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About Me

Choosing a therapist can be daunting. Will they understand me? Judge me? Will I feel safe enough to open up about deeply personal issues? Getting to know the person behind the professional title can help you get a sense of who I am and whether I might be a good fit for you. 

 

Welcome. I'm Bêne, pronounced as "Beanie". I'm a counselling psychologist with a blend of South African and British heritage, who is passionate about working alongside people as they navigate the complexities of the human experience.

 

Offering online psychotherapy services to individuals and couples across the UK, I aim to create a safe, connected, and non-judgemental space where you can openly share and navigate the challenges of your unique journey and work towards developing coping strategies, enhancing self-compassion, and building a stronger sense of agency. I love what I do and find my work to be deeply meaningful and rewarding. As a therapist, I value professionalism, ethical practice and maintaining a deep respect and appreciation for diversity. 

 

Outside of my work, you'll often find me exploring the great outdoors on a hike, experimenting with new plant-based recipes, enjoying some quality time with my cats, or doing the WOD at a CrossFit gym. I believe strongly in aligning values with actions and strive to embody this in all areas of my life.

Whether you're embarking on a journey of personal development, navigating a crisis, or trying to make sense of a loss, I hope to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with you and walk alongside you on your journey towards growth, healing and authenticity.

Qualifications

  • BA Psychology (University of Johannesburg)

  • BA Honours Psychology (University of Johannesburg)

  • MSc War and Psychiatry (King's College London)

  • MA Counselling Psychology (University of Johannesburg)

  • PhD in Psychology (In progress - University of Johannesburg)

Professional Registration

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Practitioner Psychologist
 - PYL043774

  • The British Psychological Society (BPS) - Graduate Member

Publications and Features
 

  • Grief: (The Lack of) Training of Psychologists in Post-Apartheid South Africa in the textbook The Training and Practice of Psychotherapy in Post-apartheid South Africa: Case Studies, Controversies and Contemplations

  • After a Breakup, ‘Disenfranchised Grief’ Is Very Real in Glamour UK

 

Bêne Otto - The Remote Psychologist

In my early professional years I was asking the question, How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?

- Carl Rogers

Lotus Flower
Bêne Otto
Counselling Psychologist
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