Are you feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, stressed or anxious?

You do not have to navigate it alone.

I am a registered counsellor, specialising in anxiety, stress and burnout. Whether you are in Cape Town or anywhere else in the world, I offer a calm, confidential space to help you find your way back to feeling like you again.

Online and in-person sessions available

Who I Help

You do not have to be in crisis to get in touch. Many of my clients are people who may look like they have it together, but inside they are overwhelmed, stressed, and struggling to cope.

If any of these sound familiar, you are in the right place:

Constantly worrying, overthinking, feeling on edge ~ even when there is no obvious reason to feel that way

Feeling more irritable or emotional than usual ~ oversized reactions to small or normal things

Feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained ~ everyday responsibilities feel too much

Difficulty concentrating ~ feeling mentally foggy, forgetful or unmotivated

Struggling to sleep or truly relax ~ your body may be tired but your mind keeps going

No longer feeling like yourself ~ feeling disconnected, stuck or emotionally numb

Turning to alcohol, substances or other unhelpful behaviours to cope ~ reaching your phone, a drink or any other substance just to switch your mind off

How I Can Help

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress and burnout.

Together, we explore what’s driving the stress in your life and build practical, sustainable strategies to help you not only to feel better, but to cope in healthier, more effective ways.

Sessions are:

Flexible but usually 1 hour in duration

1-on-1 and completely confidential

Online (wherever you are) or in-person (in Cape Town)

Tailored to you: no one-size-fits-all approach

Interior room with white walls, a patterned rug, a white sofa with patterned pillows, a wooden coffee table, a white fireplace, and a tall green bookcase filled with books. There is a wooden desk with a green banker lamp and a blue chair with a yellow pillow.
Interior room with white walls, a patterned rug, a white sofa with patterned pillows, a wooden coffee table, a white fireplace, and a tall green bookcase filled with books. There is a wooden desk with a green banker lamp and a blue chair with a yellow pillow.

Monika MacNaughton

I have been working in mental health since 2007, and I have worked across various psychiatric and private settings.

I endeavour to bring both professional training and genuine warmth to every session.

Smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing a white shirt and a necklace, against a dark background.

What To Expect

For most people, starting therapy can feel like a big step. My goal is to make it feel as easy and seamless as possible.

So if you would like to, you can book a free 15-minute intro call with no pressure, no commitment. We can then talk about what is going on for you and whether we are a good fit.

If you would like to go ahead, we schedule your first full session.

Alternatively, simply contact me to book a session.

Ready to take the next step?

What Clients Say

  • "I’ve been seeing Monika for around four years now, and she’s the longest-term therapist I’ve ever had and the one I’ve felt most comfortable with. She’s helped me through hardships that I genuinely wasn’t sure I was capable of handling, and has helped me deal with the copious amounts of stress and uncertainty that come with my line of work. She’s calm, compassionate and supportive, and I genuinely feel like she cares about me, which in turn allows me to feel safe enough to open up."

    • Current Client - 32 years - female - USA

  • “Monika listened and guided me through a necessary transformation. Grateful to have had someone with the correct mixture of care and objectivity on my journey“

    • Previous Client - 54 years - male - South Africa

  • "Over the years, I've seen several therapists and counsellors, and something I deeply appreciate about Monika is her ability to provide a compassionate, judgement-free space while still helping her clients to hold themselves accountable. She has a varied toolkit and adapts her sessions accordingly. I am often grateful for the breadth of her knowledge and the practical tools she shares. I would highly recommend her to anyone dealing with anxiety and worn-out coping mechanisms."

    • Current Client - 45 years - female - South Africa

  • "Being a British male in my mid forties, proper therapy was not something I had experience with or that came naturally; but then Monika has such a wonderfully warm, easy going demeanor, it felt natural talking to her. I began opening up in a way that surprised me and shocked my wife whose nickname for me had always been ‘Repressed Brit’! Not only has she given me a new perspective on sleep but on therapy all together. It is now an essential part of my life and something that has made a tangible impact, not just in my life but in my family’s. I cannot thank Monika enough for this and could not recommend her more highly."

    • Previous Client - 42 years - male - UK

  • "I’d struggled with sleep for about half of my adult life and, when my now wife mentioned seeing a hypnotherapist, I was willing to try anything. Monika was recommended by a friend who experienced genuine success and I decided to give it a go. The results were staggering! After 2-3 sessions, not only was I able to fall asleep quickly in the evening but I was able to go back to sleep once I woke during the night (something I thought no longer possible). Monika has given me a new perspective on sleep and taught me practical techniques that have helped me manage my sleep issues."

    • Previous Client ~ 44 years ~ male ~ USA