Question 1

Is counselling the right choice for me?

Accepted Answer

Counselling can be a valuable resource to improve your emotional well-being, manage life’s challenges, and strengthen your sense of self. While counselling is often beneficial, it does require active participation — progress depends on your willingness to engage with the process and apply insights between sessions. Being open about your experience and expectations helps us adjust the approach to better support you.

As a Registered Counsellor licensed with the HPCSA, I focus on enhancing daily functioning and improving quality of life. Unlike Psychologists and Psychiatrists, who diagnose and treat mental health conditions, I help clients strengthen coping skills and emotional health. If your needs at any point fall outside my scope of practice, I will assist with a suitable referral to ensure you receive the appropriate support.

I recognise that your trust is fundamental to our therapeutic relationship. I am committed to acting in your best interests and ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality in line with the ethical guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Question 2

How much will I pay for a session?

Accepted Answer

The standard rate for an individual 60-minute session is R850. A 90-minute extended or once-off session is R1200. Couples sessions (60 minutes) are R1050. Fees are reviewed annually and adjusted in March.

Question 3

Can I claim for sessions through my medical aid?

Accepted Answer

If you have medical aid, it will usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment. As I am registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), my services are covered by most medical aids in South Africa, with reimbursement typically processed through your medical savings facility. Since coverage varies, please check with your medical aid to confirm what portion they will reimburse for services provided by a Registered Counsellor.

Payment may be made via EFT, SnapScan, or cash. I do not handle medical aid claims directly, but I can provide you with an invoice containing the necessary procedural and diagnostic codes for you to submit to your medical aid for reimbursement.

Please note that Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are only available for treatments involving a formal diagnosis by a Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Psychological support services provided by Registered Counsellors unfortunately do not currently qualify for PMB coverage.

Question 4

I'm interested in starting counselling. What should I do next?

Accepted Answer

If you’re ready to explore counselling, you can get in touch via the contact form, email, or WhatsApp. I will send you forms outlining my practice’s processes and procedures, including information on fees, billing, cancellation policies, and confidentiality. You will need to provide consent before we proceed with a first session.

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor and the counselling space. If you would like to meet first, I offer a 15-minute online introductory call. This will give us a chance to connect, discuss your current needs, and determine whether my services would be a good fit for you.

Question 5

I'm ready to book my first session. What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are generally 60 minutes long and can be held in person or online. The first session will focus on understanding your needs and goals, and I will share initial impressions and suggest a plan for our work together. We will agree on a suitable session time — usually weekly or every second week — which can adjust over time as you make progress.

My practice is located within a shared psychology practice in a centrally located office block. Limited visitor parking is available on-site, with additional street parking nearby. A waiting room and bathroom are available on-site.

For online sessions, I will send a Google Meet  invitation beforehand and start the session at the agreed time. To get the most out of our time together, please ensure you are in a quiet, private space.

Yvette Smit Counselling

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is counselling the right choice for me?

How much will I pay for a session?

Can I claim for sessions through my medical aid?

I'm interested in starting counselling. What should I do next?

I'm ready to book my first session. What can I expect?