Samantha Taylor

About
I have journeyed through all the seasons of life. I have had moments of great joy and seasons of deep loss. I know the sweet taste of triumphs and the depths of disappointment. After many fulfilling years in a career I loved, I now pursue my lifelong passion for psychology and primary mental health care full-time.

I believe it is never too late to engage in growth and self-discovery or to find the strength to face challenges. I value healing, recovery, emotional resilience, and the power of choice. 

I have a deep heart for women’s mental health, and my work with teenagers navigating life’s pressures, substance use challenges, or mild to moderate mental health concerns brings me great meaning and fulfilment.

I believe that everyone deserves access to quality primary mental health care, and my services are intentionally affordable.

My Qualifications:
  • Diploma in Counselling and Communication Skills (SACAP), 2025, Dean's Award
  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (UNISA), 2002
  • Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP -Association for Suppportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners SWC2025/10057)
  • 250+ counselling hours
Wellness Counselling
Wellness counselling supports your overall wellbeing, mind, body, and spirit. By nature, wellness counselling is an intimate and personal journey you undertake to explore new paths to thrive in your life and not simply survive it. I believe that, regardless of where we are on our journey, whether healing from pain or reaching for new possibilities, we all have the potential to build a life worth living.

I offer non-judgmental and supportive counselling as you navigate life's challenges, such as stress, anger, relationships, personal growth, divorce or loss. I will introduce you to skills that build resilience, enhance communication, and help you handle everyday challenges effectively. 

My approach centres on you as both the inspiration for and the creator of a life characterised by balance, meaning, and improved emotional well-being. My work includes techniques from Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Person-Centred Therapy. These modalities provide practical strategies and skills which, together with my compassionate and empathetic guidance, scaffold the development of emotional strength, self-trust, and autonomy.

My Areas of Service

Individual Counselling

Individual Counselling

Work through personal challenges, stress, confusion or life transitions in a safe, nurturing space where you’re met with understanding, care, and gentle support. Together, we’ll create room for healing, reflection and possibility.

Teen Counselling

Teen Counselling

High school years can feel overwhelming — even for the most resilient teens. In a caring and confidential space, students can explore their feelings, learn valuable life and refusal skills, and discover healthy ways to handle peer pressure, social challenges, and exam stress.

Navigating Divorce

Navigating Divorce

When a relationship ends, so much shifts — identity, routine, and belonging. With warmth and empathy rooted in genuine understanding, you will discover new pathways toward healing, clarity, and renewed self-trust.

Grief and Loss

Grief and Loss

Through loss, we often rediscover strengths we didn’t know we had. I provide gentle support while you navigate sorrow and adjustment, and help you navigate the road toward renewal.

Embracing Change

Embracing Change

Whether you’re facing a career shift, relocation, or personal transformation, consistent support can help you adapt, realign, and embrace new beginnings with courage and care.

Unpack

Unpack

Sometimes we just need to be heard. If you’re not seeking ongoing counselling but want to process a specific situation or emotion, a once-off counselling session provides a compassionate space to talk things through, ease emotional weight, and leave feeling lighter and more centred.

Pricing Table

Sessions are offered on a private-pay basis, and payment is kindly requested at the time of your appointment.

15 Minute Online Introduction Session

R0

Teen Counselling

R350/Hour

Online Individual Sessions (In person by arrangement)

R450/Hour

4 x Session Online Reprieve Package (In person by arrangement)

R1600
Establishing Connection
Connecting with the right person for your wellness journey is essential. I invite you to join me for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to connect, ask questions, and determine if our collaboration would be a good fit for you.
Important Consideration
Please note that as a primary mental health care provider, I do not provide psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment, nor do I diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication. I engage ethically with clients within my area of practice and refer them to mental health professionals when necessary. My practice is under professional supervision to ensure the highest standard of care.
Reprieve Program
The Reprieve Program
Reprieve is a four-week supportive counselling programme, designed for clients who appreciate structure and timelines. Reprieve offers a pause to help clients step out of emotional overwhelm, stabilise, and regain clarity. Drawing on solution-focused counselling and DBT-informed skills, Reprieve provides practical support, emotional containment, and a way forward, at a humane pace. 
This programme does not aim to diagnose or treat mental illness. Instead, it focuses on relief, coping, and meaningful change within everyday life.

Recommended Reading

The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk

Excellent resource for understanding the body's response to trauma, providing an alternative approach to healing of the mind, brain and body.

Untamed

Glennon Doyle

An inspiring memoir in which the author rediscovers herself through a feminist lens, which enabled her to break free from societal expectations and live her life more authentically.

Awake

Jen Hatmaker

An inspiring memoir providing a raw and moving reflection of rebuilding and recreating a new and abundant life after infidelity and divorce in midlife.

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

James Nestor

Connecting ancient practices and modern science to highlight the impact of breath work on health, performance and well-being.

Self-Esteem, 4th Edition - A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem

Matthew McKay, PHD and Patrick Fanning

Provides positive and effective strategies to build self-worth, very beneficial if you struggle with low self-esteem.

Contact me to schedule a booking

  • Paarl, South Africa

Affiliations

Testimonials

 Sam, I do not know how to thank you. You get me. Thank you for your summaries, attention to detail and your care. You are an angel who came my way. 

Janet
     

 I am so glad to have been put in touch with Sam. It has been so pivotal, even though we have only had three sessions together, I feel I have finally found the right person. 

Lucy
     

 Sam is a highly professional, empathetic and reliable counsellor with strong foundational skills. Sam connects with others with warmth and insight, responding in ways that show genuine care. 

Alison
     

 Sam is a dedicated professional with amazing people, problem-solving and communication skills. 

Jamee
     

Emergency Contacts

Please note that this is not an emergency service. In the event of a mental health crisis, risk of harm, or emergency, please contact emergency services or appropriate crisis resources listed below.

1

SAPS / Emergency Services

10111 or 112

2

Suicide Crisis Line

0800 567 567

3

SADAG

0112344837

4

Life Line

322 322

5

Childline

08001111