Juanitte Pieterse is a qualified Psycho-Legal Consultant with experience in working with individuals, couples, families, children and groups of all social and geographical background. As a Psycho-Legal Consultant, she provides a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Her approach to psychotherapy combines multiple therapeutic models to provide a personalized therapy plan specific to the needs of each client.
Juanitte specializes in Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology Diagnosis and Intervention, and Personality Disorders and their related Abuse including:
Cluster A Personality Disorders – (Odd/eccentric behavior (paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal);
Cluster B Personality Disorders -Dramatic/emotional/erratic behavior (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic); and
Cluster C Personality Disorders – Anxious/fearful behavior (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive), as well as;
Dual Diagnosis (Disorders that coexist) and their related treatment, including;
Abuse, Grief, Loss, Major Depressive Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Schizophrenia, Psychotic Disorders, Bipolar I & II, Addiction, Substance Abuse Disorders (SUD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Complex-PTSD, ADHD and Neuropsychology (Brain Health).
Besides consulting, Juanitte Pieterse also provides Psychological Assessments, Addiction Recovery Therapy, Practical Counselling courses, Employee Assistance Programs (EEAPs), Educational Presentations and Training Events on psychology-related topics in particular for Law Firms (Attorneys), Schools, Businesses, Institutions, For-Profit and Non-Profit Organisations, as well as a variety of Conference and Event Organisers.
Moreover, she also specialises and provides services in the area of Family Law and Divorce Mediation, High-Conflict and Complex Divorce, Legal Support to Law Firms, (Attorneys/Lawyers) as well as Plaintiffs and Defendants.
Juanitte is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and live their most fulfilling lives.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours, improving emotional regulation. Specific types include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Explores unconscious processes, early life experiences, and interpersonal relationships to understand current issues.
Humanistic Therapy (Experiential):
Emphasizes self-exploration, personal growth, and the client’s capacity for self-actualization. Examples include Person-cantered therapy and Gestalt therapy.
Systemic Therapy (Family Therapy):
Examines relationship patterns, family dynamics, and social systems rather than focusing only on the individual.
Combines techniques from different therapeutic models to create a tailored, personalized approach for the individual
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) (Non-Directive):
Based on building a strong relationship, this approach allows the child to take the lead, using toys to express emotions and process experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Trauma-Focused Approaches EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):
Primarily used to treat trauma and PTSD by processing traumatic memories.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
Integrates cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness strategies to reduce stress and prevent relapse.
Behavioural Model (Stress-Reduction):
focuses on how stress impacts behavior and decision-making. It suggests that reducing stress can improve mental health, enhance coping mechanisms, and lead to more rational actions. This model emphasizes creating supportive environments and teaching stress-management techniques to foster better emotional and psychological well-being in individuals and groups.
Motivational Interviewing (MI):
A client-centered approach used to enhance intrinsic motivation to change behavior by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and evoking the client’s own reasons for change rather than imposing solutions. This method is widely applied in healthcare, counseling, and addiction treatment to support sustainable behavioral improvements.
A SFL proprietary adaptation of the 12-Step Program:
Strong for Life’s proprietary alternative to the 12-step program is specifically designed to meet the specific needs of individuals in recovery by incorporating personalized support systems, modern therapeutic techniques, and culturally sensitive approaches. This adaptation aims to enhance engagement, improve outcomes, and provide a more flexible framework for those seeking long-term sobriety and mental health stability.
Family Systems and Community-Based Models: CRAFT (Community)
Emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals within a family or community, focusing on how their relationships and dynamics influence overall well-being. These models prioritize holistic approaches to address issues like mental health, education, and social support, recognizing that changes in one part of the system can impact the entire group.
Reinforcement and Family Training):
an approach used in behavioral therapy to teach families strategies for supporting individuals with behavioral challenges. It emphasizes positive reinforcement, clear communication, and consistent routines to improve outcomes. This model is particularly effective in addressing issues like addiction, ADHD, or autism by fostering a supportive and structured environment.
Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT):
a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to address substance abuse, behavioral problems, and family conflicts in adolescents. It focuses on improving family relationships, enhancing communication, and fostering individual growth within a supportive environment. MDFT emphasizes collaboration among family members to create lasting, positive change.
A framework used to understand and classify mental health disorders. It examines the underlying causes, symptoms, and patterns of behavior associated with psychological conditions. This model helps clinicians diagnose and treat individuals by considering biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development and persistence of disorders.
Trauma-Focused Approaches (EMDR):
A psychotherapy method designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences by focusing on distressing memories, emotions, and sensations. It uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional impact of trauma and promote adaptive coping mechanisms.
At Strong for Life Integrative Psychotherapy, we understand that starting therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Our team of experienced therapists are here to guide you through the process while providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions. During your sessions, you will receive individualized attention and support to help you work through any challenges or issues you may be facing. We work to provide you with the tools and techniques you need to live your most fulfilling life, both in and out of therapy.



