Joanne Burns
Licensed Psychologist in Cape Town
I am a Counselling Psychologist with 10 years of experience working with individuals, families and groups in inpatient and outpatient settings. My special interests include Eating Disorders, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Codependency and Relationship dynamics.
My passion for working in the treatment of Eating Disorders started soon after I qualified as a Counselling Psychologist. After a brief stint of work at a university’s therapeutic unit, I joined the team at Montrose Manor, an Eating Disorder Clinic in Bishopscourt, Cape Town.
I gained a wealth of knowledge from my experienced colleagues, but much of my learning has been through sitting in the chair across from those who are suffering. This is where my passion for helping those with Eating Disorders was born. Across the board of human suffering, regardless of the particular blockage, there is a human journey which needs to be shared, and explored to be understood and healed.
Along this journey, finding reasons to change is paramount, without which we are merely stuck in victim-hood. Once we have reasons to change we need to understand why we are stuck, or why we tend to go back to old ways, despite a desire to change.
Understanding our past may unlock the door to new decisions and then we need hard work and commitment to begin and maintain change. This very important journey towards healing requires a solid and compassionate support system.
I am inspired when I connect with people who are on a journey towards a deeper, more meaningful life. It is often hard opening up and facing repressed pain, but through facing our pain, we find healing and more freedom. Working as a Psychologist has been a deeply rewarding experience and gives me a great sense of purpose.
