The KetaMIND Mental Wellness Care Team
Meet KetaMIND’s in-house ‘mental wellness’ panel of experts …
Our team of clinical and counselling psychologists each bring something special to the table. All offer support and containment sessions on a virtual platform (or face-to-face if geographically feasible) at enrolment, during and after ketamine infusion therapy (KIT). Pre-KIT sessions focus on relaxation techniques and alleviating anxiety. Post-KIT sessions address meaning-making and emotional release.
Read the bios for each of our team members below. Therapy sessions on a virtual platform can be booked online through the KetaMIND website, or through any KetaMIND Clinic. Medical aid rates are charged.
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The KetaMind Wellness Care Team
Dr Maria Dobreva (Specialist Psychiatrist)
Dr Dobreva is a specialist psychiatrist with over 25-years’ experience in private practice. She is a strong advocate for the use of outpatient ketamine infusions in psychiatry and serves on the board of the Society of Ketamine Practitioners of South Africa (SOKePSA).
Dr Juan-Mari Kruger (Specialist Psychiatrist)
Dr Juan-Mari Kruger is a specialist psychiatrist in private practice in the Western Cape. Dr Kruger has a stellar academic background having fostered her interest in psychiatry back in 2013 completing a Diploma in Mental Health, followed by a fellowship and master’s degree in psychiatry, and an MBA (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University. Her research included profiling suicidal patients, and she has worked extensively in both general and forensic psychiatry. Dr Kruger refuses to tell her patients battling depression that ‘no further treatment options exist’, hence her interest and excitement about outpatient ketamine infusion therapy.
Hèlet Boustred (Registered Counsellor)
Hèlet is a registered psychological counsellor with a particular interest in trauma and specific training in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Hèlet believes that the infusions offered at KetaMind clinics can allow patients to move forward in their lives with an adjusted mindset. Hèlet is a valuable asset to the KetaMind Care Team and we encourage patients to use her services on a virtual platform or face-to-face. Hèlet is based in Stellenbsosch.
Elri Hettema (Counselling Psychologist)
Graduating at the University of Stellenbosch, I interned at 2 Military Hospital (Psychiatric Ward) and at the Institute for Medical Medicine in Simonstown. I worked with both inpatients and out-patients diagnosed with severe psychopathology and behavioural disorders. I was involved with assessments, selection processes, skills training, and course presentations. A multi-disciplinary approach was followed on all levels.
I have an eclectic approach to therapy, and work with the broad spectrum from more severe psychopathologies to victims of gender-based violence, to sleep disorders (behavioural approach), trauma (Solution Focused approach), and assisting with an integrated wellness approach. Elri believes in the potential of all human beings, and that we can become the best “us”, given the right support and opportunities. I am looking forward to assisting on your life journey.
Andrea Kellerman (Educational Psychologist)
Andrea is a registered Educational Psychologist who has been working with children and adults for the past 30 years. She has formerly worked as a qualified teacher and has lectured and taught children and adults at school, college and university level. After having studied psychology, hypnotherapy and neurofeedback/brain training, she worked in hospitals, a crisis centre and private practice where she has helped many people who suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, eating disorders, concentration problems, ADD/ADHD along with other conditions. She has been published in magazines and newspapers.
Lauren Calder (Counselling Psychologist)
Lauren has an established practice in KZN and has specialized in Transpersonal Psychology. She applies mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to wellness, stress, depression, and anxiety.
Roelien Wiesner (Registered Social Worker & Counsellor)
Roelien brings to KetaMind her vast experience in trauma counselling, particularly where childhood trauma, depression and suicidality are concerned. Having worked for more than a decade for the National Prosecuting Authority and Family Advocate, Roelien has ‘seen it all’ and has been impressed by the beneficial effects of ketamine infusion in traumatised and suicidal children and adolescents. Now in private practice, Roelien is available to offer counselling to KetaMind’s patients on a face-to-face or virtual basis. She is based in Pietermaritzburg.
Dr Doug Mansfield (Clinical Psychologist)
Dr Mansfield is a clinical psychologist with many years’ experience in both private practice and as a university lecturer. He specialises in clinical neuropsychology. Dr Mansfield serves on the board of the Society of Ketamine Practitioners of South Africa (SOKePSA).