Counselling is a relatively short, goal-oriented form of talk therapy, which takes on average 8-12 sessions.

Counselling provides a safe space in which the client can become aware of- and explore difficult, painful or stressful emotions, thoughts and behaviours with the aim of achieving positive change and enhanced well-being.

Counselling can assist the client with finding different perspectives, solutions and social/emotional skills allowing the client to continue their life in a happier, more resilient, and balanced manner.

Anyone who is struggling with their identity and sense of self, low self esteem, low self-worth or negative self-talk.

Anyone who is trying to work through life changes, from relocation, job loss, doubts and stress about career or study, family and relationship problems, parenting challenges, divorce, loss of a loved one or traumatic events.

Anyone who is experiencing confusing, anxious, depressive feelings. Anyone who is feeling stuck or trapped, overwhelmed or traumatized.

My name is Ymke Hemminga (pr.Imke)
Originally from the Netherlands I found my home in South Africa in the late 90’s.
I have a background in fine arts, creative writing and education but have always been consistently passionate, fascinated and interested in human beings, their emotions and behaviours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • I am a person-centred Wellness Counsellor, registered with the ASCHP.
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences, Majoring in Counselling and Psychology.
  • Humanitas Counselling Course.
  • Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T) Instructor.
  • Advanced Tree of Life Practitioner.
  • T.I.R (Traumatic Incident Reduction)Trauma counselling.
In 2019 I qualified as a P.E.T (Parent Effectiveness Training ) instructor which allows me to offer exciting 8-week parent training courses in which parent gain valuable communication, relationship-building, and creative conflict resolution skills. I love spending time with my family and Iggy Pup my shiny black dog. I enjoy walking in nature, one on one time with friends who are like family, dancing to 70-s funk, reading poetry in a hammock, doing research on all things wonderfully human, drawing, and finding humor in daily objects and situations.I also like collecting funny, beautiful or awkward retro items…for example cookie tins with children with bad hair cuts or disheveled pets.

My name is Ymke Hemminga (pr.Imke)
Originally from the Netherlands I found my home in South Africa in the late 90’s.
I have a background in fine arts, creative writing and education but have always been consistently passionate, fascinated and interested in human beings, their emotions and behaviours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • I am a person-centred Wellness Counsellor, registered with the ASCHP.
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences, Majoring in Counselling and Psychology.
  • Humanitas Counselling Course.
  • Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T) Instructor.
  • Advanced Tree of Life Practitioner.
  • T.I.R (Traumatic Incident Reduction)Trauma counselling.
In 2019 I qualified as a P.E.T (Parent Effectiveness Training ) instructor which allows me to offer exciting 8-week parent training courses in which parent gain valuable communication, relationship-building, and creative conflict resolution skills. I love spending time with my family and Iggy Pup my shiny black dog. I enjoy walking in nature, one on one time with friends who are like family, dancing to 70-s funk, reading poetry in a hammock, doing research on all things wonderfully human, drawing, and finding humor in daily objects and situations.I also like collecting funny, beautiful or awkward retro items…for example cookie tins with children with bad hair cuts or disheveled pets.

Of all the psychological theories I studied during my degree, the person-centered theory developed by Carl Rogers resonates with me the most. Person-centred counselling is a non-directive approach founded on the 3 humanist principles of Congruence or realness, Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard when we live congruent lives, our authentic self, or who we really are is aligned with what we do and how we live. If we feel like we cannot truly and freely be who we are, (think accountant with the soul of a poet) we struggle with inner conflict which can get in the way of emotional wellbeing, happiness and personal growth.
Empathy is the ability to walk with someone, to acknowledge that you don’t know what the other has lived through, and to validate and respect their feelings without judgement. Unconditional Positive Regard means that there are no conditions of worth attached to acceptance and support.

I use an integrated approach to helping my clients, which is firmly rooted in person centered theory but allows me to use my creativity to figure out what is needed, and helpful to the client I have in front of me. I am passionate about discovering, highlighting, or dusting off strengths and talents in my clients which will enable them to embrace life and all it’s expected and unexpected challenges in a happier, more confident and resilient way.

I have experience working with a diverse range of individuals from all ages and walks of life. I can assist with Trauma counselling, Life Transition Obstacles, parent coaching/counselling, loss and grief counselling, perinatal depression, as well as issues relating to confidence and low self esteem. I can help client’s face to face at my counselling room in Hatfield, Pretoria or via zoom.

Of all the psychological theories I studied during my degree, the person-centered theory developed by Carl Rogers resonates with me the most. Person-centred counselling is a non-directive approach founded on the 3 humanist principles of Congruence or realness, Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard when we live congruent lives, our authentic self, or who we really are is aligned with what we do and how we live. If we feel like we cannot truly and freely be who we are, (think accountant with the soul of a poet) we struggle with inner conflict which can get in the way of emotional wellbeing, happiness and personal growth.
Empathy is the ability to walk with someone, to acknowledge that you don’t know what the other has lived through, and to validate and respect their feelings without judgement. Unconditional Positive Regard means that there are no conditions of worth attached to acceptance and support.

I use an integrated approach to helping my clients, which is firmly rooted in person centered theory but allows me to use my creativity to figure out what is needed, and helpful to the client I have in front of me. I am passionate about discovering, highlighting, or dusting off strengths and talents in my clients which will enable them to embrace life and all it’s expected and unexpected challenges in a happier, more confident and resilient way.

I have experience working with a diverse range of individuals from all ages and walks of life. I can assist with Trauma counselling, Life Transition Obstacles, parent coaching/counselling, loss and grief counselling, perinatal depression, as well as issues relating to confidence and low self esteem. I can help client’s face to face at my counselling room in Hatfield, Pretoria or via zoom.

“I stumbled upon Ymke during a very confusing time in my life where I lacked self worth and harbored a lot of anger and frustration.

My sessions with Ymke have gently nudged me into viewing my life from a different and more positive perspective. I recognize strengths and achievements in myself which I did not take notice of before. I have learnt to shift my entire approach to dealing with people and situations which are toxic and narcissistic. The minuscule changes in my way of thinking has increased my self esteem and confidence, where before I was weighed down with burdens of the past and felt my self worth was related to how others treated me. Ymke’s effective listening skills and gentle probing has so far, encouraged me to face certain fears in personal relationships and break down boundaries in which I had caged myself as a defence to people. Thank you Ymke! Your impact on my life is quite extraordinary.”

J.B

“I am eternally grateful for your assistance throughout an extremely trying time in my life. You helped me really embody my inner strength, and made even the worst of days pass by with relative ease. I was emotionally detached, and I felt almost nothing, and now I am more in tune with my emotions, but in a positive light. Your guidance has given me the tools through which I can more efficiently navigate the path of life. You have helped me turn my weaknesses into strength. My career is booming, and I am flourishing on a personal level.

You are warm, yet professional, and I will recommend you a thousand times over.

Thank you for all your support.”

R.D.T

“I highly recommend Ymke Hemming as a competent and effective counsellor. I know myself better than ever before. I feel happier expressing myself, showing different sides of me to others, and letting others show their different sides to me. I feel less anxious and more able to pursue the things I really love.

She is a great listener and always ensures that you feel much lighter and better after the sessions.”

D.M

“Ymke has a natural ability to make people comfortable which makes her so easy to talk to. Never did I feel judged or my decisions questioned rather I felt that Ymke helped me realize my great power in my life and has given me so much confidence to be more self aware and intuitive to my complex emotions. I felt like I could trust myself and my decisions and easily move on from my mistakes. My Journey with you has been enlightening. I have always looked forward to our time and only did you help me with this confusion and doubt and guilt I had weighing over me, I felt like I was talking to a wise friend whom I have known for years. You are so well read in many different topics which made it so nice talking to you and I always felt accepted and understood. It was a great blessing to have crossed paths with you and I wish you success in all your ventures. Thank you.”

S.A

“Counselling was always an idea that felt out of reach. I knew it would make me better yet I did not know to what extent. Then I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Mrs Ymke. I was unaware of the effect that she had on me until I noticed the subtle changes in my daily life. I have changed so much for the better and her help was what was needed to help me experience the better me. Ymke’s voice became the subtle reminder in my head throughout the day to treat myself better because I deserved better. Her practical suggestion were easy to carry out and taught me lifelong lessons. People are sometimes ashamed to say that they have seen a counsellor. I know, I will always be glad to have experienced counselling with Ymke.”

M.K

“On my first session I was feeling overwhelmed and struggling with so much inner turmoil. I was really feeling. For the first time in years I’m feeling more and more like myself and not feeling scared. I am able to confront the negative self-talk and work through to a place of strength. I really appreciate your ability to listen deeply and to help me control the loudness going through my mind. I’m not self-censoring internally anymore and I’m a lot more confident and joyous. The sessions have been a life changer and I’m so grateful.”

C.D

Please contact me if you would like to schedule a counselling session online or face to face at my counselling room.
I charge R450 for a  1-hour session, and offer reduced fees for students.
Medical aid does not apply.

ymke@becomingwell.co.za

071 7480315
1127 Stanza Bopape street
Hatfield | Pretoria