Blog - Helderberg Counselling

Toolbox approach

Master of all trades? Recently I added my practice details to two psychology service directories. Before I decided on these specific two, I looked at the profiles of currently subscribed members. In order to get an idea of what these directories offer. I was astounded by the number of therapies (types of therapies / therapy modalities) offered by some therapists. … Read More

The unintended consequence of labeling frontline workers as “heroes”

This piece is not based on research unless specifically mentioned. Rather, this is a reflection based on my personal counselling sessions and informal discussions with front-line medical workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Appreciation for service I am sure that front-line medical professionals are thankful for the public’s appreciation for their service. However, this labeling of front-line medical workers as “heroes”, has … Read More

No pain, no gain?

Does it need to become worse before it can become better? During the Covid-19 pandemic many therapists needed to move their practices online. Consequently, new procedures and protocol needed to be put in place. Most importantly, to regulate this type of therapy. To communicate these procedures and protocol to clients, various templates were shared during this time. I was very … Read More

Caring for our frontline Covid-19 fighters

I am very proud to be part of this national initiative. It provides Covid-19 frontline doctors and nurses with counselling. Background Doctors and nurses are at the forefront in the fight against the Corona virus. Therefore it is crucial to ensure their physical safety, but also their mental well-being. The Corona virus has not hit South Africa yet with full … Read More

Coping accomplishments

As many other people, I’m often asked what I do for a living. When they hear that I’m a psychological counsellor, a common response is, “I will never be able to do that”. This is usually followed by an explanation that they don’t know how they will be able to cope with it. Referring to all the “negativity”, trauma and … Read More

YOU have already created change

Often clients who come for counselling don’t realise that they are already doing things to cope with their problems / to make things better, or at least preventing it from getting worse! To make them aware of this I would ask them: What are you doing to cope with your problem / to make things better, or at least preventing … Read More

World Mental Health Day

Just another World Mental Health Day? Awareness days usually come and go without any real change for individuals and/or companies. If you or your company become aware of a certain issue regarding mental health you want to address or prioritise, and you want this year to be different, answer the following questions: 1. what is your best hopes for yourself … Read More

Parents giving psychiatric medication to their adolescent children

New local trend For adolescent friends to share medication is unfortunately nothing new. However, in recent times there has been a twist to this trend in the Helderberg and Stellenbosch area. Namely, parents giving their own psychiatric medication to their adolescent children. I am not talking about parents handing out medication to their teenage children to get high. These parents are … Read More

International Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide prevention Today, 10 September, is International Suicide Prevention Day. This is usually a day on which the public is educated on the signs of someone who is suicidal. Also, people are encouraged to act immediately if they observe such signs. Furthermore, the public in informed of professionals and organisations that can assist in such cases. This is crucial, because with … Read More