You still love each other.
The patterns are just in the way.
Certified Imago couples counselling in Pretoria — for partners who keep having the same fight, and want to finally understand why.
Does this sound familiar?
Couples counselling in Pretoria for real, recognisable struggles
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from couples counselling. Most couples come in stuck in one of these patterns:
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The same argument, again
You circle the same fight without resolution, only a pause until next time. The issue isn’t the topic. It’s the cycle underneath.
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Emotional distance
You share a home, a life, a calendar, but the closeness has quietly faded. You feel more like housemates than partners.
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One pursues, one withdraws
When one of you reaches for connection, the other shuts down. Neither of you wants this, but neither knows how to stop it.
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Nothing feels safe to say
You’ve learned to edit yourselves to avoid conflict. The relationship feels careful, guarded, and smaller than it used to be.
Why Imago Therapy is different
Most counselling treats the argument.
Imago treats what’s driving it.
Imago Relationship Therapy is an evidence-based method developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. Unlike general talk therapy, Imago works from the understanding that the conflicts couples have are not random, they are deeply connected to each partner’s childhood experiences and unmet needs.
As a certified Imago Relationship Practitioner, not simply a counsellor who has attended a workshop — Hendrien is trained to guide couples through structured dialogue that makes both partners feel genuinely heard, often for the first time.
A structured, three-part process that replaces reactive arguing with real listening and understanding.
Understanding how early experiences shape what each partner needs — and why certain triggers feel so charged.
No sides taken. No blame. A carefully held space where both of you can finally say the things you’ve been afraid to say.
Skills you take home and actually use, not just insights that evaporate by Monday morning.
Ways to work together
Couples counselling in Pretoria that fits your moment
Every couple’s situation is different. Here’s how we work together, from a single deep-dive session to a fully immersive 3-day experience.
About Hendrien
A specialist in couples , not a generalist who also sees couples
Hi, I’m Hendrien. I’m a certified Imago Relationship Practitioner based in Pretoria East, and relationships are the only thing I do.
I hold an Honours degree in Psychology and have completed specialised Imago Relationship Therapy training through the internationally recognised IITI. My background in psychology means I understand what’s happening beneath the surface, not just the words being said in the room, but the deeper patterns driving them.
I work with couples in English and Afrikaans, in-person in Pretoria East and online across South Africa and internationally. My approach is warm, structured, and never about taking sides.
Real couples · Real results
What couples say about counselling with Hendrien
“She helped us communicate in ways we never could before, and gave us practical tools we actually use daily. Our relationship feels stronger, healthier, and more connected. Truly life-changing.”
Couple, Pretoria
“One of the best forms of therapy I have ever experienced. Completely an out-of-the-box, real, practical, compassionate therapy.”
Couple, Gauteng
“It was and will be the best investment my husband and I ever made.”
Couple, South Africa
Before you book
Common questions about couples counselling in Pretoria
What makes Imago couples counselling different from regular therapy?
Most counselling helps you talk about your problems. Imago helps you understand why those problems keep happening — and gives you a structured way to have different conversations. It works with both partners equally, rather than focusing on one person’s issues.
My partner is hesitant about couples counselling. Is that normal?
Completely normal. Most couples start with one partner more uncertain than the other. A free 20-minute Clarity Call is a low-pressure way for both of you to get a feel for how this works — no commitment required.
Do you offer online couples counselling for couples outside Pretoria?
Yes. Hendrien works with couples online across South Africa and internationally, with the same depth and effectiveness as in-person sessions. Many couples in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and internationally choose online sessions specifically.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your situation. Some couples see significant shift in 4–6 sessions. The 3-Day Intensive compresses months of work into three focused days and is ideal if you want fast, immersive progress. After an initial session, Hendrien will recommend the right path forward for you.
Is it ever too late to start couples counselling?
Rarely. Many couples come in feeling close to giving up — and find a way through. The question isn’t whether it’s too late; it’s whether you’re both willing to try one more thing before deciding.
Do you offer couples counselling in Afrikaans?
Yes. Hendrien is fully bilingual and offers sessions in both English and Afrikaans. You can specify your language preference when you book.