OPTIMISE YOUR MIND

WHY THIS PROFESSION?

From a young age, I was fascinated by the complexity of human behaviour and passionate about helping people – those with mental health challenges and those just wishing to improve their overall mental and emotional wellbeing.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHERE?

I studied at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). I completed my undergraduate studies in communication studies and journalism, with psychology as a third major. I then did my honours in psychology, a er which I completed the clinical psychology master’s programme, including a one-year internship. I then registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a clinical psychologist.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY

My day could include individual psychotherapy consultations; meeting with corporate clients to discuss their training and development needs and to prepare proposals on how best to meet those needs; consulting with individual sportspeople to assist in different opinions about what the problem is and how to fix it, it makes it difficult. optimising their “mental fitness” in order to compete successfully; designing and facilitating workshops or other training input relating to individual and team performance.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME OVER THE TIME YOU’VE BEEN WORKING?

I’ve had to overcome the stress of dealing with difficult people who don’t know how to communicate and resolve issues.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER AS AN INSTRUMENT MECHANIC TO DATE?

Following this career path has led to some very good job opportunities. Instrument artisans are scarce in South Africa, so the skills I’ve learnt are in high demand in the workplace.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GOALS FOR YOUR FUTURE IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT?

My goal is always to excel on the job I’m currently doing – I want to be the best I can be. I also want to learn all the tricks of the trade, so I can become an invaluable member of my team.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?

My work is my passion. I feel privileged to work with people from all walks of life; from young people trying to find their way in the world, to people who are needing guidance and support in dealing with particular mental health challenges and optimising performance and collaboration.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

Many people who desperately need the services of someone like me, do not have the resources to access professional help.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I had to self-fund my studies, which required me to do several jobs while studying. Although this was challenging at times, I have no regrets and believe it made me appreciative of what I was able to achieve.

IN YOUR LINE OF WORK IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?

Yes, absolutely. Learning while gaining experience makes you much more employable.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK, OR CERTAIN TRAITS ONE SHOULD HAVE (OR NOT HAVE)?

Yes, when you work in a team with people, you need to be professional and know how to communicate.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

I would advise them to learn how to be patient – it really pays.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Measure, control, process

ANY HIGHLIGHTS?

I have two: The moment I learnt that I’d made the final selection into the clinical master’s programme (they only select a small percentage of students). The second is a repeated highlight: whenever I get feedback that someone has found positive benefit from my involvement with them.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

To more effectively use technology to package and disseminate the expertise and experience I’ve gained over the years – to reach a much wider audience than is possible with traditional face-to-face engagement.

IS ANY PERSONALITY BEST SUITED?

No, but you do need to be authentic and empathic. You can have all the academic knowledge in the world, but it needs to be underpinned by genuine empathy and unconditional positive regard. You also need to be reasonably resilient – this work is emotionally demanding, as much as it is rewarding – and flexible, open and receptive to ongoing learning and self-development.