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About Kerry-Jane Coleman

Kerry-Jane Coleman specialises in adolescent psychotherapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Cape Town and maintains registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), the South African Social Workers in Private Practice (SASSWPP), and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF).

Her early clinical training took place at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. There she honed her skills in assessing and treating complex mental health challenges in adolescents.

Following this, she provided individual and group psychotherapy to adolescent boys awaiting trial at Bonnytoun, Lindalani, and Horizon Youth Care Centre. In partnership with government and non-governmental organisations, she advocated for children’s rights and protection in South Africa

For over thirteen years, Kerry-Jane held the position of school counsellor at a private boys’ school in KwaZulu-Natal. She provided confidential psychotherapeutic interventions to students, focusing on academic stressors, interpersonal relationships, and holistic personal growth. In her private practice, she draws on her extensive psychiatric, developmental, and educational expertise to deliver tailored therapeutic interventions that empower adolescents and their families.

Guiding Principles and Philosophy

Kerry-Jane believes every adolescent carries a story waiting to be heard—often hidden beneath labels like “naughty” or “disruptive.” True healing begins by pausing to explore those unseen chapters and honouring each young person’s resilience.

She approaches therapy as a collaborative journey built on trust, respect, and authentic interest. Through active engagement and reflective inquiry, she supports adolescents in identifying and cultivating their innate strengths, even during periods of emotional strain.

Transformation arises when adolescents feel safe enough to explore their fears, brave enough to face them, and supported enough to take that next step. Through Kerry-Jane’s compassionate support and expert guidance, young men cultivate resilience that endures throughout their lives

Core values Kerry-Jane embodies in every session

Creating a safe and confidential environment where honesty and openness flourish.

Valuing each adolescent’s unique identity, viewpoint, and developmental journey.

Exploring emotions and narratives with authentic curiosity and a non-judgmental approach.

Guiding adolescents to build confidence and skills for navigating challenges and making value-driven decisions.

Equipping adolescents with adaptable coping strategies that support lifelong well-being.

Primary Clients

Supporting Young Men on Their Journey

In her practice, Kerry-Jane partners one-on-one with adolescent males (ages 12–28), placing each young man’s goals and strengths at the heart of therapy. With genuine warmth and clinical expertise, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space where patients build resilience, emotional insight, and self-confidence. Recognising the important role of family, Kerry-Jane collaborates with parents or guardians as supportive allies—equipping them with practical strategies to reinforce growth at home. Whether navigating academic pressures, sports-related stress, mental health challenges, peer relationship dynamics, self-esteem hurdles, or life transitions, she tailors a patient-centred journey that honours each young man’s unique story and potential.

No one understands your son’s experiences as intimately as you do. Parents or young men themselves often seek support when they notice concerning changes. The warning signs could be numerous and varied. It is not uncommon for adolescents to be unaware of their own distress until a caring adult highlights these warning signs. Recognising these early indicators can facilitate timely, compassionate intervention.

  • Persistent worry, panic attacks, or overwhelming stress
  • Low mood, mood swings, or signs of depression and bipolar symptoms
  • Lingering trauma, grief, self-harm urges, or thoughts of suicide
  • Delusions, hallucinations, or other psychosis symptoms

  • Acting out, rigid routines, or obsessive–compulsive patterns
  • Defiance, missing school, stealing, or damaging property
  • Peer or relational difficulties, social withdrawal, or isolation
  • Substance use or other addictive behaviours

  • Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, or ADHD concerns
  • Changes in school performance (e.g. falling grades)
  • Frequent headaches, low energy levels, or other physical complaints
  • Dramatic changes in sleeping or eating habits

  • Mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar)
  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Porn addiction
  • Adjustment disorders related to major life changes
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Trauma
  • Complicated grief and bereavement
  • Disruptive behaviour disorders (e.g. Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Personality disorders

Then reach out to Kerry-Jane and set up a consultation.

Services

Services Designed Around Your Family

Every young man and family are different. To meet you where you are, Kerry-Jane offers:

A private, supportive setting where your son leads the conversation and shapes his path forward.

Practical strategies and compassionate guidance to help caregivers strengthen trust and understanding at home.

Safe, structured meetings to rebuild communication, heal old wounds, and deepen connections.

Secure online sessions that bring flexibility, convenience, and privacy into your own home/school.

Multi-day extreme wilderness adventures blending teamwork, challenges, and reflection to ignite self-discovery and lasting growth.

Together, you’ll craft strategies that foster deeper connection, resilience, and positive change for your entire family.

A Heart-Centered, Evidence-Based Approach

Kerry-Jane draws on evidence-based psychotherapeutic models, selecting the right blend for each young man’s personality and needs:

Simple tools to reshape stressful thoughts and build healthy coping habits.

Exploring and reframing personal stories to separate identity from struggles.

Spotlighting passions, talents, and character strengths to boost confidence.

Cultivating present-moment awareness, acceptance, and action guided by core values.

Gently uncovering how early relationships shape current patterns.

Outdoor challenges and retreats that build resilience, teamwork, and self-efficacy.

Equipping families, schools, and caregivers with insights and tools to sustain progress.

Each session balances professional expertise with genuine warmth, ensuring growth feels empowering—not overwhelming.

Change takes courage—and it begins with feeling truly understood. Are you ready to support the young man in your life as he steps into his strengths? Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Patient and Parent Corner

A Guide for Parents on What to Expect

Watching an adolescent struggle can feel heartbreaking and isolating. In this partnership, parents will find clarity, hope, and practical tools:

Kerry-Jane will meet (in-person or online) to gather background, identify strengths, and set collaborative goals.

Everything the adolescent shares is private unless there is an immediate risk of harm. Parents will receive general updates without breaching trust.

Kerry-Jane will track improvements in mood, behaviour, and family interactions, adjusting the plan as needed.

Parents will learn de-escalation techniques, supportive communication styles, and routines that foster emotional safety at home.

When beneficial, family meetings will be held to address conflicts, enhance understanding, and celebrate successes together.

Compassionate support and respect for the adolescent’s autonomy are vital ingredients for his healing journey.

A Guide for Young Men on What to Expect

Entering therapy can feel unfamiliar, even daunting. Kerry-Jane is committed to guiding young men through each step, ensuring they feel respected, supported, and empowered from the very first session.

Kerry-Jane will explain what counselling is, what confidentiality means and will ask about school, friends, and get to know you. You will also have a chance to ask anything.

You will decide what to talk about and how fast to move. No topic is off-limits, and silence is okay too.

The office is filled with sensory objects, including a mini punch bag and an oversized bean bag.

You can share fears, mistakes, or hopes—Kerry-Jane’s role is to listen, not to criticise.

What you say stays between us, except if there’s a real safety concern. In that case, Kerry-Jane will always involve you in decisions about who else needs to know.

You set your own targets—whether it’s feeling less anxious, getting along better at home, or excelling in sports—we will work toward them together.

Appointments & Bookings

Appointments and Booking Procedures

Appointments may be requested via Reception, Email, or WhatsApp. Confirmation will be sent within one business day; without confirmation, the appointment is not secured. Sessions are 50 minutes in duration. Adolescent clients are required to commit to a minimum of six sessions to ensure a comprehensive and effective therapeutic process. This commitment allows for a structured approach that includes the following stages:

This initial meeting involves the parent/s or guardians and Kerry-Jane. During this session, Kerry-Jane will gather an overview of the concerns, family history, and any relevant background information. Consent for treatment will be obtained, and the goals for therapy will be discussed and set.

The first session with the adolescent client focuses on building rapport and trust between Kerry-Jane and the adolescent. Kerry-Jane will assess the presenting issues, gather information about the adolescent's perspective, and begin formulating a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

These sessions involve targeted interventions using evidence-based approaches. Kerry-Jane will work with the adolescent individually and may also involve family members as needed. The focus will be on addressing the identified issues, implementing therapeutic techniques, and monitoring progress. Ongoing assessment will be conducted to ensure that the treatment plan remains effective and relevant.

The final session in the initial commitment period is a feedback meeting. During this session, Kerry-Jane will review the progress made, discuss the findings, and collaboratively plan the next steps with the adolescent and their parents. This may include recommendations for further therapy, additional support, or other interventions as needed.

This structured approach ensures that the adolescent receives consistent support and that Kerry-Jane can effectively monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, which is crucial for achieving positive therapeutic outcomes.

Therapy Commitments

Short-term therapy commitments typically range from eight to twelve sessions, tailored to meet the specific needs of the adolescent and family. This extended commitment suits adolescents seeking deeper exploration or support for more complex challenges.  It also allows for a more in-depth exploration of issues and the implementation of longer-term strategies to support the adolescent's well-being.

Payment is due at the time of the consultation. Non-payment will result in the suspension of further therapy sessions until payment is made. Telephonic consultations longer than 10 minutes are subject to additional charges. Appointments not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance will be charged in full. Missed sessions and late cancellations are not reimbursable by medical aids. For appointments on Monday, notice must be received by 16:00 on the preceding Friday. Late arrivals will not receive an extension of the scheduled appointment time.

Services are rendered at private tariff rates and are not subject to medical aid network agreements.

  • Cash or credit card (payment to be made immediately after sessions)
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) with proof of payment submitted before the session
  • Please use your child’s name as payment reference and email proof of payment to susan@kjctherapy.co.za

  • Intake Session (with parent(s)/guardian(s): R1 100
  • Adolescent Individual Session: R1 000
  • Court or External Reports: By arrangement, quoted separately

Account Name: KJC Therapy

Bank: Capitec Business Account

Branch Code: 450105

Account Number: 1053825153

Testimonials

Common Questions and Answers

A: No. Adolescents can benefit from therapy for everyday stress, relationship struggles, life transitions, or self-exploration. Early support often prevents small issues from becoming larger challenges.

A: Therapy doesn’t reinforce negativity; it provides coping strategies and reframes unhelpful thinking. Adolescents learn to replace ruminating thoughts with balanced perspectives and constructive action.

A: No, a single session or two wont “fix” everything. Lasting change usually unfolds over several weeks or months. Each session builds skills, insight, and resilience—a process that deepens with consistent engagement.

A: Skilled therapists excel at building rapport and trust through empathy, active listening, and validation. Many adolescents find it easier to share difficult feelings in a neutral, confidential setting.

A: Not necessarily. While some adolescents benefit from combined treatment, many improve significantly through psychotherapy alone. Medication is introduced only when clinically indicated.

A: Therapists balance confidentiality with parental involvement, sharing only clinically necessary information. This protects your adolescent’s privacy while ensuring important safety or progress updates are communicated.

Therapy is not a test. It’s the adolescent’s time to explore who they are, what they feel, and how they want to grow—at their own pace.
Empowerment begins with one brave step. If parents are ready to support their adolescent on their path to resilience and confidence, they are encouraged to reach out to schedule a consultation.

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