Elri Hettema
Registered Counselling Psychologist
Practice Number: 0138258
My Story
I want to believe that my psychology journey started in the womb. My father was a psychologist and a lecturer in Psychology, and I had the privilege to be one of his students both on a graduate and postgraduate level.
Graduating at the University of Stellenbosch, I interned at 2 Military Hospital (Psychiatric Ward) and at the Institute for Medical Medicine in Simonstown. I worked with both in-patients and out-patients diagnosed with severe psychopathology and behavioural disorders. I was involved with assessments, selection processes, skills training, and course presentations. A multi-disciplinary approach was followed on all levels.
After my internship, I was stationed at the SAS Saldanha Naval training base as a senior unit psychologist. Being responsible for the Military Academy, Air force Unit and the Special Forces, looking after both the members and their families. After my career in the Medical Services (SANDF), I explored the world of organizational development. For a couple of years. I got involved in the facilitation of groups, team-buildings, account management and providing therapeutic services to clients referred by companies.
After my son’s birth in 1999, I explored lecturing for a couple of years. I have a passion for working with adolescents and young adults, so this was a satisfying experience. From lecturing Organizational Behaviour to Social Anthropology to Consumer and Buyer Behaviour, I think I learned as much as my students.
Back to private practice! During this stage of my career, I discovered the wonderful world of Wellness. I had an extensive journey with all the major Wellness companies and believe strongly in a productive and healthy work environment. And more specifically in the role and challenges faced by women in the workplace. I believe in an all-rounded wellness approach, psycho-socially, nutritionally, physically and the legal and financial needs of employees. Again, satisfying my belief in a multi-disciplinary approach. During this time I developed an interest in Fatigue Management and qualified as a Fatigue Specialist (BSS Africa). This led to my interest in Sleep Disorders, and more specifically in Insomnia and CBT-I. I qualified as a Sleep Specialist through the Edinburgh Institute of Sleep Medicine.
I am full-time back in private practice for the last couple of years, where I see individuals, couples and groups in therapy. I believe in the potential of all human beings, and that we can become the best “us”, given the right support and opportunities. I have an eclectic approach to therapy, and work with the broad spectrum from more severe psychopathologies to victims of gender-based violence, to sleep disorders (behavioural approach), trauma (Solution Focused approach), and assisting with an integrated wellness approach.
I work face-to-face, via telephone and on Zoom. I am looking forward to assisting with your life journey.
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
