About Me - Experience & Background

Read this if you are interested in my experience and qualifications. For a more personal introduction, click on About me As Counsellor if you would like to know more about my counselling approach, and on About Me As Trainer if you are interested in my background as trainer and public speaker. 

I enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and attended my first workshop on trauma in 2008. I obtained my BA Health Sciences & Social Services (Cum Laude) in 2014, and my MSc in Psychology (with Distinction) from the University of Roehampton in 2018.

While studying, I developed my practical skills by attending workshops and courses and doing volunteer work. I became a Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator in 2008, and expanded into Group Trauma Debriefing in 2013. Due to the scarcity of research on Group Trauma Debriefing, I developed the Group Trauma Debriefing workshop which teaches a modular system for providing trauma support to groups. The method follows a cautious approach, taking into account the characteristics and dynamics of the group and the context in which Group Debriefing is offered (within an organization, as external provider, etc.). 

From 2016 – 2019 I provided Crises Trauma Support in Netcare hospitals in Johannesburg, and in 2018 I qualified as a Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) Trainer.

My professional exploration of grief and loss started in 2016, when I attended my first workshop on the topic. 
I started my training in relationship counselling in 2016 and focused on The Negotiation of Challenges in Long-Term Polyamorous Relationships for my Master’s research paper.  I worked as a volunteer divorce and family mediator with the Family Life Centre 2015 – 2020, where I also facilitated sex-ed and relationship talks to learners aged 10 – 18.

I am always learning and working on improving my skills to offer the best service I can. I attend several workshops a year and have done extensive self-study on relevant topics such as neurodivergence in adults, open relationships, Internal Family Systems Therapy, LGBTQIA+ challenges, sex work, anxiety management and emotional regulation, trauma, and grief.

I am registered as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor (Registration No SCO/0682) with the ASCHP in South Africa, as TIR facilitator and trainer with TIRA (USA), and I am a member of TIRA-SA.