A South African counsellor for South Africans in Canada.
Long winters, a long way from home. Talk to someone who understands both.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
Home is part of your story.
More than 50,000 South Africans live in Canada, many in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Long, dark winters, cold weather and distance from family can wear people down, even when everything else is going well.
Our counsellors know what you left and what you’re building, and can meet you in your morning.
We see South Africans across Canada, including Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton and Halifax. Sessions are online, so it doesn’t matter where you live.
Times that work for you
| Your time | South African time |
|---|---|
| 07:00 Toronto | 13:00–14:00 SA |
| 11:00 Toronto / 08:00 Vancouver | 17:00–18:00 SA |
| 12:00 Calgary | 20:00–21:00 SA |
The booking screen shows every time in your own time zone automatically.
Questions South Africans in Canada ask us
Will my benefits plan cover it?
Usually not, because our counsellors are registered in South Africa rather than a Canadian province. Sessions are paid privately.
What times work?
South Africa is 6–7 hours ahead of Toronto and 9–10 hours ahead of Vancouver, so most clients book early morning or lunchtime.
How do I pay from overseas?
By card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through Yoco. International Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards are accepted, and you don’t need a South African bank account. Prices are in rand; your bank converts them.
Are your counsellors registered?
Yes. Every MyTruth counsellor is registered in South Africa with the HPCSA, ASCHP, CCSA or SACSSP and works under South African professional rules. Please check that receiving online counselling from a South African counsellor is fine where you live.
More about counselling for South Africans abroad →
Also for South Africans in: UK · Australia · USA · UAE · New Zealand · Netherlands · Germany
What we help with
- Winter low mood and isolation
- Homesickness and missing family events
- Career restarts and credential stress
- Couples and families adjusting
- Guilt about family in SA
- Identity and belonging
Simple from the first click.
01
Choose a time in your time zone
ET/PT — SA afternoon and evening slots meet your morning.
02
Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
International cards accepted, no South African bank account needed.
03
Meet online
WhatsApp, Google Meet or Teams — whichever works for you.
People who do this work every day.
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
Hèlet Boustred
Registered Psychological Counsellor
“I have a strong passion for trauma work using Somatic Experiencing — a gentle, body-oriented approach that helps release stress and restore balance from within.”
- Trauma (Somatic Experiencing)
- Anxiety & depression
- Grief & loss
Afrikaans · English
Megan Andrew
Registered Counsellor
“I offer a safe space where clients feel heard and supported to better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and move towards meaningful change.”
- ADHD & autism
- Perinatal support
- Trauma
English
Chris Theron
Registered Counsellor
“Life teaches us to keep it together even when we’re falling apart. I believe healing starts when someone walks beside you — not ahead of you.”
- Trauma
- Anxiety & stress
- Life transitions
English · Afrikaans
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.