About Anzel

Counsellor

I lived in Despatch, Eastern Cape, until my family and I moved to Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, where I completed my schooling. After high school, I took a gap year and returned to the Eastern Cape to live with my grandmother for a while. During my time there, I volunteered at the oceanarium because I initially wanted to study marine biology. However, I eventually realized that psychology was my true path. This realization led me to move to George to be closer to the ocean and to enjoy the calming presence of the water.

I studied for a Bachelor of Psychology at Pearson Institute of Higher Education (MGI) in Midrand. After graduating, I took the board exam with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and registered as a Registered Counsellor in the category of Independent Practice/Private Practice. A few months post-graduation, feeling the need to spread my wings and having come from a small town, I seized the opportunity to work abroad. Despite the challenges, I missed the excitement of being a student, so I decided to apply for a Master’s degree in Psychology. Two years later, I graduated with an MSc in Psychology from the University of South Wales.

While abroad, I volunteered with Lifeline, starting as a phone volunteer and eventually becoming one of the counselling coordinators. In this role, I was responsible for debriefing and training new volunteers, which deepened my understanding and appreciation of different cultures from around the world. I also volunteered at the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their Victim Empowerment Centre and trauma room.

To me, psychology is a lifestyle. Our mental health significantly influences who we are and what we can achieve, yet it is often the one thing we overlook or neglect to prioritize. As a Registered Counsellor, I consider it a privilege to accompany individuals on their journey, especially those who may have forgotten their own strengths and simply need a reminder. I deeply appreciate the trust that clients place in me, allowing them to open up and be their authentic selves without fear of judgment, knowing that I genuinely care.

I studied Bachelor of Psychology with Pearson Institute of Higher Education (MGI) in Midrand. After graduation I went on to write the board exam with the Health Professions Counsil of South Africa (HPCSA) and register as Registered Counsellor in the category Independent Practice/Private practice Registered Counsellor. A few months after graduation and being from a small town I wanted to spread my wings I got the opportunity to go and work abroad, as if that was not enough of a challenge, I missed the high of being a student. I then decided to apply for my Master’s degree in Psychology and two years later I graduated with a MSc in Psychology from the University of South Wales. During my time abroad I volunteered with Lifeline where I first started off as just a volunteer on the phone and later on, I worked myself up to join the counselling team becoming one of the counselling coordinators responsible for debriefing volunteers and training new volunteers further opening up my world to learn and appreciate different cultures from all around the world.  I have also been a volunteer at the SAPS for their Victim Empowerment Centre / Trauma room.

Psychology for me is a lifestyle, our mental health has such a big impact on who we are as people and what we can achieve, yet it is the one thing we always forget about or just not make the time for. As a Registered Counsellor it is such a privilege to be able to walk a journey with individuals that at times have forgotten their strength and just needs to be reminded again. I further more appreciate the trust that individuals have in me to be able to open up and to authentically be themselves without the fear of judgement but to know that I really care.