Satori is the brain child of the late Prof. Charl Vorster and Larissa Ernst. Charl was the mastermind behind the IPA (Interactional Pattern Analysis) and Integrative Interactional model of psychotherapy. As his student, and eventually his colleague and close friend, Larissa helped him give wings to the dream that one day an integrative mental health practice could be established in which therapists from different disciplines can work together, united in their person-centred approach. In its first iteration, Satori existed purely as a training centre, where Charl and Larissa trained Psychologists and Registered Counsellors in the IPA, Couples Therapy, Group Therapy, Teddy Bear Therapy, Hypnosis and Forensic Interviewing. 

After Charl passed away in 2014, Larissa continued to develop their original vision. In 2015, she established a physical space for Satori in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. The centre is a tranquil, upmarket space in a lush leafy garden, where a collective of passionate practitioners come together to help individuals, couples and families from all walks of life to improve their own lives by focusing on their relationships with others. In itself, the space serves as a place of mutual support to the professionals who have made Satori their home. Through regular meetings, workshops and training they help one another by sharing experiences and knowledge.

The Pretoria practice is co-managed by Larissa and long-time collaborator, colleague and friend, Christi Gadd. Christi also trained under Charl and attended workshops with Charl and Larissa when Satori operated purely as a training centre. The idea that the quality of your relationships determine the quality of your life immediately resonated with her. She joined Satori as a tenant in 2016 shortly after it opened its doors. Throughout the years, she gradually took on more leadership responsibilities and has now moved to a managerial position.

In 2022 Larissa is bringing the Satori dream to Europe by establishing a second Satori in Leuven, Belgium. Alongside the two physical practices, Satori also established an online practice serving clients across the globe, with therapists who choose to work remotely. 

In friendship, connection and passion the original dream is now a reality and continues to expand around the world - bringing quality of life to individuals, and deeper connections in love, family and communities