In the counselling profession, we talk a lot about holding space for others. But who holds space for us? Supervision is the quiet, steady presence that helps us carry what we cannot carry alone – the place where our work is witnessed, our blind spots become visible, and our hearts find a safe corner to rest.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation, and neither does good care. Every act of support we offer is part of a larger network of healing, where counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals each bring a vital thread. When these threads are woven together, clients experience care that is not only continuous, but compassionate and coherent, a kind of support that sees the whole person, not just the presenting problem.
Play is a child’s natural language—but in South Africa, “play therapist” isn’t a legal registration. To work therapeutically with children you must first register in a base profession (Social Work, Psychology, or Counselling), then add specialised play-based training with robust supervision and ethics. Pathways include SACSSP, HPCSA or ASCHP routes; UP currently offers the MSW (Play-Based Intervention) as the only dedicated postgraduate option.
Understanding Infidelity in Modern Relationships Infidelity remains one of the most painful and disruptive challenges a couple can face. Traditionally associated with marriage or committed long-term partnerships, whether civil, customary, religious, or contractual, infidelity today increasingly affects relationships that are more fluid, less formally defined, and often lacking clear boundaries or expectations. At its
When working with families affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD), it is crucial to recognise that addiction does not occur in isolation. The entire family unit — especially the intimate partner — bears the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial toll of their loved one’s addiction. As counsellors, we must be prepared to support these
Dear Fellow Counsellors, In our counselling rooms, we often meet clients who desire to change but remain stuck in old habits. These aren’t signs of laziness or failure—they’re reflections of how the brain clings to what is known, even when it hurts. Over time, I’ve come to see resistance not as an obstacle but
Introduction Working in a paediatric hospital setting has exposed me to the immense emotional toll that hospitalisation can have on families, particularly parents of critically ill children. In such high-stress environments, core counselling skills such as empathy and containment are not just helpful – they are essential. This article examines the significance of these
Disclaimer: While this article provides a theoretical overview of the processes involved in involuntary psychiatric admission in South Africa, it is important to note that specific protocols and procedures may vary between hospitals, institutions, and provinces. The information shared here is intended to serve as a general guide for counsellors and should not be
With several training options available, it’s important to choose wisely. A counselling course is about more than simply obtaining your certificate of attendance or recognition of hours— it’s an investment in your calling. To help you make an informed decision, here are some key questions to consider when exploring your options
"Trauma is often perceived as a short-term physical experience with lasting psychological effects. However, our bodies remember trauma long after the initial event. Understanding how trauma is stored and manifests physically helps us recognize symptoms like chronic pain, muscle tension, and digestive issues – all signs of unprocessed trauma."