Meet the Team

Dr Swanepoel has been practicing psychiatry in the addiction for many years. His wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of how the brain reacts to drugs of abuse make him a valuable member of the team.

Dr Samuel Botha studied through the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town South Africa.He also studied a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and further on a Dipmola in Mental Health, making him our assessement/ consulting Doctor to all clients on arrival.

Co-founder and Clinical Director of Bethesda Addictions Treatment Centre, Colin has played an integral role in establishing and stabilizing several treatment and recovery homes in South Africa. Coming from a devastating 12 year heroin addiction in 1993, Colin has since studied and dedicated his life to the freedom of others searching to find a way out of addictions. Colin is a Bachelor of Applied Theology with a Diploma in Spirituality and Self Understanding. He is also a Registered Addictions Specialist with Breining Institute in California having studied their ‘Professional Competency and Certification’ modules in:Cultural and Lifestyle Differences / Special Populations: The Twelve Steps in Psychotherapy: The Disease of Addiction: Eating Disorders: Gambling Disorders: Dual Diagnosis: The Role and Responsibility of the Counselor: Individual Counseling: Group Counseling: Laws, Ethics and Confidentiality: Prevention of Sexual Harassment: Standards for Counselor Competency and Assessment Methods.

John is Bethesda’s Senior Addictions Counsellor, having thrived in recovery since 1998, coming out of 20 years of addiction. As Founder and Director of The Fish Hoek Drug Crisis & Information Centre in Cape Town, John counselled individuals, advised families, visited and spoke to Churches and employers, and referred struggling addicts to various addictions treatment homes. For four years John ran FHDC&I on his own, as a self-funding volunteer, before joining Colin and Deanna at the helm of Bethesda’s addiction treatment team in 2006.

John has specialist certification in the areas of Case Management, Trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Family Counselling, Co-occurring Disorders, and CBT. John also shares of himself as ‘a survivor of childhood sexual abuse’ and offers similar victims the opportunity to experience the freedom he has found through some very powerful “Survivors of Abuse” group sessions (not for the feint hearted).

Co-founder and Managing Director, Deanna brings a wealth of personal and business integrity to Bethesda. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Cape Town in 1994, Deanna also worked at the hub of the banking industry with companies like JP Morgan, KPMG and The Royal Bank of Scotland in the center of London for several years. Deanna now runs a very smooth Administration and Finance system, where all your affairs are handled with meticulous attention to detail and integrity.

Ira’s position at Bethesda is Transitional Counsellor

‘We find that the first 6 months after treatment are key to forming a strong foundation, setting the tone for long term recovery. Clients need to understand that recovery is not always going to be easy, and that the slogan life on life’s terms is far more accurate than most think. Relapse prevention, personal planning and having realistic expectations will assist with the transition from treatment to a healthier lifestyle’.