Gerhard is the husband of a wonderful wife and the father of a lovely boy and girl. He has lived in England for the past 10 years, but was born and raised in South Africa. He currently lives in Essex.

He studied social work at the University of Johannesburg and work as a social worker with families in both South Africa and England. During this time he became very interested in all kinds of social systems (families, groups and organisations). He later completed further postgarduate studies in Systems and Family Psychotherapy at the Institute of Family Therapy in London. He holds a B.A. (Social Sciences) and an MSc in Systemic & Family Psychotherapy from the University of London (Birkbeck).

He currently works full time as a psychotherapist in the NHS, where he works with young people and families of young people who suffer from serious mental illness. He specialises in working with young people who are depressed, suicidal, or have emerging personality difficulties.

In his spare time he loves reading fantasy novels, playing with his son, walking in nature, and writing a blog.