Abuse is never your fault — and you don’t have to face it alone.
Confidential counselling for survivors of gender-based violence and domestic abuse: physical, emotional, financial, sexual or coercive.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
Gender-based violence takes many forms. It can be hitting, but it can also be control over money, isolation from friends and family, constant criticism, threats, stalking, or being made to feel you are losing your mind.
Leaving is often the most dangerous time, and many people stay for complex reasons — children, finances, fear, love, culture or faith. We will never judge the choices you make to stay safe.
Counselling offers a confidential place to be believed, to understand what has been happening, to think through safety, and to rebuild — whether you are still in the relationship, have left, or left long ago.
Need help right now? If you are in danger now, call 10111 / 112. The GBV Command Centre is available 24 hours on 0800 428 428.
Survivors often describe
- Walking on eggshells to avoid an outburst
- Having your money, phone or movements controlled
- Being cut off from friends or family
- Doubting your memory or judgement
- Feeling ashamed to tell anyone
- Fear for your safety or your children’s
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
Safety first. Your pace, always.
Safety planning
Thinking through practical steps to stay safer, at your pace and on your terms.
Making sense of it
Naming the patterns of abuse so the confusion can lift.
Rebuilding
Recovering confidence, trust in yourself, and a life that belongs to you.
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
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
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
Is it safe to have online counselling if I still live with my partner?
Your safety comes first. Your counsellor can help you plan when and how to talk safely — for example, using WhatsApp messages instead of calls, and agreeing a safe word to end a session.
Does emotional or financial abuse count?
Yes. Controlling money, isolating you, threats and constant humiliation are all forms of abuse, even without physical violence.
Will you tell anyone?
No. Sessions are confidential. The only exceptions are an immediate risk to life, a court order, or protecting a child — and we would discuss this with you wherever possible.
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.