About me

Hello Everyone

I was born and lived in Cape Town, South Africa until I was 26 years old. I completed my Bachelor and Honours degrees in Psychology at the University of South Africa. In 2017, when I got the opportunity of a lifetime, I moved to Vienna to study Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud University. I am grateful for the opportunity to have completed the training and studies in the city where psychotherapy originated. I have since completed my Bachelor and Master degree in Psychotherapy Science. I have completed the specialised training in Systemic Family Psychotherapy and became fully licensed as a Psychotherapist with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health in October 2022.

Many people have asked “Why Therapy ?”

There is nothing more in this world I would rather do, than creating a safe place for humans to explore, heal and move through the hardships of life. A place you can be you and share your deepest self.

One of my clients put it beautifully:
“Therapy with Melisza is like diving into a deep ocean and getting to see all the fascinating creatures in it.”

The abundance of cultures and experiences from growing up in Cape Town have shaped me as a person and psychotherapist. It allows me to connect and respect each person’s unique culture and life story. I am honoured and privileged to be in a position where people truly trust me and give me permission to enter their world, no matter how dark or light that world might be.

My educational journey has shaped my approach to the psychotherapy process. I work holistically and systemically. I believe each client is unique, which means the psychotherapeutical relationship and process is specifically tailored. From my perspective, psycho-education is an essential first step in acquiring tools, resources and skills to manage your emotional experience. From there, the possibilities are endless.

Educational Journey

Completion of Austrian education to become a Psychotherapist (2017-2022) and inclusion the list of Psychotherapists by the Austrian Ministry of Health (2022) https://psychotherapie.ehealth.gv.at

Master of Psychotherapy Science
Sigmund Freud Private University
Vienna Austria (2021)

Fachspezifikum (second part of the Austrian education to become a Psychotherapist) at the Sigmund Freud Private University in collaboration with the Austrian Association for Systemic Therapy and Systemic Studies for the Method of Systemic Family Therapy – ÖAS
(Österreichische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für systemische Therapie und systemische Studien für die Methode der systemischen Familientherapie – ÖAS) www.oeas.at

Bachelor of Psychotherapy Science
Sigmund Freud Private University
Vienna Austria (2018)

Propädeutikum (first part of the Austrian education to become a Psychotherapist) at the Sigmund Freud Private University (2017)

Honours Degree in Psychology
University of South Africa (2015)

Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences, Social Services and Psychological Counselling University of South Africa (2014)

Qualified HIV/AIDS care and counsellor (2014)

Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development (2010-2012) (incomplete)

Practical Work Experience

Psychotherapist under-supervision (Austria) specializing in Systemic Family Therapy employed at Sigmund Freud Clinic in Vienna. (May 2018 – October 2022)

Emotional support at Caritas Day Centre (Homeless support centre, Vienna Austria) (2017- 2019)

Psychiatric internship at Maimonides Zentrum GmbH (2020)
Alzehimer’s and Dementia Ward

Emotional support at Ute Bock (Refugee Centre, Vienna) (2018)

Psychotherapist under supervision at Sigmund Freud International Clinic
Vienna Austria (2018-2021)

Student representative for International Psychotherapy Science Faculty of Sigmund Freud University. (2017-2019)

Trauma Counsellor for Community Intervention Centre in collaboration with the South African Police Service. (2015-2016)

HIV/AIDS testing and counselling at a clinic in Cape town (2015)

Teaching internships in primary schools in Cape Town and educational tutoring of children with attention and sensory disorders during Bachelor of Education (2010-2012)