Keuses, keuses…

Hallo Nadia

Hier in Pretoria het ons weer van winter na somer gespring. Dit lyk of lente oorgeslaan is.

Is daar dae wat dit vir jou voel asof dit moeite is om keuses te maak? Om aan te pas tussen die reëls rondom die verskillende vlakke van die COVID-19-inperkinge en om ‘n vlak van voorspelbaarheid in die lewe te ontdek moes ‘n mens vreeslik baie keuses maak.

Hallo Nadia

Vandag is een van daardie warboel dae in my kantoor. Goeie geleenthede, slegte nuus, trane, blydskap en hartseer deurmekaar. Gelukkig kan ek ‘n blaaskans vat en vir jou skryf.

Te midde van my passie om mense te help om trauma agter die rug te kry, weet ek dat ek geseënd is om baie ander rolle te vervul. Ek is ʼn vrou, ʼn mamma, ʼn professionale berader en supervisor, ʼn krimpvarkie se bron van voedsel en ʼn papegaai se waterdraer. Al die verskillende rolle is wat my help om balans te hou en ʼn groter prentjie te sien.

Managing Trauma Relief,
by Dr Barbara Louw and Wynand Louw CFP^®,

Unlock Workplace Wellness: A Practical Guide to Supporting Employees Through Trauma

When trauma strikes the workplace, it disrupts everything—productivity, morale, and mental well-being. This powerful guide equips you with the tools to navigate crises with confidence, support your employees effectively, and foster a resilient work environment.

- Crisis or Trauma? Learn to spot the difference and respond appropriately.
- Practical, Budget-Friendly Solutions—Support employees without breaking the bank.
- Step-by-Step Action Plans for immediate and long-term recovery.
- Worksheets & Checklists to simplify implementation.
- Build a Culture of Care that enhances well-being and productivity.

Your team’s well-being is your company’s strength. Take action today!

ISBN 9781920527174Format: Paperback book

R350.00 excluding delivery

Subscribe to the Author's mailing list for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming events and special offers.

Dr Barbara's Bulletin

.

Managing Your Experience of Medical Trauma Step 1

No pain is insignificant. Suffering is universal.

Many people are too quick to say that “no matter what you are going through, someone has it worse” or “there is always somebody with bigger problems”. This is emotionally dismissive and gives the message that your struggles are insignificant and that you are overreacting. If you start to feel unheard and rejected the only way to cope is to refuse to cry for help because you try not to burden others with your pain.

Many people might indeed experience worse trauma and post-traumatic reactions, but my concern is, how is the situation affecting you?

The first most difficult step is to acknowledge the pain and the second is to muster the strength to reach out for help. Finding more information about your experience helps you to use learning as an art to turn information into insight.

Here are a few practical steps to mitigate the impact of the overwhelming feelings of Medical Trauma when you have to visit a medical professional like a doctor, specialist, oncologist or physiotherapist.

Prepare to spend a lot of time in the waiting area:

• Load your favourite music on your phone and take earphones.
• Something to drink – water.
• Something to soothe a dry throat.
• A snack.
• Tissues and wet wipes for unforeseen situations.
• A few extra plasters.
• Your favourite book.
• Your notebook.

Prepare for your conversation with the doctor by making notes of the following:

• Write down your questions.
• Prepare a timeline of the pain that you experience.
• Make a list of all the medications and supplements you are taking.
• Make a list of your symptoms. Be specific.
• Take a friend or family member with you to help you fill in the blanks. This visit will be an overwhelming experience and you will not be able to grasp all the information.
• You can ask for more information and a second opinion.

During your visit:

• Be kind and courteous. A medical professional is a human being who chooses a career to make a difference and help people.
• Treat the people at reception nicely. Although your visit is about you and your health a smile goes a long way to lighten up everyone’s life.
• Use your notes to guide your questions and feedback. This will assist you to remember and share vital information.
• Be specific and honest.
• Use your words to describe your unique health experience and don’t assume the doctor will “automatically know” what you are going through.
• Listen and ask questions if something is unclear or concerning.
• Ask your companion to take notes.
• Feel free to discuss your long-term treatment plan, as well as the side effects of medication.

Although adverse medical conditions, like cancer and strokes, hurt the hearts of the people who help you fight from the sidelines, they care about you. You are in a situation like no one else and you are precious and special.

If you're feeling lost, remember that The Good Shepherd will leave a flock of sheep to seek out you, the lost lamb. You are precious in the eyes of God.

So, let us walk this path together, knowing that amidst life's challenges, there is always room to find hope and peace.

Blessings

Dr Barbara Louw

Make an appointment today – online or in person in Pretoria.

Request daily inspiration

Medical Trauma

Medical traumatic stress encompasses a spectrum of psychological and physical reactions experienced by patients and their loved ones in response to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures, and unsettling treatment encounters. It's the deeply personal aftermath that unfolds, triggering a cascade of complex negative emotions and physiological responses.

The symptoms of medical trauma can manifest in various forms and intensities, including:

- A dread of medical environments or personnel

- Physical discomforts like pain, sweating, or nausea

- Persistent negative thoughts revolving around the traumatic experience

- Emotional detachment and avoidance of certain situations

- Feelings of agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, or tearfulness

- A pervasive sense of helplessness and invisibility

This reaction can stem from the overwhelming stress preceding or following a challenging diagnosis, procedure, or treatment. Our hectic lifestyles often compound the issue, leaving little time for proper emotional processing alongside physical recovery.

I understand that every patient's deepest fears revolve around feeling dehumanized and losing control. In my counselling practice, I provide a safe haven for you to share your experiences, feelings, and concerns openly. Here is no preconceived judgment, and there are no rigid expectations or deadlines dictating your healing journey.

When I explain medical trauma, I am grateful for all the wonderful medical personnel and caregivers who step up to assist patients in these adverse circumstances. These helpers are like angels who try to make sense of symptoms, words and visual signs to offer the best of their abilities. They are the people who walk in when others would rather hide or walk out. Medical personnel often suffer from vicarious trauma because they are human too.

Together, we work towards lightening the emotional load by addressing unwanted feelings and learning to direct the inevitable ebbs and flows. We also look at the burdensome expectations and labels imposed upon you without your consent, empowering you to reclaim your story and sense of belonging.

So, let us walk this path together, knowing that amidst life's challenges, there is always room to bloom. Together, we can transform pain into resilience, darkness into light, and thorns into roses. Welcome to a space where your story is not just heard but cherished—a sanctuary where you can bloom unapologetically amidst the thorns.

Blessings

Dr Barbara Louw

Make an appointment today – online or in person.

Request daily inspiration

This article is available in Afrikaans: Mediese Trauma In 'n Neutedopin Hallo Nadia Webjoernaal

Another article is Medical Trauma Leaves You Feeling Voiceless

Medical trauma can leave you feeling voiceless. You didn’t choose the earth-shattering diagnoses – you had a stroke, you have cancer, you need an amputation – you could die. Medical personnel speak in their terminology, and you feel lost. Suddenly, you don’t seem to understand the meaning of common words, and the world becomes an overwhelming, too-loud place.

Others seem to develop the urge to fill silence with words, while you long to hear the comforting voice of God. They give unsolicited advice and talk about other people’s experiences as if they have first-hand knowledge. Silence becomes your friend and foe. You may feel like you are not yourself anymore, caught in a cruel dream that dawn will eventually erase.

What is happening to you? Your thoughts rush through your mind at lightning speed, yet you feel empty. The storm of intense emotions floods everything you thought you knew about life, coping, and faith. The side effects of medication flood your body, raging through every system. Sleep becomes a stranger. Somehow, you gasp for air and purposefully breathe one breath after another - putting one foot in front of the other - with a shallow, weak smile.

This is not a magic breakthrough because you feel you are not yourself anymore and don’t know how to fix this. There is no quick fix, and you don’t even know how to try. What is your identity now?Are you a victim who fell flat on your face in a pool of pain, or are you a survivor who will find the strength to rise once more? Are you a faith warrior or an emotional crippleburdened with worry and anger?

You realise you are alive like the sun breaks through the clouds on a stormy day. You have come this far, and although it seems easier to die than to live, being alive becomes more important than ever. You see your loved ones through new eyes and appreciate their love more deeply than before.

Dealing with people can be the hardest part of getting back on your feet. Choose the champions closest to you carefully. They can break your spirit or raise your arms. They will help you take one step at a time and get through this one way or another.

You might feel you have little faith and strength to go on, but you will find the courage to continue even when your strength is small. You only need faith as little as a mustard seed, and God will carry you through this time.

Talk to God, your Maker, about everything. Thank Him for the blessings you are aware of and pour your emotions out in prayer. He gives you the Holy Spirit as your Comforter during this time. When you are overwhelmed and don’t know what to think or pray, read your Bible. Let His Word be an anchor in this storm. Hold on to your faith with everything in you!

Although this journey is not easy, you are much stronger than you ever imagined.At the same time, you are not alone because I am just a phone call away. I can support you on your journey. You can make an online or in-person counselling appointment 24/7.

Mediese Trauma In ‘n Neutedop

Mediese traumatiese stres omvat 'n spektrum van sielkundige en fisiese reaksies wat deur pasiënte en hul geliefdes ervaar word in reaksie op pyn, besering, ernstige siekte, mediese prosedures en ontstellende behandelingafsprake. Dit is ‘n diep persoonlike storm wat ontvou, wat 'n stortvloed van komplekse negatiewe emosies en fisiologiese reaksies veroorsaak.

Die simptome van mediese trauma kan in verskillende vorme en intensiteitsgrade manifesteer, insluitend:

- 'n Vrees vir mediese omgewings of personeel

- Fisiese ongemak soos pyn, sweet of naarheid

- Aanhoudende negatiewe gedagtes wat om die traumatiese ervaring wentel

- Emosionele losmaking en vermyding van sekere situasies

- Gevoelens van opgewondenheid, woede, angs, depressie of tranerig

- 'n Deurlopende gevoel van hulpeloosheid en onsigbaarheid

Hierdie reaksies kan spruit uit die oorweldigende spanning wat 'n ontstellende diagnose, ingrypende prosedure of intense behandeling. Ons gejaagde lewenstyl vererger dikwels die probleem, want daar is te min tyd laat vir behoorlike emosionele verwerking en fisiese herstelproses.

Ek verstaan​​dat elke pasiënt se diepste vrese om minder soos ‘n ‘mens’ te voel en beheer te verloor. In my beradingspraktyk bied ek 'n veilige hawe vir jou om jou ervarings, gevoelens en bekommernisse openlik te deel. Hier is geen vooropgestelde agends nie, en daar is ook geen rigiede verwagtinge of spertye wat jou genesingsreis dikteer nie.

Wanneer ek mediese trauma verduidelik, is ek dankbaar vir al die wonderlike mediese personeel en versorgers wat optree om pasiënte in hierdie pynlike omstandighede by te staan. Hierdie helpers is soos engele wat probeer om die beste van hul vermoëns sin maak uit fisiese simptome, woorde en visuele tekens. Hulle is die mense wat instap wanneer ander eerder wil wegkruip of uitstap. Mediese personeel ly dikwels aan plaasvervangende trauma (vicarious trauma)  omdat hulle ook gewone mense is.

Kom ons​​ werk daaraan om jou emosionele las te verlig deur oorvloed van gevoelens te bespreek en te leer om die onvermydelike eb en vloed van gedagtes te hanteer. Ons ontgin ook die oorweldigende verwagtinge en lastige etikette wat, sonder jou toestemming, op jou gelaai word. Saam vind ons maniere om jou bemagtig om jou storie en die gevoel van ‘behoort’ te herwin.

So, kom ons stap hierdie pad saam, met die wete dat daar te midde van die lewe se uitdagings altyd plek is om te blom. Saam kan ons pyn omskep in veerkragtigheid, duisternis in lig, en dorings in rose. Welkom by 'n plek waar jou storie nie net gehoor word nie, maar gekoester word - 'n heiligdom waar jy uitbundig tussen die dorings kan blom.

Seëninge

Dr Barbara Louw

Maak vandag 'n afspraak – aanlynof persoonlik.

Versoek daaglikse inspirasie

This Article is available in English in theIn My Rose Garden Blog.: Medical Trauma - An Introduction Article

"Breakthrough Champions: Your Wellness, Your Victory, Our Commitment" encapsulates our dedication to aiding individuals in overcoming trauma and achieving personal growth. With over 30 years of devoted study and research, I am deeply passionate about delivering exceptional care to my clients while actively contributing to the community and my private practice.

Within my practice, I offer tailored services to address various needs, whether it's supporting individuals in navigating personal struggles or providing coaching for transformative well-being. Additionally, I provide specialized services for the corporate environment, assisting employers, business owners, and employees in trauma relief.

Within my clientele, there are typically three distinct groups seeking swift assistance in overcoming trauma. The first group need prompt assistance with a recent painful situation. The second group comprises individuals longing for breakthroughs following adverse life experiences, including trauma, dashed dreams, and untapped potential. Some may be grappling with spiritual anguish or navigating life-altering medical diagnoses and procedures. The third group seeks personalized yet structured programs to confront specific life challenges, equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to maintain their breakthroughs and embrace their victories along their journey.

My proven methods yield extraordinary results in a short time, fostering irreversible growth towards wellness. No matter the size of the challenge you face, I am here to provide solution-focused guidance, paying close attention to your unique story. Our therapeutic relationship unfolds in real-time conversations, allowing for immediate care when unhealed wounds surface.

Rest assured, your story is not burdensome to me. Throughout my career, I've guided individuals through trauma, historical pain, and challenging realities with utmost respect and dignity. Services offered encompass various levels of support, including counselling, therapy, coaching, and supervision.

To ensure a seamless experience, appointments are scheduled 24/7 through Aquilla Wellness Solutions, our secure electronic practice management system. You have the flexibility to choose an online or in-person appointment at a time convenient for you, and complete payment, and necessary forms before your session.

Before we embark on your journey, we establish a clear agreement to align with your needs, background, and desired outcomes. Transparency is paramount, as you receive comprehensive information regarding fees, session length, and my professional registrations. This commitment to clarity fosters a therapeutic relationship built on trust and professionalism.

The bouquet of services includes:

• • Face-to-Face Counselling
  • Online Counselling
  • 3 x English Counselling Series of 6 sessions in 6 weeks (online or in-person) 
    • Trauma Breakthrough
    • Trauma Recovery and Wellness
    • From Bitter-"stuckness" to Wisdom
    • 
  • 3 x Afrikaanse Beradingsreekse van 6 sessies in 6 week (aanlyn of persoonlik)
    • Trauma Agter die Rug
    • Tyd om Heel te Word
    • Skryf Jou Pad Na Heelwording
    • 
  • Bi-weekly Therapeutic Support Group (online)
  • A Self-Assessment Quizto assess whether you will benefit from participating in the Counselling I offer.

Training is categorized into two streams: personal development and growth through Aquilla Training, and more structured instruction via the Kalio Training Institute. Online workshops and counselling training offered through these platforms have been successfully met.

The formal training aims to equip individuals to support others within their respective spheres, be it the community, religious congregations, workplaces, or counselling settings, utilizing the models developed during my extensive studies. This encompasses comprehensive training in the Wholistic Wellness Coaching Model, Pastoral Victim Empowerment Model, and Christian Pastoral Counseling.

My husband and I are deeply committed to community engagement, demonstrated through our involvement with Inter Trauma Nexus and the Association for Christian Ministries. We provide victim empowerment, ministry support, and training opportunities. You're encouraged to subscribe to our complimentary electronic newsletters, available in  English as Friends of Inter Trauma Nexus and in Afrikaans as Vriende van Inter Trauma Nexus.

On our website, you'll find links to our social media platforms, where you can stay connected for regular updates on training programs, news, and words of encouragement. Feel free to join us in this online community.

Please note that I do not share my client's information with external researchers; students or any other third party.

There are fees payable for different services and training.

Navigeer die lewensreis met 'n doel

Hallo Nadia

Ons het almal die gesegde gehoor: "tDie tyd vlieg as jy pret het Maar wat as ek vir jou sê dat jy nie net 'n passasier is op hierdie vinnige reis wat die lewe genoem word nie? Jy is die vlieënier—die een in beheer van jou keuses en bestemmings. Jou lewensingesteldheid ingesteldheid bemagtig jou om die koers na 'n meer doelgerigte en vervullende lewe te bepaal.

Stel jou voor dat jy in die stuurkajuit van 'n vliegtuig sit, hande op die kontroles, gereed om te vlieg. Net soos 'n vlieënier deur die lug navigeer, het jy die krag om jou lewe te stuur in die rigting wat jy kies. Elke besluit wat jy neem, hetsy groot of klein, vorm die trajek van jou reis. Daar is oneindige moontlikhede waaruit jy kan kies. Jy kan drome en jou drome laat lewe kry.

Met groot krag kom groot verantwoordelikheid. Om te erken dat jy die vlieënier van jou keuses is, beteken om aanspreeklikheid te aanvaar vir die rigting van jou lewe. In plaas daarvan om deur eksterne kragte of omstandighede meegesleur te word, neem jy eienaarskap van jou besluite en die gevolge daarvan. Eienaarskap van jou beteken jy gaan oor tot aksie en doen wat nodig is om te doen. Jy het ook nodig om jou aksies konstant te volhou. As vlieënier kan jy nie lui en passief raak nie.

Die lewensreis is egter selde seepglad. Storms kan opduik, en onstuimigheid kan jou van koers af ruk, maar onthou—jy is die vlieënier. In die aangesig van traumatiese teëspoed, ontgin jou veerkragtigheid en aanpasbaarheid. Pas jou koers aan soos wanneer nodig, maar verloor nooit jou bestemming uit die oog nie. 

 As die vlieënier van jou keuses, is dit van kardinale belang om 'n duidelike bestemming in gedagte te hê. Wat is jou doel? Wat bring betekenis en vervulling in jou lewe? Neem die tyd om oor hierdie vrae te na te dink en stel jou koers daarvolgens in. Belyn jou keuses met jou waardes en aspirasies, en laat hulle jou lei na die gewenste bestemming. Neem tyd om al die vrae op papier te beantwoord. Elke vlieënier het ‘n tasbare vlugplan.

Die lewe gaan oor meer as die bereiking van die bestemming – dit gaan oor die reis self en jou reisgenote. Omhels elke oomblik, geniet die ervarings en lesse langs die pad. Vier die oorwinnings, leer uit die uitdagings en waardeer die skoonheid van die vlug. Geniet elke oomblik van jou godgegewe passie.

Terwyl jy deur die lewe se lug navigeer, onthou dat jy nie net 'n passasier is nie - jy is die vlieënier. Gryp die kontroles aan, aanvaar die verantwoordelikheid en bepaal 'n koers na doel en vervulling. Tyd kan vlieg, maar met jou aan die stuur, word elke oomblik 'n geleentheid om te hoop, te droom en uit te styg.

Kyk gerus na my reeks van 6 persoonlike beradingsessie genaamd “Skryf Jou Reis Na Heelwording”.Die reeks is in die eerste plek ‘n Beradingsreeks en die skryfproses is jou gereedskap, want die skryfproses kan 'n kragtige manier wees om jou te help om te genees. Die skryf van 'n joernaal mense kan help om 'n beter begrip van hulself, hul verhoudings en die wêreld rondom hulle te ontwikkel, asook om vaardighede van probleemoplossing, besluitneming en beplanning te verbeter. Elke sessie word ingelig deur jou unieke storie en situasie. Jy sal vinnige en meetbare resultate tydens elke sessie kan ervaar.

Ek sien uit daarna om spoedig van jou te hoor.

Mag die vrede van die Here met jou wees.

Groete

Dr Barbara

Een van my kliënte het nou die dag vir my beskryf van watter soort berading sy hou. Sy het gesê sy hou van ‘n op-die-man-af-benadering waar sy vinnige resultate kan kry sonder lysies.

Die lysie-ding het my laat kopkrap, maar haar verduideliking was dat sy oral op die internet advieslysies van 5-punte hier en 10-punte daar gevind het wat jy moet doen om lewensprobleme op te los. Dit was nie vir haar ‘n geval dat daar fout is met die idees nie, maar dit werk nie vir haar nie. Sy het reeds lysies wat gereed van die skool af kom wat haar vrywillig verplig om ouerlike pligte na te kom. Sy het drie kinders en dit is drie verskillende lysies. Dan is daar ook nog die ewig groeiende inkopielys waarvan sy nooit alles op een plek kan kry nie.

Nee, sy begeer berading wat haar help om vinnig tot by die kern van haar probleme te kom, ongeag hoe lank die probleme bestaan. Daarna wil sy daardie kern so vinnig moontlik met wortel-en-tak uitroei. As iets nie lewenslange resultate oplewer nie, was sy nie van plan om vir ewig berading nodig te hê nie.

Ek het saam met haar gelag, want haar pleidooi het vir my op ‘n spesiale manier sin gemaak. In die sake wêreld is verantwoordbaarheid en toerekeningsvatbaarheid gonswoorde wat die meeste mense oorweldig. Om doelwitte na te jaag is net een manier om te groei. In berading raak mense maklik verstrengel in diagnoses met lyste simptome.

Daar is egter ‘n groot behoefte om eenvoudiger te leef. Wanneer ons eenvoudig empatie en geduld met ons self het kan ons begin asemhaal. Wanneer jy kan asemhaal kan jy begin gesond word van jou gekneusde selfbeeld en seerkry. Dit lei tot spontane identifisering van jou unieke behoeftes na aanvaarding, om gehoor en gesien te word. Dan kan jy jou diepe doel vir jou lewe ontdek en jou kreatiwiteit vrye teuels gee.

My beradingsdienste is vir mense wat die trauma agter hulle wil sit en heel wil word. Ek bied 'n veilige ruimte om jou te help om jou potensiaal te ontsluit, om gehoor, gesien en geken te word. Ek help jou om jou Goddelike doel en waardevolle verhoudings te ontdek. Ek wys jou hoe om 'n verskil in die wêreld te maak met jou gawes en talente.

Ek bied persoonlike- en aanlynkonsultasies aan. My metodes is bewys en lei tot buitengewone resultate in 'n kort tyd met onomkeerbare groei na welstand.

Eersdaags vertel ek jou meer van my nuwe beradingsreekse wat werk op ‘n 6-persoonlike-beradingsessies-in-6-weke.

Nie in ‘n blik gedruk nie

Dit is so maklik om daardie in-‘n-blik-gedruk-gevoel vrye teuels in jou lewe te gee. Hierdie gevoel het meestal te make met ander mense se verwagting van wat jy veronderstel is om te doen. Hul opinies van wat jy veronderstel is om te wees is nog erger.

Die blik-ding laat my dink aan Dawid se dilemma Psalm 73 met die verklaring dat die Here goed is vir Israel. In vers 2 erken hy dat ten spyte van God se goedheid gaan dit nie so goed met hom nie. “Maar wat my aangaan, my voete het amper gestruikel, my voetstappe het byna uitgegly.” Ek het al ‘n paar keer in my lewe gevoel dat ek uitgly en gaan verdrink. Dalk is versuip ‘n beter beskrywing, want dit was net wonderwerk op wonderwerk wat my uitgelig het.

Die blik van siekwees werk beslis nie vir my solank ek asem, God se Woord en liefde in my lewe het nie. Dit beteken dat wanneer die dag breek is dit tyd om op te staan. Op staan, bed op maak en dag-klere aantrek was by tye die grootste prestasie van my dag. Met die genade van die Here het my doenlysie elke dag langer en langer geword. Elke dag is die verwesenliking van God se beloftes want dit is gevul met antwoorde van vorige gebede.

Ek moet inniglik belei dat ek in geen blik pas nie. Ek is nie ‘n tradisionele berader of predikant nie. Ek is nie ‘n tradisionele huisvrou of kunstenaar nie. Die ‘survivor’-etiket werk dus glad nie vir my nie, want die hobbels en struikelblokke van die lewe gaan my lewensreis met God nie ontspoor nie. Dit beteken dat ek ook saam met Dawid luidkeels verklaar ek vrees niks nie - “Hy vrees nie vir slegte tyding nie …Sy hart is GERUS” (Psalm 112 : 7).

Vir die res van my lewe sal ek met die loflied in my hart laggend en dansend in my Vader se voetstappe volg. Wanneer die oud-wees-jare my bekruip sal daar meer as genoeg hoopdraers wees om daardie loflied verder te dra.

“Waarlik, daar is 'n toekoms, en jou hoop sal nie verydel word nie” Spreuke 23:18.

 Ek kan jou help om uit die blik waarin jy geforseer is uit te klim en al die seerky vir eens en altyd agter te laat. Maak vandag 'n aanlyn- of in persoon afspraak as die webjoernaal tot jou hart spreek.

Hallo Nadia

Die weer in Pretoria is koel en ideaal vir ‘n heerlike beker koffie op die bankie in die tuin. Dit is ‘n rustige oomblik om dankbaar te wees vir al die genade wat in my lewe seëvier.

Een van die grootste stukke genade in my lewe is die vermoë om te kan lees. Lees het nie vanselfsprekend ontwikkel in my groot-word-jare nie en skool toe gaan was nie my gunsteling tydverdryf nie. Ek moes ‘n bietjie harder werk as ander om te leer lees. Gelukkig het ek van kleins af ‘n honger om te weet wat in boeke staan.

Die ander dag het ek weer gehoor hoe iemand vertel hoe niks wat hulle op skool geleer het vandag iets beteken nie. Hulle borduur toe voort oor hoe boekkennis pure verniet is en studeer is tyd mors. Op my bankie in die tuin dink ek: “Sjoe, wat ‘n mondvol?”

Alhoewel skoolgaan ‘n uitdaging was en niemand ‘n handboek tot die letter toepas nie, het ek so baie geleer. Ek is dankbaar vir wat ek by onderwysers en maats geleer het, want dit is deel van die fondasie waarmee ek vandag kan werk, geskep en woeker. Later het dosente en mentors my gehelp om ‘n stuk verder op daardie fondasie te bou.

Uiter aard is ‘n fondasie nie iets wat oop en bloot lê, tensy daar fout met ‘n gebou is nie. My fondasie is onder die oppervlak. Dit is ‘n sterk basis, want van kleins af het ek die voorreg gehad om uit die Woord van God te leer. Ek het van jongs af geleer om ekstra werk te doen om te bereik wat nodig was.

Vandag is ek dankbaar vir die geleenthede wat ek ontvang het en mee kon werk. Wat ek geleer het was nooit verniet nie. Dit was nie verniet in die sin van waardeloos nie. Dit was ook nie verniet in die sin van gratis nie, want iemand het betaal vir my voorreg om te kon leer.

Nadia, ek kan jou help as jy vandag voel dat alles is sommer nutteloos en jy het nodig om hoop vir jou toekoms te kry. Ander mense se ongegronde opinies kan dinge soms skeef trek en baie seer veroorsaak. Maak gerus ‘n afspraak.

Luister gerus na ons potgooie.

Professional Biography – Dr Barbara Louw

Dr Barbara Louw is a leading trauma counsellor, pastoral care specialist, and corporate wellness consultant, with decades of experience in guiding individuals and organisations toward wholeness, resilience, and emotional healing. 

Her expertise spans trauma recovery, corporate wellness strategies, faith-based counselling, and professional training, with a particular focus on narrative therapy, post-traumatic embitterment resolution, and leadership development. As the CEO of Inter Trauma Nexus and Aquilla Wellness Solutions, Dr Louw has pioneered transformative counselling and trauma support programmes that provide lasting solutions for personal and organisational wellness. 

She holds multiple doctorates, including a PhD in Counselling, a PhD in Wellness & Folk Medicine, and a Doctorate in Divinity, complemented by a Master’s degree in Sociology, where she explored narrative therapy as a metaphor of hope for victims of sexual violations. Her research has shaped counselling methodologies, ensuring a wholistic, culturally sensitive, and faith-centred approach to trauma recovery. 

Dr Louw is a published author with numerous books, training manuals, and research contributions, including A Sensible Vision, Managing Trauma Relief, Roots and All, Shaped by the Storm and Wholeness Through Wonder. Her expertise is recognised through directorships, board memberships, and professional affiliations, cementing her influence as a thought leader in trauma recovery and emotional wellness. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Louw is a sought-after speaker. She has presented at national and international conferences on trauma counselling, workplace wellness, leadership resilience, and faith-based emotional support. 

Her work is dedicated to empowering individuals, communities, and organisations to not only overcome trauma but also embrace lasting transformation and purpose-driven wellness.

Put Trauma Behind You – Reclaim Your Life!

Trauma shakes your world. This book helps you rebuild it.

- Break free from overwhelming emotions, confusion, and doubt.
- Find clarity in your feelings, reactions, and faith struggles.
- Take action with easy-to-follow checklists, worksheets, and recovery plans.
- Heal financially—because trauma affects more than just your emotions.
- Move forward with timeless, Biblical hope that has changed lives for 25+ years.

Your past doesn’t define you. Your healing starts now!

ISBN 9781920290924

Format: Paperback book

R200.00 excluding delivery

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Dr Barbara's Bulletin

Returning to counselling after a break

Like any journey, your therapeutic journey may have starts and stops, highs and lows, departures and returns. Sometimes unexpected changes in life force you to pause the counselling and coaching for wellness. Perhaps you wanted a break to focus on another part of your life.

Once you are ready to return to counselling, you might wonder how you should go about it. What should you say to your counsellor? “I’m back” doesn’t feel like enough. The principles and care that brought you to Dr Barbara Louw in the first place are still effective.

Ultimately, your counsellor is not going to judge or reprimand you for taking a break.

Hallo Nadia

Vandag wil ek jou herinner dat jy geseënd is. Soms is die lewe vol ontstuimigheid en verwoestende storms. Omstandighede kan so oorweldigend wees dat ‘n mens bang raak as jy aan die toekoms dink.

Roots and All uncovers the hidden impact of bitterness and posttraumatic embitterment—a silent force that poisons health, relationships, and entire communities.

Based on groundbreaking research, this book reveals how embitterment takes root, spreads, and destroys lives. But it also offers a path to healing. With clear insights and practical strategies, you’ll discover how to break free from bitterness and reclaim wholeness.

- Understand the deep impact of embitterment—on individuals, families, and workplaces.
- Gain a fresh perspective on wellness through a wholistic systems approach.
- Learn how to uproot bitterness before it takes over your life.
- Apply real-world strategies for healing, forgiveness, and resilience.
- Empower yourself and others—whether you're a therapist, HR professional, pastor, or simply seeking personal growth.

Take control. Transform pain into purpose. Start your journey to wholeness today.

ISBN 9781928372493

Format: Paperback book

R350.00 excluding delivery

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Dr Barbara's Bulletin

Sê nou net...

Hallo Nadia Webjoernaal

As jy een oggend wakker word en alles waaroor jy gister gekla het is weg. Daarmee saam het jy net oor waarvoor jy gister dankie gesê het. Hoe sal jou lewe lyk?

Sommige menses al so stoksielalleen wees omdat hulle gesindheid hulle beroof het van alles wat die lewe die moeite werd maak.

Aan die ander kant maak dankbare harte die deure oop vir wonderwerke. Was dit Einstein wat gesê het dat jy kan leef asof alles of niks ‘n wonderwerk is? Vir my is elke dagbreek en elke sonsondergang ‘n wonderwerk. My ryke lewenspad saam met my eggenoot is vol wonderwerke en getuienisse van God se goedheid. Die liefde en lag wat my kinders in my lewe bring is ‘n groot bron tot dankbaarheid. Ek is dankbaar vir elke kliënt wat my met hul lewensverhaal vertrou. Vandag is ek besonder dankbaar vir mense wat onthou dat ek iemand lank gelede gehelp het. Nou bring hulle geliefdes tot op my drumpel om ook hoop te kry.

Ek weet dankbaarheid en genade gaan hand-aan-hand. As ek en jy op die tuinbankie sit sal ek beslis twee keer dankie sê dat jy in my lewe is.

As dit moeilik is om dankie te sê  omdat jou seer te groot is ek ek jou help om weer lig te siem Maak gerus 'n persoonlike afspraak met my.

Groete Dr Barbara

Discover Your Path to Wholeness: Try the Self-Assessment Quizzes

Deciding to begin counselling is both brave and wise—it’s a commitment to your well-being, healing, and growth. To support this important step, Dr Barbara Louw, an experienced Trauma and Christian Pastoral Counsellor, has developed two insightful self-assessment quizzes designed to help you determine whether counselling is right for you and which of her three Personal Individual Counselling Series aligns best with your unique healing journey.

Unlike generic programmes, Dr Barbara Louw’s counselling series are rooted in postdoctoral research and her original Wholistic Wellness Model, delivering practical transformation with rapid, life-long results. These sessions are not clinical or diagnostic—they are client-centred, faith-informed, and deeply restorative.

The self-assessments are your personal invitation to explore:

1. Will I benefit from personal counselling? 

2. Discover your persona for your healing journey

Each quiz gives you a deeper understanding of your preferences, pace, and potential path forward. Whether you're decisive, nurturing, or a detail-oriented planner, your results will gently guide you toward the support that’s right for you, without pressure, judgment, or labels.

Disclaimer: The Healing & Growth Journey quiz is a self-reflection tool designed to support your decision to begin a structured Personal Counselling Series with Dr Louw. It offers insight into your healing persona but does not diagnose or replace professional consultation. Please note that all counselling services are fee-based, and booking is subject to availability. Full details can be found in the counselling guidelines.

Take the first step—explore where healing begins.