Support, understanding and practical guidance after a distressing or overwhelming experience
Trauma can affect how you think, feel, behave and relate to other people. It may leave you feeling anxious, unsettled, emotionally numb, constantly alert or unlike the person you were before.
You do not have to manage these effects alone.
I provide private trauma counselling for adults who need a calm, respectful and structured space in which to talk about what they have experienced, understand their reactions and begin rebuilding a sense of stability and control.
Trauma Counselling provides supportive, focused assistance following an experience that has overwhelmed your ability to cope. The experience may have happened recently or many years ago. What matters is not only the event itself, but the effect it continues to have on your life.
The purpose of counselling is not to force you to relive every detail of what happened. We work at a pace that respects your readiness, circumstances and emotional capacity. The initial focus is usually on helping you feel more stable, understand your responses and develop practical ways of managing distress.
As counselling progresses, we may explore how the experience has affected your beliefs, relationships, confidence, boundaries and sense of safety. The overall aim is to help you respond to life with greater awareness, choice and self-trust.
You may benefit from Trauma Counselling if you are experiencing:
Our first session gives you an opportunity to explain what has brought you to counselling and what you hope will change. You will not be expected to disclose every detail of your experience immediately.
Together, we will consider:
Subsequent sessions may include supportive conversation, psychoeducation, grounding and emotional regulation strategies, examination of unhelpful thinking patterns, development of healthier coping responses and practical steps towards restoring everyday functioning.
You remain involved in deciding what we discuss and how quickly we proceed. You may pause a conversation or decline to discuss something for which you do not yet feel ready.
My approach is calm, practical and centred on your dignity. I do not regard you as damaged or defined by what happened to you. Trauma reactions are often understandable responses to experiences that felt threatening, overwhelming or beyond your control.
I draw on my experience in trauma support, stress management, Psychological First Aid and cognitive behavioural principles. Where appropriate, I help clients recognise how their interpretations, beliefs and coping responses may be maintaining distress.
The aim is not to dismiss or minimise what happened. It is to help you understand your reactions, strengthen your ability to cope and regain a greater sense of choice in how you respond.
You can expect:
You do not need to decide which service is right for you before contacting me. During the initial consultation, we can discuss your circumstances and determine whether Trauma Counselling, Trauma Recovery Coaching or referral to another professional would be the most appropriate next step.
My Trauma Counselling service provides supportive, non-clinical counselling and practical assistance. If your needs require specialised clinical treatment, psychiatric care, medical intervention or a service outside my competence, I will recommend that you consult an appropriate professional.
All sessions are privately funded. Medical aid reimbursement is not available unless a client’s medical scheme independently confirms otherwise.
What you share during counselling is treated with respect and confidentiality. Before counselling begins, you will receive an agreement explaining how your personal information is handled and the circumstances in which confidentiality may have to be limited.
These circumstances may include a serious and immediate risk of harm, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable person, or disclosure required by law. Where reasonably possible, I will discuss the need to share information with you before doing so.
Private sessions conducted through a secure video platform.
Fee: R500 per session
Duration: approximately 60 minutes
Available from my private practice in Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg.
Fee: R600 per session
Duration: approximately 60 minutes
From R950 for a 60-minute session. This option is available at your home, workplace or another suitable private location. The fee includes travel within 15 kilometres of Randpark Ridge. Additional travel and direct expenses are charged separately.
An initial 15-minute free telephonic consultation allows us to discuss your needs, clarify the nature and limits of the service and decide on the most appropriate way forward.
I am Koos Herselman, a trauma counsellor and personal development coach who has worked in this field since 2006. I have extensive experience supporting people affected by trauma, grief, stressful events and significant life changes.
I hold a BSc (Honours) Psychology with Counselling, an Advanced International Stress Consultancy Diploma, a Psychological First Aid Certificate and a CBT Practitioner qualification. This combination of academic study, specialised training and practical experience informs my respectful, structured and person-centred approach.
My work has included travelling throughout Southern Africa to support people affected by industrial accidents and other distressing events. These experiences have strengthened my understanding that recovery is personal and that people may need both emotional support and practical guidance as they rebuild their lives.
My approach to trauma counselling and trauma recovery coaching is collaborative, practical and forward-focused. I help clients recognise their existing strengths, clarify what they want to change and develop manageable strategies for restoring confidence, direction and purposeful action.
I provide private, confidential and self-funded sessions. I work as a trauma counsellor and personal development coach and do not present myself as a psychologist, psychotherapist or medical practitioner.
No. You decide what you are ready to discuss. Counselling can begin by focusing on your current difficulties, needs and coping strategies without requiring a detailed account of the traumatic experience.
There is no predetermined number. Some people seek support for a specific immediate concern, while others benefit from a longer process. We will review your needs and progress regularly rather than committing you to an unnecessary package.
No. My service is supportive, non-clinical trauma counselling. I do not provide psychotherapy or diagnose and treat mental disorders. Where clinical assessment or specialised treatment is indicated, I will recommend referral to an appropriately registered professional.
Sessions are offered on a private-payment basis. Because this is not a medical-aid-funded clinical psychology service, clients should not assume that fees can be claimed from their medical aid.
Yes. Online counselling is available for clients who prefer to receive support from home or who cannot attend in person. Before beginning, we will consider whether online counselling is suitable for your needs and circumstances.
Your information is treated confidentially, subject to legal, ethical and safety-related limits. These limits will be explained in the counselling agreement before sessions begin.
If your needs fall outside my training, competence or service scope, I will tell you and recommend a more appropriate form of assistance. Responsible referral is part of ethical practice.
My current trauma counselling service is intended for individual adults aged 18 and over. I do not presently provide child, family or couples therapy.
Please note: The services offered through this practice are not emergency or crisis services. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or unable to keep yourself or someone else safe, contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. In South Africa, you can also contact SADAG’s Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567.