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HPCSA Registered — PS 0088439

A safe space
to heal, grow,
and be heard.

Gao Bokaba is a Registered Clinical Psychologist based in Pretoria, Gauteng. With 23+ years of experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and groups — in person, online, or telephonically.

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English Setswana Sepedi Sesotho
23+
Years of practice
4
Languages spoken
100%
Confidential
Calm therapy consultation room

About Gao

Hello, I'm Gaongalelwe 'Gao' Bokaba

MSc Clinical Psychology — Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist (HPCSA PS 0088439 / PR 0194557) with over 23 years in part-time and full-time private practice in Pretoria and Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas.

In your life journey, you may go through negative experiences that, if left unprocessed, weigh heavily on you and hinder your capacity to be at your best. Psychotherapy offers a space to unpack those experiences, look at them afresh, and create room for new insights and a different perspective of self and others.

I have worked in educational institutions and consulted in both inpatient and outpatient hospital environments. Evidence-based, integrative approaches are used collaboratively with every client.

Therapeutic approaches

CBT ACT CFT SFBT Integrative

Memberships

HPCSA SACNA (Associate) BHF
23+
Years of practice
MSc
Clinical Psychology
4
Languages spoken
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What I Offer

Therapy and support for where you are now

Evidence-based services designed around your circumstances, goals, and pace. Sessions are 45–60 minutes and available in person, online, or telephonically.

Individual Therapy

Personalised one-on-one support for depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, trauma, and personal growth.

In person · Online · Telephonic
Learn more →

Couples Therapy

Rebuild connection, improve communication, and work through conflict with guided support for both partners.

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Group Therapy

Structured group sessions for phobias, substance use disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, depression, and bereavement.

Adolescent Therapy

Specialised support for teenagers navigating identity, academic pressure, relationships, and emotional development.

Psychometric & Neuropsychological Assessment

Comprehensive assessments for diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, and forensic/psycho-legal reports including road accident and medical negligence claims.

Learn more →

Disorders & Symptom Treatment

Targeted, evidence-based care for mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, GBV, sexual trauma, and autism spectrum presentations.

Anxiety → Depression →
How It Works

Your first three steps

From your first contact to ongoing sessions, here is what to expect.

1

Initial Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique challenges, history, and goals — collaboratively and without judgment.

2

Personalised Therapy Plan

Sessions are tailored to your specific needs using an integrative, evidence-based approach determined together with you.

3

Ongoing Support

Continued care with regular review of progress, adapting strategies as your needs and goals evolve throughout the journey.

Clinical Focus Areas

Special interests and what we treat

Areas where Gao has developed particular depth through 23+ years of clinical experience.

Disorders & Challenges

  • Mood disorders: depression & bipolar
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse & addiction
  • Gender-based violence & sexual trauma
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Postpartum depression & perinatal anxiety

Life Transitions & Adjustments

  • Divorce (pre- and post-)
  • Loss and bereavement
  • Workplace changes
  • Chronic or terminal illness
  • Parental guidance

Development & Growth

  • Career guidance
  • Personal development & self-esteem
  • Identity & life purpose

Session Formats

  • In person — Protea Towers, Pretoria
  • Online (teletherapy) — flexible, from anywhere
  • Telephonic — for clients who prefer audio-only

Sessions are typically 55 minutes. Online sessions maintain the same ethical and clinical standards as in-person work.

Psycho-legal & Supervision

  • Psycho-legal assessments
  • Medical negligence reports
  • Unlawful arrest assessments
  • Road accident compensation claims
  • Clinical supervision

At a glance

Trauma & PTSD
Anxiety & Stress
Depression
Grief & Loss
Relationship Issues
Workplace Stress
Substance Use
Eating Disorders
Adolescent Wellbeing
GBV & Sexual Trauma
Autism Spectrum
Psycho-legal Assessments
Client Feedback

What clients are saying

"Gao helped me navigate through my toughest times. Her insights and support were invaluable in my recovery."
— Anonymous
"I felt comfortable sharing my problems with Gao. Her professional and caring approach made all the difference."
— Anonymous
"In just a few sessions, I noticed incredible changes in my mindset. Thank you, Gao, for your guidance."
— Anonymous
"Gao's expertise and compassion helped me overcome obstacles I thought were insurmountable."
— Tshidi, Centurion
Why Choose Gao

Care you can trust, grounded in experience

❤️

Compassionate Practice

Every session is a warm, empathetic encounter. You will never feel judged — only heard, respected, and supported.

🎓

Proven Expertise

23 years of clinical experience, an MSc in Clinical Psychology, HPCSA registration, and continuous professional development.

🌍

Multilingual & Community-Rooted

Therapy in English, Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho — with cultural sensitivity and deep commitment to South African communities.

Common Questions

What clients often ask

Is Gao Bokaba registered with the HPCSA?
Yes. Gao Bokaba is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, registration numbers PS 0088439 and PR 0194557. You can verify this on the HPCSA website.
Where is the practice located?
The practice is at Protea Towers Building, Offices 517 & 518, corner of Paul Kruger and Pretorius Streets, Pretoria, Gauteng. Sessions are also available online and telephonically.
What languages does Gao offer therapy in?
Gao Bokaba offers consultations in English, Setswana, Sepedi and Sesotho — making her practice accessible to a wide range of clients across Gauteng and beyond.
What therapy approaches does Gao use?
Gao uses evidence-based, integrative approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The approach for each client is determined collaboratively.
Are online or telephonic sessions available?
Yes. Sessions are available in person at the Pretoria practice, telephonically, or online via video — making therapy accessible regardless of location or schedule. Sessions are typically 55 minutes.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical psychological practice. All sessions and records are strictly confidential, subject only to the legally mandated exceptions under South African law.
How do I book an appointment?
Call +27 12 757 6575, email info@gaobokaba.com, use the booking form on this page, or send a WhatsApp message. The practice will confirm your appointment within one working day.
Book an Appointment

Take the first step towards healing

Choose a service and a preferred time. Sessions are 55 minutes. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Booking request received

Thank you. The practice will confirm your date and time within one working day.

Ready to take the first step?

Reaching out is the hardest part. Once you do, you're not alone. Book a session or call the practice directly.

+27 12 757 6575 Email Gao
Get in Touch

Contact the practice

Address
Protea Towers Building, Offices 517 & 518,
Paul Kruger & Pretorius Streets, Pretoria
Phone / WhatsApp
+27 12 757 6575
Hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Sat by appointment · Sun closed
Languages
English · Setswana · Sepedi · Sesotho

Send a message

Message received

Thank you for reaching out. You will receive a reply within one working day.