Hi, I'm Sue

I help anxious and disheartened people find purpose and meaning — without feeling guilty

I offer a compassionate holistic approach, fostering a more comprehensive healing experience.

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Sumarie Engelbrecht, registered counsellor

Short on time?

Here's a compressed bio to share who I am

From small-town Sabie to bustling Johannesburg, my journey has blended diverse experiences. Transitioning from Psychology studies to versatile roles spanning customer service, marketing, and IT — and even entrepreneurship.

These lived experiences have enriched my psychological perspective, guiding all my endeavours and enabling me to help others in a more "personal" environment.

The theory behind the practice

My Qualifications

BA Psychological Counselling

Completed at UNISA in 2019.

BPsych Registered Counselling

Honours Equivalent — completed at SACAP in 2022.

HPCSA Registered

PRC 0042480 — registered in 2023.

Bachelors Degree

Psychological Counselling

I did my 3-year undergraduate degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and graduated in 2019. The degree was completed via distance learning and included modules like Marriage Guidance and Counselling, Personality Theories, Adulthood and Maturity, and Sexual Ethics — to name a few.

It was during this time that my passion for working with adults and Psychometry was sparked.

Sumarie graduating from UNISA

BPsych Honours Equivalent

Registered Counsellor

I pursued my postgraduate degree at the South African College of Applied Psychology. This is an 18-month course of which 720 hours (or 6 months) are spent getting hands-on experience and supervision in preparation for professional practice. I completed my practicum hours at Witkoppen Clinic in Johannesburg.

I graduated in September 2022 and wrote my board exam with the HPCSA in 2023.

Sumarie, HPCSA registered counsellor

Kind words

What Others Say

"As my fiancé and I prepare for our wedding in June, it has always been important for us to be as prepared as we can for the marriage. Our first session with Sumarie was wonderful and she actively listened throughout our session. As much as it was a session to get to know one another, there was so much that came out of the hour. My partner and I look forward to an exciting journey ahead, with the support and guidance from Sumarie."
Sam Lehoko
"From the first session my Partner and I had Sumi welcomed us. Sumi always engaged, managed the session well and provided very valuable insight as to where we had challenges etc. She took the time to explain when we had questions and often provided more info. My Partner and I look forward to our sessions with Sumi!!"
L
"Sumarie is a fantastic counsellor who is very patient and friendly. She explains everything clearly and brings good insight into problems. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants couples counselling. Every session is helpful and you get a new perspective on the situation."
Dalise Steynfaard

The long version

For those that would like to read my full bio

My education journey

During my formative years, I developed a profound interest in human behaviour and cognition. Observing their thought processes, communication patterns, and particularly their emotional experiences captivated my attention. My initial curiosity for the realm of Psychology took root during my early education and remained steadfast without falter.

After high school, I undertook the pursuit of a Bachelor's degree via a distance learning undergraduate degree offered by the University of South Africa, and thereafter a postgraduate degree at the South African College of Applied Psychology. Spanning a period of five years, I gained comprehensive education in theoretical exploration and implementation.

Additionally, I dedicated a year to immersive practical involvement within a public clinic situated in Johannesburg. These collective experiences have enriched my understanding and competency in Psychology.

Driven by an unwavering enthusiasm, I hope to further advance my education, foster personal growth, and perpetuate my enduring captivation with the dynamic discipline of Psychology.

More about me

Greatness seldom materialises in isolation, particularly in my personal journey. I consider myself fortunate to have encountered the contrasts of rural and urban life. My upbringing transpired in Sabie, Mpumalanga, where I resided until the age of 23. Subsequently, I relocated to Johannesburg, Gauteng, to pursue my postgraduate studies in Psychology.

Over the past decade, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences that extend well beyond a singular domain. My professional endeavours have spanned a spectrum, encompassing roles ranging from customer service to marketing and IT.

Moreover, I ventured into entrepreneurship, a realm that offered not only exhilarating freedom but also a profound sense of purpose. These lived encounters have influenced my psychological perspective and significantly shaped my dedication to all pursuits I devote my time to.

My approach

My approach to psychological practice is always practical with an end-goal of fostering independence. As a registered counsellor, I look at people holistically. This means I am interested in ALL of the struggles, not just the emotional ones.

I realise that mental health does not occur in a vacuum. The key to becoming independent is in being able to adapt to circumstances if you cannot change them and vice versa. My approach in counselling will always be to find ways to help you become more independent, empowered and authentic to who you are or want to be.

Registration details. Sumarie Engelbrecht Private Practice — HPCSA Registration PRC 0042480, Practice Number 1142720. The practice operates independently and is entirely separate from Wholistic Hub (Pty) Ltd.

Ready when you are

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