Worried about your drinking? Start where you are.
Addiction counselling for alcohol using harm reduction methodology — whether your goal is to cut down, to stop, or simply to understand.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
Alcohol is woven into South African social life, which makes it hard to notice when drinking has become a way of coping rather than a choice. You don’t need to call yourself an alcoholic, or hit rock bottom, to deserve support.
Harm reduction means we meet you where you are. Some people want to stop completely; others want to drink less or more safely. Every positive change counts.
We work on what the drinking is doing for you — easing anxiety, loneliness, stress or pain — and build other ways to meet those needs.
You might notice
- Drinking more than you intend
- Using alcohol to unwind every night
- Hiding or downplaying how much you drink
- Hangovers affecting work or family
- Feeling anxious when you can’t drink
- Loved ones expressing concern
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
Free craving tool →How we work with you.
No labels
You decide how you describe your drinking and your goals.
Understand the function
What alcohol is doing for you, and what else could.
Change at your pace
Cutting down or stopping with support, not shame.
Choose who feels right.
Janika Cumpsty
Head of Supervision
“You don’t have to do your inner work alone. I help clients identify their inherent strength and take action toward the change they truly want to see.”
- Childhood trauma
- PTSD / CPTSD
- Sexual trauma
English · Afrikaans · Dutch (reading)
Omashree Balie
Specialist Wellness Counsellor
“Seeking counselling is personal, difficult, and sometimes lonely — but the results are life-changing. I aim to make that journey as comfortable as possible.”
- Couples & marriage
- Divorce
- LGBTQIA+ affirming
English · Afrikaans
Mimi Shirindza
Registered Counsellor
“Every person carries the capacity for growth and renewal. My role is to walk alongside you as you rediscover and strengthen those inherent gifts.”
- Trauma
- Grief & loss
- Couples
English · Xitsonga · isiZulu
Risimati Chauke
Social Worker
“I create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can process their experiences and find practical pathways toward healing and resilience.”
- Addiction (harm reduction)
- Trauma
- Crisis intervention
English · Xitsonga · Tshivenda · isiZulu · Sepedi
Talita Kondlo
Registered Wellness Counsellor
“I take a compassionate, client-centred approach — creating a safe space to explore emotions, heal from the past, and build healthier ways of coping going forward.”
- Trauma
- Couples
- Anger management
English · isiXhosa · isiZulu
Jamie-Leigh Brickles
Registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor
“Counselling is collaborative, and at its core it’s about your heart. I believe we all have the answers deeply rooted within us; sometimes we just need the courage to reach for them.”
- Anxiety
- Grief & loss
- Trauma
English
Elza Berk
Founder & CEO · Registered Counsellor
“I built MyTruth because I needed it then and it didn’t exist. Every counsellor here has been chosen for their capacity to sit with what is real.”
- Addiction (harm reduction)
- Trauma
- Eating disorders
English · Afrikaans
Common questions
Do I have to stop drinking completely?
No. We support reduced drinking, safer drinking or full abstinence — your choice.
Is it safe to stop suddenly?
Stopping suddenly after heavy, long-term drinking can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. Please speak to a doctor about medically supervised withdrawal.
Can this run alongside AA?
Yes. Many of our clients attend AA or other programmes as well.
Your truth deserves to be heard.
Choose a counsellor who speaks your language and understands your world. Sessions are online, private and booked in minutes.