Counselling &
Mental Well-Being
by Mandy-Leigh Samaria Van Aswegen
Welcome to my practice. My focus is an integrative, holistic and a personalized approach adapted to the needs of each individual client.
Pursuing counselling should be everything but a traumatic experience. The aim is to make all individuals who decide to start with a counselling process as comfortable as possible whilst not avoiding the difficulties or important encounters that could assist them in their personal growth and/or healing process. Clients can look forward to a professional, however, tranquil and supportive environment.
Unlock Your Full Potential
Preventing, promoting, intervening, and referring appropriately
As a psychological practitioner that is registered with the HPCSA, I can perform psychological screening, basic assessment and psychological interventions with individuals and groups, with the aim of enhancing personal functioning.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa established a professional category i.e. “Registered Counsellor” to make psychological services accessible to the diverse South African population. Psychological interventions offered by Registered Counsellors focus mainly on prevention, support, and the enhancement of well-being.
Being the first in a line of community-based psychological support.
When there is an emergency (trauma or stressor event) that occurs, a person will usually be rushed to the casualty unit of a hospital, where they will stabilize the client, then through screening, they refer the client to the appropriate specialists. If the client’s condition falls within their scope, they will continue treatment (counselling) without referring.
Abuse and neglect
Acculturation difficulty
Addiction
Adjustment
Aftercare support - Relapse prevention plans etc.
Aggression
Attachment difficulties
Bereavement
Bullying
Coping with divorce
Managing emotions
Phase of life problem
Psycho-education
Relationship challenges
Self esteem
Sibling relational problems
Spouse or partner violence
Stress
Trauma
Victim of crime
Appointments
Counselling is highly individual and therefore the number of sessions can vary.
Each client differs, the length and number of sessions can fluctuate.
Confidentiality
Any information, personal and other, discussed during sessions is completely confidential; I follow the professional, legal and ethical guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Benefits
Some benefits from counselling include – greater self-acceptance and self-esteem, better expression and management of emotions as well as relief from depression, and anxiety.
Contracting
A mutual agreement between the counsellor and client must be signed before the commencement of the counselling process. The client can terminate the process at any given point
According to the Health Professions Act, 974 (Act No. 56 of 1974) it is a legal requirement for a private practitioner registered with the HPCSA in South Africa to obtain and maintain professional indemnity cover.
I am also registered with PSYSSA and BHF (Board of Healthcare Funders). My practice number is 0962120 and my HPCSA registration number is PRC0039578.
The Counselling I Offer
Life can be greatly challenging leaving us feeling like we are juggling many balls all at once. Instead of dropping a ball, one can take a pro-active approach by learning “juggling” techniques through counselling.
Should you drop a ball counselling can also be the start of a journey to pick it up again. Juggling work, building meaningful relationships, negotiating family dynamics, raising children, losing loved ones, and/or going through a traumatic or painful experience, which can leave us feeling out of control, powerless, overwhelmed, worried.
I will be using techniques of SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy) in counselling.
Blog And Resources
Embracing Diversity: Exploring Cultural Influences on Mental Health and Inclusive Support Approaches
Cultural diversity significantly influences how individuals perceive, experience, and address mental health. Understanding these cultural nuances and providing inclusive support is essential. Let's explore the impact of cultural backgrounds on mental health and...
Embracing Self-Compassion: A Vital Pillar in Mental Health and Well-being
Self-compassion and self-acceptance stand as crucial components of nurturing positive mental health. Let's delve into the significance of these practices and their impact on well-being: Understanding Self-Compassion and Acceptance: Self-Compassion: It involves...
Interwoven Struggles: Navigating the Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Health
The intricate relationship between addiction and mental health is a complex and often intertwined struggle faced by many individuals. Let's explore how these two issues intersect and influence each other: Understanding the Intersection: Co-Occurrence: Addiction and...