Frequently asked questions

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, curious about personal growth, or want a dedicated space to think and feel, therapy can help. You don't need to wait for a crisis to begin.

We meet over a secure, encrypted video link. You'll see and hear your psychologist in real time, much like a private video call, with the same focus and care you'd receive in person.

Yes. For many concerns like stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship strain, online therapy can be as effective as in-person work, with the added benefit of convenience.

A device with a camera, stable internet, and a private space. You'll receive a link—click to join.

Yes. Many people begin therapy online without having attended in-person sessions previously. During your first appointment, your psychologist will discuss whether online therapy is appropriate for your circumstances and answer any questions you may have.

Most people begin with weekly sessions or every second week, although this may change over time depending on your goals, progress and clinical needs. This will be discussed collaboratively with your psychologist.

We tailor care using evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, MCT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), relational/psychodynamic). We'll explain the approach and adapt it to your goals.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach often used for trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. Some elements of EMDR can be effectively delivered online with adapted methods (such as using eye movements, tapping, or audio tones). If EMDR could be helpful for you, we'll discuss whether online delivery is appropriate, and if not, we'll guide you toward trusted in-person providers.

In the first session we will talk about what brought you to therapy, what you'd like to change, and how we might work together. There's no script and no pressure – simply arrive as you are. Some people like to write some notes down about what they'd like to talk about in the first session – that's fine, too.

The first three to four sessions will be focused on gathering information to better understand your concerns in context. We refer to this as the clinical assessment. While in the first session we will mostly discuss your main reason for seeking therapy, over your second and third sessions, we will cover some other areas to help me get a broader understanding. This might include your early experiences, medical, education, social and work history. You might also be asked to complete some general screening measures to help us gain further clarity on goals for therapy.

After the initial assessment phase which usually takes three to four sessions, we will discuss a therapy plan and a proposed number of anticipated sessions moving forward. The length of therapy varies depending on the presenting problems and goals of therapy. Short-term therapy can range between 8-12 sessions. Medium-term therapy typically lasts around 12-24 sessions.

Sessions typically take place once a week or every second week. Many clients begin weekly, then taper to bi-weekly or monthly as things improve. Some come short term for targeted goals; others prefer long-term depth work.

A standard session is 50 minutes. EMDR sessions may last up to 90 minutes. Sessions longer than 50 minutes will always be pre-arranged and discussed with you prior to booking.

We agree on practical goals and check in periodically. Signs of progress include steadier mood, clearer thinking, better sleep, stronger boundaries, and using tools between sessions.

The fee is R1,250 per 50-minute online consultation. Consultation payments are due to the practice directly following your appointment. If your medical aid approves Prescribed Minimum Benefits, we charge the medical aid rate.

For EMDR sessions, which may vary in length, the rates are: R1,250 per 50-minute session, R1,875 per 75-minute session, R2,250 per 90-minute session. Any change to the typical 50-minute session time would be pre-arranged and discussed with you prior to booking the longer session time.

Both practitioners are registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders, so clients attending therapy may be able to claim full or partial reimbursement from their medical aid if these psychology services are included in their cover. It is best to confirm your psychology benefits directly with your medical aid. We may assist with applications for Prescribed Minimum Benefits if diagnostic criteria are met, however clients remain responsible for session fees, which are payable directly to the practice following each appointment, and for managing any medical aid claims.

Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm depending on availability. All sessions are to be booked in advance. Contact Kirsten Barnardt (kirsten@barnardtfleming.com) and Karen Fleming (karen@barnardtfleming.com) directly by email to see if they have a session space available.

No. If medication might help, we collaborate (with consent) with your GP or psychiatrist.

No, currently both Kirsten Barnardt and Karen Fleming are only doing individual online therapy for adults.

While we work with clients from South Africa and around the world who are living in South Africa, we don’t take on clients living overseas.

No, our services do not extend to legal assessments or involvement in court related matters. Therefore, we do not take on clients requiring psycho-legal work or clients who are involved in any current or upcoming court cases.

Yes. Online therapy may not be appropriate if you are facing an acute crisis requiring immediate intervention, need intensive hospital-based or multidisciplinary care, do not have a private and secure space for sessions, or cannot sustain a reliable internet connection for consistent therapeutic work.

We use encrypted platforms, follow professional ethics, and secure records in line with POPIA. We share information only with your written consent or when legally/ethically required for safety.

Yes. If there's a serious, imminent risk of harm, suspected abuse of a minor/vulnerable person, or a lawful court request, we may need to disclose limited information to keep people safe. We'll explain these limits in your consent form.

For crisis support, contact SADAG 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393, or Lifeline 0861 322 322. See more numbers on our Emergency page. Alternatively, go to the Emergency Unit of your nearest hospital. If possible, also try contact a safe and trusted person who can assist you.