I grew up in a small town in the Free State and went to school in Bloemfontein. Weekends and school holidays were spent on my grandparent’s farm. My first memory of ‘medicine’ was my grandmothers’ first aid box. It was huge and filled with things like ‘Lennon’s Natural Medicines,’ herbal remedies, disinfectants, plasters, and bandages. I loved looking through the things in that box and wanted to know their uses and applications.

My career as an occupational therapist spans more than 20 years.

I began in paediatrics conducting school readiness and developmental milestone assessments and subsequent therapy and went on to facilitate parent education classes and early stimulation groups for Netcare’s Stork’s Nest, a specialised support clinic for babies and parents. I had a special interest in babies and toddlers with fussy feeding patterns and sleep issues and found the work incredibly rewarding.

My interest in anatomy, physiology, reducing pain and regaining or maintaining independence kept me working mainly in hospitals and I formed part of numerous multidisciplinary teams. My case load included back- and neck surgeries, hip – and knee replacements, hand therapy, trauma injuries as well as limb lengthening – and reconstruction.

Intrigued by the emotional mind and body connection and holistic approaches to healing I progressed naturally into the field of biofeedback and stress management therapy. I learned more about alternative remedies and practices, and the human connection with nature and animals. This helped me remain objective, receptive, curious, and flexible.

After moving to Cape Town, I began working with adolescents and adults in psychiatry at addiction units and in-patient mental health facilities. In 2021, I joined the general adult psychiatry unit at Tyger Valley Clinic in Durbanville holding mostly group therapy sessions for patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health conditions. Over time I realised some group participants were searching for less formal interventions, so I developed workshops which followed a more spontaneous, alternative format.

My years spent observing and engaging with my clients have taught me that insight alone does not create change. We need to act on new knowledge and awareness and repeat positive behaviours to create favourable and lasting change.