Emma Gibbons

What does your company do?

Safe Space Therapy provides 24/7 affordable and accessible mental health support from licensed professionals (social worker, psychologists and counsellors) who prioritise mental well-being. Our services are designed to meet diverse individuals where they are—offering care that’s convenient, stigma-free, and focused solely on nurturing the mind. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here—anytime, anywhere. Our counseling services are rooted in a social work-informed approach, meaning we address mental health not only at the individual level but through a holistic lens that considers social, cultural, and economic influences. Our practitioners are trained to provide therapeutic support while also helping clients navigate real-world challenges—such as housing, employment, relationships, and systemic barriers—that often affect mental wellness. We advocate for our clients, connect them with community resources, and work to empower them both inside and outside the therapy space. This approach ensures that care is not only compassionate and client-centered but also socially conscious and action-oriented. We offer in-person and online counselling services to individuals, couples and families. Lastly, we have many partnerships with companies where we provide workplace wellness programmes (EAP) services to their staff. Companies such as Robertson & Caine, Euroberry, Durbanville Golf Course, Rich Meats and Sebenzi Construction.

What is your biggest success?

Safe Space Therapy’s biggest success is our partnerships with big companies to by encouraging them to invest in their employees mental health and their overall holistic well-being. We were able to advocate for workplace wellness (employee assistance programmes) in several of Robertson and Caine sites for 4 days every week. Companies such as Robertson and Caine has seen the benefits of their employees having access to mental health support, their staff now experience reduced stress, better focus, and greater emotional resilience. This directly translates into higher productivity, better time management, and improved work quality. Safe Space Therapy has also secured partnerships with Euroberry by having a social worker on their site once a week, Durbanville golf course once a month and then we are on retainer for Sebenzi Construction and Rich Meats. Lastly, our latest biggest achievement is our Safe Space Podcast that aims to Heal Voices, the podcast where everyday stories spark deeper understanding. Born from a country marked by division, I believe in the power of honest conversation to bridge the gaps between us. In each podcast, the director (social worker) invites previous therapy clients, other professionals and everyday advocates to unpack real, everyday struggles—mental health, family, identity, relationships, and more—because behind every challenge is a story that can heal, teach, and unite us. This is a space where we listen without judgment, share without shame, and grow together. This is a podcast about Healing Voices—where South Africa speaks, and we all listen. Please find us on the following platforms: Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube , Facebook. For any enquiries email us: info@safespacetherapy.co.za

What has been your biggest hurdle?

I haven’t experienced much hurdles a I’m very proactive and I always take initiative especially in South Africa whereby the concept of “passing the buck” is often embraced. Therefore, I have trained myself and my team to be proactive and take initiative within every diverse case they received by thinking outside the box and meet the needs of all diverse problems.