Meet Daleen Engelbrecht, PLC’s Lead Psychologist. We asked Daleen a few questions to get to know her better!
Who inspires you most?
Eleanor Roosevelt once challenged us to ‘do one thing a day that scares you’. One such a woman was Rosa Parks, who in her own words, stated ‘All I was doing was trying to get home from work’. Overnight, Rosa became ‘the first lady of civil rights’ in America.
Everyday, people doing seemingly unimportant everyday things in such a way that it improves the quality of society and individuals living in it, inspires me most. The random acts of kindness, curtesy towards others, selfless support of those in need allows me to hold onto hope, continue to believe in the promise of the future and marvel at the strength of the human spirit.
What is your favourite part of this job?
I truly love all aspects of my work in schools. Everyday, I meet incredible young people! For a short period of time I am able to ‘walk’ alongside them, and at times their family as well.
Working as a psychologist in a school also provides me with opportunities to be part of initiatives aimed at supporting students to develop leadership, building resilience, learning helpful coping strategies and life skills.
This is truly a career that requires lifelong learning. New research, changes in the demands placed on societies, environmental factors, development in technology, amongst many other things challenges me to continue my personal and professional development.
What areas are you currently exploring in your professional life which you can incorporate into your work at PLC?
Research suggests that engaging in the act of making art has some benefits – like decreasing levels of stress and anxiety. I am interested to find out more about the influence of art-making on anxiety and what implications this may have in the future for programs offering methods for student to cope with stress.
I completed both a Diploma and Certificate in Art Therapy (2017, 2018) to enhance my professional knowledge in this area. I am continuing to read more and research how art therapy can be used in combination with other evidence based models like Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
