Shelley Hall

27/01/2026

Officer Gomez has given a great description. I’ve been involved in cases like this; it happens in our small towns.

It doesn’t seem real or possible. The groomer is very, very clever in slowly and innocently drawing the child in. The child is not rebellious or naughty or ‘of the wrong sort’. The groomer is just very skilled at picking and, as the word implies, having them do what they want.

Parent-child Connection is the biggest safety net.

The sexual offences’ act and children’s act stipulate such behaviours as a crime. They also compel adults to report and professionals, from pastors to teachers and psychologists, are mandated, have to, report.

www.shelleyhall.co.za

23/01/2026

Fortunately no extra IQ required! 😅 For real change, that ‘software update’ I have extensive training and experience in BrainWorking Recursive Therapy. A therapy based in neuroscience that allows you to target and change. Works online and in person. I have over 20 years of experience as a psychologist working with adults and children. More info? wwww.shelleyhall.co. za

Sahil Bloom

21/01/2026

17/01/2026

16/01/2026

Not Everyone Who Treats Mental Illness Is Allowed To..

In South Africa, it is illegal for an unregistered person to diagnose or treat mental illness — even if they call themselves a therapist, coach, or trauma specialist.

If someone is treating depression, anxiety, trauma, or other psychological disorders, the law is clear:

👉 They must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Who May Legally Treat Mental Illness?
Only professionals who are HPCSA-registered and practising within their legal scope.
This means they must have suitable training and experience. Not all Psychologists are qualified to work with bipolar disorder for example. General practitioners are also limited in what they might work with and should refer to Psychiatrists.
Registered counsellors don't diagnose and are limited to screening, support, and referral).

HPCSA registration determines both who may practise and what they may lawfully do, as each professional category has a defined scope of practice under South African law. Registration means training, regulation, and legal accountability.

Who May NotTreat Mental Illness?
The following may not legally diagnose or treat mental illness:
* Life or trauma coaches
* Spiritual or energy healers
* Unregistered counsellors or “therapists”
* Anyone using protected titles without HPCSA registration
Training, certificates, or overseas courses do not replace HPCSA registration.

When Is It a Criminal Offence?
Under the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974, it is a criminal offence to:

Practise or advertise mental-health treatment without HPCSA registration
Use protected professional titles unlawfully. This can lead to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.

Protect Yourself:
Visit the link to verify any practitioner before starting treatment: https://hpcsaonline.custhelp.com/app/i_reg_form
If they are not on the HPCSA register, they may not legally treat mental illness.

Bottom line:
Mental illness must be treated by HPCSA-registered professionals acting within their scope. It is against the law for anyone else to do so.

16/01/2026

Gooning…. Familiarise yourselves please parents and teachers. Possibly the next 6-7 but worse!!!

14/01/2026

Children: assessment, play therapy.
Adults: individual therapy
Psycholegal work: divorce matters; residency, care and contact.

Empangeni, Meerensee and Online.

11/01/2026

Do more things that make you forget your phone. Those things fill your memory, your heart, your soul.

When we have things to look forward to suddenly the daily necessities like work and traffic feel lighter. Having purpose and passion are key to feeling and wanting to be alive. They give us resilience for the tougher moments too.

Look up. Get up. Get up. Go!

www.shelleyhall.co.za

06/01/2026

If you want different blooms, you have to plant them! Same with your life. If you’re tired of the patterns, you need to actively seek to change them. Growth and change take work.

www.shelleyhall.co.za

03/01/2026

Phone ownership is one of the most important points in my opinion when it comes to children and phones. As a parent you are legally liable for your child’s behaviour and safety. Checking that phone frequently is one powerful way of ensuring you’re meeting your responsibilities.

2025 revealed just how much trouble with the law parents and children can find themselves in in South Africa when this is ignored. I know this space is very overwhelming. There are many resources online such as those of Klikd to help you. The Digital Law Company - Emma Sadleir continues to fight to bring online safety for all too.

We need a multi- prong approach. Education is always key as is age/ maturity set limits so children may learn to be responsible adults in the online world too.



www.shelleyhall.co.za