"There Is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Maya Angelou

Background

l completed my psychology degree at the University of Pretoria (Cum Laude); thereafter my Honours degree in psychology as well as the BPsych/Registered Counsellor accreditation at the University of South Africa. After registering at the HPCSA in 2009, I completed my Masters in Psychology degree at the University of South Africa. I have been in practice for 17 years (since 2009), providing mental health services to children, of which the last 13 years have been within the school setting as well.  My practice is based in Midstream.

I enjoy bringing a creative approach into my counselling sessions and believe the therapeutic relationship should be collaborative. I make use of various evidence-based modalities and find the benefits of incorporating mindfulness in my approach invaluable.

In 2025, I added mediation to my repertoire of skills, having obtained a formal mediation qualification (The Mediation Academy SA, Cum Laude) and obtaining accreditation with the South African Association of Mediators/SAAM. This enables me to provide accredited mediation services to the public, including family law mediation services, helping families through divorce and separation. 

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What I do

I strive to help children, families and all clients feel understood, empowered, and connected by providing thoughtful, developmentally informed, and evidence-based support tailored to their unique strengths and challenges. 

I aim to provide affordable services with my work being guided by respect for each child and person's individuality, collaboration with families, and a commitment to fostering safety, growth, and emotional well-being. I place high value on respect, authenticity, integrity and empathy. My practice is based in Midstream and I travel to schools if needed. Mediation done in-person or online. 

Why Is Mental Health Important?

A child’s mental health forms the foundation for overall development, enabling them to think clearly, manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and cope with daily challenges. It enhances cognitive abilities, supports academic success, and fosters resilience against stress. Good mental health ensures children can thrive at home and school.  Children with early, positive mental health leads to healthy adulthood.

Emotional Regulation

Good mental health allows children to recognise and understand their feelings allowing them to express emotions in constructive ways as well as navigate through the “big” feelings.

Healthy Relationships

Good mental health allows children to develop social skills. This leads to positive peer interactions, developing healthy communication and conflict resolution skills and empathy.

Confidence

Children who are in good mental health are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-worth and to believe in their own abilities.  Confidence allows children to take safe risks, try new things and overcome obstacles.

Resilience

Good mental health builds resilience in children, enabling them to have a growth mindset and providing tools to adapt to new experiences. Failures can be regarded as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. 

Cognitive Development

Good mental health helps enhance the cognitive development of children. A healthy mind helps in increasing a child’s capacity for creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Physical Health

Children who have good mental health are more likely to exercise, eat well and have improved sleep habits allowing them to form lifelong healthy habits.

What clients say ...

Yolandé is truly called to reach places that only a caring and highly skilled professional can reach. Thank you for the invaluable support you provided to our child. We were consistently kept informed of his progress, and your guidance was always precise and reliable. Parenting does not come with a manual yet you directed us with clarity and confidence during some very challenging moments. Thank you, Yolandé, for your expertise, your commitment, and the steady support you offered our family

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Ori - Parent Pretoria

Ek beveel Yolandé se studie kursusse met groot vrymoedigheid aan. 


Sy het my kinders geleer om onafhanklik en selfstandig te leer deur haar studie metodes te volg en toe te pas.

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Liezl - Parent Midstream

I've worked as a pediatric occupational therapist with Yolandé in the school setting for 3 years. She played a vital role in the link between the parents and teachers and always made sure the best interests of the child was kept in mind. We had monthly update sessions on the OT therapy to make sure that goals are still applicable and if any other professionals were required. She was always prepared to meet with parents when needed and had practical suggestions which made parents feel secure and supported

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Nolene - OT/Colleague Pretoria