- Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Reach
- out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and let's discuss how I can support you on your
+ Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, but you don't have to do it alone.
+ Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and let's discuss how I can support you on your
journey.
Bloemendal Clinic
- Paarl, Western Cape
+ R45 Klapmuts-Simondium Road
+
+ Paarl, Western Cape, 7670
+
+
What happens after you get in touch?
+
+
+ Your message will be used to arrange the free 15-minute consultation and clarify whether you are
+ looking for an in-person or online appointment. You do not need to include sensitive clinical
+ information in this form; a brief description of what you would like support with is enough.
+
+
+ This form is not monitored as an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger,
+ contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
+
- While my practice is based at Bloemendal Clinic in Paarl, I regularly work with clients from Franschhoek, the
- Franschhoek Valley, and the broader Cape Winelands region. The drive from Franschhoek to my practice takes
- approximately 20 minutes via the R45, passing through beautiful wine country.
+ Bloemendal Clinic is situated on the R45 between Franschhoek and Paarl, around 20 minutes from Franschhoek.
+ The practice offers a quiet consulting environment, free parking and a convenient route for clients living or
+ working in the valley.
- For those who prefer not to travel, I offer secure online therapy sessions that are just as effective as
- in-person consultations. Many of my clients from the Franschhoek area choose this convenient option,
- particularly during busy tourist seasons.
+ Online therapy offers another way to attend when seasonal traffic, changing work hours or family commitments
+ make an in-person appointment less practical. Sessions take place over secure video, allowing you to speak
+ from a private space without travelling to the clinic.
-
Services Available
+
Support that works around real life
-
I provide evidence-based therapy for a range of concerns commonly faced by individuals and couples:
-
-
-
- Anxiety & Stress — Including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and work-related stress
-
-
- Depression — Evidence-based treatment using CBT and other proven approaches
-
-
- Couples & Relationship Therapy — Communication difficulties, trust issues, and life
- transitions
-
-
- Substance Abuse & Addiction — Specialist experience from working in inpatient treatment
- facilities
-
-
+
+ Therapy can provide a steady space to make sense of difficult patterns and decide what needs to change. We
+ agree on a focus together and adapt the work to your goals, whether you are attending as an individual or as a
+ couple. Appointments are available in English and Afrikaans.
+
-
Why Choose Me?
+
Areas of focus
-
HPCSA registered counselling psychologist
-
Bilingual therapy in English and Afrikaans
-
Specialist training in addiction and dual diagnosis
-
Flexible scheduling with online options
-
Medical aid claims assistance
+
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, panic or ongoing stress
+
Depression, loss of interest and periods of significant change
+
Relationship strain, communication difficulties and rebuilding trust
+
Addiction, dual diagnosis, recovery and support for affected family members
-
Convenient Access
-
-
- In-Person: Bloemendal Clinic is located on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek, making it
- an easy drive from the Franschhoek Valley. The clinic offers ample free parking and a peaceful, private
- setting.
-
+
Planning your first appointment
- Online: Secure video sessions allow you to access therapy from anywhere in the Western Cape
- or South Africa, perfect for those with busy schedules or who prefer the privacy of their own space.
+ Begin with a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions, outline what you would like help with and decide
+ whether to meet online or at Bloemendal Clinic. The first full session then gives us time to understand your
+ situation in greater depth and agree on the next steps.
- Taking the first step is often the hardest. Let's have a brief chat to see if we're a good fit for working
- together. Contact me at therapy@michellesmit.com
+ Taking the first step is often the hardest. Let's have a brief chat to see if we're a good fit for
+ working together. Contact me at therapy@michellesmit.com
}
cta={
diff --git a/src/app/privacy-policy/page.tsx b/src/app/privacy-policy/page.tsx
index ee3bc45..e0b4fbb 100644
--- a/src/app/privacy-policy/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/privacy-policy/page.tsx
@@ -5,9 +5,10 @@ import { DocumentCentered } from '@/components/sections/document-centered'
export const metadata: Metadata = {
title: 'Privacy Policy',
- description: 'Privacy policy for Michelle Smit Therapy. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.',
+ description:
+ 'Privacy policy for Michelle Smit Therapy. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.',
alternates: {
- canonical: 'https://michellesmit.com/privacy-policy',
+ canonical: '/privacy-policy',
},
robots: {
index: false,
@@ -87,7 +88,7 @@ export default function Page() {
Email: therapy@michellesmit.com
- Address: Bloemendal Clinic, Paarl, Western Cape, 7670
+ Address: Bloemendal Clinic, R45 Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Paarl, Western Cape, 7670
>
diff --git a/src/app/rates-and-insurance/page.tsx b/src/app/rates-and-insurance/page.tsx
index 18ef7b1..26b69c1 100644
--- a/src/app/rates-and-insurance/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/rates-and-insurance/page.tsx
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ export const metadata: Metadata = {
'psychology session cost',
],
alternates: {
- canonical: 'https://michellesmit.com/rates-and-insurance',
+ canonical: '/rates-and-insurance',
},
openGraph: {
title: 'Rates & Medical Aid | Michelle Smit Psychologist',
@@ -74,6 +74,22 @@ export default function Page() {
+
+
+
Confirming fees and benefits
+
+
+ Session fees and medical aid benefits can vary. Contact the practice manager before your first
+ appointment to confirm the current rate, the information needed for a claim and whether any payment
+ may remain for your account.
+
+
+ You can also ask about cash rates if you are not claiming from medical aid. The free 15-minute
+ consultation is an opportunity to discuss the type of support you are looking for; it is separate
+ from a full therapy session.
+
+
+
@@ -85,8 +101,8 @@ export default function Page() {
headline="Schedule your free 15-minute consultation."
subheadline={
- Simply reach out and I will contact you back to schedule your consultation. Let's discuss how I can support
- you on your journey.
+ Simply reach out and I will contact you back to schedule your consultation. Let's discuss how I can
+ support you on your journey.
- I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate life's challenges and
- build resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
+ I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate life's challenges
+ and build resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
+ Therapy starts with understanding what is happening in your life and what you would like to change. You do not
+ need to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfectly formed goal. We can begin with the experiences that feel
+ difficult now, then agree on a practical focus for our work together.
+
+
+
+ I work with adults and couples facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, substance use and the
+ effects these concerns can have on families. Sessions are collaborative, confidential and adapted to your
+ circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all process.
+
+
+
How therapy begins
+
+
+ A free 15-minute consultation gives you an opportunity to ask initial questions and decide whether I may be a
+ suitable psychologist for your needs. If we decide to continue, the first full session explores your concerns,
+ relevant history and goals in more detail.
+
+
+
In-person and online sessions
+
+
+ Face-to-face appointments are available at Bloemendal Clinic in Paarl. Secure online sessions are available to
+ clients elsewhere in the Western Cape and South Africa, offering continuity when travel or scheduling makes an
+ in-person appointment difficult.
+
+
+
{/* Services */}
- Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or substance abuse, I provide a
- safe space to explore your concerns and develop effective strategies for change.
+ Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or substance abuse, I
+ provide a safe space to explore your concerns and develop effective strategies for change.
- While my practice is based at Bloemendal Clinic in Paarl, I regularly work with clients from Stellenbosch,
- Franschhoek, Somerset West, and the broader Cape Winelands region. The drive from Stellenbosch to Paarl takes
- approximately 15-20 minutes via the R44.
+ My consulting room is at Bloemendal Clinic near Paarl, approximately 15–20 minutes from Stellenbosch via the
+ R44. This gives Stellenbosch clients a nearby option outside the town centre, with free parking and a private,
+ peaceful setting for face-to-face sessions.
- For those who prefer not to travel, I offer secure online therapy sessions that are just as effective as
- in-person consultations. Many of my Stellenbosch clients choose this convenient option.
+ Secure online appointments are also available when travelling is inconvenient. This can be useful when work,
+ study, family responsibilities or time between appointments make the trip to Paarl difficult.
-
Services Available
+
Choosing in-person or online therapy
-
I provide evidence-based therapy for a range of concerns commonly faced by individuals and couples:
+
+ Some clients value leaving their everyday environment and meeting in a dedicated consulting room. Others
+ prefer the familiarity and convenience of a secure video session. We can discuss which format feels most
+ appropriate during the initial consultation, and revisit that choice if your circumstances change.
+
-
-
- Anxiety & Stress — Including generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and work-related stress
-
-
- Depression — Evidence-based treatment using CBT and other proven approaches
-
-
- Couples & Relationship Therapy — Communication difficulties, trust issues, and life
- transitions
-
-
- Substance Abuse & Addiction — Specialist experience from working in inpatient treatment
- facilities
-
-
+
Concerns I can support you with
-
Why Choose Me?
+
Therapy is available in English or Afrikaans for adults and couples seeking support with:
-
HPCSA registered counselling psychologist
-
Bilingual therapy in English and Afrikaans
-
Specialist training in addiction and dual diagnosis
-
Flexible scheduling with online options
-
Medical aid claims assistance
+
Anxiety, panic, persistent worry and stress
+
Depression, low mood and difficult life transitions
+
Communication, trust and recurring conflict in relationships
+
Substance use, process addictions, dual diagnosis and the effect of addiction on families
-
Convenient Access
-
-
- In-Person: Bloemendal Clinic is located on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek, with ample
- free parking and a peaceful, private setting.
-
+
Starting the conversation
- Online: Secure video sessions allow you to access therapy from anywhere in the Western Cape
- or South Africa.
+ The free 15-minute consultation is a brief, no-obligation conversation about what brings you to therapy and
+ whether my experience fits the support you need. If we continue, sessions can take place at Bloemendal Clinic
+ or online from Stellenbosch.