About Me – Henning Gericke, Counsellor & Therapist
Hi, I’m Henning Gericke, a South African therapist with 23 years of counselling experience. My local practice was called Helderberg Counselling. I decided however to transform my practice into an exclusively online practice. My experience reaches across various settings, including educational institutions, medical environments (general wards and emergency rooms), community outreach, trauma counselling, private practice, and online counselling. But beyond my professional journey, my passion for psychology and counselling comes from a deeply personal place.
A Personal Journey That Shaped My Approach
From an early age, I witnessed chronic medical conditions within my own family. I saw first-hand what it meant to navigate a lifelong treatment journey—the challenges, frustrations, and the emotional toll of interacting with the medical system. This experience left a lasting impression on me. As a child, I personally struggled with anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic symptoms—physical pain and discomfort directly influenced by emotions and mental health. Some medical professionals listened and helped; others dismissed my experiences. These moments shaped my deep belief in client-centred therapy, where every person deserves to be heard, validated, and supported. In my teenage years, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that I continue to manage today. Living with this condition has given me first-hand experience of the struggles that come with invisible illnesses—the constant battle for recognition in the medical community, the frustration of seeking the right treatment, and the importance of being an active participant in one’s own healthcare.
Bridging Psychology & Medicine to Improve Lives
My journey, both personal and professional, has given me unique insight into the inner workings of the medical system:
🔹 The exhaustive cycle of testing, ruling out diagnoses, adjusting treatments
🔹 The struggle of patients fighting to be heard and taken seriously
🔹 The emotional toll on both patients and healthcare workers.
Equipped with my knowledge of psychology and counselling, I have learned how to integrate psychological principles into the medical world—helping patients advocate for themselves and assisting healthcare professionals in improving doctor-patient relationships. I know what it’s like to feel unheard, dismissed, or overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping others find clarity, resilience, and the right support—whether they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, chronic illness, or personal struggles. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let’s take the first step together - Henning Gericke
