Robert Paynter, NCPS

Robert Paynter, NCPS, uses a person-centred and practical approach to help people move through painful moments. He blends cognitive behavioural techniques with elements from acceptance and commitment work and attachment-focused ideas. He aims to make sessions straightforward and easy to follow so people can use what they learn in daily life.

Robert has ten years of professional experience and has conducted thousands of therapy sessions since qualifying. He draws on that experience when helping with problems such as depression, anxiety, addictions, anger and low self-esteem. He also supports people facing career stress, major life changes and compassion fatigue.

His additional focus areas include care-related stress, chronic illness and disability, cancer, body image, and aging and geriatric issues. He is familiar with a wide range of relationship and sexual-health concerns, including attachment difficulties, codependency and alternative sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink.

Robert speaks English, Afrikaans and Portuguese and has worked with people from many countries and cultural backgrounds. His way of working is warm and respectful, with an emphasis on listening, empathy and practical steps that help people cope day to day.

He encourages a collaborative plan tailored to each person’s situation. Early sessions typically clarify immediate goals, identify coping strategies, and set small, realistic tasks so progress is clear and manageable.

How Robert’s approaches translate to online counselling

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to small actions that match their values, which can suit worries, low mood and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting thought and behaviour patterns and practising new coping strategies, often useful for anxiety, depression and stress. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns and supports work on communication and trust in close relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Robert treats this as a shared process and will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs to decide what to use together. He adapts methods as the work proceeds so sessions stay relevant and achievable.

If you are considering online therapy, check the available session options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier and help people fit therapy around work or care duties. It can also allow shorter check-ins, reduce travel time and let techniques be practised in everyday settings. Confirm the exact session formats offered when you book so they match your needs.