by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 25, 2025
Willem is a practicing Counselling Psychologist who also works in higher education as a research supervisor and educator. He began his career as a biokineticist, an experience that shaped his ongoing interest in the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of mental illness. His clinical and academic work reflects a commitment to integrating evidence-based approaches into both practice and training. Willem is eager to collaborate with professionals who share his vision of shaping and strengthening the identity and future of Counselling Psychology within the South African context.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 24, 2025
Geraldine Franciscus is a Counselling Psychologist, the Head of the Psychology Department, a Senior Psychology Lecturer, and Supervisor at Cornerstone Institute. She has been in academic higher education for over 20 years. She has a special interest in Brain Working Recursive Therapy and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy and its application in the South African context.
Geraldine enjoys being involved in collaborative research. Some of this research has resulted in a publication in the International Journal of Higher Education and Democracy: “Assessing the Impact of Outcomes-Based Education, Family Dynamics, and Psychosocial Stressors on Student Academic Adjustment in South Africa”. She is passionate about promoting community mental health and well-being.
She is an executive member of the Psychological Society of South Africa’s Counselling Psychology Division (SAACP), as the former Chair (2019-2021) and Vice Chair of the division (2017-2019) and Vice Chair (2025-2027). She is currently and executive member of the Community and Social Psychology Division and the Vice Chair of the Division for 2025-2027. Geraldine runs part-time counselling private practice.
by Web Admin | Oct 22, 2025
Dr Lauren Martin is a counselling psychologist since 2014 and has worked in education for over 12 years. Lauren currently holds the role of Dean at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP). Lauren has a deep-rooted passion for education and mental health, reflected in her PhD which focused on integrating mental health into learning and teaching practices to enhance resiliency in psychology students. Through various roles, whether Vice Chair for the Research Ethics Committee, an Academic Board member, BBBEE Committee member, or members of HELTASA or WHEN, she strives to contribute to driving positive change in psychology and society.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 20, 2025
Intern Counselling Psychologist and Registered Counsellor employed at Rhodes University with professional profile responsibility of group psychotherapy chair, individual case management and mentorship training along with continuous professional development (Year and a half). Professional experience and training within university counselling centres, psychology clinics, community centres and acute psychiatric hospitals during internship training and employment as a Registered Counsellor (4 Years). Academic qualifications obtained through Nelson Mandela University with growing interests in grief/bereavement, psychological trauma and the overarching appreciation and implementation of psychodynamic theory whilst guided by the values of counselling psychology within my psychotherapeutic approach. Further areas of interest include academia with lecturing experience of first- and third-year students at Varsity college along with being a golden key international honour society affiliated member. Motto: “Know who you are and know it’s enough”.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 20, 2025
I am a counselling psychologist, committed to fostering psychological wellbeing, resilience, and growth across diverse populations. My practice is guided by empathy, ethical responsibility, and a person-centered approach, which allows me to support clients in navigating life transitions, relationships, and personal challenges with care and integrity.
Alongside my clinical work, I hold a strong interest in the evolving relationship between psychology and artificial intelligence. I am particularly drawn to examining how AI can be ethically integrated into mental health support, education, and research, while also addressing critical questions about bias, human identity, and the role of technology in shaping relationships. This dual focus enables me to contribute to conversations at the intersection of human development and technological innovation.
By combining counselling psychology with an interest in AI, I aim to advance approaches that remain human-centered, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I am passionate about the future of psychology in an increasingly digital world and committed to ensuring that advances in technology continue to reflect the values of care, ethics, and human connection.
