Dr Philippa Skowno

Counselling Psychologist

I am a counselling psychologist, experienced in working with all ages in a comprehensive, cost effective manner. Often this includes overcoming:

• Problematic moods, including depression, anxiety and other disorders
• Adverse life events, including trauma, physical illness or injury and bereavement

However, therapy is also invaluable in developing yourself and your strengths through:

• Understanding and improving your relationships with loved ones and colleagues
• Initiating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence and mindfulness
• Advancing your career

Approach to Therapy

I use compassion, empathy and even humour to connect with you and to produce meaningful, sustainable changes. Identifying and developing resilience to overcome and grow from life challenges is central to this process.  I tailor a variety of evidence based therapies to suit your particular needs, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, Interpersonal and Narrative Therapy as well as highly effective mindfulness-based approaches.

Psychotherapy can make a meaningful difference over a long or a shorter time period. If, for financial reasons, a shorter process is your only option, I will ensure that your most debilitating problems are dealt with in this time. Most importantly, our work together should ensure you become better equipped with skills to negotiate challenges in your life with increased competence and optimism. Our ultimate responsibility as therapists is to empower you.

Special Interests and Experience

I obtained a PhD from UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences in 2016, investigating the role of resilience in the recovery process from chronic illness or injury. I run individual and group sessions on various lifestyle programmes at the Sport Science Institute of South Africa. My therapeutic interests therefore include health and performance psychology, specifically in the emotional and practical management of chronic illness or injuries.

My most current interventions include Exercise-based Psychotherapy, an empowering combination of mindfulness practice and physical activity practiced in a scenic outdoor space. Walking/ running pace is set by the client, as they engage with life goals and challenges, side by side with the therapist.

Rates

50 minute (the standard ‘therapeutic hour’) sessions cost R925.00-R975.00
These rates are significantly lower than current Discovery recommended rates. You may claim this back from your medical aid if you are covered for psychotherapy.

Practice NUMBER: 0406600
HPCSA NUMBER: PS 011 3131