Tag: mental health

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the realities, science, and lived human story of trauma. Dr Moss shares how her own journey into psychology began not from a linear career path, but from lived experience. As a sensitive child who grew up curious about people’s inner worlds, she initially thought she would become a journalist and tell stories. Instead, encountering personal trauma in her matric year led her to psychology, where she discovered not only the power of human stories — but the power of holding them. Her early work in the field of sexual assault counselling revealed an uncomfortable truth; that many conventional therapeutic tools were inadequate, and the real healing comes from authentic witnessing, presence, co-creation, and reintegrating a sense of self. She reflects on the founding of Open Disclosure, an organisation built to create safe spaces for survivors to speak, be seen, and be believed. We explore why witnessing matters: the power of having one’s trauma narrative held, validated, and countered with humanity, similar to what South Africa collectively experienced through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dr Moss unpacks trauma-informed practice through the neurobiology of trauma, explaining freeze as our most dominant human survival response, yet also the most misunderstood. She highlights how shame flourishes in silence, and the role society, and especially other women, play in either reinforcing or releasing shame. Gender equality, she notes, is still pivotal and not yet realised in how women experience mental health, judgement, and vulnerability. The conversation then shifts to access; what women can do when therapy is not financially possible. Dr Moss offers profoundly simple but powerful guidance: journaling to reconnect with self; and seeking or creating spaces where one feels safe and authentic — be it with people, in nature, or in solitude — to rebuild regulation and inner strength. As a supervisor and mentor to young psychologists, she discusses the importance of knowing oneself deeply to be able to hold healing space for others. She closes by sharing her personal success factors, highlighting playfulness, choosing supportive people, and courageously removing herself from relationships that dim her light. Finally, she leaves a message of resonance and empowerment — quoting Marianne Williamson’s famous words (from her poem called Our Deepest Fear) that Mandela echoed — reminding women that shrinking serves no one, and that our fear is not inadequacy, but the magnitude of our power. This episode honours survivorship, honours narrative, and brings trauma into a space of compassion and possibility — reminding women everywhere: you are powerful beyond measure. Tune in for more…

View Post

November 6, 2025

Dr Lauren Moss – Counselling Psychologist – Own Your Story

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the r...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Lori Eddy, a counselling psychologist in private practice, as part of Womanity’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day. Our discussion journeys into the heart of what it means to be human, to hurt, to heal, and to grow; offering an illuminating perspective on how the mind recovers, rebuilds, and reclaims balance. Dr. Eddy unpacks the role of counselling psychology from its clinical counterpart. While clinical psychology often focuses on acute or severe mental disorders treated in hospital settings, counselling psychology embraces a holistic, wellness-oriented approach aimed at helping individuals move from crisis to growth, from surviving to thriving. It is about working with the full spectrum of human experience: navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, and trauma, but also encouraging self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. Dr. Eddy helps people become their best selves and live their best life. Motivated by empathy and a lifelong curiosity about human emotion and behavior, Dr. Eddy describes how psychology offered her both a framework for understanding others and a path to facilitate positive change. She views her therapeutic relationships as sacred, safe spaces built on trust, compassion, and non-judgment — spaces where clients can confront vulnerability and reemerge stronger. Part of the conversation explores the therapeutic modalities Dr. Eddy uses in her practice. She introduces  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). A groundbreaking, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma by reprocessing distressing memories. Dr. Eddy explains how EMDR mimics the brain’s natural memory integration processes that occur during REM sleep, allowing traumatic memories to be safely revisited, reframed, and neutralized. She illustrates the power of EMDR through a remarkable real-life case. A 17-year-old girl, wheelchair-bound due to unexplained leg paralysis (conversion disorder), had exhausted every medical option before being referred to Dr. Eddy. Using EMDR, the young woman gradually unearthed long-suppressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. Through the therapy, she reprocessed her trauma, released her self-blame, and ultimately recovered full mobility. Today, she is thriving — a university graduate with a career in education and a positive outlook on life. Dr. Eddy also shares a second case that resonates deeply with many women. It tells of a high-performing executive — a woman who appeared to have everything under control but was internally unraveling. Plagued by exhaustion, anxiety, and self-doubt, she dismissed her mental health struggles as weakness. Through therapy, she learned that mental health deserves the same legitimacy as physical health, and that strength also lies in acknowledging when you’re not okay. This journey, Dr. Eddy notes, reflects a pattern she sees often among women who shoulder unrealistic expectations, both societal and self-imposed, to “do it all.” Her message is clear: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Reflecting on her personal journey, Dr. Eddy credits three women who shaped her strength and perseverance — her mother, grandmother, and academic supervisor. Her grandmother, who raised a disabled child in an era when disability carried heavy stigma, modeled unconditional love and resilience. Her mother, who has navigated loss and caretaking with grace, continues to embody compassion and grit. “As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Eddy shares a message of empowerment and compassion for women everywhere: “Self-care is not selfish. Give yourself permission to put yourself in your own equation. When you invest in your mental health, everyone around you benefits. Mental health really does matter — and there’s nothing weak about reaching out for help.” Through her stories, insights, and gentle wisdom, Dr. Lori Eddy reminds us that healing begins with awareness, courage, and compassion — for ourselves and for others. This episode stands as a heartfelt call to destigmatize mental illness, embrace vulnerability, and honor the strength it takes to heal. Tune in for more…

View Post

October 30, 2025

Dr Lori Eddy – Counselling Psychologist – Thrive

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Lori Eddy, a counselling psychologist in private practice, as part of Womanity’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day. Our dis...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, and the law. This conversation forms part of Womanity’s tribute to World Mental Health Day, highlighting the vital message that “there is no health without mental health Dr. Del Fabbro begins by sharing how her fascination with human behaviour – why people do what they do – led her into the world of psychology. Initially drawn to clinical practice for its focus on healing and resilience, she later expanded into forensic psychology, where the complexities of the human mind meet the formal structures of the courtroom. She describes her work in the legal sphere as being an “interpreter between the human psyche and the legal system,”. While the demand for forensic psychologists in South Africa is high, there remains a shortage of practitioners, particularly in public service. The work is emotionally demanding and intellectually exacting – often requiring a delicate balance between objectivity, compassion, and ethical integrity. Dr. Del Fabbro juggles multiple professional roles — from therapy and medico-legal assessments to teaching and supervision. For Dr. Del Fabbro, this variety is not a burden but a design choice. It allows her to keep her work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. She relies on strict boundary setting and compartmentalisation, ensuring that empathy guides her therapy sessions while analytical precision defines her forensic work. Each role requires a different hat, and maintaining those distinctions helps prevent emotional fatigue and professional burnout. On the broader topic of women’s mental health, Dr. Del Fabbro identifies three recurring challenges she encounters in her practice: the anxiety–perfectionism trap, identity loss, and relational dynamics. To counter these pressures, she encourages women to shift their mindset from doing to being. This means embracing radical self-compassion, replacing inner criticism with kindness, setting non-negotiable boundaries to protect emotional energy, and reconnecting with the body through mindful movement. “Stress is stored physically,” she reminds us, and small acts like stretching, breath work, or dancing can release emotional tension and restore balance. In closing, Dr. Del Fabbro offers an empowering message to all women: “Your voice is your power. Prioritise education and emotional health. Find mentors who see your potential, not your limitations. Be brave, be kind to yourself, and never hesitate to step into your full potential.”

View Post

October 21, 2025

Dr Giada Del Fabbro, a Forensic & Clinical Psychologist – Your Voice is Your Power

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, ...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Ilze van der Merwe, a counselling psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the head of a multidisciplinary private practice, Dr. van der Merwe works across psychological, therapeutic, and forensic fields, specializing in family mediation, parent coordination, and mental health interventions. Our conversation explores the complexities of relationships, the emotional impact of divorce, gender differences in conflict resolution, and strategies for emotional resilience and empowerment. 🔹 The Role of a Counselling Psychologist Dr. van der Merwe begins by distinguishing the field of counselling psychology from clinical psychology. While clinical psychologists often work in institutional settings dealing with severe pathologies, counselling psychologists primarily focus on outpatient care, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, including career struggles, relationship difficulties, depression, and anxiety. Her approach emphasizes diagnosis, intervention, and treatment planning to alleviate psychological distress. 🔹 Building a Multidisciplinary Practice At her practice, Dr. van der Merwe offers a broad spectrum of services. She highlights her specialization in mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, which have become increasingly prevalent due to societal and environmental stressors. She also works extensively with couples, helping them navigate relationship distress. Additionally, her forensic work within family law involves conducting care and contact assessments for high-conflict divorces, ensuring that the best interests of children are prioritized. 🔹 Navigating Conflict Resolution and Gender Differences One of the most insightful parts of the conversation explores how men and women approach conflict differently. Traditional gender roles often shape negotiation styles, and women in high-conflict divorces sometimes struggle with asserting their needs. Dr. van der Merwe underscores the importance of mediators in creating a balanced environment where both parties are given the space to express themselves fairly. 🔹 The Psychological Toll of Divorce Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional journey. Dr. van der Merwe emphasizes that healing takes time, and women leaving disempowering relationships often face fears of loneliness, financial insecurity, and self-doubt. The loss of identity post-divorce can be exacerbated by societal norms that marginalize divorced women. She offers strategies to rebuild confidence and emotional resilience, encouraging women to see divorce as a transition rather than a failure. 🔹 The Legal System and Custody Battles Women in custody disputes often face significant economic and emotional challenges. Dr. van der Merwe sheds light on financial abuse and the ongoing struggles women face in securing legal representation. While the legal system has made strides in ensuring gender equity—through maintenance enforcement and domestic violence protections—there are still gaps in implementation. She stresses the need for stronger legal support and resources to help women navigate these battles. 🔹 Protecting Yourself Before Marriage With the benefit of hindsight, many women realize the importance of financial and legal preparation before entering into marriage. Dr. van der Merwe advises women to consider prenuptial agreements as tools of empowerment, ensuring financial security and autonomy. She notes that resistance to these contracts often stems from emotional discomfort, but framing them as practical and protective measures can help shift perceptions. 🔹 The Myth of Work-Life Balance Many women feel pressure to “have it all,” balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Dr. van der Merwe acknowledges that true balance is elusive, advocating instead for prioritization and delegation. She highlights the need to say “no” more often, set boundaries, and recognize that attempting to excel in all areas simultaneously often leads to burnout. 🔹 Personal Journey and Lessons Learned Reflecting on her own life, Dr. van der Merwe attributes her success to a strong family foundation, access to education, and personal resilience. She shares how pivotal moments, such as pursuing higher education and overcoming personal obstacles, have shaped her path. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that perseverance and self-belief are key ingredients for success. 🔹 Final Words of Inspiration As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. van der Merwe leaves listeners with a powerful message: women’s strength lies not just within themselves, but also in the support and mentorship of other women. She encourages women to seek out educational opportunities, cultivate resilience, and uplift each other through community and sisterhood.

View Post

February 14, 2025

Dr Ilze van der Merwe – Counselling Psychologist – Empowered Resilience

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Ilze van der Merwe, a counselling psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the head of a multidisciplinary private pr...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Bridget O’Neill Kruger, a clinical psychologist and Earth medicine practitioner based in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. O’Neill Kruger shares her unique perspective on holistic healing, integrating psychology, Earth medicine, and somatic practices to support personal transformation. She has established a philosophy called Rewilded Being. Key Discussion Points: 🔹 Breaking the Cycle of Failed Resolutions Dr. O’Neill Kruger explores why so many people struggle to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. She highlights the pitfalls of unrealistic goal-setting, perfectionism, and the pressure of instant transformation. Instead, she advocates for gradual habit formation, emphasizing small, sustainable changes over time. We should think about the kind of life we want to create for ourselves continuously, not just once a year. 🔹 A Renaissance Approach to Psychology With a diverse background in psychology, alternative healing, and holistic therapy, Dr. O’Neill Kruger reflects on her journey into psychology, shaped by an early passion for understanding the human mind. She discusses the challenge of choosing a career path amidst societal and familial expectations and how she ultimately integrated multiple disciplines into her work. 🔹 Women and Career Autonomy Addressing the pressures women face in shaping their careers, she encourages young women to pursue their passions, remain open to change, and trust their evolving interests. She underscores the importance of self-awareness, flexibility, and lifelong learning in finding professional fulfilment. It’s never too late to change direction and follow your drum beat. 🔹 The Integrative Healing Model Dr. O’Neill Kruger introduces her "Rewilded Being" framework, a holistic model of well-being focused on restoring connections—to oneself, to others, and to nature (mind, body and spirit). Her approach integrates elements of traditional psychology, attachment theory, mindfulness, eco-psychology, energy work, and alternative therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), and somatic release practices. 🔹 Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Recovery Discussing the devastating reality of gender-based violence in South Africa, she emphasizes trauma-informed therapy, body-based healing techniques, and creative expression as powerful tools for survivors. She highlights the need for safe spaces, accessible mental health resources, and integrative therapeutic interventions to support healing. 🔹 The Power of Inner Healing Intelligence Dr. O’Neill Kruger introduces the concept of "inner healing intelligence", drawing parallels to nature’s self-sustaining ability. She encourages listeners to trust their inner wisdom, cultivate self-awareness, and create environments conducive to personal growth. 🔹 A Call to Women: Trust Yourself Closing the conversation, she shares words of inspiration for women: trust your intuition, embrace your voice, and recognize your unique contribution to the world. She emphasizes that every woman carries a distinct energy and purpose, and by listening to their inner guidance, they can shape fulfilling lives. This episode offers a blend of psychology, spirituality, and empowerment, giving valuable insights into self-discovery, resilience, and holistic well-being. Tune in for more…

View Post

February 7, 2025

Dr Bridget O’Neill Kruger – Clinical psychologist – Connectedness

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Bridget O’Neill Kruger, a clinical psychologist and Earth medicine practitioner based in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. O’Ne...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Malvina Bartmanski, a clinical psychologist in private practice who brings a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection. With expertise spanning psychodynamic and somatic therapies, Dr. Bartmanski shares her professional and personal journey, shedding light on the transformative power of psychology in helping people foster healthier relationships with themselves and others. Dr. Bartmanski reflects on her intuitive calling to pursue psychology, a passion ignited at the age of 12. Her journey has been one of deep introspection and curiosity, driven not only by the desire to understand others but also to explore her own inner world. An Integrative Approach to Healing Dr. Bartmanski’s approach to healing is deeply integrative, blending psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, and other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She highlights how somatic therapy, in particular, addresses the impact of trauma on the body and helps regulate the nervous system—a critical area of focus in post-pandemic mental health. With the nervous system at the forefront of many psychological discussions today, Dr. Bartmanski explains how physical symptoms, such as those seen in autoimmune conditions, often stem from nervous system dysregulation. She reassures listeners that anxiety, as part of the fight, flight, or freeze response, is a normal reaction to abnormal experiences—and that healing is possible through self-regulation and holistic care. Psychology and the Mind-Body Connection Dr. Bartmanski explores the profound interplay between mental and physical health, particularly through her work with autoimmune conditions. By understanding how our psychological states influence physical well-being, she encourages listeners to embrace the interconnectedness of mind and body in their healing journeys. Becoming a Psychologist: The Gruelling Path For aspiring psychologists, Dr. Bartmanski provides a candid look at the rigorous process of becoming a clinical psychologist, from the competitive master’s selection week to the emotional and intellectual demands of the profession. There are often just a handful of positions open to students, yet hundreds of applicants apply. She shares insights into the lesser-known aspects of the field, including the business acumen required to run a private practice. Financial planning, marketing, and building a client base are just a few of the skills psychologists must master to succeed in private practice. Building Sustainable Habits and Achieving Goals Drawing from her clinical expertise, Dr. Bartmanski discusses why resolutions often fail—typically due to vague or immeasurable goals. She advises listeners to set specific, sustainable habits and practice patience in pursuit of their ambitions. She also touches on how self-limiting beliefs and default modes of functioning can hinder progress, and how adaptability and discipline are essential for overcoming these barriers. Redefining Success and Following Your Calling For Dr. Bartmanski, success is a fluid and evolving concept. She encourages listeners to believe in themselves, embrace authenticity, and live in alignment with their unique purpose. Her message is one of hope: no matter the obstacles, there is always a way to achieve your goals. By following your calling, you express and experience different parts of yourself. For example, one of Dr Bartmanski's leaps of faith was establishing Lala Palm Safari, a specialist safari travel company that offers tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime wellness-infused safaris. With her profound insights into mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, Dr. Malvina Bartmanski leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “There is a light and purpose inside all of us. Believe in yourself, follow your calling, and live what feels right for you.” Tune in for more...

View Post

January 22, 2025

Dr. Malvina Bartmanski – Clinical Psychologist – Mind Body Oneness

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Malvina Bartmanski, a clinical psychologist in private practice who brings a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection. Wi...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Annette Antwi-Anyimadu, a specialist psychiatrist in private practice at The Couch in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu offers insights into the intricate connection between mental and physical health, reflecting on the World Health Organization’s holistic definition of health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being." Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu differentiates between the fields of psychiatry and psychology, explaining psychiatry's focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through a medical lens and psychology's emphasis on behavioral studies and talk therapy. She highlights a range of psychiatric conditions she encounters, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to geriatric conditions and notes the complex interplay between genetics and environment on mental health ailments. This episode delves deeply into the societal stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men, and the harmful consequences of unprocessed emotions, such as physical assaults on partners. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu also explores gendered differences in susceptibility to mental health conditions, noting how biological and social influences, as well as hormonal and structural brain differences, play a role. Women have a higher propensity to develop mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression and bipolar mood disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. For women seeking to prioritize their mental health, Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu shares three practical strategies: 1. Embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand personal triggers, motivations, and emotions. 2. Engage in regular exercise and self-care, recognizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Physical activity releases brain chemicals that reduce anxiety and depression while serving as a physical outlet for frustrations. 3. Seek professional help when needed—mental health treatment is available and essential for healing and maintenance. The conversation also touches on systemic challenges, where people with mental health concerns may be stigmatised by their communities or perhaps their issues are dismissed by their families and not considered socially acceptable, and as a result they don’t receive appropriate treatment and support. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu reflects on some of the reasons that she chose to pursue psychiatry as a specialisation, highlighting patients’ transformations when they receive the correct treatment. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu describes some pressures of medical training and raising young children at the same time, and emphasised the importance of her support structures as enablers. She also shares some lived experiences, such as being a young Black female doctor navigating societal stereotypes of what a doctor should look like, recounting how after conducting a full consultation and at the verge of diagnosis the patient asked when the doctor would see them, or on another occasion when a white male colleague entered the consulting room the patient assumed he was the doctor. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu is extremely passionate about her field and helping people.  She leaves listeners with a powerful reminder, that our value is inherent and cannot be measured by external validation or productivity, “We are valuable simply by virtue of being alive." Join us for this thought-provoking discussion as we explore mental health and societal dynamics. Tune in for more.

View Post

January 15, 2025

Dr. Annette Antwi-Anyimadu – Specialist Psychiatrist – Mind Matters

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Annette Antwi-Anyimadu, a specialist psychiatrist in private practice at The Couch in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Antwi-Anyimadu offers ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Yumna Minty, who is a specialist psychiatrist and also lectures in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand. Some of her areas of interest include women’s mental health, mental health in adolescents and young adults, depression and anxiety disorders, and older age mental disorders. She reflects that mental health is not just the absence of illness but should refer to a state of mind and being where people function optimally. She notes that in general women are two to three times more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder when compared to men. Common disorders affecting women include anxiety, stress, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are both inherent and environmental factors the contribute to psychological difficulties and stresses. Environmental variables can be changed and thereby reduce negative impacts on women. For instance, women are more prone to physical abuse, emotional neglect and less emphasis may be placed on a girl’s education than a boy’s development. In modern society women bear dual responsibilities of maintaining their homes and pursuing careers, which increases the potential risk for burnout. Her top three tips for women to help manage their mental health are aiming to lead a healthy lifestyle for body and mind, have healthy relationships and ask for help when needed. Education is an important enabler for women, it gives them the possibility to attain economic freedom and independence to take control over their destiny. In a world that is always changing, our situations change, and new developments arise in our respective fields of interest; if we do not keep up with lifelong learning, we are doing an injustice to ourselves and those we serve through our vocation. Dr Minty, shares a powerful poem reminding women to be their full selves, Dear Woman, written by Michael Reid "“DEAR WOMAN, Sometimes You’ll just be too much woman. Too smart, Too beautiful, Too strong. Too much of something That makes a man feel like less of a man, Which will start making you feel like you have to be less of a woman. The biggest mistake you can make Is removing jewels from your crown To make it easier for a man to carry. When this happens, I need you to understand, You do not need a smaller crown— You need a man with bigger hands.” Tune in for more….

View Post

November 17, 2022

Dr. Yumna Minty – specialist psychiatrist and lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Yumna Minty, who is a specialist psychiatrist and also lectures in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand. Some of...

Type and hit enter