HPSIG Podcast: Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy
EPISODE 26
HPSIG Podcasts
HPSIG Podcast: Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy
HPSIG Podcast: Fatherhood and high-risk pregnancy
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children
Many hoped that the lifting of apartheid would herald a better future for the majority of women in South Africa, easing their struggles and opening pathways to equality. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Many women remain excluded from the social, political and economic mainstream, grappling daily with the persistent threat of violence and abuse. The government, once a symbol of liberation, has often fallen short in addressing their oppression.
As South Africa embarks on its annual campaign against violence towards women and children, we must confront the shadows and vestiges of our nation’s history. This painful legacy has profoundly shaped gender dynamics in contemporary South Africa and continues to fuel the cycles of violence that plague our society.
South Africa continues to grapple with unacceptably high levels of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner aggression, femicide, workplace harassment, and digital abuse. These forms of violence are compounded by the pervasive injustices and exclusions inherent to systemic inequality. To address this, we must necessarily and actively challenge dominant colonial, gendered, and violent discourses while fostering counter-narratives that amplify the voices and actions of survivors and their communities, enabling resistance, agency, solidarity, and healing, while supporting multi-pronged anti-violence initiatives that include inter-sectoral collaboration, community-based involvement, and the privileging of knowledge systems and practices deemed meaningful and appropriate by communities themselves. It is through such comprehensive and inclusive efforts that we can hope to dismantle the violence that perpetuates harm and work towards sustainable, transformative change. It is equally vital for us in South Africa to forge partnerships and draw lessons from other critical and liberatory movements across the continent and globally in the fight against gender-based violence. Simultaneously, we call for genuine socio-economic liberation that disrupts the entrenched status quo, where women and children disproportionately bear the brunt of poverty, inequality, and multiple intersecting disparities.
During the 16 Days of Activism, we are reminded that countless institutions and organisations dedicated to supporting women and children in distress are shutting their doors due to dwindling funding. These organisations continue to serve communities tirelessly, often without government support, remaining passionate advocates for change while facing immense financial challenges. It is therefore imperative that we support and pay tribute to these organisations that strive to serve women and girls and support their liberation from violence, oppression, and exploitation.
One such organisation is The Cradle of Hope in the West of Krugersdorp. For 18 years, this independent social upliftment and community development organisation, with its core focus on assisting women and children, has been a sanctuary and support hub for destitute, vulnerable, and abused women – many of whom are survivors of domestic violence, sexual trauma, or human trafficking. The Cradle of Hope provides a safe refuge for up to 30 women and their children, who come from all corners of South Africa. Many arrive in the dead of night, often with little more than the clothes on their backs, bearing physical and emotional scars, fearful and traumatised, where they are met with compassion, support, safety and care. With 15 active programmes, The Cradle of Hope directly impacts the lives of more than 2 000 marginalised adults and children every day, offering essential assistance to those in desperate need. More than just a shelter, it is a space of compassion, love, kindness, and care, dedicated to rebuilding lives and fostering futures rooted in healing and agency.
To learn more about The Cradle of Hope and explore ways to support their vital work, please visit their website at www.thecradleofhope.org, call their offices at 076 262 0452, or email them at information@thecradleofhope.org.
BE THE DIFFERENCE!
– PsySSA Decolonising Psychology Division
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024
All it takes
By Leonie Vorster, Trauma and Violence Division Executive Committee Member
If you talk to just three children and three women in South Africa, you are highly likely, statistically speaking, to come face-to-face with gender-based violence (GBV). Long after the six conversations, two survivors and those close to them will be living with the impact of GBV, while the perpetrators reoffend, unchallenged and unchanged.
GBV (violence perpetrated against any person based on their gender) can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, obsessive behaviour, compulsions, anger, antisocial behaviour, anxiety, stress, depression, dissociation, self-injury, body issues, gastro-intestinal issues, somatic complaints, substance abuse, relationship issues, sexual difficulties, and a host of serious physical and psychological disorders (Vorster, 2021).
Addressing the scourge of GBV does not lie with the one in three survivors, though they are a stark, statistical reminder that we are failing to tackle GBV. Health professionals are justified in supporting GBV survivors and, understandably, that is where the focus has been. However, helping the perpetrators of GBV is the best way to prevent GBV, and we have failed at this (Vorster, 2021).
Working with perpetrators of violence against women and children can be challenging, and prevention is complex. Perpetrators often have gender role strain issues, resorting to violence to cope with feelings of inadequacy (Baugher, 2015). Furthermore, violence against women and violence against children intersect, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to address both (UNICEF, 2024). The definition and acceptability of what constitutes GBV also varies significantly across diverse cultures and contexts, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in research, intervention, and prevention programmes (Perrin et al., 2019). Nonetheless, exposure to various forms of violence has adverse health outcomes for victims, regardless of cultural context (Rivara et al., 2019).
Interventions based on “naming and shaming” perpetrators may not be effective in reducing violence or enhancing safety for women and children. Arguably, isolating perpetrators (as opposed to reintegrating them) can reinforce negative self-perceptions and perpetuate violent behaviour. In contrast, approaches that focus on holding perpetrators accountable in a way that encourages rehabilitation and offers alternative, non-violent models of behaviour are more promising when it comes to prevention (Camp, 2019).
What will it take to create a world free from violence towards women and children?
Effective prevention requires multi-sectoral approaches, community involvement, and long-term strategies; addressing underlying social drivers like gender inequality, harmful societal norms, and patriarchal values; psychological health interventions, parenting programmes for perpetrators, and reducing reoffending; and policy changes, systemic thinking, and system-wide interventions (Fernández-Conde et al., 2024).
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence annual international campaign kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign theme is UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls. The campaign calls on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women. This year’s campaign also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention.
There is #NoExcuse.
World AIDS Day – 1 December 2024
DRM SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST
IN OBSERVANCE OF WORLD AIDS DAY 2024
“Take the rights path: My health, my right!”
This special edition of the DRM podcast, hosted by Associate Professor Bronwyne Coetzee of Stellenbosch University, in partnership with the Psychological Society of South Africa’s Division for Research and Methodology, commemorates World AIDS Day 2024. The discussion emphasises this year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” and the critical role of human rights in ending HIV. In this podcast Prof Coetzee is joined by Prof. Stephan Rabie an Associate Professor and Chief Research Officer in the HIV Mental Health Research Unit in the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town, an expert in mental health and HIV. In the podcast they discuss the intersection of HIV care and mental health, discussing the necessity of integrated support systems and Prof Rabie’s groundbreaking upcoming programme of work on suicide prevention among adults living with HIV in South Africa. As we observe World AIDS Day 2024, it’s important to remember and recognise that protecting everyone’s health is intrinsically linked to protecting everyone’s rights.
Useful resources: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day/2024
Calls to action: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day/2024/calls-to-action
Prof Stephan Rabie in conversation with Prof Bronwynè Coetzee
Stephan Rabie is an Associate Professor and Chief Research Officer in the HIV Mental Health Research Unit in the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town. The majority of his research has been devoted to developing and implementing mental health interventions in diverse settings. His research focuses on the intersection of mental illness and chronic conditions, with specific focus on HIV and behavioural adherence. He has provided academic oversight and managed several interventions focusing on HIV, substance use, sexual trauma, sexual and reproductive health, and community-based healthcare. He currently holds an Emerging Global Leader Award from the Fogarty International Center, focusing on the development of a suicide prevention intervention among people with HIV in South Africa.
HPD Division
PiPS Division
On this day we pledge to reaffirm that health is not a privilege, but rather is a fundamental human right. We call for the uncompromising commitment to ensuring that everyone regardless of demographic identity has access to the care, treatment and support that they not only deserve but are entitled to as a right enshrined within the constitution of South Africa.
HIV/AIDS continues to affect millions around the world; however, it is only through the dismantling of the stigma which too often hinders progress, that we will be able to offer the respect for their autonomy; to ensure their equitable access to prevention and treatment that they require. On this day, we reflect that our health is a right, rather than a luxury. The access to healthcare, education, and support systems are crucial for breaking the cycle of transmission and promoting a world where people living with HIV can thrive.
As we honour those affected by HIV, let us commit to fostering a society where everyone can walk the path of health with dignity, security, and the freedom to make their own choices.
Adapting to AI: What Psychologists Need to Know for the Future
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, psychology finds itself at a turning point. AI is no longer a distant future—it’s already here, and it’s expanding rapidly. But for psychologists, the question is not if AI will play a role in their work, but how they will respond. Will AI become an ally in enhancing our practice, or will we resist it out of fear, skepticism, or uncertainty?
To understand the different ways psychologists might approach this transformation, let’s explore the experiences of three professionals, each facing AI from a unique perspective. Through their stories, we can examine the potential for growth, the risks of inaction, and the ethical considerations that must guide us forward.
1. The Early Adopter: Fully Embracing AI
Dr. Zanele has fully integrated AI into her practice. She uses AI-powered tools to streamline administrative tasks, analyze behavioral data, and assist with diagnostics. AI allows her to focus more on providing personalized care to clients while automating routine tasks.
While embracing AI, Dr. Zanele ensures that ethical guidelines are followed. She prioritizes transparency, informed consent, and client privacy. By using AI responsibly, she enhances her practice, making it more efficient and better equipped to handle the increasing demand for mental health services.
Questions for Dr. Zanele to Consider:
- How can I ensure that the AI tools I use are transparent and comply with privacy standards?
- What steps can I take to ensure the AI tools I use do not perpetuate bias or harm in the therapeutic process?
- How can I balance AI’s capabilities with the human touch that remains essential to therapy?
Dr. Zanele sees AI as a tool to expand her capacity, improve outcomes, and stay at the forefront of mental health innovation.
2. The Skeptic: Sticking to Tradition
Dr. Sipho is skeptical about AI’s role in psychology. He believes it’s just a passing trend, much like previous technological shifts that didn’t stick. His practice continues as it always has—focusing on in-person consultations, paper records, and traditional assessments.
While Dr. Sipho is content with his established methods, the world around him is changing. AI offers new opportunities to improve diagnostic accuracy, provide personalized treatment, and expand access to services. If Dr. Sipho continues to resist AI, he risks missing out on valuable tools that could enhance his practice and client care.
Questions for Dr. Sipho to Consider:
- What might I miss by resisting AI, especially in terms of improving diagnostic accuracy and client engagement?
- How might client expectations change as AI tools become more integrated into mental health services?
- How can I remain relevant in a changing field that increasingly embraces AI?
By sticking with the status quo, Dr. Sipho may find himself at a disadvantage, missing out on innovations that could improve his practice.
3. The Cautious Adopter: Curious but Hesitant
Dr. Thandi is intrigued by AI but unsure how to begin integrating it into her practice. She is curious about its potential to improve her work but is overwhelmed by the complexity and the fear of making mistakes. Dr. Thandi has explored AI through articles and online courses, but she hesitates to fully dive in.
Dr. Thandi is not alone in feeling uncertain. Many psychologists share her concerns about adopting AI. However, by taking a cautious yet proactive approach, Dr. Thandi can gradually integrate AI into her practice, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of innovation while maintaining the human connection essential to therapy.
Questions for Dr. Thandi to Consider:
- How can I take the first steps toward integrating AI in a manageable way?
- What risks do I face if I let my uncertainty prevent me from adapting to this shift?
- How can I use AI tools without compromising the human-centered approach to therapy?
By embracing AI in a measured way, Dr. Thandi can ensure that she remains adaptable and ready to take advantage of the growth opportunities AI presents.
The Ethical Implications: Safe Use of AI Tools
For all three psychologists, the ethical implications of using AI are paramount. In South Africa, where access to mental health care is limited in many areas, AI offers the potential to extend services to underserved populations. However, AI must be used ethically—ensuring client privacy, informed consent, and transparency.
Ethical guidelines for AI in psychology should focus on:
- Privacy and confidentiality: Ensuring AI tools protect sensitive data and adhere to privacy regulations.
- Informed consent: Clients must be fully aware of how AI tools will be used in their treatment.
- Bias and fairness: AI systems must be designed and tested to avoid reinforcing existing biases.
- Human oversight: AI should assist, not replace, the human connection central to therapy.
The Road Ahead: Adapting to Change
AI is here to stay, and those in the psychology profession must decide how they will respond. Whether you are an early adopter, a skeptic, or a cautious adopter, the key question is how you will engage with this technological shift.
- If you embrace AI, you open up new opportunities for growth, better outcomes, and improved access to services.
- If you resist AI, you risk falling behind in a field that is rapidly evolving.
- If you hesitate, you may find yourself scrambling to catch up with others who have already adapted.
By considering the ethical use of AI and gradually incorporating it into your practice, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure your practice remains relevant, efficient, and impactful in a changing world.
What are your thoughts on AI in psychology? How are you approaching this shift? Let’s continue the conversation.
#PsySSA #AIandPsychology #EthicalAI #MentalHealth #ArtificialIntelligence #SouthAfrica #PsychologyInTheFuture
PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP’s) Meet and Greet – Cape Town
RCP Meet and Greet – Cape Town
We are delighted to announce the first in-person meet-and-greet of 2024 for PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCPs), open to both members and non-members. Join us in Cape Town on 6 December 2024 for a day of connection, learning, and professional growth.
Event highlights include:
Expert Insights: Gain valuable perspectives from a distinguished panel of experts sharing their knowledge across various domains of Registered Counselling and Psychometry practice.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with peers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections to enhance your professional community.
Skills Development: Learn practical strategies and insights for navigating careers in both public and private sectors, with an emphasis on innovation and professional excellence. This is an unmissable opportunity to enrich your understanding of the field, celebrate shared goals, and contribute to the growing network of RCP professionals. We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and inspiring event!
Cost: Free for members, R70 for non-members and students
RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/RJk3vHuMy9Sy27Up6
Kindly RSVP by 29 November 2024
Guest Speakers
Dr Sehrani Symington
Dr Serahni Symington is an experienced registered counsellor, educator, and senior lecturer with a PhD in psychology. With over a decade in academia, Dr Symington has not only taught but also coordinated practicum programs, helping students bridge theory with practice in real-world settings. Her research explores innovative methods in counselling, such as using video games to foster connection with young clients, and she’s passionate about making psychological insights accessible to families. Based in Durbanville, Dr Symington is deeply committed to supporting the healthy development of children and adolescents through conscious parenting, family counselling, and educational initiatives, whilst remaining steadfast in academia.
Sharon Malrose
Sharon registered as a Counselling Psychologist in 2006 after completing her master’s degree (cum laude) at the University of Stellenbosch. Her internship provided extensive experience in both clinical and counselling settings through work with an NGO in Paarl and a psychiatric division at a local day hospital. While establishing her private practice, she offered school-based counselling services and collaborated with social workers in the winelands area. At FAMSA, Sharon specialized in family matters, qualifying as a FAMAC mediator and focusing on parenting plans and advocating for children during family transitions.
Currently, Sharon is a faculty member at Cornerstone Institute, where she lectures in Family Psychology and Psychometric Assessments. She actively supervises postgraduate psychology students, Registered Counsellors, and fellow psychologists. Her role in teaching, supervision, and private practice allows her to contribute to the growth of Registered Counsellors (RCs) and advance psychological services with over 15 years of experience.