POLOKWANE – At just 33 years old, clinical psychologist Rose-Lee Wheeler is making a meaningful impact in the mental health field while proudly carrying her roots from the city with her.

Born and raised in Westenburg, Wheeler attended Good Hope Primary School before completing high school at Westenburg High School and MEPS. Her passion for helping others led her to further her studies at University of Johannesburg, where she obtained a degree in psychology cum laude in 2015, an honours degree cum laude in 2016, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2019.

She is currently pursuing her PhD in mental health through the University of Pretoria.

Wheeler said her inspiration to study psychology came from her older brother, who has lived with a mental health condition since birth. “My late mother’s care, love and acceptance of him became my greatest motivation to pursue a career in the helping professions.”

Wheeler currently works at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, while also running her private practice, Wheeler Consulting, based in Centurion.

She highlighted several challenges facing psychologists in South Africa, including the stigma surrounding mental health, the shortage of psychologists, burnout among professionals, and limited access to mental healthcare in rural communities.

Wheeler encouraged aspiring psychologists to develop compassion, communication skills, and patience while understanding that the profession requires years of dedication and continuous learning. “The journey is long, but it is incredibly rewarding. Psychology is more than a career, it is a calling,” she said.

She also paid tribute to her late mother for her unwavering support and inspiration throughout her journey.