Carin Olwagen obtains her Masters degree in psychology

HIGHVELD – “It has been a long journey in terms of studying; personal development and at the same time running my practice,” were the words of Ms Carin Olwagen, a psychological counsellor in Evander who recently obtained her Master’s Degree in psychology.

Born in Vereeniging, Ms Olwagen, said her parents moved to Secunda when she was just three years old and her roots had spread out to the rest of Teks area.

She attended Hoërskool Secunda and excelled in art, but matriculated at Hoërskool Oosterland in 1998.

Ms Olwagen received a calling to study ministry and chose theology above art. She completed her theology degree after seven years at UNISA and then furthered her studies in psychology, while also registering as a psychological counsellor (registered counsellor) with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

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“It was an interesting learning process. I always had a sensitive heart; am very compassionate towards people and a good listener,” said Ms Olwagen.

She said she has a knack for journeying with people through their problems and counselling them.

For 16 years, Me Olwagen has become a well known name in many households.

She began her first practice in 2008 in Trichardt then Secunda; Fourways and Randburg, but is now back in Evander.

“Ultimately I am pursuing the vision that God has given me to see people in their wholeness.”

Her practice is called BSS Wholeness Centre, which stands for body, soul and spirit wholeness.

She described that the greatest reward is in seeing the positive outcomes in her clients lives.

There was a significant year in her practice, while doing relationship counselling, that helped her develop the approach for the body, soul and spirit, to help those relationships to see positive effects in all dimensions and in each other.

“There were many positive outcomes which inspired and motivated me to continue with opening up discussion on not only the psychological dimension, but also the spirituality of people.”

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Ms Olwagen’s biggest support network is her life-partner, Mr John Norris, and her parents.

As part of relaxing she enjoys painting and drawing and also enjoys spending time watching movies, reading and socialising in her inner family circle. She loves exercising and learning new skills.

On the topic of counselling, there has in some ways been a stigma attached to psychological services, as people saw it as a weakness when seeking psychological help, but this is not the case.

“I think psychology had been labelled throughout history, as the saying goes: “cowboys don’t cry”; especially when it comes to men, but people are coming more to the realisation of the benefits of counselling. You are able to speak about your problem in a confidential manner, while gaining new insights; coping skills and how to manage positive outcomes. People from different cultures; backgrounds; age and gender are increasingly using counselling.”

She said one does not need to obtain a referral from a doctor to see a psychological counsellor thus the service is more accessible and affordable.

“I would like to encourage people to take the first step, by learning more about themselves in the counselling context, in discovering their own identity, having a positive effect on the whole person. Speak to someone you trust, someone who can assist and support you in the process as well as to a registered counsellor (registered with an approved board e.g. HPCSA), especially while being faced with Covid-19 and the challenges one faces daily.

Ms Olwagen’s advice is to be open to discover new things about yourself through the counselling process, in seeing positive outcomes for your life.

“It is important to find one’s own worth and identity through the counselling, as there is a part of you that is much deeper than only body and soul. Through tapping into your spirituality you gain a deeper wisdom and realise that God is greater than the problem, that works all for good. He is looking out for you, crying with you and is there to comfort and guide you. Discover that God actually has a plan and vision for your life,” ended Ms Olwagen.

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