About Sam Pretorius

After finishing school in Port Elizabeth, I dove straight into my psychology studies and quickly discovered a deep passion for the field. I earned both my BPsych (Counselling) and MA (Counselling Psychology) Cum Laude from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

My early academic work focused on child-parent attachments in adopted families, and I completed my first internship at a special needs school. Throughout my postgraduate years, I gained experience working with both children and adults at the University’s Community Psychology Clinic, with research centred on developmental and scholastic assessments in special needs populations. I later worked with young adults through placements at the University’s Student Counselling and Career Centres.

After relocating to Cape Town, I broadened my experience by moving into student support, clinical supervision, and lecturing within the higher education space. Still, my passion for working with children and families remained strong, leading me back into school-based work as a psychologist at a school.

During this time, I also began building a small private practice. By the end of 2019, I left the school environment to focus fully on my private clients, while continuing my academic involvement through teaching, supervision, and curriculum development.

With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, my practice naturally shifted toward working more with older adolescents, university students, and young adults. Although my journey began with young children, I’ve since found a strong connection with this older group and now work exclusively with adults.

In 2022, my colleague Yolande Offord and I launched a new venture together—a group psychology practice based at Library Square in Claremont. Our team now includes five associate psychologists, and together we focus on health psychology.

We work with adult out-patients at our practice, offering support across a range of psychological needs. In addition, we’re actively involved as part of the multidisciplinary teams at Life Kingsbury Hospital, Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, and UCT Private Academic Hospital. In these settings, we provide psychological care to medical patients, supporting their emotional well-being alongside their physical treatment. This often involves working closely with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals to ensure a holistic, patient-centred approach to care.

Outside of work, I’m a proud wife and mom to two energetic little ones, aged 8 and 4. I love spending time outdoors with family and friends, soaking in the beauty of Cape Town. In quieter moments, I’m often reading a gripping psychological thriller, enjoying a good meal, or heading out for a walk. And coffee and chocolate are definitely my vices.