Meet The Team

I have obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Registered Counsellor) at CTI now known as University of Pearson Institute of Higher Education in 2016. I have been practicing as a Registered Counsellor for the last 3 years and is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I have also completed a play therapy course in 2018 to enhance my personal development. After I obtained my degree, I worked in various settings which provided me with the opportunity to broaden my experience in counselling. The work settings include the Non-Profit Organizations (NPO) sector (i.e. Hope House Counselling Center), facilitation of children with special needs in Schools, home support to children with behavioral difficulties, volunteering for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to do debriefing and containment after a crime scene and debriefing and containment in cooperate settings after traumatic incidents. Since a very young age, I knew I had a profound purpose to help and encourage others when they need it most. It was only a few years ago that I learned, my name (Monique) means advisor/counsellor. It was then that I realized not only is it a passion, but it is inscribed in me as a person to be able to counsel and advise others where possible. Everyone has experienced some form of hardships or difficulty at any given point in their life and I believe that one should never be ashamed to seek help. My goal is to create a safe space for my clients where they can freely express themselves, their thoughts and emotions without feeling judged or criticized. Respecting each client, for the person they are and what they believe is something I really take to heart. Each day my need to make a difference in the lives of others keeps on growing.

I hold a BA Psych Hons (UJ).  I am registered with the Health Professions council of South Africa as a registered counsellor and hold a Board of Healthcare funders registration for medical aid claims.  I currently am in private practice in Edenvale, Gauteng.  I believe strongly in a person centered and solution focused approach to counselling.  Just like the lotus flower that grows in the muddiest waters and flourishes into a beautiful flower, each person holds the tools and skills to direct themselves into the best possible future they can hope to achieve.  A registered Counsellor is trained in assisting the individual to understand and examine their thoughts, feelings and behavior. In doing so an individual is able to have an increased insight into whatever challenges they are facing, a better understanding of oneself, confidence, self-esteem and the ability to make informed, well thought out decisions. Each of us experience the world differently based on our past experiences and personality types but at some point in our lives we will all struggle with a significant issues, stress, life changes, traumas and relationship dynamics that will affect us deeply.  We react in a normal way to abnormal situations and counselling offers the opportunity for each person to regain a sense of balance, self-awareness and improve insight into their own unique experience of the world and allow for self-growth and goals to be set to regain our sense of hope.  I have trained in trauma incident reduction and provide trauma debriefing and counselling to individuals, groups and companies.  I also provide services such as individual therapy, relationship and couples counselling, stress and anxiety management, dealing with substance abuse (for families and individuals) as well as sport counselling.

Trish Armstrong is a registered counseling practitioner. She has over 10 years counseling experience. She has expertise and experience in counselling couples, families and individuals. She has acquired knowledge and skills in counseling those dealing with recent and past traumatic situations. She has worked with corporate and business clients. Working in corporate environments requires an appreciation and understanding of the corporate culture and the business environment in which they operate. She has facilitated conflict resolutions between management and employees as well as performed other counseling activities. She has acquired soft skills such as listening, analysis and enquiring in order to gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. She is empathetic and sensitive in offering guidance and support. As a counsellor, she is committed in her effort to understand the individual needs of her clients. She strives to serve her community to the best of her abilities. She holds a BA Health Sciences & Social Services Degree, (with specialisation in Psychological Counselling) as well as Trauma Counselling, is registered with ASCHP. She has acquired Professional Diplomas in Counselling and Advanced Counselling. She is a certified Life & Wellness Coach and NLP Practitioner

Blessing Makhado has joined the Life Counsel Team in 2023 and is currently assisting with Counselling. Blessing has completed her Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Unisa. Blessing has experience in the field of Trauma Counselling, Employee Wellbeing Counselling, Relationship Counselling and more. Blessing always goes an extra mile with her clients

Lynette has been committed in working with Life Counsel since 2020 and she always strives to assist the Individual with utmost compassion and eagerness. It is wonderful to have a Individual that is committed and have peoples interest at heart. Lynette commits herself in assisting people get to the best suited professional counsellor in their time of need. Please get in contact with Lynette today to get assistance in your counselling needs.