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“When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, "Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it's like to be me”
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Welcome
Carl R. Rogers
About Dr Bêne
I'm Bêne Otto, a Counselling Psychologist passionate about working with individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I am currently in Private Practice both in Johannesburg and in the United Kingdom.
My professional journey began after graduating from King's College London with a MSc in War and Psychiatry, which delved into the psychological complexities and impact of warfare on soldiers and civilians. This led to an opportunity to work at the Priory Hospital in Woking as a Senior Healthcare Assistant where I worked on the Acute Male Ward as part of the Psychiatric Nursing team.
After 3 years at the Priory, I returned to South Africa to train as a Counselling Psychologist at the University of Johannesburg. As part of my training, I interned at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) at the University of Witwatersrand before graduating in 2020. Since qualifying, I have worked in my own private practice, as a Locum Psychologist at the Mayo Clinic and Akeso Arcadia, and a temporary lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. In this time, I have also completed Ph.D. at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on Disenfranchised Grief.
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I am honoured to work with adults facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout and work-related stress, relationship difficulties, and bereavement.
I have a special interest in thanatology (focusing on loss, grief, terminal illness, and end-of-life care) and working with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).
Much like my approach to life, my therapeutic style is down-to-earth, open and real. I value genuine connections and prioritise authenticity. With this, I strive to make the therapeutic environment warm, authentic and collaborative. I am a strong believer in the power of the therapeutic relationship and am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients can connect, explore, and heal.
My Approach to Therapy
Therapy is a highly individual and unique journey, and it can mean different things to different people. For some, it becomes a way to rediscover meaning, direction, and emotional balance. For others, it offers practical tools for coping with anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, or relationship challenges.
At its heart, therapy creates a safe and non-judgemental space to explore the thoughts and emotions that may feel overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to express. When these experiences are met with curiosity and compassion, many people find they can better understand themselves, feel more grounded, and move through life with greater clarity and confidence. Whatever your goals, therapy offers a place where you can be heard, supported, and understood on your own terms.
I have been trained in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), client-centred therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Although my background is broad, my therapeutic work is primarily grounded in person-centred, attachment-focused, and psychodynamic approaches. In individual therapy, I often integrate IFS and EMDR, as they can support deeper emotional processing, trauma work, and long-term integration in a gentle and compassionate way. For couples, I work from an Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) framework, helping partners understand their attachment needs, improve communication, and strengthen emotional connection.
Across all my work, I take an integrative, compassionate, and collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s needs, pace, and hopes. My aim is to create a safe, authentic, and nurturing environment where insight, emotional growth, and self-compassion can naturally develop.
Therapy Services
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy involves ongoing sessions
that are scheduled weekly.
The therapeutic process can last anywhere between a few weeks to years and is informed by the presenting problem, desire to continue therapy and resources.
Grief Support Groups
Grief Support Groups offer a non-judgmental and empathetic space for grieving individuals seeking support . Designed for anyone who feels the weight of grief, this group provides a compassionate community to share experiences and find a sense of belonging.​
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Grief support is also offered in corporate settings.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a process attended by both parties in
a relationship.Using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), couples therapy offers a structured, evidence-based process where couples work together to identify and transform negative patterns of interaction, and foster greater understanding, connection, and resilience in their relationship.
Speaking and Workshops
I am available as a speaker for corporate events, conferences, and workshops, offering thought-provoking discussions on grief, bereavement, and disenfranchised grief. Drawing from my PhD research, I explore how societal narratives shape our understanding of loss and grieving the loss of a loved one. My talks provide insight into how workplaces, organizations, and communities can better support those experiencing loss.
I am available for keynote talks, panel discussions, and tailored workshops that help foster grief literacy and create more supportive environments.
Fees
Medical Aid
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy is charged in accordance with Medical Aid rates.
Medical Aid rates differ from one another and are amended on an annual basis.
Sessions are paid for and then claimed back from the Medical Aid retrospectively
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Private
Should you not belong to a Medical Aid, you are consulted on a cash basis.
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy will be charged at a private rate per 60 minutes. After the first session, a discount is offered to clients who pay in advance or before midnight on the day of their session.
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Sessions can be paid for in cash or via EFT.
UK Rates
Psychology assessment, consultation, counselling and/or therapy will be charged in accordance with UK rates per 60 minutes.
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The following Insurance providers are accepted:
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BUPA, Aviva, WPA, AXA PPP and Vitality.
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For more information on how to book an appointment from the UK please visit
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*Please note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Sessions not cancelled 48 hours before the time will be charged for in full.
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
FAQ's
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by completing the contact form on this website or by sending me an email. I will get back to you as soon as possible to offer available times and answer any questions you may have. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you at this stage, you’re welcome to reach out, I’m happy to guide you through the process.
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
The first session is often a gentle introduction to the process. It’s a space for us to get to know one another, explore what brings you to therapy, and discuss what you’re hoping for. Many people arrive feeling unsure or nervous, that’s completely natural. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This session also gives you a sense of how I work and whether the approach feels like a good fit.
How do you tailor therapy to each person?
I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy, which means I adapt the work to what you need in each session. We explore your experiences at a pace that feels comfortable, and I draw on different therapeutic perspectives depending on what feels most supportive for you. My focus is always on creating a safe, compassionate space where you feel understood, and where the work we do together feels meaningful, helpful, and aligned with your goals.
Are your services offered online?
Yes, I offer online therapy as an accessible and flexible way to engage in the therapeutic process. Sessions take place via a secure video platform and follow the same structure as in-person work. Many clients find online therapy just as effective, as it allows them to connect from the comfort of their own space. All you need is a quiet, private area and a stable internet connection. If you’re unsure whether online therapy might work for you, we can discuss any concerns or questions before beginning.