Dr. Siya Mjwara is an experienced therapist & wellness coach, trainer, and EAP consultant who has worked with individuals, couples, families, and management teams across various industries for over 14 years.
Her educational and continued professional development has transformed into a dedication to bring awareness to individuals.
She assists businesses develop, implement employee wellness solutions to improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and overall workplace culture.
From an individual perspective, she supports clients to identify and confront their challenges; and the things that are holding them back; to become their truest being by fulfilling their mission in life and walking in their purpose.
Dr. Siya is the founder of Amambelu Wellness and AskDrSiya. She is also a published poet, voice-over artist, and radio presenter.
Dr Siya Mjwara, Therapist & Wellness Coach
Who is Dr Siya?
I am originally from KwaZulu-Natal. I relocated to Cape Town for university and have been based in Cape Town ever since. At my practice, I work mostly with clients in South Africa (online and face to face). I also have international clients in various parts of the world (online). Poetry is my hobby since primary school. I released two poetry singles, "Ngiyazama" and "Umgungundlovu" in October 2020. In the same year I was nominated for best newcomer of the year and made it to the top 10 in the City Awards (021 Awards). It felt a bit strange for me to be recognized for something outside of my professional career. I enjoy reading and dance. Just before COVID, I took pole dancing classes and got a certificate of excellence. Outside of the therapy room I spend time getting to know me better and doing self-care activities. I also spend time with friends and family playing games, listening to music and doing what cool human beings do. What is it that you do for your clients?
I support clients to recover from trauma, depression, anxiety and whatever challenges that they are facing, so they can become the best version of themselves and live within their purpose. I have seen clients heal, make significant progress and live their best lives. For instance, some of my clients have managed to complete their Masters and PhDs under quite challenging circumstances. Many of my clients get promotions and salary increases at work after they begin their inner work. Some clients are able to leave jobs they hate and successfully start their own business. It all begins with the healing journey and can lead to amazing results.
The most remarkable thing I see regularly in my work is clients not just healing, but also growing in many areas of their lives. For instance, I’ve witnessed couples get married after resolving challenges in their relationships. I have seen families reunite after longstanding conflict and building healthier relationships.
Who should hire/work with you?
Individuals, couples and families who are ready to heal, grow and live their best lives. People who are ready to break free from whatever has been holding them back from living within their purpose. I also enjoy working with clients who are ready to achieve significant results in their lives; whether it be healing, building healthy relationships or working on personal goals.
For businesses, I offer employee wellness solutions to improve workplace culture, reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. I work with companies that care about the mental health and overall wellbeing of their employees. The business clients I work with understand that if an employee is experiencing any stress or challenges in their life, it is most likely going to impact their work in various ways. What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
I see myself hosting healing and wellness retreats again now that we are no longer in lockdown, and opening these programmes to more people. The retreats have been a significant breakthrough and life changing experience for many clients.
Ten years from now I see myself doing what I do and still enjoying it. There is nothing else I would rather do with my life. I would also like to collaborate more with other professionals who do healing and growth work.
I also have a vision to create more opportunities to mentor young professionals in my field and continue to make a significant impact. What sparked your interests in what you do?
Growing up in a community filled with various types of social ills made me wonder how and what makes certain people able to transcend their circumstances, whilst others drowned in them. This question sparked my interests in socio-behavioural sciences. I mostly wanted to understand human behavior and also be part of the solution to psycho-social problems; so that people can cope better with life’s challenges and be able to thrive in all aspects of their lives. What are some of the top tips or advice for someone who has been considering therapy, but is not sure whether to do it?
Research proves majority of us have experienced trauma; especially childhood trauma. This therefore means majority of us can benefit from therapy. We do not have to wait until we are severely depressed or have a serious mental health issue before we seek professional support. I have seen people try to use alcohol, shopping, partying and many other ways to cope or "forget" about their trauma. Unfortunately, that either creates more problems or just delays your healing. I usually say “trauma does not go anywhere. It stays with you until you address it.” The most important relationship you can ever have is one with yourself.
The sooner you begin doing the work that many of us need to do, the better. Please also remember that therapy is not for people who have problems, it is for all of us. I therefore challenge you to ask yourself the following questions:
Am I living my best life right now?
Am I generally happy with my job, relationships, health and finances?
Have I healed from all the trauma I have experienced in my life?
If you answer no to any of the questions I would suggest you address this with your therapist. If you do not yet have a therapist, please try to find one as soon as yesterday.
Do you have any other comments?
In practice, I have noticed some of the following positive trends over the past three to five years
In South Africa, there’s been an increase in men seeking therapy and taking better care of their mental health. In the past, men would usually seek therapy because their partner is threatening divorce or to leave them, or when they are facing disciplinary at work due to alcohol misuse and so on.
From my international clients, I have seen an increase in clients seeking long-term therapy to address issues of adjustment, career and personal development. In the past many international clients would often seek therapy when they already have depression or anxiety.
More couples are seeking pre-marital counselling and are making it a habit to seek professional support whilst their relationships are still in a healthy place. The latter is great progress because most couples often waited for problems or when something is wrong to reach out to a therapist. Couples usually sought therapy “as a last resort”.
