Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

Offering Counselling, Workshops & Training In Pretoria Since 2010

Mental Health

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 In a world that clings to outdated ideals—like being settled by 30—many feel stuck, anxious, and inadequate.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

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.

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.

The True Pandemic: Silent Voices in Mental Health

By |2023-05-22T13:32:11+02:00May 22nd, 2023|

Why do we downplay the fact that men also struggle with their mental health? Or is it because we are so accustomed to men being strong leaders and role models, being tough and not showing any emotion, because ‘boys don’t cry’, right? Why do we put so much emphasis on mental health being something that only women experience, meanwhile men are suffering in silence.

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