About
colleen thiel01. confidential
Therapy is a 100% confidential space. It is a space you can be without fear of judgement. A space in which you can safely explore your health and healing.
02. Professional
I am a registered Counselling Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No. 0095095). I completed my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at Stellenbosch University in 2006.
03. experienced
I have been in private practice for over a decade now, with experience in a variety of different therapy contexts.
my background
A Passion To See Others Heal
Employed as a psychologist for the Department of Corrections in New Zealand for seven years, my role involved psychological and risk assessments, individual and group treatment, as well as training and supervision of programme facilitators. In addition, I developed and presented workshops to prison and probation staff on managing offenders’ challenging behaviours. Working with high risk offenders offered me the opportunity to enhance my therapeutic skills due to the complexities of working with offenders, not only because of their criminal propensities, but their associated mental health difficulties.
I have been in private practice for well over a decade now.
My experience in private practice includes assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, adults and couples over a wide variety of personal, social and professional difficulties. My experience in psychological assessment includes psycho-educational, personality, risk, and neuropsychological assessment.
My therapeutic orientation is rooted in Person-Centred Therapy (Carl R. Rogers). In order to meet the individual needs of my clients, I draw on techniques from Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, depending on the problem at hand. These techniques are introduced in collaboration with my clients.
Testimonials (From Google Reviews)
What clients say
A Life-Changing Partnership: A Review for Colleen
I have been a client of Colleen’s for many years, and without exaggeration, she is the best at what she does. She has been a huge blessing in my life, and her therapeutic skills are nothing short of amazing. From the moment a session begins, Colleen creates an environment where I feel completely relaxed and at ease. Her exceptional compassion and genuine interest make it possible to talk about absolutely everything, knowing I am truly heard. I often joke with my husband that she’s my “paid best friend,” because she makes me feel so deeply known and understood. Her advice, combined with her deep level of compassion, goes a long way and has fundamentally improved my well-being. Colleen is, quite simply, the definition of love and light. If you are looking for a psychologist who provides expert care alongside profound human connection, I recommend her without reservation.
This is a highly professional practice with a warm atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
Colleen, in particular, is exceptional. She has helped me handle both daily stressors and deeper life challenges. Her expertise is undeniable and it is coupled with a genuine kindness/compassion that has truly made a lasting impact in my life. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
I have been going to Dr. Mark Tunbridge & Associates in Claremont, Cape Town for about five years, and I can honestly say this practice has been life-changing for me. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. The service here goes far beyond expectation — every interaction is compassionate, professional, and deeply respectful.
The psychologist I see is without a doubt one of the most remarkable human beings I have ever met. Their empathy, insight, and genuine care have guided me through challenges and helped me develop skills that continue to enhance my mental wellbeing.
Finding a safe, supportive space like this — where you are truly seen, heard, and valued — is rare. I leave every session feeling lighter, stronger, and more equipped to navigate life. I am endlessly grateful for this practice and everyone who is part of it.
There’s something extraordinary about Colleen Thiel. Something you don’t encounter often. She has an incredible ability to connect on a deeply human level, creating a safe and open space where you feel truly heard. Her approach is gentle but profound; she doesn’t push, but somehow she invites you to explore thoughts and emotions you might not have even realized were there.
Through thoughtful questions and unwavering presence, she encourages honest reflection and meaningful dialogue. Conversations with her don’t feel clinical—they feel real. Insightful. Transformative. She guides without judgment, helping you uncover new perspectives and pathways you might not have considered on your own.
If you’re looking for someone who not only listens but truly sees you—and who can help you see yourself more clearly—she is that rare kind of individual who can make that possible.
2025 has been a challenging year for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without Colleen. Choosing to go to therapy can be exceptionally hard and daunting, but when you find someone who makes you feel like you can get through anything, therapy is a true blessing and my sessions with Colleen have been nothing short of that blessing – I feel really lucky to have met her and worked with her for almost a year.
Colleen has a wonderful ability to make you feel at ease from the moment you sit down and most importantly, heard. I know I can tell her anything and that has made working with Colleen truly life changing. Her calm energy, engaging and thought provoking acknowledgements and advice, as well as her sense of humour will bring warmth and comfort to you, without a doubt.
Thank you Colleen for our time together, I really look forward to working more with you in 2026.
Get In Touch
suite 112
first floor
heritaGe house
20 dreyer street claremont
tel
021 674 0509
email
admin@psychologymatters.co.za