Change without understanding?

Popular wisdom posits that in order for change to occur in problematic behaviour, emotions or thoughts, we first need to understand or find the reason behind the problem. One of the masters in the therapeutic approach I use (Solution Focused Brief Therapy), Chris Iveson, explains best why this is not the case and why the “how” question if often way … Read More

Debriefing and rebriefing

Third wave? Many healthcare workers are heaving a sigh of relief after the first 2 waves of Covid-19. At the same time many are struggling due to moral injury, burn-out, depression, anxiety or PTSD. In what ways can debriefing and “rebriefing” help? You can familiarise yourself with the concept of burn-out, by reading this previous blog post: https://www.helderbergcounselling.co.za/counselling-approach/counselling-for-burnout/ Although anyone … Read More

Helpful questions for healthcare workers during the second wave of Covid-19 in SA

Helpful questions for healthcare workers during the second wave of Covid-19 in SA can guide them in creating individualized meaning and coping. Now, during this second wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, healthcare workers are really struggling. The death toll, lack of resources, workload, staff shortages because of Covid-19 positive colleagues, personal risk, risk to the family, denial of (the … Read More

Toolbox approach to therapy

This is my take on the toolbox approach to therapy/counselling. 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 … 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 “No pain no gain” also apply to therapy/ counselling? 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, … 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