Hello, my name is Sheetal Vallabh. I’m a clinical psychologist and mediator in private practice in Melrose, Johannesburg. I first practised as an attorney at two leading law firms in Johannesburg before changing the course of my career and studying psychology. I’ve been practising as a psychologist since 2010 and over this time, I’ve continued to expand and deepen my knowledge and skill-set in order to ensure that I bring a high level of professionalism and expertise to my work.

My clinical orientation is grounded in psychodynamic and depth psychology. This means that in addition to exploring how past experiences and unconscious dynamics shape our lives, I work with dreams, symbols, myths, and fairy tales (if this resonates with you). These are pathways to developing insight into how you function in the world, to understanding your struggles, figuring out your calling and purpose and living it out. Creativity and spirituality often emerge on this journey, whether through artistic expression, imagination, or a renewed sense of connection to yourself and/or to something greater. I welcome these explorations as part of the therapeutic process and to support you to engage with life fully and meaningfully.

I also recognise that life often presents us with immediate challenges, stressors, and crises that require attention in the here-and-now. I tune into what you need in each session, whether it’s support in containing overwhelming feelings, navigating a difficult transition, or coming through a trauma or crisis, however big or small. In these moments, I may incorporate more directive approaches, which include, mind-body-based techniques that integrate mindfulness, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and strategies from dialectical behaviour therapy (amongst others).