Optima RustenVrede

17/03/2026

Yesterday, 8 years ago we received our approval from the Department of Health to make our dream of a psychiatric hospital a reality. They approved the childrens and teens wards. What a journey it's been and we are thankful for those who have journeyed with us and for those who entrusted their welness journeys in our care.

22/02/2026

What we often label as difficult behaviour is frequently the flip side of a strength still learning how to regulate.

Intensity can signal passion.
Sensitivity can reflect deep awareness.
Stubbornness can point to strong autonomy.

When we work with children — rather than against them — we shift from control to curiosity. We ask:
What is this behaviour protecting?
What skill is still developing?
What support would help this strength emerge safely?

Children don’t need their traits extinguished.
They need guidance, scaffolding, and coping tools that help their strengths grow without overwhelming them.

When we nurture the gift and support the challenge, we raise children who feel understood — and who learn how to understand themselves. 🧡

02/02/2026

Your February reminder from the TWLOHA Calendar. 🌸

17/12/2025

Optima 2025.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/09/2025

We are glad that you are still here. Your life matters to us.

02/09/2025

Spring is in the air at Optima RustenVrede. Happy Spring everyone. May this ring in a new season of renewal and hope.

24/07/2025

A new "therapist" has joined our team. Say welcome to Jasper!

08/07/2025

Prof. Pieter Fourie also moved into his new consulting rooms.

08/07/2025

We are expanding! Dr. Christa Weyers recently moved into her new consulting rooms and we hope our little patients will be as excited about it as we are...

27/05/2023

04/02/2022

Although change is necessary, the pandemic forced change. Accessibility to mental healthcare and other services went digital. How has this impacted you?

03/02/2022

"Life changes like divorce, death of a loved one or loss of a job, can throw us for a loop. But so can happier events like getting married or starting a new job. Significant life changes of any type can be challenging to navigate as we move forward into the unknown. Even if the change is expected or welcomed, it can be unsettling and disorienting. And the more changes we have to navigate at once, the more challenging it can be."

Read more here:

Life changes like divorce, death of a loved one or loss of a job, can throw us for a loop. But so can happier events like getting married or starting a