The practice is specializing in pastoral counselling as the specializing field of the counselling. Carin Olwagen uses a unique approach namely: The Body, Soul and Spirit approach in the counselling which she developed with Dr C.J. Hugo from UNISA.
Through the approach, the client (religious/non-religious) is steered towards an awakening/discovery of their spiritual identity which may have positive effects on their personal and social problems.
The latter approach helps the client in gaining objectivity in the midst of overwhelming emotions and helps to open up blind spots to see positive outcomes. Through the approach, patterns are identified which helps the client discover positive outcomes and discover their worth and true identity. This promotes health and wholeness.
The focus on the spiritual identity can help individuals/participants from all ages, sex and ethnicity groups (diverse participants), experiencing a problem. Long term outcomes are seen rather than short term skills applied.
The approach is thus uniquely relevant in the context of pastoral counselling. The latter improves the quality of counselling and includes the spiritual dimension in counselling, thus opening up discussion on faith and spirituality within the counselling context, as preferred by the client.
The counselling is guided by principles of ethics in the client/s right to personal privacy, confidentiality and autonomy. She recommends 4 sessions minimum to see positive outcomes in the counselling as a short term intervention. See the below link for more resources:
Listen and watch a 6 part series of Journeying in Wholeness by Carin Olwagen Psychological Counsellor for a deeper insight and experience of your identity in Christ in journeying in wholeness, Spirit, soul and body recorded on Heartbeat FM, George.
Presented by Carin Olwagen, Registered Psychological Counsellor (HPCSA).
Carin has supported mental health for many years, walking alongside individuals and families through emotional challenges, trauma, and seasons of growth. Her insight and compassion bring clarity, depth, and safety to every conversation.
The pastoral counselling teachings’ focus includes:
• Body, Soul & Spirit — Understanding the foundation God designed
• Righteousness — His righteousness vs our own
• Trauma & Timeline — How our story forms our patterns
• Forgiveness & Healing — The doorway to restoration
• His Fullness — Living in His abundance
• Wholeness — God’s heart for complete healing
Links to the first 3 Parts of Journeying in Wholeness
PART 1
1. Body, Soul & Spirit — Understanding our God‑designed foundation
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FK2v3xQdx/?mibextid=wwXIfrJourneying in Wholeness PART 2
1. Righteousness — His righteousness vs our own.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CBKEsb4tG/?mibextid=wwXIfrJourneying in Wholeness PART 3
1. Trauma & Timeline – How our story shapes us
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/197eugbXZA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
31 July 2024
The category of Registered Psychological Counsellors was endorsed by the Minister of Health in 2003 and since then Registered Counsellors have been employed from 2021 in the Western Cape Primary healthcare clinics. The role of the Registered Counsellor is to enhance mental healthcare in South Africa. I have also been part of the Registered Counsellors employed as one of eleven in the Western Cape province Department of Health and Wellness. I am currently in private practice in Rooirivierrif George full time providing and creating greater access to psychological services in the Garden Route for all mental health challenges, employee wellness needs, career assessment and tests as well as pastoral counselling and teachings on request.