Our addiction treatment team in Johannesburg

BA Hons, MA Psych (Wits)

Director

“I am involved in intake assessments and resolving operational challenges at Houghton House. I also enjoy providing families with support and supervising staff when required. Most importantly, I am fortunate to be supported by a highly competent and committed team.

What makes me do this work? Recovery makes sense to me — it involves a life that is meaningful and full of opportunity for development and interpersonal connection. Seeing this process unfold in the lives of our patients fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction. Seeing people “”get it”” really excites me: when their resistance starts to fade and some form of willingness and humility emerges. “

Certified Addiction Counsellor (NAADAC (UK)), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (IC&RC)

Director

“I manage the therapeutic programme at Houghton House and supervise the clinical team. As Director, my goal is to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and the lived experience of sobriety.

My personal recovery journey began over three decades ago, when I found my own freedom through the 12 Steps. In 1995, I helped found this centre to share that gift of recovery with the wider community. I believe that recovery isn’t just about stopping a behaviour — it’s about beginning a new, meaningful life rooted in service and connection.”

MBBCh (Wits), MBA (UCT), FCPsych (SA) (CMSA)

Psychiatrist

“I am a medical doctor and psychiatrist specialising in substance dependence, taking a holistic approach to fostering mental wellness. I am also a certified leadership coach, with over 20 years of experience as a speaker and facilitator.

I have a deep passion for helping people build a successful, examined, and fulfilled life. To this end, I started a YouTube channel to widen my impact beyond private therapy sessions. I share insights on managing stress, overcoming burnout, building resilience, and developing leadership skills.”

MBChB (UL), DMH (SA) (CMSA), FCPsych (SA) (CMSA)

Psychiatrist

I am a specialist Psychiatrist with a special interest in substance dependence, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and anxiety disorders. At Houghton House Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Centres, I help patients suffering from substance use disorders, particularly dual diagnoses with co-occuring mental health conditions.

BSc (Hons), MBBCh (Wits), Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness (US), National Certificate in Exercise Science (HFPA)

Consultant

“I work as a professional medical writer and serve as an independent medical advisor at Houghton House, drawing on my expertise in mental health, addiction, mindfulness and exercise science.

Informed by my own experiences, I feel a deep commitment to teaching and guiding addicts in how to recover from addiction and live a life of purpose and meaning. I’m especially interested in the role of the five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and socialisation.”

MBChB, Diploma in Anaesthesia (CMSA), Accredited Addiction Physician (SAAMS), Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine

General Practitoner

“I work as a General Practitioner at Houghton House, providing patients who are recovering from addiction with clinically-appropriate rehabilitative care. I am a qualified Addiction Physician accredited by the South African Addiction Medicine Society (SAAMS), which promotes the ethical and evidence-based practice of addiction medicine in South Africa.

As a medical professional, I’m driven by a deep commitment to improving outcomes for my patients.”

Matron

Retail Management Diploma (Unisa), Management Development Programme (UCT), Advanced Strategic Management Programme (UCT)

Revenue and Finance Manager

“As Revenue and Finance Manager, I lead the Houghton House Group’s revenue and financial operations. My day-to-day responsibilities ensure the group’s financial health and long-term sustainability, keeping the Centre’s lights on and the doors open.

As a person in recovery myself with 10 years of sobriety, I have an immense and personal passion for helping others in recovery. I take deep satisfaction in seeing Houghton House continue to go from strength to strength. Seeing our patients finish our programme with a renewed zest for life frequently leaves me feeling grateful and inspired.”

BPsych Hons (SACAP)

Admissions counsellor

“As the Admissions Counsellor, I am the first point of contact for patients and families coming into treatment at Houghton House. I experience patients and families when they are at their most vulnerable, when they are desperate for a new way of life. I create a safe space and provide support and encouragement for patients to be open to receiving the help that they need.

What inspires me to do this work? I experience first-hand the transformation that happens when patients come into treatment. I meet them at their worst and witness the transformation when they have committed themselves to this process. “

Diploma in General Nursing (Life Healthcare Nursing College), EMSB Cert (South African Burn Society), ECG Interpretation Cert (UP)

Facilities manager

“I am the Facility Manager at Houghton House, and I am also a qualified Registered Nurse. I oversee the daily operations of the facility, manage the nursing department, and support both staff and patients to ensure that high standards of care are met. I work closely with the clinical team to maintain a safe and structured environment for recovery.

What inspires me is witnessing the strength and resilience of individuals on their path to recovery. Being part of a team that provides hope and guidance is deeply rewarding. I am passionate about creating a supportive space where every person feels valued and empowered to rebuild their lives.”

BA in Social Work and Applied Psychology (UNW)

Head of outpatient services

I am the head of the Houghton House’s outpatient services. I run a compassionate, judgement-free space for individuals facing addiction — and their families — to heal, rebuild trust, and develop healthier coping strategies. Our tailored approach addresses the emotional, psychological, and relational impact of addiction, equipping clients and their loved ones with practical tools for lasting recovery and resilience.

Working with addicts offers a chance to make a difference, foster personal growth, and develop expertise in addiction treatment. It’s rewarding to support individuals in recovery, helping them achieve milestones and rebuild their lives, while also experiencing personal fulfillment and growth in a dynamic work environment. Compassion drives progress.

MA Clinical Psychology (UP)

Clinical psychologist

“I am a Clinical Psychologist at Houghton House, where I provide individual and group psychotherapy and conduct psychological assessments. I also contribute to multidisciplinary treatment planning, with a primary focus on addiction, emotional regulation, trauma, and relapse prevention.

My work is motivated by a deep belief in people’s capacity for change. I find it deeply inspiring to support individuals to understand themselves, take responsibility, and rebuild meaningful lives in recovery — particularly when psychological insight becomes a catalyst for sustained growth and healthier relationships”

BA Social Work (Unisa)

Social worker

“I am an Addictions Specialist Social Worker, forming part of a multidisciplinary team at Houghton House. I work closely with patients throughout the therapeutic process and aim to create an environment conducive to healing and development. I provide individual counselling and facilitate group sessions, lectures, workshops, and family sessions. I also draft recovery plans for post-treatment care and work closely with the outpatient facility and the halfway house.

My passion for addiction treatment started in my childhood, from witnessing the people I love struggle to manage their addiction. I was unable to make a difference then, but now I can actually enhance people’s lives through this life-changing programme at Houghton House. The eight years I’ve spent here have shaped me into being a change agent in society. “

BA Hons in Psychology (UJ), MA Social Sciences, Counselling Psychology (UFH)

Counselling psychologist

“I am a Counselling Psychologist at Houghton House. I work with adults facing concerns such as mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and substance-related challenges. I tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, with an emphasis on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients feel heard and understood.

I believe meaningful change occurs when clients are empowered to develop insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies within a supportive therapeutic relationship. I am committed to holistic, client-centred care and to walking alongside individuals as they work toward recovery, stability, and improved quality of life.”

MA in Counselling Psychology (UJ)

Counselling psychologist

“I am a Counselling Psychologist at Houghton House. My role involves conducting in-depth evaluations, and providing individual and group therapy. I work closely with each client to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses both their addiction and underlying emotional or psychiatric challenges. Using evidence-based approaches, I help clients gain insight into their behaviours, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build the emotional resilience needed for long-term recovery.

What inspires my work is the opportunity to empower clients to explore the roots of their emotional, cognitive, and behavioural challenges and gain meaningful insight into the factors contributing to their addiction and psychological distress. Being part of this process is deeply fulfilling, as it allows me to witness profound personal transformation while continually deepening my own understanding of human behaviour, resilience, and healing.”

Bachelor of Psychology

Registered counsellor

“I am a Registered Counsellor at Houghton House, where I provide psychotherapy to the patients. My duties include individual therapy, family sessions, and running lectures and process groups. This also involves psychoeducation, teaching the patients about their addiction and also teaching them about themselves to help them deal with their trauma and maladaptive behaviour.

What inspires me is seeing a person actually recognise that they are not completely helpless, and that they have a right to change the behaviours or characteristics that no longer serve their purpose. “

Senior addictions counsellor

Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Counselling and Psychology (SACAP)

Recovery assistant

“As a Recovery Assistant at Houghton House, I work closely with patients, ensuring a safe, supportive environment while promoting stability and growth. Through direct containment and delivering recovery-focused lectures, I help individuals develop tools for long-term sobriety and personal empowerment on their journey to lasting wellness and meaningful change.

I believe that the opposite of addiction is connection. Through personal experience, I’ve learned that if human beings cannot connect with each other — because they’re traumatized or isolated — they will connect with something that will give them a sense of relief. The core message people struggling with addiction need to understand is that they’re not alone, and that they are loved. My experience in recovery has fuelled my desire to help others achieve the same: to survive and thrive through hard work and a willingness to learn.”

Matric

Recovery assistant

“As a Recovery Assistant at Houghton House, I work closely with patients, facilitating the communication between patients and families. I make sure patients are participating in the programme and that they understand and do the therapeutic work. In addition to my duties at Houghton House, I also offer a weekly lecture at GAP, and one a week at primary as well.

I love this work because it keeps me grounded in my recovery. It reminds me where I came from. I can relate to our patients through my own experience, and it inspires me to see the change in them after doing the programme and playing a part in their recovery. “

BA Communication Science, BA Hons in Integrated Organizational Communications (Unisa)

Hospital case manager 

“I work directly with medical aids to facilitate patients’ cover for the duration of their stay. I take care of medical aid pre-authorisation, as well as the claims process. I submit all the required paperwork and make sure the information the medical scheme receives is accurate and coded correctly to ensure maximum cover. I also handle invoicing for private patients.

What inspires me to do this work? Knowing that patients don’t have to worry about how their treatment is being funded, so all they have to do is concentrate on getting better. “

Honours

Social worker

“I work in Houghton House’s outpatient facility, following years of experience in inpatient care. My role includes providing individual therapy, facilitating group sessions, and conducting family consultations. This transition has deepened my commitment to offering continuous, compassionate support across the different stages of recovery and mental health treatment.

With 19 years of experience as a social worker, I’m inspired by the resilience of those facing addiction, trauma, and mental illness. I’m motivated to empower individuals through holistic, integrative therapy — honouring their uniqueness while drawing on diverse methods like CBT, DBT, hypnotherapy, and BWRT to support healing and growth.”

BA Psychology and Socio-Informatics (SACAP), BSocSc Hons in Psychology (HPCSA), Registered Counsellor (HPCSSA)

Registered counsellor

“I work as a Counsellor in the outpatient team at First Step. I work with patients both individually and in group settings, helping my patients recognise their unhelpful behaviour, learn to manage their emotions, and make positive changes. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate early recovery. The first year of recovery can be life-changing, provided the patient dedicates themselves to their programmes and well-being.

As the proud daughter of a person who has been in recovery for many years, my own family history gives me a unique perspective and insight into both patients and their families. This motivates me to keep working in this environment and helping the next individual, because I know that with hard work and dedication, recovery is possible. I know that this programme works. “

BSocSc (UND), BSW (Unisa), MA (SocSc) Clinical (UJ)

Clinical social worker and family support

“I serve as a family support therapist at Houghton House. I facilitate a weekly family support group for the family members of inpatient and outpatient patients. As a clinical social worker, my professional and personal interest is working in addiction and family addiction therapy. I work with individuals (including dual diagnosis clients); couples where one or both partners are struggling with addiction; and families impacted by addiction.

I am passionate about helping my clients achieve holistic wellness, supporting them through a range of challenges, including addiction and mental health concerns. I focus on self-development and personal empowerment to facilitate lasting, positive change. “