About me

Hi this is me, Esté, your social worker at VALEO Psychosocial Therapeutic Services. I hold an Honours in Psychology from the University of North West and a Bachelor of Social Work (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of the Western Cape. With over ten years of experience in counselling children and adults from diverse backgrounds, I am deeply committed to walking alongside clients as they navigate their journeys. My passion lies in helping individuals heal, discover their strengths, build skills, and feel empowered. I believe that everyone has a unique path to wellness, and I feel honored to support clients as they move toward a more fulfilling, resilient life.

Over the past few years, I’ve been working exclusively in the field of mental health, which has become an enduring passion and focus of my work. Each day, I divide my time between my private practice and my role as a case manager and counsellor at a facility providing psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with severe psychiatric disabilities. I am driven to make a positive impact on the lives of those living with mental health challenges, striving to enhance their quality of life and advocating for the reduction of stigma surrounding mental illness. This work fuels my commitment to fostering compassion, resilience, and understanding in the field of mental health.

Outside of my professional roles, I am also a daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother—and many other things that bring color to my life. I am a teacher, confidant, and a lover of nature, books, learning, and dancing in the living room with my family. My experiences and relationships give me a deep appreciation for the rich complexity of the human experience. I know that no one is perfect (not even your therapist) and that we are all unique individuals navigating our own paths. I feel truly blessed to share in this journey called life and to be able to support others in finding their own paths to healing and growth.​