NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing

29/12/2025

12/12/2025

SAVE THE DATE for the 10th National Autism Symposium!

Why should you attend? After a brief pause in 2025, the National Autism Symposium returns in 2026 with renewed purpose, fresh perspectives, and an inspiring theme: "Celebrating Autism – Next Steps." This milestone tenth event will continue to serve as South Africa’s premier platform for exploring autism through a neuro-affirming lens — honouring autistic voices, promoting inclusive practices, and showcasing cutting-edge research and approaches that affirm neurodiversity.

Co-hosted by the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) and Autism South Africa with the continued support of the South African Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP), this symposium is more than just a conference. It is a movement toward fostering a deeper understanding of autism across clinical, educational, family, and community settings. The focus for 2026 is clear: to explore neuro-affirming approaches that value the lived experience of autistic individuals and translate the latest evidence into practical, empowering solutions.

With its unique blend of academic insight, professional development, and real-world application, the symposium offers a dynamic space for dialogue, networking, and action. Whether you are involved in research, direct support, education, mental health, or advocacy, attending this symposium means being part of shaping the "next steps" in how autism is supported and celebrated in South Africa and beyond.

Who should attend? The 10th National Autism Symposium is open to a wide audience with a shared commitment to inclusive and evidence-informed autism support. This includes:
•⁠ ⁠Healthcare professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, therapists, and allied health workers)
•⁠ ⁠Educators (teachers, learning support specialists, school leadership teams)
•⁠ ⁠Researchers and academic staff interested in autism and neurodevelopmental studies
•⁠ ⁠Autistic adults, self-advocates, and individuals with lived experience
•⁠ ⁠Parents and caregivers of autistic individuals
•⁠ ⁠Social workers, community workers, and policy makers
•⁠ ⁠Students and interns in health sciences, education, and social sciences

Whether you are seeking to expand your professional practice, deepen your understanding of autism, or connect with others who are passionate about neurodiversity, this symposium offers valuable insights, connections, and inspiration.

NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Health Sciences NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing Top Fans Post

02/12/2025

SAVE THE DATE for the 10th National Autism Symposium!

Why should you attend? After a brief pause in 2025, the National Autism Symposium returns in 2026 with renewed purpose, fresh perspectives, and an inspiring theme: "Celebrating Autism – Next Steps." This milestone tenth event will continue to serve as South Africa’s premier platform for exploring autism through a neuro-affirming lens — honouring autistic voices, promoting inclusive practices, and showcasing cutting-edge research and approaches that affirm neurodiversity.

Co-hosted by Autism South Africa (A;SA), North-West University (NWU), and the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), with the continued support of the South African Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP), this symposium is more than just a conference. It is a movement toward fostering a deeper understanding of autism across clinical, educational, family, and community settings. The focus for 2026 is clear: to explore neuro-affirming approaches that value the lived experience of autistic individuals and translate the latest evidence into practical, empowering solutions.

With its unique blend of academic insight, professional development, and real-world application, the symposium offers a dynamic space for dialogue, networking, and action. Whether you are involved in research, direct support, education, mental health, or advocacy, attending this symposium means being part of shaping the "next steps" in how autism is supported and celebrated in South Africa and beyond.

Who should attend? The 10th National Autism Symposium is open to a wide audience with a shared commitment to inclusive and evidence-informed autism support. This includes:

•⁠ ⁠Healthcare professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, therapists, and allied health workers)

•⁠ ⁠Educators (teachers, learning support specialists, school leadership teams)

•⁠ ⁠Researchers and academic staff interested in autism and neurodevelopmental studies

•⁠ ⁠Autistic adults, self-advocates, and individuals with lived experience

•⁠ ⁠Parents and caregivers of autistic individuals

•⁠ ⁠Social workers, community workers, and policy makers

•⁠ ⁠Students and interns in health sciences, education, and social sciences

Whether you are seeking to expand your professional practice, deepen your understanding of autism, or connect with others who are passionate about neurodiversity, this symposium offers valuable insights, connections, and inspiration.

NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Health Sciences NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing Autism South Africa Autism Resources South Africa fans

05/11/2025

Congratulations, Dr Rumando Kok!

🎉 Congratulations, Dr. Rümando Kok!
The NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) proudly celebrates Dr. Kok’s achievement in receiving a Certificate of Recognition at the NWU IP Creators Celebration on 26 September 2025.

This prestigious award, presented by Technology Transfer and Innovation Support, honours Dr. Kok’s exceptional contributions to innovation, creativity, and intellectual property development. His work continues to inspire original thought and elevate academic excellence.

26/08/2025

🎙 Meet the Experts: NWU Brain Health & Concussion CPD Workshop

Today we introduce our international speaker, Dr. Theo Farley from the University College, London, UK. Dr. Farley is a physiotherapist specialising in the active management and prevention of concussion and neck injuries. He has a PhD in concussion profiling and has worked extensively in helping patients suffering with the long-term symptoms of concussion by structuring rehabilitation programmes tailored to patient’s specific deficits.

Join us for two transformative days of cutting-edge insights, practical applications, and expert-led discussions in the evolving field of brain health and concussion management.

🔗 More info & registration site: https://chhpevents.zohobackstage.com/BrainHealthandConcussion

NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Health Sciences NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing CHHP: Sport Science and Biokinetics NWU Eagles - Potchefstroom Campus NWU High Performance Institute of Sport NWU Rugby Institute NWU Physical activity, Sport and Recreation School of Human Movement Sciences

28/07/2025

15/07/2025

The North-West University (NWU) Centre for Health & Human Performance is inviting applications for an Intern Psychologist position, who will function under the supervision of a registered Counselling Psychologist (as required by the HPCSA).

🎯 Key Responsibilities Include:
-Psychological assessment & counselling of children, adolescents, and adults
-Individual psychotherapy and psychoeducation
-Community outreach and preventative work
-Active participation in supervision and training
-Adherence to ethical and professional standards
-Additional professional and administrative duties

🎓 Minimum Requirements:
-Master of Arts or Science in Counselling Psychology (NQF Level 9)
-Registered with the HPCSA as an Intern Psychologist
-Minimum of 1 year counselling experience at Master’s level
-Letter of reference from a Supervisor (compulsory)

🛠️ Technical Competencies:
-Proficient in psychometric assessments (HPCSA-accredited tools)
-Able to conduct case presentations and multidisciplinary discussions
-Weekly participation in individual and group supervision
-Strong theoretical and diagnostic formulation skills
-Professional report writing and administrative capabilities
-Proficient in written and spoken language relevant to client work

🤝 Behavioural Competencies:
-Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a professional team
-Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and ethical integrity

📍 Location: NWU Potchefstroom Campus

📅 Start date: January 2026

This is a unique opportunity to gain in-depth experience in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary setting focused on holistic wellbeing and human performance.

📩 Interested candidates can apply at https://nwu.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=65153dba-cec1-4ab9-90e7-7772edda49f3

Enquiries: Dr. Monique de Klerk 018 299 1737

NWU - North-West University
NWU Faculty of Health Sciences
NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance

Join Our Team: Counseling Psychology Internship (TB00326) Opportunity at North West University Looking for a rewarding career? Explore our Counseling Psychology Internship (TB00326) position at North West University. Apply now and be part of an innovative team, driving success and growth in your car...

14/07/2025

"A multidisciplinary team encompassing specialists including social workers, psychologists and speech therapists has been established at the North West University (NWU) to help children at risk of abuse by their guardians.

This comes amid a rise of mental health challenges among parents which pose harm to children, as seen via referrals to forensic social workers by the authorities.

The family and child forensic unit will operate within the Centre of Health and Human Performance's Care2Kids centre.

The goal is to help families navigating trauma and complex legal matters.

Led by Prof Cornelia Wessels, the unit offers evidence-based forensic assessments and therapy to children and parents, with the court as the primary client.

Its specialists will work with prosecutors, legal professionals and the broader justice system to ensure a child-centred, multidisciplinary response.

In divorce cases, the unit provides therapy, mediation and parental guidance, emphasising communication and emotional reintegration, especially in families with neurodiverse children such as autism.

In sexual abuse cases, the NWU - North-West University said, “the unit addresses a critical gap in South Africa's legal landscape by delivering forensic assessments admissible in court and designed to support successful prosecutions”.

Dr Michelle Bach, a psychologist with the unit, said in the launch video she views herself as “a lawyer for children”, with the mandate to advocate for their emotional needs.

“There is life after divorce and/or abuse. People do not have to carry this [emotional burden] with them all the time,” Bach said.

“If the damage is identified early and worked through in a therapeutical process, they can have healthy relationships after this.”

Contact Prof Cornelia Wessels at corneliacwessels@gmail.com or 082-469-0066 for more details or to schedule an appointment.

The goal is to help families navigating trauma and complex legal matters.

09/07/2025

Your stress isn’t one big thing — it’s everything, all at once.
When stress overlaps and recovery is neglected, it can spiral into burnout — mentally and physically.

🧠 Managing stress is the first step to protecting your mental health.

Learn how to recognise the signs, break the cycle, and take back control.

"Understanding Stress, Burnout, Anxiety & Depression – What’s the Difference?"



▶ Watch the full video where Prof Pieter Kruger from the NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance elaborates more on this at

When we talk about mental health, stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression are often used interchangeably – but they’re not the same. In this video, we expla...

07/07/2025

We are very proud of our colleague Lizaan Enslin (CHHP: Sport Science and Biokinetics), who attended the 30th European Congress of Sports Sciences in Rimini, Italy, last week and co-presented a poster on their research on the "Efects of an exercise intervention on depressive symptoms, cortisol and screen time of young adults: a randomised controlled trial."

Her fellow researchers were Prof Ankebe Kruger from NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing , Prof Stanisław Henryk Czyż, and Prof Hanlie Moss (NWU Physical activity, Sport and Recreation).

Their research focuses on South African young adults aged 18-25—using standardized assessments to measure changes before and after the intervention.

They explored how a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program can impact :
✅ Depressive symptoms (Depression is one of the leading causes of su***de, especially among young adults)
✅ Stress hormone (cortisol) levels
✅ Screen time habits

While medication is often the first line of treatment for depression, exercise is showing real promise as an effective alternative. 🏃‍♀️💪

03/07/2025

The Care2Kids Family & Child Forensic Unit, led by Prof. Cornelia Wessels, offers expert evidence-based assessments and therapy for children and parents in both civil and criminal court cases.

Our services include:
• Forensic Assessments: Specialised assessments for children in cases of suspected abuse.
• Expert Testimony: Professional evidence presented in court.
• Trauma Therapy: Support for children affected by abuse.
• Parenting Plans: Customised plans for parental responsibilities.
• Mediation Services: Helping families reach agreements.
• Psychotherapy: Supporting children facing emotional distress and other challenges due to abuse or divorce.
• Mulit-disciplinary Team: Mulit-disciplinary team assessments and support delivered by clinical and counselling psychologist, speech-language therapist, audiologists, forensic social workers and associate health care professionals.

The Forensic Unit is a specialised unit within Care2Kids, with the commitment to provide specialised evidence-based assessments and therapy to children and parents where the primary client is the court. In some civil court cases (divorce) the multi-disciplinary team for Care2Kids also form part of the assessment.

These pioneering forensic services is a first for the NWU and contribute to the specialised services that Care2Kids already render in the NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance a:

1. Divorce services
• All families, parents and children going through divorce suffer emotionally and need emotional support and constructive coping strategies to deal with their loss and or trauma.

• Therapy in the form of divorce care for all the relevant parties and children involved could prevent unresolved issues and the development of suppressed emotions. If not resolved the latter could have a negative impact on children's overall functioning and development (including academic, emotional, social and ultimately relationships).

• The importance of psychotherapy, parental guidance for divorce cases is emphasized and it will be of significance to take neurodiverse conditions into consideration.

2. Sexual abuse
• The growing need for forensic assessments of children underscores the importance of establishing a comprehensive, centralised service that prioritises the best interests of the child. In the South African social work landscape, child assessment services predominantly adopt a psychosocial perspective.

• Incorporating multidisciplinary professionals will enhance the process. One of the main reasons for specifically child sexual abuse cases not ending in successful prosecution is due to a lack of evidence and credible witness.

This was the main reason for developing a forensic social work model using evidence-based protocols and tools accepted by both criminal and civil counts in South Africa.

• Notably, the forensic unit will play a crucial role within the Care 2Kids team by collaborating closely with the justice system, including courts, public prosecutors, and legal professionals who often refer their clients to the unit for specialised forensic assessments. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and coordinated response to cases of childhood sexual abuse, ultimately striving to uphold the rights and well-being of vulnerable children within the legal system.

• Many boundaries are being compromised in the event of sexual abuse which may lead to dysfunctional psychological functioning and probable negative long-term effects on emotional and social functioning. Thus, before the court case the victim might need trauma debriefing and after the court case psychotherapy will be necessary to focus on the emotional well-being of the abused child to minimise dysfunctional behaviour in adulthood.

Contact Prof Cornelia Wessels at corneliacwessels@gmail.com or 082-469-0066 for more details or to schedule an appointment.


The Go-To Guy

The North-West University (NWU) has launched a ground-breaking Family and Child Forensic Unit (FCFU) within the Centre of Health and Human Performance’s Care...

03/07/2025

Are we trading sleep for productivity—and losing both?
In the 1970s, people slept more and worked less. Today, the gap has flipped—and it’s growing.

📉 Less sleep. ⏰ Longer hours.
What does this mean for high performance and long-term health?

Listen to Prof Pieter Kruger from the NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance discussing this important issue.

Whether you're leading a team or working towards academic success, high performance isn't just about doing more—it's about recovering smartly.In this session...