our story
background
Hello and welcome, I’m Cassandra, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor designated with the ASCHP and the founder of Serenity in the City Counselling Centre.
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to people and their stories. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported, which can often be hard to find and commonly forgotten about in today’s fast-paced world. Consequently, it’s easy to feel the weight of expectations and demands, to appear as though everything is under control, even when inside it feels very different.
Counselling, for me, is not about fixing. It’s about presence, connection, and the courage to walk alongside my clients in their journeys. My approach is relational and person‑centered, grounded in the belief that growth happens when we are seen holistically, through our lived experiences, values, and strengths. I pride myself on being warm and approachable, and I believe in creating safe spaces and engaging in genuine conversations that nurture wellbeing. During our time together, you will find an environment where you can express yourself freely and feel supported without judgment.
Whether you’re feeling uncertain, stuck, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted, this is a space where you can set down the weight you’ve been carrying. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore, reflect, and grow at a pace that feels right for you, honouring your life story and your strengths as we navigate it together.
background
Hello and welcome, I’m Cassandra, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor designated with the ASCHP and the founder of Serenity in the City Counselling Centre.
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to people and their stories. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported, which can often be hard to find and commonly forgotten about in today’s fast-paced world. Consequently, it’s easy to feel the weight of expectations and demands, to appear as though everything is under control, even when inside it feels very different.
Counselling, for me, is not about fixing. It’s about presence, connection, and the courage to walk alongside my clients in their journeys. My approach is relational and person‑centered, grounded in the belief that growth happens when we are seen holistically, through our lived experiences, values, and strengths. I pride myself on being warm and approachable, and I believe in creating safe spaces and engaging in genuine conversations that nurture wellbeing. During our time together, you will find an environment where you can express yourself freely and feel supported without judgment.
Whether you’re feeling uncertain, stuck, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted, this is a space where you can set down the weight you’ve been carrying. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore, reflect, and grow at a pace that feels right for you, honouring your life story and your strengths as we navigate it together.
THE ROLE OF WELLNESS COUNSELLING
In my work, I have seen firsthand the impact that accessible, preventative, and strengths‑based support can have on overall wellbeing, as it nurtures resilience, builds confidence, and creates lasting change. Wellness counselling is not only about addressing challenges once they arise, but also about nurturing resilience and equipping individuals with tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.
This approach plays a powerful role in supporting individuals across different stages of life. For children, it can mean building confidence and emotional awareness early on. For adolescents, it can provide guidance through transitions and identity formation. For adults, it offers space to reflect, reframe, grow, reshape resilience, and rediscover balance. For vulnerable communities, it can be a lifeline, a reminder that support is available, and that their stories are valued.
At Serenity in the City Counselling Centre, this philosophy shapes everything we do. Our focus is on creating safe, compassionate spaces where people can grow, connect, and find serenity in the busy city surroundings, no matter where they are.
MY ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
I completed my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Applied Social Science (majoring in Psychology and Counselling) at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), followed by my Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology.
I then qualified as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor and am designated with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP). This association is a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority for wellness counsellors and holistic practitioners.
Each step of my academic journey deepened my expertise and strengthened my dedication to the profession, equipping me to serve clients with knowledge, respect, and compassion.
MY ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
I completed my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Applied Social Science (majoring in Psychology and Counselling) at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), followed by my Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology.
I then qualified as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor and am designated with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP). This association is a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority for wellness counsellors and holistic practitioners.
Each step of my academic journey deepened my expertise and strengthened my dedication to the profession, equipping me to serve clients with knowledge, respect, and compassion.
The birth of Serenity In The City Counselling Centre
Serenity in the City Counselling Centre was founded to make specialised wellness counselling accessible across South Africa. During my training and practice hours, I recognised that many people needed support but faced barriers such as distance, limited local resources, or uncertainty about where to turn.
To bridge this gap, Serenity in the City Counselling Centre offers both online sessions for individuals nationwide, as well as limited face‑to‑face counselling for children in Benoni. My vision is to ensure that anyone seeking support can find a safe, welcoming space, whether in person or online.