Fihliwe Klaas Psychology

09/09/2026

💛 SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH | LET’S LEAN IN

Some conversations are difficult, but we cannot afford to avoid them.

This Su***de Prevention Month, take some time to listen to this important episode of Lean In, “Ode to Su***de Prevention Month.” The episode explores su***de, mental health and the importance of creating space for honest conversations and support.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/lean-in/id1705557381?i=1000629793150

Sometimes, leaning in means listening. Sometimes, it means reaching out. And sometimes, it means simply letting someone know they don't have to carry it alone.

💛 Start the conversation. Listen without judgement. Reach out.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses su***de and parasuicidal behaviour. Please take care of yourself while listening and seek professional support if the content feels overwhelming.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

Podcast Episode · Lean In · 1 October 2023 · 51min

05/08/2026

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

For the chronic people-pleaser, this quote hits differently.

We often hand over our self-worth in exchange for approval. We say “yes” when we really mean “no”, overextend ourselves to keep the peace, and quietly carry the resentment that follows.

Somewhere along the way, we permit others to make us feel drained, anxious, overlooked, or inferior, all because we fear disappointing them.

Breaking this cycle isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

Setting boundaries doesn’t make you difficult, unkind, or less worthy. Your value does not decrease simply because you choose to protect your time, energy, and peace.

If you’re exhausted from constantly giving more than you have, it may be time to untangle the pattern.

You are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to choose yourself. 🌿

29/07/2026

✨ Setting boundaries is an act of self-love.

It takes courage to honour your needs, protect your peace, and choose yourself, even when doing so may disappoint others. Boundaries are not walls meant to shut people out. They are healthy limits that protect your time, energy, values, and emotional well-being.

Knowing what you will accept, how you expect to be treated, and how you will respond when those limits are crossed creates space for self-respect, balance, and healthier relationships. 🌿

Remember, you are allowed to say no, communicate your needs, protect your peace, and prioritise what you need to thrive.

17/07/2026

We live in a world that constantly glorifies "hustle culture" and praises those who function on minimal sleep. But here is the hard truth: you cannot outwork a tired mind. Rest is not a reward you have to earn after a long week; it is a biological necessity that keeps you alive and functioning.

As Counselling Psychologist Fihliwe Klaas beautifully states, "Sleeping is not wasting time; it is active maintenance." When you sleep, your brain is clearing out toxins, your muscles are repairing, and your nervous system is resetting. So this weekend, I challenge you to ditch the guilt.

Turn off your alarm, close the blinds, and let your body do the vital work it was designed to do. You are not being lazy—you are being human. Prioritise your rest as fiercely as you prioritize your work, and watch how much better you show up for everything else. Have a deeply restorative weekend. 🌿💤

15/07/2026

It’s a natural protective instinct to try and shield ourselves from pain. But as Brené Brown reminds us, emotional numbness isn't selective. When we close the door to sadness, anxiety, and fear, we inadvertently shut out joy, love, and gratitude too. Giving yourself permission to simply feel the discomfort is the first step toward truly welcoming the good back in.

08/07/2026

Grief isn’t a straight line, and it certainly doesn’t come with a manual. 🌊

​Some days, the waters are completely still, and you feel like you've found your footing. Other days, a wave catches you completely off guard.

If you are navigating a heavy tide right now, please remember to be incredibly gentle with yourself. You don’t have to conquer the whole ocean today—just focusing on the next breath is enough.

​If the waves are feeling too overwhelming to navigate alone, reaching out for support can help you find your anchor. 🤍

​

01/07/2026

As we wrap up Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Brené Brown reminds us that vulnerability is having the courage to show up when we have no control over the outcome.

True strength is not about manning up or suffering in silence. It is knowing when to reach out.

Women are diagnosed with depression more often, but men die by su***de at higher rates due to severe under-diagnosis. Men often express depression through anger, risky behaviours, and substance abuse, yet diagnostic criteria remain heavily focused on traditional female symptoms.

Because therapy is still wrongly perceived as feminine, many men rely solely on themselves until completely depleted, only seeking help once the crisis peaks.

This conversation must continue throughout the year. Thank you to Counselling Psychologist Fihliwe Klaas for creating safe spaces where men can be vulnerable and finally receive the support they deserve. 💚

24/06/2026

A child’s emotional world isn’t moulded by programmes, the best schools, or material things. It’s shaped by their first relationships, their environment, and how their caregivers respond to them. 💛

There’s a saying that every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about them. Unconditional love and consistency aren’t just nice to have—they’re the cornerstone of trust, autonomy, identity, and true competence. This is what builds strong self-esteem, a positive self-image, and lasting mental well-being.

Children thrive when they feel deeply valued and worthy, not because they’ve earned it, but simply because they exist. Their growth depends most on enduring, safe, and emotionally committed relationships. 🫂✨

11/06/2026

Healing begins when we feel truly seen and heard. ✨

Meet Fihliwe Klaas, a registered Counselling Psychologist based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. Her practice is rooted in a deep passion for providing holistic, culturally sensitive mental health care.

Fihliwe uniquely bridges Western therapeutic approaches with African indigenous knowledge systems, creating a safe, non-judgmental space to unpack, unravel, and heal together. Beyond traditional talk therapy, she integrates Music and Art to help you explore emotions that words alone can’t always capture.

Services:

🩷 Individual Therapy (Adolescents & Adults)

🩷 Couples & Family Counselling

🩷 Trauma & Grief Support

🩷 Career Counselling & Psycho-educational Assessments

🩷 Academic Coaching

She offers sessions in English, isiXhosa, Sotho, Venda, and Tswana.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

📩 Ready to start your journey toward wellness? Reach out today to book a safe, collaborative space.

09/06/2026

5 June 2026

On the first Friday of June each year, healthcare workers, students, and leaders wear colourful socks, share photos, and hold discussions about mental health. This day was founded by Dr Geoff Toogood, who had personal experience with both depression and anxiety.

Dr Toogood faced stigma and discrimination because of his mental health challenges, which inspired him to create an awareness movement aimed at challenging and breaking down the stigma faced by health professionals experiencing mental health issues. His goal was to reduce su***de among health practitioners worldwide.

Ms Fihliwe Klaas addressed a group of first-year medical students with a talk titled "Behind the White Coat," where she emphasised that students should always be mindful of the person “behind the white coat”—that doctors are human beings first, who need to care for themselves, nurture hobbies, and find healthier ways to cope.

She highlighted the importance of self‑care, reminding them that to heal others, they must first ensure they are well themselves.

After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup; only by being whole and balanced can one truly serve and support patients with compassion and strength.