Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

VitanovaPTA

About VitanovaPTA

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far VitanovaPTA has created 197 blog entries.

You Are Not Alone: A South African Guide for Men’s Mental Health Month

By |2025-06-10T13:10:31+02:00June 10th, 2025|

June is Men’s Mental Health Month – a vital reminder to pause and ask, “How are you really doing?” In South Africa, many men bear the weight of being providers and protectors, often silently. The stigma around vulnerability can lead to devastating consequences – men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the World Health Organization (2019). It’s time to change the narrative. Men often mask emotional struggles with anger, isolation, or substance use. But healing begins with a single step: acknowledging the pain and reaching out. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just saying, “I’m not OK,” is enough to begin the journey toward wellness.

Navigating Grief

By |2025-06-10T09:42:22+02:00June 10th, 2025|

Grief is the intensely personal emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physical response to a loss, most commonly the death of someone dear, but also experienced after divorce, job loss, or other major life changes. It is more than just sadness—grief can feel like a tangled web of anxiety, guilt, relief, and shock. As the world continues moving, the bereaved often feel disconnected, like life should have paused but didn’t. Models such as Kübler-Ross’s five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—offer a framework, but grief rarely follows a linear path. Dr. Richard Wilson’s metaphor of the “Whirlpool of Grief” captures the unpredictable emotional turbulence: life shifts from a calm river to a chaotic swirl of emotions. Over time, with self-compassion and support, people often find themselves drifting back into steadier waters, while still honouring the memory of their loss.

Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis

By |2025-05-22T16:56:27+02:00May 22nd, 2025|

The quarter-life crisis is a real and rising challenge, especially for young adults facing job scarcity, social pressure, and constant comparison. In a world that clings to outdated ideals—like being settled by 30—many feel stuck, anxious, and inadequate. But this crisis can also be a turning point. Through self-reflection, mindset shifts, and prioritizing mental well-being, young adults can turn uncertainty into growth. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about learning to live authentically, one step at a time.

When Caring Becomes Too Much: Understanding and Coping with Compassion Fatigue

By |2025-05-13T13:53:28+02:00May 13th, 2025|

Compassion fatigue is emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others, often leaving you drained, irritable, or disconnected. It can affect anyone — parents, friends, caregivers and is especially common in cultures where helping others is a core value. Recognising the signs and taking steps to care for yourself through rest, boundaries, and support is essential. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Preparing for Postpartum with the Mom’s Mental Wellbeing in Mind

By |2025-05-12T13:50:50+02:00May 12th, 2025|

Postpartum is like a garden. If you don’t know how to care for it you’ll always feel like you’re getting it wrong. But when you understand the seasons, rhythms and gentle care it needs, you’ll watch it grow into something beautiful. The right knowledge, tools and mindset can transform the postpartum experience. Motherhood can be so deeply beautiful and at the same time devastatingly brutal. Sometimes it is difficult to express and identify exactly why. We know our bodies will physically change... But less commonly acknowledged are the intense changes to our biology, our identity, our beliefs, our independence or our purpose.

Repair, Don’t Repeat – How To Break Destructive Argument Cycles: Can We Attempt To Fight More Fairly In Our Relationships?

By |2025-05-12T13:51:49+02:00May 12th, 2025|

Every couple fights—it's a natural part of being in a relationship shaped by differing experiences and expectations. But conflict doesn't have to be destructive. By approaching disagreements with the mindset that it’s "me and my partner versus the problem," we can shift from rivalry to teamwork. Constructive communication involves listening to understand, managing our emotions, and choosing respect even when tensions rise. When we argue fairly and complete conversations with kindness and clarity, conflict can become a pathway to deeper connection rather than division.

Understanding Your Child Through The Lens Of Temperaments

By |2025-04-14T08:46:04+02:00April 14th, 2025|

As a parent, one of the most impactful gifts you can offer your child is understanding—especially when it comes to their temperament. Rooted in innate traits, a child’s temperament shapes how they perceive, respond to, and interact with the world. Drawing on the relatable metaphors of colours and trees, as developed by Lynette Beer and Hettie Britz, this article unpacks the four core temperaments—Sanguine, Choleric, Phlegmatic, and Melancholic—and explains how recognising these traits can transform your parenting approach. From improving communication and reducing conflict to strengthening emotional support and nurturing individual strengths, understanding your child’s temperament is a powerful key to fostering deeper connection and resilience.

Why Calming Strategies Are Essential In Play Therapy – And Why Practice At Home Matters

By |2025-04-14T08:16:00+02:00April 14th, 2025|

Calming strategies like deep breathing, rocking, or rhythmic activities help settle the brainstem, making it possible for children to engage in emotional and cognitive tasks. These techniques are essential in play therapy and even more effective when practiced regularly at home, where parents can model and support emotional regulation.

Finding Your Calm During Stress Awareness Month in South Africa

By |2025-04-11T11:11:20+02:00April 10th, 2025|

Think of anxiety as that overly sensitive alarm system within us. It's designed to alert us to potential threats, but sometimes it misfires, sounding even when things are fundamentally okay. During Stress Awareness Month, we're encouraged to tune into these internal alarms and explore ways to gently quiet them. This April, as we collectively turn our attention to stress and well-being, let’s consider some accessible practices you can weave into your day to gently ease anxiety and cultivate a sense of calm. These aren’t instant solutions, but they are meaningful steps you can take towards greater peace.

Your Childhood Blueprint: Hidden Rules That Make You Who You Are

By |2025-03-31T15:07:44+02:00March 31st, 2025|

Many of our adult behaviours are shaped by hidden rules we learned in childhood—unspoken strategies we developed to feel safe, accepted, or loved. These patterns often run beneath our awareness, influencing how we relate, respond to stress, and make decisions. By exploring your unique childhood blueprint, you can uncover the roots of these behaviours and begin to choose new ways of being that align with who you truly want to be.

Cultivating Inner Calm: The Practical Application of Mindfulness

By |2025-02-28T11:24:17+02:00February 28th, 2025|

This article discusses mindfulness, its benefits for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and focus, along with practical techniques like breath awareness, body scans, mindful walking, and eating. It highlights the importance of integrating mindfulness into daily life for overall well-being, supported by research.

How Therapy Will Impact My Child’s Behaviour and When to Expect Noticeable Positive Changes

By |2025-02-26T08:55:08+02:00February 26th, 2025|

Therapy helps children express emotions, develop coping skills, and improve behaviour. Gestalt play therapy, based on Violet Oaklander’s work, uses play to foster self-awareness and emotional growth. Most children show progress within 12 to 20 sessions, with parental support playing a key role in lasting positive change.

Managing Life With Multiple Jobs/ Employment

By |2025-02-20T13:11:05+02:00February 20th, 2025|

Balancing multiple jobs is a reality for many South Africans, but it often comes at the cost of mental and physical well-being. Juggling different roles can lead to exhaustion, stress, and work-life imbalance. Research shows that job overload and work-family conflict negatively impact overall health and performance. To navigate this, setting firm boundaries, prioritising self-care, and seeking support are essential. Small, mindful adjustments can help prevent burnout and create a more sustainable routine. If the pressure becomes overwhelming, reaching out for professional guidance can make all the difference.

Sleep, Independence, and School Success: Why Independent Sleeping and Self-Regulation Matter for Young Learners

By |2025-02-20T13:18:36+02:00February 20th, 2025|

Independent sleep fosters emotional resilience, cognitive growth, and school readiness. Quality sleep enhances learning and self-regulation, while dependence on external cues can hinder development. By establishing routines and self-soothing techniques, parents can help children sleep independently, building confidence for school and life.

Can A Relationship Recover After An Affair?

By |2025-02-14T16:05:42+02:00February 14th, 2025|

Recovering from infidelity is never a simple yes-or-no decision. While some experts believe in walking away, others argue that healing is possible—if both partners commit to rebuilding the relationship. Key factors include ending the affair, acknowledging the pain inflicted, and ensuring that infidelity was not used to cause harm. This article explores when a relationship can be salvaged, when it may be better to leave, and the complexities of the healing process.

Understanding the Difference between Regulating and Processing Our Emotions

By |2025-02-10T12:49:37+02:00February 10th, 2025|

Emotional regulation is a crucial skill for maintaining balance in life, ensuring that our emotions do not overwhelm or disrupt our daily functioning. Many struggle with processing their emotions, mistaking it for regulation, but the two are distinct. Regulation involves managing the intensity and expression of emotions, while processing means understanding their source and meaning. By developing emotional regulation skills, we can navigate challenges without relying on unhelpful coping mechanisms. Learn practical strategies, from pausing before reacting to engaging in self-compassion, to enhance your ability to regulate emotions effectively.

Life Between Borders: Navigating the Expat Journey

By |2025-01-21T10:53:14+02:00January 21st, 2025|

For 13 years, we’ve lived the unique rhythm of expat life—a journey filled with challenges, growth, and endless adjustments. In this series, I share personal stories about navigating life as an expat family, the sacrifices we’ve made, the rewards we’ve reaped, and the lessons learned along the way. Join me as I delve into the complexities of living abroad, from building support systems to finding resilience in the face of constant change.

Helping Your Child Manage Stress and Anxiety

By |2025-01-21T10:21:48+02:00January 21st, 2025|

In a world where stress and anxiety have become part of daily life, children are not immune to these challenges. As a parent, your role in helping your child manage these emotions is crucial. This article offers ten practical strategies to support your child, from encouraging open communication and practicing mindfulness to limiting screen time and fostering creativity. By creating a positive home environment and modeling healthy coping mechanisms, you can empower your child to navigate stress effectively.

Embracing Solitude and Finding Joy in Your Own Company

By |2025-01-07T15:12:50+02:00February 5th, 2024|

As Valentine's Day approaches, the air is filled with messages of romantic love and affection. However, amidst the celebrations of couples and partnerships, it's important to remember the profound value of self-love and the joy of embracing solitude. In this article, we'll explore the concept of loneliness, why it's essential to cultivate a positive relationship with yourself, and the benefits of finding joy in your own company.

CONTACT INFO

PRETORIA

615 Vampire Street, Elarduspark, Pretoria
Phone: 071 297 9992 | 082 541 4357
Email: info@vitanova.co.za

RECENT ARTICLES

NEWSLETTER

© Copyright 2011 – 2025 | Vita Nova Counselling Centre | All Rights Reserved

Go to Top