??Published in May to commemorate Workers' Day, our annual #dayinthelife series spotlights our staff at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU). This year, we highlight professional administrative support services staff who make a tangible difference in students' lives.
Elmarie Kruger is a senior counselling psychologist at SU's Centre for Student Counselling and Development and plays a crucial part in supporting student wellbeing at our institution. Kruger, an SU alumna, tells us more about her work.
What does your role at SU entail?
I work in the Unit for Psychotherapeutic and Support Services (UPSS), which is located in the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). Our job revolves around student mental health and wellness. The Unit provides psychotherapy to students who reach out to CSCD for psychological support. Sometimes, I am also involved in training students and staff on student mental health, facilitating developmental sessions for various student groups, and assisting with other projects in CSCD.
What does a typical day at work look like?
I spend most of my day in individual therapy sessions with students. Issues that students require support with include coping with life stressors, complex relationships, self-esteem and identity, past or current trauma, as well as various mental health challenges.
Then I also coordinate and supervise Psychology interns busy with their practical training at CSCD as part of their master's degrees, as well as final-year Occupational Therapy students placed at UPSS for their mental health rotation. Additionally, being a psychologist and working at SU involves plenty of administration, research, and meetings with colleagues.
I also attend training opportunities to ensure that I, too, continue to learn and grow – both personally and professionally.
My day can be quite packed and hectic at times, but it is filled with human interaction, which I enjoy, and I work in a wonderfully supportive environment.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job??
I graduated with a master's degree in Counselling Psychology and completed my one-year internship at the 肆客足球 of the Free State's Student Counselling Division. Since then, I have spent my entire career in student counselling in higher education. Before joining SU, I worked at the Cape Peninsula 肆客足球 of Technology for 11 years. I also belong to the Southern African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education, where I can engage and share best practice with other professionals in the sector.
My job requires me to be empathic, non-judgmental and 'open' when listening to what my clients bring to therapy. I have learned that every person's story is their own, and we need to respect the journey they have travelled and the place they find themselves in now.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
I appreciate being able to engage with students on a daily basis and on such a personal and intimate level. I admire students' resilience and strength – how they aspire to become successful, productive members of society, often despite hardship and challenges. It is a privilege to witness so many narratives, each unique and special in its own way.
Despite budgetary constraints, SU and CSCD still provide a well-resourced, supportive and enabling environment in which we can deliver a high-quality service. Having a multidisciplinary team who offers a free and confidential service of this kind to students is invaluable.
And what's not to enjoy about working in such a beautiful town and vibrant community?
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect.
I enjoy adventure and the outdoors. I love hiking, and in my youth, I completed the Inca Trail in Peru on a shoestring budget. It was amazing to experience a different culture. In a time long before technology, the Incas built marvellous structures that served their needs. Seeing how the local porters managed the climb up and down the steep and slippery mountain was also awe-inspiring. They would sometimes lose their footing and very nearly fall, but in a split-second regain their balance and graciously move on, without needing a moment to compose themselves. They were a good example of 'failing forward' – something I think we could all learn to get better at: accepting imperfection, letting go of our mistakes, and using them as an opportunity to learn.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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