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
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
The use of social media by primary school learners
Every social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.) has an age restriction. For most platforms this age is 13. Although you may decide to introduce your child to a particular platform at a later age as indicated (and this is obviously your choice), it is not your or your child’s choice, to allow him/her on that platform at an earlier … Read More
A core belief of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Introduction SFBT is about much more than techniques as some believe – unfortunately a perception created by therapists themselves who misunderstood the foundations and intentions of SFBT. At its core SFBT is about the belief that every client/person has strengths, resources, skills, abilities and at least part of the solution to their problem in themselves. Additionally, problems do not occur … Read More
Online counselling
Many people are turning to online / e – counselling as an alternative to face-to-face counselling, but what are the pros and cons? PROS A perception of anonymity Accessibility Convenience Time efficiency Avoiding social stigma CONS Concerns about confidentiality, privacy, security and unreliable technology Ethical and legal concerns Lack of nonverbal communication Inability of counsellor to act in a crisis … Read More
“Tuesdays with Morrie” principle
In the acclaimed book, Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom, 1997), Mitch, a journalist, visits his terminally ill Sociology professor, Morrie, every week on a Tuesday. Every week Morrie teaches Mitch some life lessons. One of Morrie’s ways of dealing with his prognosis, loss of independence and health was to set half an hour (if I remember the time correctly, although … Read More
Cell phones, social media and FOMO
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/smart-kids-dont-take-phones-to-bed-8t7mvzstk It is not mentioned in the article, but I think it is important to add several points: It is not the cell phone or social media that causes these problems, but the way teenagers (are often allowed by their parents to) use the device and apps. Whether some of the underlying problems (such as teenagers’ perception of popularity, warped … Read More
Help someone who experienced loss and trauma just by “being”.
When confronted with a friend or family member who has experienced a traumatic loss, people who know that I am a counsellor will often ask me what they should say. This is often asked in despair, burdened and with great inner turmoil. It is always interesting to me to hear that people feel the necessity of having to say something. … Read More
Rescued Thai cave boys and your trauma
People from all over the world followed this story as the events unfolded and celebrated the successful outcome of this rescue mission. Many people are concerned about the effect this incident may have on the children’s mental well-being, and rightfully so. However, one can either focus exclusively on the trauma and potential future negative effects, or one can (also) focus … Read More
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