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PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Division for Research and Methodology (DRM), Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

 

On World Autism Awareness Day, PsySSA brings together contributions from the Division for Research and Methodology (DRM) and the Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) to deepen understanding of autism across contexts.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference – shaped not only by individual experiences, but also by the environments, systems, and relationships that surround each person. These contributions highlight the importance of:

  • Challenging persistent myths and misconceptions
  • Recognising diverse ways of communicating, learning, and relating
  • Understanding the links between sensory experiences, anxiety, and emotional regulation
  • Supporting caregivers, educators, and practitioners with practical, evidence-informed strategies

In the South African context, meaningful awareness must move beyond information toward inclusion, accessibility, and dignity – ensuring that autistic individuals are supported across the lifespan, in schools, families, workplaces, and communities.

This collection invites us to reflect, learn, and act – centering lived experience and strengthening compassionate, contextually relevant care.

 

Health Psychology Podcast: Recognising the Role and Importance of Palliative Care

Health Psychology Podcast: Recognising the Role and Importance of Palliative Care

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Divisions, Health Psychology (HP)

EPISODE 31

Health Psychology Division Podcasts

 

I

Part 1: Health Psychology Podcast: Recognising the Role and Importance of Palliative Care

by Ms Susan Sander | Part 1

Part 2: Health Psychology Podcast: Recognising the Role and Importance of Palliative Care

by Ms Susan Sander | Part 2

Ms Sander is a registered counsellor in private practice, with a keen interest in the connection between physical and mental health. She works in both public and private sectors as part of two multidisciplinary palliative care teams in Stellenbosch and at Tygerberg Hospital. Through her work, Ms Sander has developed extensive experience and a deep understanding of the importance of accessible mental health support for individuals and their families facing life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Congratulations! 2026 American Psychological Foundation (APF) Theodore Blau Early Career Award Recipient

Congratulations! 2026 American Psychological Foundation (APF) Theodore Blau Early Career Award Recipient

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD)

Congratulations to Dr Cornelius J Victor

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) warmly congratulates Dr Cornelius J Victor on being selected as a recipient of the 2026 American Psychological Foundation (APF) Theodore Blau Early Career Award for Outstanding Contribution to Professional Clinical Psychology.

Dr Victor has been an active contributor within PsySSA, serving on the Executive Committee of the Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD) and playing a key role in the African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project. His work reflects a strong commitment to advancing inclusive, socially responsive psychological practice.

This prestigious international recognition highlights both his individual contributions and the broader impact of South African psychology on the global stage.

We celebrate this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in his work and leadership.

About Dr Cornelius Victor

Dr Cornelius (Niel) Victor is a Clinical and Research Psychologist whose work spans psychotherapy, supervision, training, and consultation. His practice is grounded in evidence-based, inclusive, and affirming approaches, with a strong commitment to creating therapeutic spaces where individuals feel safe, respected, and able to explore their experiences meaningfully.

Dr Niel Victor is a founding member of the PsySSA Sexuality and Gender Division African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights project, co-led the development of the original PsySSA affirmative practice guidelines and remains a very active member thereof.

He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA), with research focused on psychologists’ competence in affirming sexually diverse clients in the South African context. He also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (UNISA, with distinction) and a Master’s degree in Research Psychology from the University of Pretoria. Dr Victor is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as both a Clinical and Research Psychologist.

CEPD Webinar – What does it mean to be an Ecotherapy Nature-Connection Practitioner?

CEPD Webinar – What does it mean to be an Ecotherapy Nature-Connection Practitioner?

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Climate, Environment and Psychology (CEP), Psychology Events

“What does it mean to be an Ecotherapy Nature-Connection Practitioner?”

Hosted by the PsySSA Climate, Environment and Psychology Division

 

Webinar Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
  • Time: 14:00
  • Online Via Teams
  • Cost: Free

Presented by:
Penni Cox

Penni Cox – Psychologist and Eco-therapy nature connection practitioner. Penni Cox is on a mission to change the narrative of wellbeing simply being a matter of “business as usual”. She challenges the status quo of “tick box” boardroom mental health talks, and that therapy only happens indoors, and proposes an alternate way to bring wellbeing back to individuals, teams and communities – collaborating with nature as the therapist.

Webinar Meeting Link
PsySSA Commemorates Bipolar Day – 30 March 2026

PsySSA Commemorates Bipolar Day – 30 March 2026

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Decolonising Psychology (DP), Health Psychology (HP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

World Bipolar Day 2026 – “Bipolar Strong”

 

Today, PsySSA joins the global community in commemorating World Bipolar Day under the theme “Bipolar Strong.”

Living with bipolar disorder is not a weakness – it is a journey of resilience, courage, and ongoing navigation of complex emotional, cognitive, and social realities. While often misunderstood as simple “mood swings,” bipolar disorder is a serious condition involving profound shifts in energy, sleep, and emotional regulation that can deeply affect daily life.

This year, contributions from PsySSA’s Health Psychology Division (HPD) and Decolonising Psychology Division (DPD) invite us to deepen how we think about mental health.

This World Bipolar Day, we call on all sectors of society to:

  • Challenge stigma
  • Strengthen systems of care
  • Centre lived experiences
  • Advance equitable and accessible mental health support

 

Bipolar Disorder and Mental Health Justice: A Decolonial Reflection for World Bipolar Day
By: Kim Gabriel-Dixon

This reflection explores bipolar disorder through a decolonial lens, inviting a broader understanding of mental health that recognises the social conditions, relationships, and structural realities shaping people’s lives. It encourages compassionate awareness while highlighting the importance of dignity, justice, and community care in supporting those living with bipolar disorder.

Download (PDF, 283KB)

Click here to read more and download

 

Today we commemorate World Bipolar Day under the theme: “BIPOLAR STRONG”

World Bipolar Day is a reminder that living with bipolar disorder is not a weakness, but a journey of resilience, strength, and courage. The theme ‘Bipolar Strong’ celebrates individuals who navigate the highs and lows while continuing to lead meaningful lives, challenge stigma, and advocate for better mental health support.

Every journey with bipolar disorder is different, shaped by personal, social, and structural factors. To transform mental health care, we must look beyond the diagnosis and see the person before the patient.

Here in South Africa, research continues to strengthen our understanding of bipolar disorder care by linking policy, clinical practice, and patient realities. They highlight the importance of effective medication management, multidisciplinary support, familial support, and national treatment guidelines in shaping care and realities for those living with bipolar disorder:

This World Bipolar Day, let us stand in solidarity, challenge stigma, and support those living with bipolar disorder.

Together, we are #BipolarStrong