
Janet Bytheway
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the way our minds work and how this shapes the choices we make.
As a child, I loved stories. As an adult, I became passionate about the stories people tell themselves and others about their lives. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone begins to see their story differently, and I find deep joy in helping people make sense of their world.
Working with children has shown me the remarkable healing power of play. Working with families has taught me the strength that grows when people feel understood, supported, and connected.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and a FAMAC-accredited mediator. Along the way, I have also trained in Narrative Therapy, Affective Neuroscience, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) approaches that deepen my understanding of how the brain and body process trauma, emotion, and healing.
In 1995, together with Mandy Knaap, I co-founded the Blaauwberg Therapy Centre, a multi-disciplinary space where professionals work as a team to support clients. Over the years, my practice has become known for its holistic and collaborative approach, especially in working with families in distress.
In addition to my clinical work, I also offer online workshops, Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Co-Parenting in High-Conflict Situations, designed for both parents and professionals. These workshops provide practical tools and insights to help families navigate the challenges of co-parenting with less conflict and more clarity.
While my foundation is in Narrative Therapy, my practice is enriched by a range of therapeutic modalities. At the heart of my work is a commitment to collaboration: building open, transparent relationships with my clients, walking alongside them, and discovering new ways of meeting the challenges they face.
