessment
I will ask questions to understand your personal history, current circumstances, and overall wellbeing. This allows me to form a holistic picture of your experiences.
4. Understanding Your Presenting Concerns
We explore what has brought you to therapy, including current challenges, emotional difficulties, or patterns that may be impacting your life.
5. Diagnostic Discussion (Where Appropriate)
If relevant, we may discuss possible diagnoses in a collaborative and sensitive way. The purpose is to provide clarity and guide treatment, not to define or limit you.
6. Identifying Key Areas of Focus
Together, we identify the core concerns and goals you would like to work on, helping to give direction to the therapeutic process.
7. Developing a Personalised Plan
Based on your needs, I develop a tailored treatment approach using evidence-based psychological modalities. These may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to help identify and shift unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.
Eye Movement Integration (EMI) – to support the processing of distressing or traumatic experiences.
Insight-Oriented Therapy – to deepen self-understanding and explore underlying emotional patterns.
This plan is flexible and evolves as therapy progresses.
Session Frequency
Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly basis in the beginning. This consistency helps to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and build momentum in the work.
As therapy progresses, the frequency of sessions may be adjusted according to your individual needs, goals, and the stage of the therapeutic process. This might mean continuing weekly sessions or moving to less frequent meetings as appropriate.
For the first session I will make provision for 90 minutes in duration. This extended session allows us to get to know each other, begin building a therapeutic relationship, and attend to the necessary administrative processes. Subsequent sessions are typically 50 minutes long.
BILLING & PAYMENT INFORMATION
I aim to make the billing process as transparent and straightforward as possible. The first session is 90 minutes in duration. To secure your appointment, a payment equivalent to 30 minutes of the session is required in advance. Please note that this pre-payment is non-refundable.
I work with most South African medical aids and, where applicable, I submit claims directly to your medical aid on your behalf. Please note that reimbursement depends on your specific plan and available benefits. My fees are aligned with standard medical aid rates and guidelines.
Where medical aid claims are not applicable, I accept EFT (electronic funds transfer) payments. Payment securing the first appointment is settled through EFT. I do not make use of card payments.
If you have any questions regarding billing or medical aid claims, please feel free to get in touch.