Bruce Laing

Clinical Psychologist

Starting any therapeutic journey is a daunting process. It elicits all sorts of anxieties about opening up to a relative stranger and discussing one’s innermost thoughts and feelings, desires and dreams, fantasies and fears. Our emotions are an integral part of what it means to be human, yet we spend so much energy suppressing and denying them.  We often lament our unmet needs and the desire we have sacrificed. We hear the whisper of our potential, but struggle to bring it to fruition.  We find ourselves stuck in a history of repetitive and destructive patterns, ones that we want to change but are somehow compelled to repeat. We see this in our struggle with our relationships, our sexuality, debilitating anxieties and depression. 

I have a particular interest in working with issues around sexuality and sexual identities. Our sexuality can often be a source of confusion and can result in feelings of shame and guilt. This I believe to be true of those who identify as heterosexual and the LGBTI+ community who have had the additional struggle of both external and internal homophobia. The consequence of these feelings are that they can have an intrinsic effect on sexual lives, relationships and identity. 

For me the therapeutic journey is an intimate relationship where therapist and patient plumb the depths and explore the unknown together. We dive down the rabbit hole, to discover parts of the self and to try to make sense of who we are. To delight in finding what has been hidden. The journey can be a painful one, as we cross the oppressive boundaries we have constructed and imprisoned ourselves in. We learn, in the therapeutic voyage to listen, and see anew. The poet Rilke writes, ‘You are not too old, and it is not too late, to dive into your increasing depths where life calmly gives out its own secret’ 

I am a Clinical Psychologist and I work from a psychoanalytic perspective. It is a deeply philosophical one where the discovery is of the self and in this understanding, gain clarity and insight of how one thinks and feels. 

I provide therapy in the following areas; 

• Anxiety and adjustment disorder
• Depression and mood disorders
• Trauma
• Sexuality
• Life changes and Interpersonal struggles
• Feelings of being ‘stuck’ and ’empty’
• Gay, lesbian, transgender issues

Practice number : 0533572

HPCSA No: 0120650

Pr. No. : 0533572
HPCSA No. : 0120650