Our Team

Our highly experienced multi-disciplinary team, with a wide range of clinical and therapeutic skills, is passionately committed to providing every client with the best possible individualized care. We pride ourselves on blending our diverse skills into 12 Step-based, holistic programmes that offer a rich, life-changing treatment experience, within a structured, supportive environment.

Carry Bekker NCAC (FDAP) - Programme Director

Carry has worked as an addictions and family counsellor since 1993 and co-founded Stepping Stones in 1998. She is widely recognized as one of the country's leading experts in addictions treatment. Carry works closely with patients' families, providing counselling, support and assistance with family interventions. As Programme Director, she is responsible for programme delivery, providing experienced insight and direction across all aspects of patient treatment and care.

Jean Wheeler M.A. Coun. Psych. Cum Laude (RAU) - Counselling Psychologist

Jean has many years of experience in addiction treatment in a variety of settings, including private practice, an outpatient treatment programme and the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care. She has been an integral member of our team since 2002, working in a holistic and integrative way with individuals, groups and families.

Peter Powis - Clinical Psychologist

As one of the founders of Stepping Stones and former Clinical Director, Peter has played an integral role in developing it into an internationally recognized addictions treatment facility. He has well over 20 years experience working with recovering addicts and their families, utilizing a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Peter is now in private practice and our consultant Clinical Psychologist, focusing on counsellor training, clinical supervision and importantly, integrating appropriate new therapeutic developments into the programme. He also provides experienced insight and clinical support to both the Stepping Stones and Beach House teams.

Johannes Snyman BA Hons Clin. Psych., B. Nursing, RN psych. - Clinical Manager

Johannes is a trained and highly experienced therapist in the mental health and addiction treatment fields, with a passion for helping people suffering from addiction to restore their lives and regain their vision for the future. As Clinical Manager, Johannes leads our primary care counselling and nursing teams, ensuring delivery of the highest quality individualised treatment and care for every client.

Jillian Domingo BSc OT Hons - Occupational Therapist & Addictions Counsellor

Jillian has been a key member of the Stepping Stones counselling team since 2005. She is highly experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy, working extensively with addictions, anxiety, depression and the family. Jillian also facilitates the Lifeskills element of our treatment programme.

Michelle de Buys - Senior Addictions Counsellor

Michelle has a psychiatric nursing background, and has worked as an addictions counsellor since 1997. She joined the Stepping Stones Counselling Team in 1998. Michelle's extensive experience working with all forms of addiction and compulsive behaviours, led to her special interest and skills in the treatment of eating disorders associated with addiction.

Evelyn Nangle NCAC (FDAP) UKRCP CAC111

Evelyn is an experienced addictions and family counsellor with over 8 years experience working in the primary and secondary care treatment environments. Her work with her clients is enriched by her personal recovery journey and she is passionate about integrating Stepping Stones’ beautiful natural surrounds into the recovery experience.

Claire Alberts - Addictions Counsellor

Claire has been in recovery from addiction since 1997. She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of the impact of addiction on the individual and the family. Claire joined Stepping Stones in 2007, and is currently studying towards a Degree in Counselling Psychology.

Michelle van Blommestein - Therapeutic Drumming Facilitator

Michelle has many years experience teaching djembe drumming, and using drums & percussion instruments as a powerful therapeutic tool for clients in addiction & psychiatric facilities. She has been facilitating the weekly drum therapy session at Stepping Stones since 2004.

Dr. Duncan Laurenson MBChB (UCT), ACLS, APLS - Consulting General Practitioner

Duncan has worked with Stepping Stones since 1999 and has extensive experience in the addiction treatment field. He holds medical responsibility for patient admissions, detoxification and all physical aspects of addictions treatment.

Dr. Laurence Oliver MBChB (UCT) F.F.Psych (SA) - Consulting Psychiatrist

Laurence qualified as a psychiatrist in 1991. He headed the addiction unit at a major state hospital from 1991 to 1994 before moving into private practice. He is experienced in all areas of adult and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy, and has pursued a special interest in addiction psychiatry. Laurence has been consulting at Stepping Stones since 2002.

Dr Belinda Derman BSc (Wits) MBChB (UCT) FCPsych (SA) - Consulting Psychiatrist

Belinda qualified as a psychiatrist in 2004. She is in private practice and also does sessional work in a state hospital in the field of addiction. Belinda has a special interest in a person- centered approach to psychiatry and psychotherapy. She has been consulting at Stepping Stones since 2008.