“Healing in Community” – Division of Registered Counsellors & Psychometrists

by Web Admin | Oct 24, 2025 | Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Mental Health Awareness Month

In South Africa, our communities hold the power to heal. Despite limited mental health resources, our shared strength lies in connection, empathy, and collective care.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, the Division of Registered Counsellors & Psychometrists (RCP) invites us to reflect on how community-led approaches and social support can transform mental health outcomes — especially where access to care is limited. By empowering communities to lead, we nurture resilience, reduce stigma, and create spaces where everyone belongs.

Together, we can turn our communities into places of healing.

“Healing in Community”

Division of Registered Counsellors & Psychometrists – Monique Cooper

Despite poor mental health resources, many South Africans have a strong sense of community. Can we leverage social support and community engagement to improve mental health outcomes in our diverse communities?

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and one of the main priorities is to increase public education about mental illness in South Africa. Hugo et al. (2003) suggest that an improved understanding of mental disorders could decrease stigma and encourage the use of effective interventions. Increased knowledge can also lead to an improvement in community and social support for those suffering from mental illness. There is a good deal of evidence linking social connection to positive mental health outcomes, both in maintaining favourable mental health and assisting in recovery from moderate and severe mental health problems. On the other hand, loneliness is associated with poorer mental health (Holt-Lunstad, 2024). A sense of community is associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (Park et al., 2023). Our communities can be a valuable source of support, and can help to leverage local knowledge, social networks and resources in areas where there is not adequate access to mental health care. Mobilising local resources and existing social structures can help to meet mental health care needs where formal resources are scarce. (Chutiyami et al., 2025).

Studies show that programmes with high levels of community engagement demonstrated significant improvement in clinical mental health symptoms and recovery indicators such as improved social inclusion. While community-led programmes delivered the most culturally relevant and sustained impacts. (Chutiyami et al., 2025) A focus on engaging community members as active participants and collaborating with them on design, implementation and leadership of community projects can go a long way in ensuring cultural acceptability and programme sustainability. (Chutiyami et al., 2025). A collaborative, community-led approach could help to increase the reach of mental health care services in underserved areas and encourage social cohesion and community resilience. Together we can work towards turning our communities into places of healing.

References:

Chutiyami, M., Cutler, N., Sangon, S., Thaweekoon, T., Nintachan, P., Napa, W., Kraithaworn, P., & River, J. (2025). Community-Engaged Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiatives in Under-Resourced Settings: A Scoping Review of Primary Studies. Journal of primary care & community health, 16, 21501319251332723. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319251332723

Holt-Lunstad J. (2024). Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 23(3), 312–332. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21224

Hugo, C.J., Boshoff, D.E.L., Traut, A. et al. Community attitudes toward and knowledge of mental illness in South Africa. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 38, 715–719 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-003-0695-3

Park, E. Y., Oliver, T. R., Peppard, P. E., & Malecki, K. C. (2023). Sense of community and mental health: a cross-sectional analysis from a household survey in Wisconsin. Family medicine and community health, 11(2), e001971. https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2022-

20 Annual Peace, Safety and Human Rights Memorial Lecture

by Web Admin | Oct 22, 2025 | Events and Announcements, Psychology Events, PsySSA Announcements

20 Annual Peace, Safety and Human Rights Memorial Lecture

The Institute for Social and Health Sciences in the College of Human Sciences, Unisa, in collaboration with the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) and the Pan African Psychology Union (PAPU) cordially invites you to the 20 Annual Peace, Safety and Human Rights Memorial Lecture.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Honourable Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, with a response from Prof. Saths Cooper. The lecture, titled “Fascism, Deepening Inequality and Genocide: 21st Century Threats to Freedom and National Determination,” promises a thought-provoking engagement with some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Venue: ZK Matthews Great Hall
Date: 30 October 2025
Time: 11h00-14h00 (registration at 10h30)

For inquiries, please email: Munene Nkuna: nkunapm@unisa.ac.za
RSVP: 20 October 2025

Honourable Dr Grace Naledi Pandor

Keynote Speaker

Prof Saths Cooper

Respondent

Click Here To RSVP

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“Cultivating Mental Health” The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

by Web Admin | Oct 21, 2025 | Mental Health Awareness Month, The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP) invites us to pause, reflect, and intentionally cultivate our mental well-being.

In their contribution, “Honouring Mental Health: A Thought Piece with Resources,” SAACP reminds us that mental health is not a given — it requires ongoing care, investment, and compassion. From recognising the value of rest and boundaries, to integrating holistic approaches that include the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of health, this reflection encourages both practitioners and the public to nurture resilience and balance.

To support continued growth, SAACP, with SACAP Global are offering a 50% discount on the “How to Have Critical Conversations” short course, valid for the October–December 2025 intake (voucher code: VOU_PSYSSA2025, expires 31 October 2025).

Read more about how we can honour mental health — for ourselves, our clients, and our communities below:

“Cultivating Mental Health”

The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

Honouring Mental Health: A Thought Piece with Resources

Mental health is a journey. Invest in it. Honour it. And remember, it belongs to us all.

Taking Mental Health for Granted

Similar to our physical health, we often overlook our mental health – until it is compromised. Only then do we realise how truly valuable it is. World Mental Health Day is a reminder to all of us, mental health professionals included, to honour ourselves by paying attention to our wellbeing.

The Wounded Healer and Shared Humanity

In my coaching practice, I hold space for clients as they alchemise their journey, remembering their connection, beauty, and power. Many mental health professionals -some resonating with the wounded healer archetype – know better than most that mental health is not a given.
There are times when we all feel fragile, overwhelmed, and unsure of ourselves. Mental health requires regular investment through practices unique to each of us – whether through rest, boundaries, exercise, or soul work.

Beyond the Mind: A Holistic View of Health

For centuries, health has been divided among specialists. While expertise has deepened, perspective has narrowed. Yet, mental health does not exist only in the mind:
- Physical state: Exercise, sleep, and nutrition play a vital role.
- Spiritual connection: Meaning, purpose, and listening to the heart sustain us.
- Social environment: Systems we engage with often laced with prejudice or misogyny send powerful messages that shape our self-perception.

The real question is: how harmonised and integrated are we as practitioners and as people?

Supporting Clients in Their Becoming

Helping professionals work across a spectrum: from healing to empowerment. Along the way, we identify skills gaps together, whether learning assertiveness, building resilience, or coping with grief.
In my coaching practice, I’ve found that short courses accelerate development, offering practical tools that complement coaching.

Short Course 50% Discount:
Short courses can be a powerful ingredient in cultivating mental health.

Course: “How to Have Critical Conversations”
Discount: 50% off with voucher code VOU_PSYSSA2025
Valid for: Oct–Dec 2025 Class of 2025
Register at: SACAP Global
Voucher expires: 31 October 2025

Karolyne Williams is an ICF Professional Certified Coach and COMENSA Credentialed Practitioner. She has been developing leaders for the past fifteen years, helping them shape a future that embodies what they care about most. She is Head of Strategic Innovation at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) and leads the design and development of their coaching, human resource management and business management qualifications. Karolyne currently leads SACAP Global, their online short course division.

Conducting Research with Sexual Minority Individuals across the Globe

by Web Admin | Oct 21, 2025 | Events and Announcements

Online Presentation: Conducting Research with Sexual Minority Individuals Across the Globe

The Unisa Department of Psychology invites you to an online presentation by Prof. Ashley K. Randall, a Visiting Professor Extraordinarius and internationally recognised scholar from Arizona State University. Prof. Randall will share insights from her groundbreaking work on close relationships and how partnered individuals cope with stress, particularly within sexual minority populations worldwide.

Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Time: 09h00–10h00 (SAST)
Platform: MS Teams

Join us for a thought-provoking session that bridges global research, counselling psychology, and human connection.

Click Here To Register

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“Building Resilience in South Africa” – The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP)

by Web Admin | Oct 20, 2025 | Mental Health Awareness Month, The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP)

The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP) reminds us that mental health is not a luxury — it is the foundation for thriving individuals and communities. Let’s break the stigma, build resilience, and create a South Africa where psychological well-being is a shared priority. Read the full reflection from SASCP below:

“Building Resilience in South Africa”

The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP) – Barry Viljoen

Every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the urgent need to prioritise psychological well-being. In South Africa, this call is especially critical. Our nation faces the intersecting burdens of poverty, trauma, violence, unemployment, and health inequities—factors that heighten vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Yet, amidst these risks, South Africans also display remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The SASCP recognises both the adversities and strengths that our citizens within our communities are faced with on a daily basis. Our members, based in hospitals, clinics and in private practise, in working daily with survivors of trauma, people living with the effects of brain injury, and living with various emotional and psychological conditions, to mentoring young professionals, recognise one truth that stands out: mental health is not a luxury. It is the foundation upon which individuals, families, and societies thrive.

Too often, however, stigma prevents people from seeking help. This is where awareness and education play a powerful role. By recognising early signs of distress—sleep disruption, fearfulness, withdrawal, or memory difficulties—and encouraging supportive interventions, we can prevent suffering from escalating into long-term impairment.

World Mental Health Day is not only about highlighting need; it is also about fostering hope. South Africa has the talent, knowledge, and compassion to strengthen systems of care. Schools, workplaces, and health institutions can all integrate practical, culturally relevant approaches that build resilience and promote recovery.

This year, let us commit to conversations that normalise mental health, to services that are accessible, and to policies that protect the vulnerable. Together, we can transform awareness into action and build a healthier, more resilient South Africa.

Web Admin