About Mandy Stokes
I am a registered social worker and addictions counsellor who works with adults, adolescents and the loved ones of those who are struggling to deal with addiction, self-destructive behaviours and the related issues that come with this. My goal is to help you stop acting out self-destructively and to find peace and balance.
My journey to becoming a social worker
I am no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I am human. I have been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. I abused drugs and alcohol when I was younger and found recovery when I was 28 years old. The process of freeing myself from my addiction was liberating and sparked a passion in me to help others be free of their addiction and self-destructive behaviours. I set off to complete my social work degree and then did a master’s degree in social work focusing on different pathways to sustained recovery. During my 20+ year recovery journey I have frequently engaged in counselling to assist me to deal with life crises and to get unstuck and back on track to living a balanced, fulfilling life. The most significant crisis I experienced in recovery was the loss of my mother when I was 17 years clean. It felt like my foundation had been shattered, but again, through reaching out and asking for help, I have come out the other end more insightful and better able to empathize with those that have lost a loved one.
My life experiences are what led me to become the social worker and addictions counsellor I am today.
Helping people is what I look forward to every day. Being a social worker and addictions counsellor is an honour. I love guiding people towards positive changes and witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives. The most rewarding thing about being a social worker is inspiring others to be all they can be.
I am committed to encouraging you to see that healing and transformation is within everyone’s reach.
I have empathy for others and bring an open mind and flexibility in world views to sessions. I have a natural ability to:
- Help people identify what they are feeling
- Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them
- Be flexible on the path of discovering what is going on
- Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances
People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can help people feel heard and understood which helps people feel seen and start to heal.
Our sessions are focused on you and will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and comfortable, you’ll be able to be yourself and express your thoughts and feelings.
It’s important to me to provide a non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and stay open to any feedback and questions you may have. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to counselling. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
As a social worker, I embrace the following philosophies:
- I believe that you are worthy of love and care
- I believe that there is no shame in asking for help
- I believe that we only heal if we take care of ourselves
- I believe that the biggest thing standing in your way is the fear that life always has to be the way that it is now
- I believe that loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, scars and all, is one of the most courageous things we can do
My Professional Background
I received both my Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work cum laude from UNISA. I am involved in educating social workers and registered counsellors on a part-time basis.
Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP Reg No. 10-32445), the Board of Healthcare Funders (Practice No. 0674427) and the South African Association for Social Workers in Private Practice.
My Approach
I use an integrative approach drawing on a diverse skill set and my experience. I meet you where you are at in order to determine your needs and find the best way forward. There is no “one size fits all” approach to counselling or recovery. Based on your needs I will draw on my skills and experience to assist you on your recovery journey. I have personally managed to find my way out of the dark and found meaning through helping others to heal, grow, change and transform their lives. I am blessed to have both a calling and a career as a way of life.
My Services
Addictions Counselling
Helping adults and adolescents discover ways to manage their self-destructive behaviours and addictions to enable them to withstand whatever life throws at them.
Crisis Intervention
Helping parents, siblings, partners and significant others to get their addicted loved one the help they need to overcome their addiction and other mental health challenges.
Training and Awareness
Substance abuse, addiction, alcoholism and other behavioural addictions such as gambling, relationships, online gaming, smartphones and food get in the way of people living productive, happy lives.
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Let’s discover how I can help. Contact me for a short consultation. You can share a bit about what’s going on and I can answer any questions you might have.
Call me on 083 406 1303 or email me today at hello@mandystokes.co.za. I’m here for you.