Clinical Psychology

Francois de Marigny practises solution-focused therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, grounded in attachment theory, from consulting rooms in Morningside, Durban and online. He works with adolescents and adults on depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement, adjusting to change, parenting, personal growth, and questions of sexual orientation and gender identity, and sees couples for couples and marriage counselling. Sessions are collaborative: goals are agreed between client and psychologist rather than prescribed. He does not do therapy with children under 15.

I practise a solution-focused therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, grounded in attachment theory. Drawing on my own life experience and education, I can create a safe space for clients to cope with, and transcend, life’s challenges. These therapies are effective in treating both adolescents and adults. They are interactive in that clients work together with me to achieve goals which have been mutually agreed upon. Belief systems are examined jointly and I help the client identify how thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and assumptions affect the way they feel. I teach the client to challenge their negative thoughts and assumptions and replace them with more functional and realistic thought patterns. These therapies are found to be highly effective in changing a person’s emotional state and behaviours.

Challenges that are addressed/helped by these modalities include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Addiction
  • Bereavement
  • Adjusting to change
  • Dealing with overwhelming emotions that might manifest physically
  • Personal growth & optimisation
  • Parenting skills
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity

In person and online

Consults can be conducted face-to-face at the consulting rooms in Morningside, Durban, or online.

Common questions

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counsellor in South Africa?

Both are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, but in different categories with different training and scope. A clinical psychologist completes a master's degree and a supervised internship, and is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of psychological conditions ranging in severity and complexity. A registered counsellor completes a shorter qualification and works with supportive counselling and screening rather than the treatment of complex conditions.

What actually happens in a first session?

The first session is mostly you talking and the psychologist listening and asking questions — about what brought you, what has already been tried, and what you would want to be different. Nothing is decided in the first session. By the end of it you should have a sense of whether this is a person you can work with, which matters more than technique.

How long does therapy take?

It depends on what you bring and it is not possible to say honestly in advance. Solution-focused work is often shorter than open-ended therapy, and progress is reviewed against goals agreed with you rather than against a fixed number of sessions. Anyone who promises a specific number of sessions before meeting you is guessing.

Do you see couples?

Yes. Francois offers couples counselling, including marriage counselling, in person in Durban and online. Couples who want to work specifically on intimacy and sex can also see him for sex therapy.

Do you see children?

No. Francois works primarily with adolescents and adults, and does not do therapy with children under the age of 15. Children are assessed only in the context of divorce and relocation evaluations.

Can I have therapy in French?

Yes. Francois speaks English and French.

Get In Touch

WhatsApp is the quickest way to reach the practice. You can also phone or email.

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Or phone 031 265 0982, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. Messages are read during these hours.

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