Hi there, I'm Perishka. I'm a registered counselling psychologist in Gqeberha (formally Port Elizabeth). I'm glad you're here.

I honour the courage it takes to begin and gently rebel against the idea that we have to do it alone. Working with a psychologist is'nt about being 'broken' or needing to be 'fixed'. I believe it's about being human- with all the mess, meaning, and magic that comes with it. I approach my work with genuine curiosity, connection, and respect. I am guided by and grounded in evidence-informed theory and ethics. I support clients through a range of emotional, relational, and developmental challenges- always with the understanding that wellbeing is essential, but not always accessible. Meaningful care must adapt to the realities of each person's life. I love to work with the whole self: thoughts that race, bodies that hold stories, emotions that speak in whispers or roars. My goal is to create a space for you to come home to yourself. To reconnect. To feel seen.

There are many ways people move through the world. Therapy is'nt about fitting in- it's about finding what fits you. So, here we don't need to mask, we don't need to explain away our intensity, our sensitivity, our spirals or our stillness.

You are welome to arrive exactly as you are.

My Qualifications

MA Counselling Psychology (with disctinction) - University of Pretoria

MA Psychology (with distinction) - Rhodes University

BA Honours Psychology - Rhodes University

BA Psychology - Nelson Mandela University

A Practice of Growth & Learning

As a registered psychologist, I engage in continuous professional development not only as a ethical requirement, but as a vital part of my growth. Ongoing learning allows me to deepen my understanding, refine my skills, and remain responsive to the evolving needs of the people I work with. This practice is not static - it grows with each client, conversation and each moment of insight. I remain dedicated to learning that is inclusive, adaptive, and grounded in the lived realities of those I work with. 

A Practice of Integration

My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I draw from multiple theories and modalities to meet each person where they are. I believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Healing is relational, contextual, and shaped by unique strengths, needs, and lived experiences.

  • Attachment Theory: Because our earliest relationships shape how we connect and protect ourselves.

  • Systems Theory: Because we are influenced by the families, cultures, and communities we are a part of.

  • Narrative Therapy: Because the stories we tell about ourselves can be rewritten with compassion and agency.
  • Polyvagal Theory: Because our nervous system needs safety to heal.
  • Person Centre Values: Grounds my work in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.

  • Trauma Informed Care: Because every aspect of the therapeutic space should embody emotional safety, choice, and empowerment.

  • Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: Because diverse ways of thinking, feeling, and being should be recognised and celebrated.

Here are some of the guiding philosophies that inform my practice:

In this space, ethics is a living practice. It means showing up with integrity, transparency, and care in every interaction. From how your information is protected to how your voice is honoured, ethical practice is relational, responsive and rooted in respect for your best interests. I follow the guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). 

I am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africe (HPCSA)- Registration number: PS0146056.

I am registered with the Board of Health Funders (BHF)- Practice number: 0907413.

A Practice of Ethics

What this means for you: 

Informed Consent: You'll receive clear information about the therapeutic process, fees, limits of confidentiality, and your rights before we begin.

Confidentiality & Privacy: Your personal information is protected through secure systems and practices aligned with POPIA and PAIA.

Boundaries & Safety: Sessions are held within clear, respectful boundaries to support emotional safety and trust.

Client Autonomy: You are encouraged to ask questions, express preferences, and make choices about your care.

Transparent Recording Keeping: Notes and assessments are stored securely and used only for therapeutic purposes, with access governed by ethical and legal standards.

Right to pause/end therapy: You can pause, end, or change your therapeutic journey at anytime, with support in doing so.

 

A Practice of Presence