About Phillipa
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.
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.
Therapeutic approach
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 grounding 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.
Qualifications
- PhD Psychology (Rhodes)
- MA Counselling Psychology (Rhodes)
- Hons Psychology Cum Laude (Stellenbosch)
- BSc Genetics, Psychology & Human Physiology