• Over two decades of experience in a wide range of clinical settings.
• Utilizes the Open Dialogue Method, CBT, DBT, and equine therapy.
• Known for his wisdom, calming presence, and passion for addiction recovery.

Gert Janse van Rensburg is one of the senior psychologists at White River Manor, where he helps oversee most of the clients. With more than two decades of experience in various clinical settings, Gert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the centre. His career includes an internship at a military hospital in Pretoria, where he worked on complex cases of PTSD and substance addictions. He also spent several years as a psychologist for an NHS Trust in the UK and served as the lead psychologist at an inpatient addiction facility in South Africa for two and a half years.

Gert’s success is not only due to his extensive experience and deep understanding of addiction recovery but also to his innate ability to make clients feel at ease. His wisdom and passion for his work are palpable, and his sense of calm reassures clients that they are in safe hands.

A strong proponent of the Open Dialogue Method developed by Finnish Professor Jaakko Seikkula, Gert believes in involving individuals in their treatment plans. He also incorporates techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and equine therapy into his practice. Gert is particularly passionate about equine therapy, having been around horses all his life and witnessing their profound influence on mental healing.

“We make it possible for the person to experience … DBT teaches us not only to think about what we feel but also to feel what we think,” says Gert. He often quotes Churchill, who once said, “There’s something about the outside of the horse that speaks to the inside of men,” reflecting his belief in the healing power of horses.

Gert’s deep love of nature and wildlife drew him to White River Manor, where he spends his spare time at Kruger National Park. He believes that the natural surroundings at White River Manor play a vital role in recovery.

“White River Manor is like nowhere else in the world. The setting. The programs. The personalisation. The luxury accommodation. The clinical excellence of our highly developed team. The equine therapy, and art and music therapy. And the level of activities we offer to our clients at the weekends to teach them to enjoy life and have fun again. All these factors combine to make us one of the most successful treatment centres in the world. I have found my calling and my spot on the earth,” says Gert.

Gert is known for his aura of calm and positivity, and his humble approach to everything. His recognition of the healing opportunity in everyone shines through in all that he does.