As a queer person, my lived experiences and identity shape my approach to mental health, advocacy, and teaching. I strive to integrate this perspective into every aspect of my work, challenging societal norms and fostering inclusivity. My commitment to the LGBTQIA community drives my efforts to create environments where all individuals feel recognised and valued, particularly those who are often marginalised. This holistic approach informs my dedication to both personal authenticity and professional integrity, ensuring that my advocacy is both heartfelt and effective.
Ethical Stance
As a mental health professional, I believe in the obligation to actively de-pathologise sexual and gender-diverse identities. Removing ‘homosexuality’ and ‘gender identity disorder’ from diagnostic manuals was a start, but we must also critically examine the ideologies that informed these diagnostic classifications. These ideologies continue to influence therapeutic frameworks and practices today.
I respect my clients’ rights to bodily autonomy and integrity. My aim is to work collaboratively with clients and other health professionals to access gender-affirming healthcare and navigate gate-keeping practices. This includes advocating for inclusive, affirmative care that recognises and values the diverse experiences of sexually and gender-diverse individuals.
My practice is grounded in the principles of intersectional feminism, recognising the complex interplay of various forms of discrimination and privilege that affect my clients’ lives. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering space for all my clients, particularly those on the margins of the cis-heteronormative institution.
I do not provide ‘conversion,’ ‘corrective,’ or ‘reparative’ therapies. These practices are not only unconstitutional but also amoral and psychologically harmful. Instead, I offer evidence-based and ethical treatments to survivors of such adverse practices, supporting those who struggle with internalised homophobia, transphobia and queerphobia as a result.
Queer Exclusive. I work exclusively with LGBTQIA clients – and the ‘A,’ here, does not stand for allies. The project of queering can lead to a blurring of boundaries, removal of categories which makes it impossible to clearly define who I work with. Essentially, my clients include people who are of a gender or sexual minority. A person who finds themselves on the margins of the cis-heteronormative institution in any way, be it their gender identity or sexuality.
Professional Experience
At the age of 19, I founded Rape Outcry, an organisation aimed at raising awareness about rape culture, abuse and interpersonal violence. This marked my initial steps in the NGO sector. After completing my studies as a Registered Counsellor at Nelson Mandela University, I provided counselling services, both individual and group, primarily to at-risk children. This early work laid the foundation for my dedication to advocacy and mental health.
After earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Western Cape, I spent seven years working in the public sector for the Department of Health, specialising in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). During this time, I provided specialised psychotherapeutic interventions, conducted functional and psychometric assessments, and supported families and care systems of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My role included psycho-legal assessments for sexual assault cases, where I testified as an expert witness in court.
I transitioned into full-time private practice in 2021, running an LGBTQIA-exclusive psychotherapy practice. Here, I focus on providing specialised therapy services to transgender and gender-diverse adults and teens, addressing issues related to identity, transitioning, relationships, neurodiversity, disability, and minority stress. My practice is grounded in an intersectional feminist framework, employing trauma-informed approaches to ensure sensitivity and support for clients who have experienced past traumas. I also offer gender-affirming healthcare, incorporating practices that respect and validate individuals’ gender identities and expressions.
In 2022, I began pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology through Unisa, inspired by my interest in forensic investigation and law. This education complements my clinical work, particularly in the areas of justice for vulnerable adults and the intersection of mental health and legal systems.