on March 6, 2024
Hi there, my name is Itumeleng Moraladi, a Psychology Honours Graduate, interning as a psychosocial support worker at The Connect Group in 2024. I am passionate about counselling and cannot wait serve you with the psychosocial support you may need!
Unsure of what a psychosocial support worker does exactly? Not to worry, we frequently get asked questions around this role so have put together some of our most frequently asked questions to help you understand my role a bit better.
1. What is your role as a psychosocial supporter?
As a psychosocial support worker, my role is to provide help to others by creating a balance between their mental, emotional, social and spiritual states. Usually, if these states are not balanced, an individual can feel various unpleasant feelings. Therefore, a psychosocial worker aims to look at the psychological factors alongside environmental factors that may be affecting them and works alongside the individual to create a plan to mitigate or eliminate the factors and restore balance. My practices are similar to those of a psychologist or registered counsellor, however minimally so, and there are key differences. For example, as a psychosocial support worker, I cannot and do not diagnose individuals.
2. Which age groups are you able to assist?
Psychosocial support workers are equipped to work across all age groups. I, however, thrive most when working with teens, adults and the elderly in an individual counselling context.
3. How does confidentiality apply to your role as psychosocial support?
Confidentiality refers to keeping what is spoken about in our sessions between the both of us, and in my case, as psychosocial support, with my supervisor too. The only exception to keeping our sessions confidential is if I feel you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, or criminal activity is involved. These situations require me to let the necessary parties in on the situation. However, outside of these exceptions, rest assured that what is spoken about in our sessions will be in safe hands.
With regards to minors (individuals under 18), confidentiality does stand, however to a degree. If the presenting problem and the counselling process are requested, I would need to provide the minor’s parents with the information. Although, the notes taken down during the sessions do not need to be provided. In cases where I am able to, I will discuss the matter with the minor before providing the parents with the information discussed above.
4. Which approaches do you use when counselling?
Amongst the many approaches in counselling and psychosocial support, I primarily work with motivational interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I use these approaches with the aid of tools such as mindfulness, positive regard and narrative therapy, however I use narrative therapy less frequently. A brief explanation of my preferred approaches is below.
Solution-focused brief therapy: Solution-focused brief treatment (SFBT) is a strength-based approach to psychotherapy that emphasises creating solutions as opposed to fixing problems. SFBT focuses on how your present situation and future goals, in contrast to other styles of psychotherapy that emphasise present problems and historical causes.
Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a counselling method that involves enhancing a patient’s motivation to change utilising four guiding principles, represented by the acronym RULE:
- Resist the righting reflex
- Understand the patient’s own motivations
- Listen with empathy
- Empower the patient
5. What can I expect in the first few sessions?
Despite the counselling process being potentially nerve-racking and not knowing what to expect, both the space and my personality are warm and welcoming, helping to put you at ease during our first session. The first few sessions focus on building a therapeutic relationship; us getting to know each other and building an understanding of the presenting problems. Together, we will discuss how we want to face certain challenges and will do so together throughout the counselling process as our relationship grows.
6. How do I know if I need psychosocial support or counselling?
The answer to this question can be quite vast. Firstly, it is important to understand that counselling or psychosocial support is normal and is something that does not need to be undergone once your matter has escalated to its highest level, or undergone only due to an overwhelmingly large or traumatic issue. An individual may undergo psychosocial support when they feel confused, stuck, alone, overwhelmed by a situation, challenged or even in situations where they simply need someone to listen. My goal is to lend an ear should you need it and help you overcome any negative feelings, such as sadness, that you may be experiencing.
7. How do I book a session?
To book a session with me, please send an email to admin@theconnectgroup.co.za.
8. How many sessions would you have with a client?
My aim is for us to work together for a maximum of 6-8 sessions. By this stage, there is generally visible progress. However, in instances where more sessions are required, I will make the necessary referrals to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
9. What are your office hours?
My days at the office currently are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8h00 – 13h00.
10. How frequently will the sessions be?
The sessions will be once a week, however, if necessary and in the case of an emergency, a second session can be requested.
11. What is your fee structure?
There is a small cover charge of R110 per session. This covers the costs associated with my internship (i.e., transport, counselling resources, supervision, professional registration etc.).
I am excited to be joining The Connect Group team for 2024 and am excited for what lies ahead. If you feel my services are what you are looking for, go ahead and book a session via admin@theconnectgroup.co.za.
I look forward to working with you!