Ms Tish Els

Registered Counselor

“As a holistic mental health practitioner, my desire is to create a safe space where you can traverse difficult emotions, without judgement, and make sense of your inner world; To help you nurture your own innate resilience, to cultivate mindful living, and to build meaningful and intentional connections with others.”

About me

I am a Registered Counsellor with the HSPCA based in the Helderberg, Western Cape, South Africa. I help my clients manage anger, frustration, exhaustion, anxiety and depressive symptoms, regulate and meet their emotions with compassion, and process grief and/or losses in meaningful ways. I support identity exploration and help my clients to navigate life's challenges through online counselling, advocacy, mental health support and mindfulness practices.

Approach

I believe that we, as human beings, resonate with storytelling. We intrinsically look for the narrative in our own lives in an attempt to make sense of our world, our connections, and our spirituality. By doing so we find purpose in the events that shape us, depth to our losses, and a beautiful coming together of a broader picture. Meaning helps us endure hardships and suffering, builds resilience and cultivates stronger relationships with ourselves, others and with God.

In counselling, I make use of an eclectic array of approaches, with holistic, humanistic (person-centered and Gestalt), mindfulness-based, narrative, and creative techniques (art, music and journalling) being the most prominent.

My ultimate goal is for you to thrive, not because of me, but because you have shown up for yourself in and between sessions, made full use of your resources, and invested in your progress throughout your counselling journey. My wish is that you carry that same brave vulnerability with you always and the knowledge that with discomfort there is opportunity for profound personal growth.

Contact Tish

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic information

Languages:

Afrikaans, English

Fees:

Direct payment

Somerset West, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

I offer online and in-person counselling for individuals and couples. I also offer various support groups, workshops and personal development courses, both virtually and/or, on occasion, at my Paardevlei offices in Somerset West.

So many are carrying the heavy weight of grief, heartache, loss of connection and so much more. We feel isolated, forgotten, alone in our struggles and often punish ourselves for feeling broken and lost. But the truth is you are stronger than you think, braver than you know, and most certainly not alone. I help people like yourself reconnect with themselves and others, learn new and healthy ways to cope, and find their own way towards healing and meaning.

I specialise in Bereavement, Loss, Grief and Spirituality, however, I am also skilled in assisting in themes such as Life Transitions, Anxiety/Depression Support, Career Guidance, Coping Skills, Habit Training, Trauma Containment, Anger Management Issues, Self Esteem, and Identity Exploration.

Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any queries - I'd be happy to help. I look forward to hearing from you and embarking on this brave new journey of healing with you.

Services Offered:

Advocacy
Services that help individuals navigate healthcare, education, or social systems to ensure their mental health needs are recognised and met.
Learn more about Advocacy
Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling
Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.
Free Consultation
A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Mindfulness
The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.
Learn more about Mindfulness
Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Couples
Elderly
Groups
Individuals

Area of expertise

Scope of Practice:

Anger
An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.
Learn more about Anger
Grief & Loss
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
Learn more about Grief & Loss
Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout
Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy
Identity Issues
A person's sense of who they are, including their values, beliefs, roles, and self-perception, and the distress that arises when this sense is unclear, fragmented, or negative.
Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
Learn more about Life Transitions
Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.
Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling
Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.