One of the competent counsellors at the Paarl branch of the Good Hope Psychological Service is Martinique Myburgh – a young woman with a cordial personality.
Martinique was born in Kimberley, Northern Cape where she finished her primary school. During her high school years, her parents moved to Villiersdorp where she matriculated at De Villiers Graaff High School.
In 2010 she started studying psychology at a private university, Midrand Graduate Institute in Durbanville, and obtained her Honours in Psychology in 2013.
It was during her final year that she discovered her passion for child psychology and community development. This was thanks to the hands-on experience she gained at Durbanville Children’s Home, Goodwood Community Health Center, Tygerberg Hospital and schools.
After this practical exposure, she first worked at a local charity before starting her own private practice in 2016 as a registered counselor.
In November 2018, she became part of the team of therapists at Good Hope Psychological Service where she currently works two days a week at the Paarl branch in TC Newman Day Hospital. She also practices one day a week at a school in Villiersdorp.
“My job involves counseling with children, adults, couples
and from time to time group work. During therapy, a safe space is created for the client and underlying emotional challenges are addressed, followed by inner growth and reinforcement,” explains Martinique. “Seeing how customers are progressing and empowering makes every challenge worthwhile.”
According to Martinique, one of the biggest challenges at this stage is the lack of resources and funds. She is very grateful to every person who helps to make all these services available. “Without donors and all the administration behind the scenes, it would not be possible,” she explains.
Martinique is currently married and lives in a small farming community, Vyeboom. The tranquility and scenery, time with family and friends as well as her animal children help her gain perspective again when the demanding cases become too much for her.
Martinique also plans to study further soon and is interested in psychometry.
Contact Martinique at [email protected] for more information.