Dr Thea van der Merwe
Dr Van Der Merwe is the resident specialist psychiatrist for Changes Rehab in Johannesburg.
Dr Thea has worked in private practice since 2006 and has worked closely with other physicians and neurologists to find better ways to treat patients more comprehensively. She took a special interest in addiction back in 2003 while she was still studying. She learned that addiction was a much more complex mental health issue than it seemed and that the substance abuse was often only a symptom of many complex deeper problems.
It became my passion to look at a patient as a whole, using medication, supplements, therapy and some lifestyle changes. These all play a role. Full Remission is the goal in modern psychiatry. We should do as much as we can to achieve this.
Did you know Changes Rehab is accredited by all major healthcare associations and national health organisations and adheres to internal protocols that far exceed the codes of conduct or norms and standards for effective treatment of patients with addictions and other mental health issues.
Premium South African Medical Aid associations pay for patient treatment for the first 21 days in our private primary care facility in Johannesburg.
Changes addiction counsellors are registered professionals who use a proven track record and therapeutic techniques to help your loved one overcome their addiction. With expertise and compassionate approaches, we are able to guide individuals towards leading a healthy, normal life, free from addiction.
Worried About a Loved One?
Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance you need to help your loved ones on the path to recovery.
Free and confidential- Available 24/7
- Access to professional treatment
You don't have to do this alone. Speak to one of our experienced counsellors today.
With over 100 years of collective experience, the majority of the Changes Multidisciplinary Addiction Counselling Team has faced addiction firsthand. They not only hold the qualifications but also possess the personal experience to truly understand and assist loved ones that are struggling through addiction. It is a privilege to work alongside some of the best counselling minds in South Africa.
Sheryl Rahme
Founder & Director
Head of Treatment for Primary Care
Gareth Carter
Director
Internationally Qualified Counsellor
Kate Saxton
Group Practice Director
Counselling Psychologist
Dr. Thea van der Merwe
Resident Psychiatrist
Dr. Rajesh Bhoola
Group Medical Practitioner
Lolly Kikine
Occupational Therapist
Christianne Jones
Counselling Psychologist
Carmen Du Toit
Head of Treatment at River Manor
Skye Warrener
Addictions Counsellor
Melissa Adendorff
Registered Counsellor
Otsile Ramarumo
Recovery Assistant
Brian Muhumuza
Addictions Counsellor
Ingrid Ter Horst
Recovery Assistant
Dominique Roussouw
Social Worker
Bruce Hesom
Intake Coordinator
JP Le Roux
Recovery Assistant
Tanya Figueiredo
Office Manager
If Amy W wanted to go to Rehab then it would have been Changes! I had no idea what rehabilitation and treatment was but when I arrived, I didn't realise how broken and in need of repair I was.
★★★★★A friend of mine was at his lowest point and after going through Changes, his life has turned around completely. Thank you, Changes, for all the help you provided him during his recovery.
★★★★★If you are reading this wondering whether Changes is the right treatment center for you, I am telling you that it is. Changes has made a significant difference in my life and I couldn't be more grateful.
★★★★★Filled with love and rules, Changes will get you on the straight and narrow and help you find the real you. The structure and support they provide are truly life-changing, I am a very different person today.
★★★★★Tonight I attended a very informative support group hosted by Sheryl. Thank you so much for all the support Changes offers to family members. Keep up the amazing, life-changing work. We absolutely salute you!
★★★★★My husband entered Changes at his lowest point. The care and expert guidance he received have not only saved his life but also saved our marriage. We can now look forward to a future together.
★★★★★I am now 2 years, 10 months and 19 days clean and sober, thanks to Changes rehab. Some of the main points I was suggested to do were to play the movie through and live life for today.
★★★★★My son was struggling deeply, and we were desperate. Changes made a real difference. Their care and dedication turned things around, and I feel like I’ve got my son back.
★★★★★I'm proud of the family we are at Changes and the work we do because it comes from our heart and care. Due to that care, we change lives. Changes Treatment Centre is where we make change without fear.
★★★★★Omw!!! I have absolutely no idea how to express my gratitude! My son initially went to another rehab. They couldn't contain him there and he was sent to a state hospital, where he was restrained.
★★★★★Thank you to everyone at Changes who helped my daughter through this difficult time. They not only helped her but kept in constant contact with me, updating me on her progress and checking up on how I was doing.
★★★★★I was fortunate to be a patient at Changes for 90 days. I did treatment at the primary and secondary facility and it really changed my life! I am forever grateful for the help I received.
★★★★★Understanding the Dynamics of Enabling Addiction
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