Nicole van Niekerk Registered Counsellor

27/08/2026

We have one of the most comprehensive children’s act’s IN THE WORLD. On the ground people are doing the work.

And yet, the SYSTEM often governed by traditions, culture and customs is failing children who are in desperate need for care and protection.
In theory 💯, in practice - ZERO.

Why? “Because that is just how we do it” (An actual response from a police officer this week.)

Carte Blanche I think it’s time that we start asking questions and demand accountability when it comes to child protection rights.

21/07/2026

Emotional safety is paramount.

Something I see in my work every day. When a child feels safe they can study, they can focus, they can focus on what they are supposed to be - a child.
When they don’t feel safe… fight, flight, freeze or fawn kicks in and the child exists in survival mode. Exhausting, overwhelming and less than optimal for development.

15/05/2026

May is Child Protection Month in SA.

I have not posted much about it because it often feels like a hopeless cause when the system, the adults, are not protecting the child. Something we deal with every single today.

But today. Today 2 beautiful smart teen girls get to sleep in a safe bed for the first time in 4 years.
Because I refused to “just accept” their current circumstances and somehow the universe worked in our favour.

I will be posting more this month about what you can do to protect the children in your family, school and community 🫶🏻

11/05/2026

MY PRACTICE turned ONE last week!!! From 1 client a week and some very quiet days (and a broken bone and fair amount of anxiety) to a full afternoon practice and a waiting list?!? (🤯) I have spent every ounce of my energy this year on growing, developing and dreaming about this and it still feels unreal some days (the rest of my energy goes to planning a wedding 😅)

you have played such a big role in the success of and I will forever be grateful for the chance you took on me ✨💚 It is the greatest privilege to be part of this team!

07/04/2026

So excited to launch this new initiative with Our Village

Support for busy parents to prevent important tasks being left behind. Children can also be screened to receive additional evidence based one-on-one study support.

Supporting children through school can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when homework, tests, and assignments begin to build up.

Our study support classes for Grade 4–7 learners are designed to provide structured, guided support in a calm and focused environment. We assist with homework, develop effective study methods, and help learners prepare for exams, tasks, and oral presentations.

Classes are kept small, with 4–5 learners per tutor, allowing for more individual attention and a better understanding of each child’s needs. Each session is one hour long.

1 class per week – R600 p/m
2 classes per week – R1200 p/m
3 classes per week – R1600 p/m
4 classes per week – R1800 p/m

If you would like more information or to secure a space, we welcome you to get in touch.

📞 065 844 9885
📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.our-village.co.za

Care that grows with you.

12/02/2026

A few essentials added to the practice this week ✨

I’m constantly adding, improving and growing my practice space in small ways to keep it fresh, relevant and welcoming.

#

09/02/2026

Progress over perfection. Always.

Counselling teens can be challenging. Expectations are high. Social media is everywhere and anxiety is almost guaranteed.
But one day they come in and something clicked. Somehow, somewhere they realised “I am enough” and “I deserve to be in healthy relationships” - and that moment cannot be replaced by anything in this world.

06/02/2026

Cause humour is important too. The pink, the plants, the tea, the lists, the stick-its are on point 👌🏼
Thanks ChatGPT😉

Happy Friday. I hope you get a moment to be quiet and reflect on the week that was and prepare for the week to come. 🌸

04/02/2026

➡️Swipe for more info

The first instalment of my Grade 4 prep workshop went só well this past weekend.
I am opening up more availability and one-on-one sessions with you and your child. This workshop can be done at anytime throughout the year as the workload gets bigger and the overwhelm more.

Get in touch if you would like to book ✉️