About
We are a dedicated team of psychologists passionate about advancing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Process-Based Behaviour Therapy in South Africa. With extensive experience in training and supervising these approaches, we have collaborated with leading global experts in the field, including Robyn Walser and DJ Moran, as well as other important members in the field, to bring cutting-edge practices to our work.
Our team has played an integral role in the academic training of psychologists in behaviour therapy at universities, contributing to publications and textbooks that highlight ACT from a uniquely South African perspective. As active members of the South African Chapter of Contextual Behavioral Science, a part of the global CBS community, we are committed to promoting evidence-based behavioral science locally and internationally.
Beyond clinical practice, our expertise extends to the organizational and business world, where we’ve contributed to areas such as consumer behavior research, employee wellbeing, and workplace mental health. All our psychologists are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, ensuring the highest standards of professional care and ethical practice.
About Our Training Partnership
Contextually Conscious is proud to collaborate with Contextual Consulting to bring high-quality professional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS), and related evidence-based approaches to South African practitioners.
Contextual Consulting is internationally recognised for delivering training developed and presented by leading experts in ACT and Contextual Behavioural Science. Through this partnership, we are able to make these workshops more accessible to South African mental health professionals while also facilitating local Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation where applicable.
The courses currently offered through Contextually Conscious have been registered by us for South African practitioners, enabling eligible participants to obtain CPD points upon successful completion of the training and any associated evaluation requirements. In addition, we have negotiated special reduced rates for South African psychologists and other mental health professionals.
We are excited to continue expanding our training offerings and will be adding additional courses over time. We are currently offering 5 courses here in South Africa, more to come.
VISION
Our vision is to build and advance evidence-based behavioral science interventions within South Africa and the broader African communities. We aspire to address the diverse mental health needs across organisational settings and groups, fostering a future where effective and innovative solutions enhance wellbeing, functioning, and resilience for individuals and communities alike.
MISSION
Our mission is to advance the practice of behavioral science by equipping psychologists, mental health professionals, and organizations with innovative, evidence-based interventions. We are dedicated to upskilling professionals with the tools they need to make a positive impact, while supporting organizations in creating healthier, more resilient, and inclusive workplace cultures. Through cutting-edge training, consultancy, and collaboration, we strive to improve individual wellbeing, enhance workplace functioning, and inspire a culture of growth and excellence in all we serve.
Meet the Team
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Psychologist
Hannes Wessels
Hannes Wessels is a dedicated psychologist with a passion for advancing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Process-Based Behavior Therapy in South Africa. He has extensive experience in training and supervising these approaches to bring innovative and effective practices to the forefront of mental health care.
In addition to his clinical work, Hannes provides specialized training to psychologists and mental health professionals in ACT, Career Counselling, and Psychometrics (psychological assessments). His academic contributions include lecturing in psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), and the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP). Currently, Hannes serves as the Chair-Elect for the Association for Behavioural Contextual Sciences of South Africa (ACBS South Africa). A career highlight was presenting his research at the International Congress of Psychology in Japan.
Hannes has gained extensive experience as a therapist and educational psychologist in private practice, working with adults, young adults, and teens. His work reflects a commitment to evidence-based behavioral science and its application to both individual and organizational contexts.
As an integral member of the South African Chapter of Contextual Behavioral Science, Hannes contributes to the global advancement of ACT and contextual behavioral science, emphasizing a uniquely South African perspective in his work. His dedication extends beyond clinical practice to organizational consulting.
Psychologist
Bertus Swannepoel
Bertus Swannepoel is an experienced psychologist who has been actively contributing to the field of psychology since 2004. With a deep passion for growth, learning, and teaching, Bertus has dedicated his career to exploring the transformative processes that foster psychological well-being.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of the South African Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences (ACBS), an experience that profoundly shaped both his professional and personal development. Through his work with ACBS, Bertus gained a deeper understanding of therapeutic processes that drive meaningful change, embracing practices grounded in acceptance and mindfulness. These practices not only enriched his approach to therapy but also opened new perspectives on his own journey of self-discovery.
Bertus’s clinical approach integrates third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic techniques, and Jungian perspectives, reflecting his commitment to understanding change from a multidimensional lens. He strives to create a confidential and safe therapeutic space where his clients can explore their challenges authentically and embark on a journey of growth and healing.
Bertus’s academic journey began with a B.Sc in General Sciences in 1996, followed by an Honours degree in Sport Science in 1997, both completed at North-West University in Potchefstroom. He further enhanced his educational credentials with a Higher Education Certificate in 1998 from the same institution. His passion for psychology led him to the University of Pretoria, where he earned a B.SocSci Honours degree in Psychology in 2005 and later an MA in Counselling Psychology in 2008.
Professionally, Bertus is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and is an active member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). These affiliations underscore his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice and remaining at the forefront of psychological science.
During his Master’s program, Bertus gained diverse clinical experience through placements at the Stabilis Rehabilitation Centre, Itsoseng Clinic in Mamelodi, and TUKS Sport. These formative experiences allowed him to work with a variety of populations and challenges, laying the foundation for his holistic and integrative approach to therapy.
With a career rooted in compassion, evidence-based practice, and continuous learning, Bertus continues to inspire and guide his clients toward meaningful and lasting change.
Psychologist
David Rosenstein
David Rosenstein is a highly experienced clinical psychologist who has been registered since 2007. He completed his degree at the University of Witwatersrand with distinction and earned his PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Stellenbosch in 2015. His doctoral research focused on the neurocognitive, genetic, and neurobiological antecedents of social anxiety disorder within the context of early developmental trauma. During this time, he lectured neuroanatomy to third-year audiology students and established a neuropsychology practice with Keelie Smith and later Dr. Katherine James.
David has published extensively on topics including social anxiety disorder, early developmental trauma, genetics, and neuroimaging, contributing to leading psychiatry and psychology journals. He is also involved in cutting-edge research with Dr. Stefan du Plessis at the University of Stellenbosch, using virtual reality (VR) to treat anxiety disorders and phobias. These studies explore psychophysiological assessments of stress and anxiety, further bridging innovative technology with behavioral science.
David’s collaborative work includes contributing to a World Health Organization (WHO) study with Prof. Petrus de Vries and Dr. Liezl Schlebusch, which supported caregivers of children with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. As part of the study, he facilitated ACT training and co-authored the initial publication of findings. He has also published a book chapter with colleagues on the effects of digital technologies on adolescent mental health and the delivery of mindfulness-based interventions through digital platforms.
Since 2015, David has served as an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, supervising registrar psychiatrists at the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DCAP) at Red Cross Children’s Hospital. He also teaches cognitive behavior therapy to first-year Master’s students in UCT’s Clinical Psychology program. Additionally, he supervises clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and postgraduate students while providing training in behavioral therapies.
David’s career has included diverse ventures beyond academia and clinical practice. He has been an entrepreneur in the startup space, successfully exiting a business to focus on family, psychology, and Zen practices. He has supervised Masters and Doctoral research projects, primarily in consumer neuroscience, and served on the Academic Board of the Red & Yellow Private University. His corporate consultancy experience includes Employee Assistance Programs and organizational wellness initiatives. Currently, he remains a silent director in one startup and continues to contribute to the health sector by training psychologists and healthcare providers.
David is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and has been a board member of the South African Chapter of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Sciences (ACBS). His commitment to advancing behavioral science, coupled with his diverse expertise, underscores his impactful contributions to psychology, research, and education.
Our Values
Empowerment
We believe in equipping professionals and organisations with practical, evidence-based skills to navigate complex emotional and behavioural challenges.
Collaboration
Building resilient communities and fostering collaboration, we aim to make mental health support and skills accessible and practical.
Inclusiveness
Making mental health knowledge and support accessible to the public, fostering an inclusive environment for learning and personal growth.