Hannelie Spies - Educational Psychologist

05/02/2026

Sometimes the most important relationship to heal is the relationship with yourself. Self-compassion builds emotional safety and resilience, helping you face anxiety and self-doubt.

Therapeutic support offers a safe space to rebuild inner stability, nurture self-worth, and grow stronger amid life’s stressors.

03/02/2026

As the new school term begins, many children struggle with:
✔ Planning homework and projects
✔ Organising school materials and schedules
✔ Getting started on tasks and assignments
✔ Regulating emotions when things get tough
✔ Adapting to changes in routine or school demands
If your child seems overwhelmed, frustrated, or exhausted by schoolwork and daily routines, they may need extra support with executive functioning skills.
Supporting your child is not about asking them to “try harder”. It is about helping them discover better systems and strategies that work for them.

Find out how executive functioning support can make a difference for your child this school year: https://l1nq.com/X9AD0

29/01/2026

Many people seek support not because of a diagnosis, but because of these types of symptoms that affect daily life:
• Chronic anxiety
• Emotional overwhelm
• Trauma responses
• Panic reactions
• Phobias
• Intrusive thoughts
• Stress-based behaviours
• Sleep disruption linked to anxiety

Targeted therapeutic approaches, such as BWRT, can help reduce these responses and restore emotional regulation and safety.

Find out more: https://hanneliespies.co.za/psychotherapy/bwrt/

26/01/2026

Understanding ADHD in Adulthood
ADHD is not just about being distracted or “busy”. It is a complex condition that also affects adulthood. Understanding ADHD properly is the first step toward meaningful support and sustainable coping strategies.

Learn more about my ADHD support and interventions on my website: https://hanneliespies.co.za/

13/01/2026

Practical Accommodations for Children with ADHD & Anxiety
Children with ADHD and anxiety don’t need lower expectations; they need the right support. This article explains which classroom accommodations really help learners feel safer, more focused and more confident.
Read the full piece to see which strategies could make the biggest difference for your child or students.

Dr Howard outlines how school accommodations and organizational training can help children with ADHD be successful in school.

08/01/2026

As the New Year begins, many of us feel pressure to set big resolutions, fix ourselves, or “do better.” But growth does not have to be loud, dramatic, or perfect, especially if you are healing from trauma, managing anxiety or depression, or living with ADHD.

Instead of resolutions, consider gentle intentions:
▶ What do I want more of emotionally this year?
▶ What boundaries will support my wellbeing?
▶ What small, realistic changes could help me feel more grounded?

Healing is not about becoming someone new. It is about caring for who you already are, one step at a time.

02/01/2026

Every small step toward healing is a powerful way to begin the New Year.

Happy New Year.

23/12/2025

You can feel sad even when everything around you seems joyful.
You can feel lonely even in a room full of people.
You can feel tired even when you’ve had time off.

Emotional dips during December are real, especially if you are navigating trauma, depression, or burnout. Just remember, feelings are not failures. They are signals, so listen gently.

19/12/2025

December can be hard for children too.
Overstimulation, disrupted routines, late nights, sugar highs, social pressure, and unfamiliar environments. For children with anxiety, sensory sensitivities or ADHD, this can be overwhelming.

Try adding calm pockets into their day: quiet time, predictable bedtime rhythms, comfort objects, or simple check-ins.
Regulated adults help create regulated children.

17/12/2025

Feeling the December rush?
Here are 5 gentle stabilisers for your mental health:
1️⃣ Keep to a simple routine.
2️⃣ Allow yourself to say “no”.
3️⃣ Take 10 minutes to ground your body.
4️⃣ Reach out to someone you trust.
5️⃣ Honour mixed emotions, joy and sadness can coexist.

The festive season doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be manageable and compassionate.