Dr Carin Bester Clinical Psychologist Kylemore

Dr Carin Bester Clinical Psychologist

About

Dr. Carin Bester is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of private practice experience. She began her career with clinical work at 2 Military Hospital and later joined The Health Team in Sea Point, focusing on children and families. In 2010, she opened her practice in Bloemfontein, where she also worked at Optima Psychiatric Hospital, helping children, adolescents, and adults. After spending time in Los Angeles, she returned to South Africa in 2015 and resumed her practice in Stellenbosch.

Dr. Bester’s approach emphasizes personal transformation. She strives to create a safe, mindful space for each patient to explore their challenges and foster growth. She believes that therapy is a journey of mutual transformation, where both the patient and therapist can evolve. Dr. Bester’s work is influenced by the philosophy of Carl Gustav Jung: “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”

With a focus on depth psychology, long-term psychotherapy, and mindfulness, Dr. Bester continues to specialize in the treatment of emotional and psychological issues. Her doctoral research explored family resilience in the context of depression. She completed her mindfulness qualification at Stellenbosch University in 2018 and is trained in Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT).

Services Offered

Dr. Bester offers a variety of therapeutic services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual:

• Depth Psychology: This approach uncovers unconscious processes and emotional conflicts, helping patients better understand themselves and achieve long-term transformation.

• Psychotherapy: Dr. Bester specializes in long-term therapy, using techniques such as play therapy and Jungian Sand Tray Therapy. These are particularly helpful for children and adolescents dealing with emotional issues.

• Mindfulness Therapy: Through mindfulness, Dr. Bester helps patients increase self-awareness, manage stress, and regulate emotions more effectively.

• Family Therapy: Drawing from her research on family resilience, Dr. Bester supports families in overcoming emotional struggles, improving communication, and strengthening relationships.

Dr. Bester’s integrative approach focuses on addressing emotional pain and promoting personal growth, ensuring that each patient’s needs are met.

Additional Information

Optima@RustenVrede is a private psychiatric clinic situated in the scenic Banhoek Valley, near Stellenbosch. The clinic offers a calm and peaceful environment for healing, surrounded by mountains and close to Hillcrest Berry Farm. It has three dedicated units: one for children, one for teens, and one for adults, each designed to meet the specific needs of these age groups.

The clinic’s multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, neuro-psychologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. This team collaborates to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Optima@RustenVrede treats a wide range of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and developmental concerns. Patients typically stay for two weeks, although the length of stay may vary depending on their specific needs and medical aid coverage.

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Carin Bester, contact 082 440 6284 or email therapy@optimarustenvrede.com.