HPCSA
Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Reg: PS0123587
Clinical Psychologist · Cape Town
Kirsten Barnardt
Evidence-based online therapy for adults, grounded in psychological research and tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
HPCSA registered
EMDR Trained
Online across SA
About Kirsten
An individualised approach informed by EMDR, Metacognitive Therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
I am a Cape Town based clinical psychologist offering online therapy for adults across South Africa. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and informed by current psychological research. I draw on a range of effective therapeutic approaches, tailoring therapy to each person's unique needs, goals, and life circumstances.
People come to therapy for many different reasons, and because of this, I believe in a flexible, individualised approach. I aim to provide therapy that is responsive to what each individual needs. Where appropriate, we may work in a focused, goal-oriented, and time-limited way. At other times, longer-term therapy can provide the space needed for deeper exploration and lasting change.
In the early stages of therapy, we work together to develop a clearer understanding of the experiences, relationships, and patterns that may be contributing to your current challenges. Alongside this, we identify your existing strengths, values, and personal resources, exploring how these can support growth and meaningful change. Together, these insights form the foundation of a therapy plan that is both thoughtful and practical.
As therapy progresses, many people find they begin to understand themselves in new ways and develop healthier, more effective ways of coping. My aim is to create a space that feels supportive, collaborative, and non-judgemental, while balancing meaningful reflection with practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce distress, build resilience, and improve overall wellbeing.
Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology & Community Counselling — University of Stellenbosch.
Trained in EMDR: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) Approved Training
Registered & accountable
Qualifications & registrations
Kirsten is a registered clinical psychologist and a member of South Africa's professional and healthcare bodies.
BHF
Board of Healthcare Funders.
Practice no: 0860010594784
PsySSA
Member of the Psychological Society of South Africa.
University of Stellenbosch
Master's in Clinical Psychology & Community Counselling.
A decade of clinical practice
Experience & training
Kirsten has provided individual, family and group therapy for both children and adults in the Department of Health across hospitals and clinics in the Western and Northern Cape, alongside non-profit and specialised work.
Hospitals (Department of Health) — Tygerberg Hospital (Child & Family Unit; Medical Psychology Unit), Stikland Hospital (Outpatients Department; Therapeutic Inpatient Ward; Inpatient Ward for Alcohol Abuse/Dependence) and Prof Z.K. Matthews Hospital.
Clinics (Department of Health) — Bellville Clinic, Longlands Clinic and Delportshoop Clinic.
Co-Founder & Director of Coherence Foundation NPC — collaborated with NGOs, schools and hospitals in the Western Cape, providing therapeutic groups and psychoeducation workshops for children, their caregivers and the professionals working with them.
Specialised Centre for Children — provided Applied Behavioural Analysis interventions for young children aged 2 to 9 who have difficulty with social interactions, communication and behaviour.
Skills Groups for Children — co-compiled the course content for The Cool Chameleons and Team Time Emotional Regulation Skills group for children, and co-facilitated the group across multiple Cape Town schools alongside Karen Fleming.
Advanced Course in Play Therapy — Centre for Play Therapy and Training.
Individual, Family & Group Therapy — with experience in Applied Behavioural Analysis interventions for young children.
Business sector — involved in mentoring programmes and stress-reduction workshops for tech start-ups, and invited as a panel speaker at the Cape Town Founders Conference during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Current focus — partner of Barnardt & Fleming Private Practice since 2016, providing individual online therapy with adults.
Published research
Published Papers
Kirsten has had her research paper published in two peer-reviewed academic journals including - The Journal of Child and Adolescent Behaviour.
Areas of focus
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
OCD
Grief & Bereavement
Adjusting to a Medical Diagnosis
Relationship Patterns
Work-Related Stress & Burnout
Life Transitions
Personal Growth
Evidence-Based Practice
EMDR
Play Therapy (Advanced)
Applied Behavioural Analysis
Individual Therapy
Family & Group Therapy
A Flexible Approach
Verified listings
Find Kirsten on therapist directories
Kirsten is listed on these recognised professional and therapist directories.
Meet the other practice partner
Karen Fleming
Kirsten works alongside Karen Fleming, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience drawing on psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and trauma-informed methods.
They each offer a thoughtful online therapy approach for adults from the privacy of your own space.
View Karen's profile
Take the first step
Reach out when you feel ready to begin
Send a short enquiry whenever you're ready to start the conversation with Kirsten.