A calm, respectful space to find clarity, healing, and direction

LiveFree is a counselling practice in Cape Town offering a safe, confidential space for individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, disconnected, or simply unsure of what’s next.

Counselling at LiveFree is grounded in compassion, dignity, and practical support. Whether you’re facing stress, relationship challenges, loss, trauma, burnout, or life transitions, you are welcome here.

You don’t need to have the right words, a specific diagnosis, or a particular belief system to begin.

Our Approach

At LiveFree, counselling is:

  • Person‑centred – you are the expert on your own life
  • Evidence‑based – drawing from recognised counselling and therapeutic practices
  • Trauma‑informed – prioritising safety, trust and empowerment
  • Non‑judgmental and confidential – a space where you can speak freely

We work collaboratively, focusing on understanding your experiences, identifying patterns, and developing practical tools for change.

If faith or spirituality is important to you, we can integrate that into our work together. If it isn’t, sessions remain fully professional and secular in focus.

 

 

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Meet Merrick Holtak, a SACAP-qualified counsellor with a passion for coaching teens and adults into greater freedom. Merrick specialises in Christian Counselling, Couples Counselling, Self Esteem Coaching, counselling around broken relationships,Trauma Counselling, Coaching and Change Management.

Merrick has had experience in the corporate world as a qualified Business Information Analyst(Degree) and Project manager (PRINCE2), with passion and calling Merrick began counselling and coaching clients in 2013 and he has been counselling for over twelve years. Some of the places Merrick has counselled are  Hope House Counselling Center (Bergvliet and Blouberg), Life Transformation Centre, The Aplliance Bank, Taking Care of Business, LifeXchange, SACAP, Common Ground Wynberg, Christ Church Kennelworth and for Livefree in Tokai. Merrick has had the fortune to counsel a range of clients, from Corporate Employees, Business owners, Families, Teens, Couples, Addictions, Trauma, Bereavement (Loss), Abuse and Christian Counselling, across cultures and beliefs.

 

I use an integrative approach, creating a Rogerian, safe, and supportive environment. I also teach a new language of communication through Gestalt or play therapy, incorporating Nonviolent Communication (NVC) skills. I walk a journey with each client, helping them process emotions such as fear or loss, find a level of acceptance, and break the patterns that hold them back from reaching their full potential. I find Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to be an effective and widely used approach that helps clients change unhelpful thought patterns, leading to lasting changes in choices, actions, and attitudes. Through these methods, and with the help of the Holy Spirit when clients desire a faith-integrated approach, I walk alongside my clients—imparting skills, gently challenging blind spots, and ultimately equipping them to continue their journey toward healing.
— Merrick