About
The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) is a national professional association representing Psychology professionals. PsySSA advances South African psychology as a science and profession of global stature and promotes psychological praxis as relevant, proactive and responsive to societal needs and well-being.
Psychological Society of South AfricaUpdates, News, and Events
2026 PsySSA WORKSHOP SERIES
The 2026 PsySSA Workshop Series is a structured set of short, focused workshops designed to support individuals, families, and professionals navigating complex personal, educational, and psychosocial challenges. The series brings together psychological insight, practical tools, and real-world application, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and sustainable support rather than crisis-driven responses. Each workshop stands alone but also fits into a broader developmental pathway, allowing participants to engage at the level most relevant to their needs while building understanding, skills, and confidence over time.
4 February 2026
Workshop 1: Clinical Psychology
ACT: From Stuck to Shift
Workshop 1 Information
Presenters: Werner Teichert
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: ACT: From Stuck to Shift is a focused, 2-hour webinar series that gives clinicians practical ACT tools for working with burnout, depression, and anxiety. You will learn simple, effective strategies to help clients break out of avoidance, regain clarity, and take meaningful, values-driven action. Skills you can use in your next session.
25 February 2026
Workshop 2: Clinical Psychology
Transform the Way You Work With Chronic Pain
Workshop 2 Information
Presenters: Dr Michelle Beukes-King
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: Fibromyalgia and complex pain conditions don’t have to leave you feeling stuck. Join Dr Michelle Beukes-King for a dynamic, clinically grounded workshop that bridges cutting-edge pain neuroscience with practical psychological interventions.
In just two hours, you’ll learn how to confidently explain chronic pain to patients, reduce fear and helplessness, and apply CBT, DBT, and ACT techniques that genuinely shift functioning and quality of life.
Walk away with tools you can use the very next day — from pacing and cognitive reframing to regulating emotional overwhelm and building a values-driven pain management plan. Perfect for psychologists wanting to deepen their expertise, enhance patient outcomes, and bring fresh energy to their clinical work.
Empower your patients. Strengthen your practice. Step into the new science of pain.
11 March 2026
Workshop 3: Professional Development
Fostering a hopeful mindset: Self-care strategies for mental health professionals
Workshop 3 Information
Presenter: Dr Avivit Cherrington
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract:Feeling stressed, exhausted, unmotivated? Learn simple hope-enhancing self-care strategies to actively shift your mindset and open possibilities for bringing more balance, authenticity and intention into your professional and personal life. This engaging, interactive workshops is focused on highlighting the importance of maintaining self-care for professionals in the education and care professions, and fostering wellbeing and hope using reflective prompts and visual tools.
25 March 2026
Workshop 4: Clinical Psychology
From distress to connection: An introduction to Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy
Workshop 4 Information
Presenters: Prof Elmien Lesch
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: This introductory session is designed for mental health practitioners seeking a clearer, evidence-based framework for working with couple distress. Participants will be introduced to the core principles and stages of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), an attachment-based model that understands relational problems as patterns of emotional disconnection. The presentation will highlight how to identify negative cycles, use emotion as a driver of change, and apply key therapeutic skills such as attunement, validation, and enactments. Attendees will gain insight into how EFCT helps partners access and share vulnerable needs, soften rigid positions, and build more secure bonds—offering a foundation for further training in this powerful relational modality.
15 April 2026
Workshop 5: African Psychology
African Psychology
Workshop 5 Information
Presenters: Prof Peace Kiguwa, Dr Jude Clark
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: TBC
22 April 2026
Workshop 6: Professional Development
Private Practice 101
Workshop 6 Information
Presenters: Ms Mariam Salie; Ms Quraisha Baig; Dr Lingum Pillay
CPD Points Allocated: 1 General and 1 Ethics
Abstract: Join us for Private Practice 101—a practical, engaging workshop that takes the guesswork out of starting and running your own practice. Learn how to set up legally, market effectively, and manage your practice with confidence. Perfect for early-career professionals and anyone planning for independence.
6 May 2026
Workshop 7: Clinical Psychology
An Introduction to BrainWorking Recursive Therapy
Workshop 7 Information
Presenters: Mr Rafiq Lockhat; Ms Pauli Geldenhuis; Ms Shelley Hall
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: Rewrite the brain’s automatic responses—fast. Join us for An Introduction to BrainWorking® Recursive Therapy, a practical, neuroscience-grounded session that shows how BWRT® helps clients shift anxiety, trauma responses, and entrenched patterns in surprisingly little time. If you work with high-demand caseloads or clients who feel “stuck,” this workshop will introduce you to a fresh, science based tool you can integrate immediately.
20 May 2026
Workshop 8: Trauma
A Trauma Informed Approach to Therapy
Workshop 8 Information
Presenters: Pauli Geldenhuis
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract: Trauma-Informed Workshop Alert! Elevate Your Practice.
3 June 2026
Workshop 9: Clinical Psychology
Guardians of sleep: Recognising sleep as a vital sign in psychological practice
Workshop 9 Information
Presenters: Michelle Baker
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract:Poor sleep is not just a symptom — it’s a signal. In this dynamic, evidence-based workshop, Clinical Neuropsychologist Michelle Baker reframes sleep as a vital sign and a marker of health equity. Learn how sleep physiology connects to emotional regulation, cognition, and chronic disease — and discover practical tools for identifying and managing sleep problems in everyday psychological practice. Join the movement to make every practitioner a guardian of sleep — because without rest, there is no recovery.
24 June 2026
Workshop 10: Ethics
Ethical Dilemmas in Hybrid and Online Therapy Settings
Workshop 10 Information
Presenters: Mr Dylan Evans
CPD Points Allocated: 2 Ethics
Abstract: As the landscape of psychological practice continues to evolve, therapists are increasingly required to navigate complex ethical challenges in hybrid and online environments. This practical and interactive workshop equips practitioners with the tools they need to deliver safe, ethical and effective digital psychotherapy.
8 July 2026
Workshop 11: Clinical Psychology
Introduction to Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy
Workshop 11 Information
Presenters: Ms Sameeha Elias
CPD Points Allocated: 2 General
Abstract:Join Counselling Psychologist Sameeha Elias for a powerful, accessible introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy. This 2-hour webinar will help you shift from a medical-model lens to an inclusive, strengths-based approach that honours neurodivergent lived experience. Learn how to recognise neurodivergent presentations, support emotional and sensory regulation, and differentiate between mental health conditions. This session will equip you with practical tools to create safer, more empowering therapeutic spaces for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. A must-attend for any practitioner committed to ethical, culturally responsive, and affirming mental health care.
15 July 2026
Workshop 12: Professional Development
Providing effective and ethical clinical supervision
Workshop 12 Information
Presenters: Prof Anthony Pillay, Ms Anne Kramers-Olen
CPD Points Allocated: 1 General and 1 Ethics
Abstract: The workshop is aimed at highlighting some of the theoretical and practice aspects of clinical supervision, especially as it applies to psychology training. Various ethical and clinically-based issues will be raised with approaches to best practice discussed.
22 July 2026
Workshop 13: Professional Development/Ethics
Working in the Grey Zone: AI, Ethics, and Everyday Shortcuts in South African Psychological Practice
Workshop 13 Information
Presenters: Dr Ewald Crause
CPD Points Allocated: 1 General and 1 Ethics
Abstract:Many South African psychologists are already using AI tools, but few are talking about it openly. This 2-hour workshop goes straight into the “grey zone” where real practice lives: drafting reports with ChatGPT, translating feedback letters, shaping treatment plans, and managing admin under pressure. We will unpack real-world scenarios, name the risks, and build simple, practical guardrails that fit our ethical codes, POPIA, and South African realities. If you have ever thought “I’ll just quickly run this through an AI tool” and then worried about whether it was acceptable, this session is for you.
Why become a member?
Join a vibrant community shaping the future of psychology – unlock exclusive resources, networks, and opportunities with PsySSA membership!
What are you looking for?
Try these: Indemnity Insurance; CPD Accreditation; Membership; Divisions; etc
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SAGE Journal
South AfricanJournalof Psychology
The South African Journal of Psychology publishes peer-reviewed contributions in English from all fields of psychology. Whilst the emphasis is on empirical research, the journal also accepts theoretical and methodological papers, review articles, short communications, book reviews, and letters commenting on articles published in the journal.
Impact Factor
The SAJP’s most recent Impact Factor: 1.9
Editor in Chief
Floretta Boonzaier, Professor, University Of Cape Town
Submission guidelines
SAJPAims & Scope
The South African Journal of Psychology (SAJP) is the official journal of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA). The SAJP publishes peer-reviewed contributions in English from all fields of psychology. Whilst the emphasis is on empirical research, the journal also accepts theoretical and methodological papers, review articles, book reviews, and short commentaries, including commentaries on articles published in the journal. Priority is given to articles relevant to Africa and the psychological issues pertinent to this context.
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