The first session is free of charge

Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor
PRC0044059

Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059

Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor
PRC0044059

Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor PRC0044059

Mental Health Counselling

Mental Health CounsellingMental Health CounsellingMental Health Counselling
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Welcome

Reaching out for counselling services is often the first brave step people take long before they ever book an appointment. It signifies that you’re curious, self-aware, or perhaps noticing something in your life that may require attention. I encourage you to lean into that curiosity.

About

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My Expertise

I am an HPCSA Board Certified Registered Counsellor, dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenging moments with clarity, compassion, and practical tools. 

With a professional background in psychology, emotional wellness, and therapeutic approaches, my goal is to create a safe, grounded space where clients can reconnect with themselves, heal old patterns, and build healthier relationships — both with others and with their own inner world.

My approach is warm, honest, and deeply human. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, self-worth challenges, or navigating major life transitions, my counselling services support you with evidence-based strategies and real-world insight in mental healthcare. 

I believe counselling is not just about talking; it’s about transformation, empowerment, and learning to trust yourself again.

My personal philosophy is to meet clients where they are, and then walk alongside them to where they want to be.

Get in touch

Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces


Brene Brown

What is counselling?

Counselling is a guided, therapeutic process that allows you to explore your emotions, patterns, and concerns in a structured, supportive environment. A Registered Counsellor helps you make sense of what you’re experiencing, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Find out more

About The counselling experience

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Services Offered

What to Expect in our First Session

Services Offered

  • Individual Counselling
  • Career Counselling
  • Nervous System Regulation
  • Trauma-focused support
  • Relationship / couples counselling 
  • Workshops / psychoeducation sessions
  • Session format (online)
  • Duration (50–60 min)

Book an Online Session
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Who I Work With

What to Expect in our First Session

Services Offered

  • Individuals navigating trauma
  • Adults navigating burnout
  • Those in need of career guidance
  • People working on self-worth/self esteem
  • Those healing attachment wounds
  • People who want to challenge patterns that no longer serve them

Cozy modern living room with two armchairs and a wooden table near a window.

What to Expect in our First Session

What to Expect in our First Session

What to Expect in our First Session

  • We will discuss any questions you may have about  counselling services and touch on what to expect in the counselling journey
  • I will ask you a few questions about what brought you to counselling, and together we’ll focus on 'connecting the dots' of your experience
  • We'll discuss recommended timelines for counselling that works for your mental healthcare needs.

Expertise & Qualifications

Professional Board

I am a Board Certified Registered Counsellor belonging to the Health Proffessions Council 

Postgraduate

Honours BPsych Equivalent    (Cum laude)

Undergraduate

CPD Compliant

Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences majoring in Counselling (Cum Laude/ Deans List)

CPD Compliant

CPD Compliant

Annual Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training plays a vital role in enhancing emotional wellness and equipping professionals with the tools to address anxiety through effective counselling services and mental healthcare strategies. This training ensures that therapists are well-prepared to provide the best therapy options for their clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at admin@balancewithshay.co.za if you cannot find an answer to your question.

The first session is free of charge and thereafter I charge a fixed rate of ZAR 500.00 per session 


All sessions are done online via a secure teams link 


There is a cancellation fee for late cancellations due to the space held for the session


You can email me or contact me via whatsapp.


Contact ME

Message me on WhatsApp

Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor

South Africa

Hours

Today

By Appointment

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Shay Ernest | Registered Counsellor

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