Emotional Wellbeing Archives - Vita Nova Counselling Centre

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

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

By VitanovaPTA|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 the Quarter-Life Crisis

Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis

By VitanovaPTA|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 In a world that clings to outdated ideals—like being settled by 30—many feel stuck, anxious, and inadequate.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

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

By VitanovaPTA|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

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

By VitanovaPTA|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?

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

By VitanovaPTA|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

Understanding Your Child Through The Lens Of Temperaments

By VitanovaPTA|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.

Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

Emotional Wellbeing

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

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

Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Your Child Through The Lens Of Temperaments

Understanding Your Child Through The Lens Of Temperaments

CONTACT INFO

PRETORIA

RECENT ARTICLES

NEWSLETTER