ABOUT ME

I am Lelani Cloete, a registered Educational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I run a private practice based at 23 Herold Street, Stellenbosch, and also have an office located on the school premises of Paul Roos Gymnasium.

Although Afrikaans is my home language, I offer all services in both Afrikaans and English.

My professional journey has allowed me to work extensively with students. I completed my internship at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) at Stellenbosch University, where I developed a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and transitions students face. This life phase often provides an opportunity for reflection, reframing of past experiences, and the exploration of alternative coping strategies. Many students experience heightened anxiety or low mood as they try to meet the demands of academic life, while simultaneously navigating a critical period of identity formation and independence.

I also have extensive experience in the school context, having served as both teacher and counsellor at Paul Roos Gymnasium for thirteen years. For six of those years, I held the position of Head of Learner Support. This experience provided me with invaluable insight into the needs of learners within the school system, as well as the dynamics of educational institutions.

I am deeply inspired by the words of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This philosophy underpins my approach as a psychologist—prioritising compassionate care that affirms, empowers, and supports my clients.

Understanding the profound impact of emotions on well-being, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic space where individuals feel heard and understood. I am passionate about personal growth and development, and I see myself as a facilitator of change—helping individuals harness their strengths and overcome challenges through collaborative, supportive relationships.

I believe in the power of partnership and creative problem-solving. My work is guided by the principle that collaborative thinking leads to the most effective interventions—whether for individuals, families, or broader systems. Each person’s journey is unique, and I am dedicated to tailoring my approach to meet their specific needs.

My areas of expertise include individual therapy, psycho-educational assessments, accommodations and concessions for learning difficulties, subject choice assessments, and career counselling. These services enable me to support individuals holistically, with a clear understanding of their developmental stage, cognitive profile, and potential for growth.

Finally, being a mother to two children has deepened my empathy and enriched my understanding of the parenting journey. They continue to teach me compassion, patience, and the power of connection.