ANGELIC NESPOLA AND ASSOCIATE PSYCHOLOGISTS INC
Book now by emailing: stellenbosch.psychologists@gmail.com
31 Bird street, StellDoc, Stellenbosch
As a counselling psychologist based in Stellenbosch, I offer a compassionate and grounded space for students and adults navigating the complexities of life, identity, relationships, and mental health. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, or simply curious about your own mind, our time together is about creating understanding and real change.
My approach to therapy centres on exploring the deeper patterns that shape how you think, feel, and behave. Many of the ways we respond to life’s challenges are rooted in long-standing habits or life experiences. Together, we’ll begin to investigate these
patterns - how they formed, what purpose they’ve served, and whether or not they are helping you. Therapy with me isn’t just about ‘fixing a problem’ - it’s about getting to the heart of what brought you to this point and understanding it by encouraging self- compassion.
You don’t have to commit to a long process to benefit from therapy. If you prefer short-term support, we can work on identifying specific skills and strategies to manage anxiety, build emotional resilience, or handle relationship difficulties.
Therapy can be flexible - tailored to your needs and your pace. Whether you are here for a few sessions or a longer journey, the goal is always to empower you with tools for lasting personal growth.
Finally, I believe that healing and growth don’t happen in isolation. You are part of a larger circle - your friends, your family, your community. Our work will also focus on how to build and strengthen the support systems around you so that you can live with more self-passion, connection, and meaning. Whatever your reason for reaching out, we’ll take the next steps together.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to each person I work with.
I draw from psychodynamic therapy to explore the unconscious patterns and early life experiences that shape your present-day thoughts, behaviours, and relationships. I also use a person-centred approach, where empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard create a space for healing. Narrative therapy allows us to look at the stories you tell yourself - about your identity and your struggles. We explore if these stories are perpetuating unhelpful cycles in your life and together, we strive to reshape those narratives in a way that honours your strength and growth.
I bring an innovative perspective to my work as a compassionate and dedicated psychologist, focusing on trauma, bereavement, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I am committed to helping my clients overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being.
I hold both an Honours degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. I completed my internship at an HPCSA-accredited non-profit organisation in Johannesburg. With extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults, I provide a compassionate, safe space where clients can explore challenges related to identity, mental health, relationships, and emotional well-being. My client-centred approach ensures that therapy is a collaborative process, where trust, empathy, and understanding are central to achieving meaningful, long-term progress.
A quote that deeply resonates with me, and guides my approach, is from Rumi:
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
I believe pain and vulnerabilities are pathways to deeper self-understanding. In my work, I aim to create a safe space where individuals can explore these aspects of themselves. These challenges—whether emotional, psychological, or physical—do not define a person. Rather, they offer opportunities for growth and connection. Acknowledging these challenges can lead to greater resilience, empathy, and personal development, both within oneself and in how we relate to others. My goal is to support individuals in embracing vulnerability and using it as a stepping stone toward healing and growth.
I have gained experience in various therapeutic roles, including individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. I offer both in-person and online counselling services, ensuring accessibility for individuals, families, and couples with varying needs and circumstances.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy, complemented by expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and person-centred approaches. I design personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I adapt my methods to promote healing, build resilience, and foster meaningful personal growth.
Empathy, collaboration, and respect for my clients’ autonomy are central to my approach. I work to create a strong therapeutic relationship, providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore and address emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges. Through this process, I empower clients to achieve lasting positive change and realise their fullest potential.
The process of laying myself on this blank page seems daunting, but not nearly as daunting as entering into a therapeutic process. One of the main challenges is finding someone to enter into that process with. In order to mitigate that process and ease some of those anxieties, here is a little bit about me.
I am a clinical psychologist, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The journey began at the Nelson Mandela University, where I obtained my undergraduate degree (BA Psychology). I then went on to complete my BA Psychology Hons at the University of the Western Cape. The journey had its ups and downs, trials and tribulations, but it came to its natural ending at Stellenbosch University where I obtained MA Clinical Psychology.
This journey prepared me for further training at 2 Military Hospital where I completed my internship. The psychology department at 2 Military Hospital afforded me the opportunity to work through psychiatry, paediatric and medical in patient rotations with people from all walks of life. Following this, I completed my community service at Pollsmoor Management Area where I offered individual and group psychological interventions to convicted male individuals.
These experiences in these very different institutions have allowed me to work with a diverse range of individuals presenting with various psychological and emotional difficulties. I have been privileged enough to have a glimpse into the life stories in different socio-economic backgrounds. I have been lucky to hold and see the
vulnerable parts of people and watch them put their life stories in a way that makes a meaningful narrative.
Combining work and personal life experiences gave me a unique perspective in understanding those I encounter on their therapeutic journeys. I hold with high importance the establishment of a strong relationship as a healing agent. The fostering of genuine human connection is the foundation for understanding, holding and seeing the individual. This occurs with all ethical guidelines maintained and the utilisation of evidence based treatment/care.
I operate from a psychodynamic framework with influence from attachment theory and interpersonal theory. I do draw from other approaches depending on the individual’s needs, challenges, and goals.
I believe individuals are resilient, posses great strength, and a built to overcome adversity and its a great privilege to accompany individuals on their journey back to self or even a discovery of new, different parts of the self. It is through a authentic connection and relationships that one can safely navigate the challenges that life throws at them.
I am a clinical psychologist who is registered with the HPCSA and BHF. I obtained my BA with Honours and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Western Cape.
I did my clinical psychology training at Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital in Mitchell's Plain. Following that, I did community service at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley.
Throughout my clinical training, I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, which includes families, adults, adolescents, and children.
During this time, I've grown to admire the resilience, wisdom, and strength that people possess within themselves. I've learned that we all have our own life stories and that our stories help shape different aspects of ourselves.
All these components play a vital role in how we function in our daily lives. By becoming more conscious of our parts and story, we can choose to shape our story and live a healthy and full life.
Furthermore, my life experiences and clinical training taught me to go where there is no path rather than where there is a path, leaving a trail for others to follow. I offer therapy in both English and Afrikaans.
I am interested in providing general psychological services to diverse populations (with a diverse array of psychiatric disorders such as neuro-divergent and disruptive impulse control disorders, mood-related disorders, adjustment and anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, personality disorders, etc.).
I am primarily psychodynamic in orientation, with influences from a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). However, I believe that treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs, and I would adjust my interventions accordingly. These services will primarily be provided through a hybrid model (face-to-face/individual and online).
I am a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Offering face-to-face psychotherapy in Stellenbosch and online therapy to clients based in South Africa.
I offer a confidential therapeutic space where you can express yourself and be fully heard and understood. In my sessions I promote gaining insight into yourself and processing emotions linked to past and present experiences. I believe that to be able to connect meaningfully with others, we need to first connect with ourselves.
We will work to explore current difficulties and I will provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. In your first session you and I will discuss your needs and treatment goals to assist in personalising your therapeutic experience. Everyone's needs and therapeutic goals are unique, as well as the duration of therapy (where some people prefer short term therapy, and others prefer long term therapy). Seeking therapy can be daunting, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about therapy and the therapeutic process.
I use an integrative therapeutic approach to suit your needs and therapeutic goals. I draw from the following psychotherapeutic paradigms: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Person Centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Experience:
I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient facilities in the private hospital sector & in the Government sector (Gauteng Health, WITS Hospital Circuit). Within inpatient facilities my experience has ranged from the adolescent ward, general psychiatric ward and Dual Diagnosis Units (DDU). I have further worked in various NGOs and NPOs.
I am a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), with a deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based mental healthcare.
I currently serve as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University, and have several years of experience as a lecturer, researcher, and clinical practitioner. I also currently serve as the vice-chair of the South African Association of Counselling Psychology. In my private practice, I offer both online and in-person therapy to suit the needs and preferences of the individuals I work with.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of people, including children, adolescents, university students, and adults, as well as engaging in broader community-based initiatives. My clinical experience has brought me into contact with clients from diverse backgrounds, each presenting with their own unique set of emotional and psychological challenges.
I would describe my therapy style as empathetic, non-judgemental, and collaborative. I aim to create a warm, trusting and authentic space where clients feel supported in exploring themselves, gaining new insight, and developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Alongside my clinical work, my research and academic interests focus on making mental healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of people in South Africa. I believe that all individuals should have the opportunity to access therapy, and that safe, supportive spaces for psychological growth and healing are a fundamental component of overall health and wellbeing.
My therapeutic approach is always tailored to each client’s individual needs, goals, and context. At its core, my work is grounded in a humanistic philosophy. This approach centres on the power of genuine human connection and the belief that, when offered a compassionate and accepting space, each person has the capacity to grow and heal.
While I draw on a range of psychological approaches, my practice is primarily informed by evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside mindfulness-based techniques that help clients develop awareness, compassion, and grounded in the present moment.
I also work from a holistic, systems-based perspective, understanding that a person’s wellbeing is shaped not only by their internal world (personality, physiology, and emotions) but also by the many systems they live within: families, friendships, schools, workplaces, communities, and broader societal structures such as media, culture, and policy.
These layers interact in powerful ways, and by gently exploring them together, we can uncover pathways toward healing, clarity and growth.
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