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.
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.
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
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