Michelle Bennett

Experience

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  Woolworths

  Jan 1989 - Jan 1992

  Woolworths "Temp"staff Part time while studying

  Part time work at Woolworths both on shop floor level in various departments such as clothing, shoes and other, also as cashier. Developing an ongoing and subsequently expanded and extended interest in the Fashion Industry in general. Personally I view "fashion " and clothing (besides and acknowledging the obvious purposes) as an expression of creativity. Mixing and matching in a fun lighthearted way. Everything from luxury brands, high end brands, vintage to the cheapest clothing. Some of my "fun favorite purchases" have been internationally and even found on the streets in various markets. Show less

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  International Traveller

  Jan 1993 - Jan 2019

  International traveller

  Began extensive varied International Travelling after taking a "gap year" once I had achieved my honours degree in Psychology. Although officially accepted into the 1993 Psychology Masters program chose to rather use the year of 1993 to further myself in terms of life experience by working, living and travelling internationally. This formed the beginning of extensive international travel for a myriad of purposes, which still continues. I have a passion and love for international travel. Travelling extensively around the world including, USA, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Eastern Europe, Far East and Middle East, Africa and so on. With a special love of Europe, Eastern Europe, Far East and Middle East. Temporarily forced to stop due to Covid-19. IMPORTANT NOTICE - Photographs/media on this entire Linked in page: The photographs have been gathered from my personal travels. They may NOT be saved/copied/distributed or taken or used in any manner of form, whatsoever, without my personal written/signed informed consent to do so. Show less

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  Morkels Furniture

  Jan 1994 - Dec 1994

  Morkels Various functions within Morkels

  Employed at Morkels around the beginning of 1994. Originally meant to be a temporary contract for a few months in 1994. The contract kept on being extended until I left at the end of 1994 to begin my Masters year in Psychology, which started at the beginning of 1995. My work at Morkels Initially involved aspects such as calling and dealing with past customers including bringing in new business. It grew to assisting different stores with whatever was required by the company. Besides the business side of the experience, also developing an interest, appreciation and passion of Interior design and decoration through the use of furniture and placement thereof. One of my hobbies/interests, is "refurbishing " and changing both large and smaller furniture pieces and "decor " items. I personally experience this as an exciting creative outlet. Show less

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  University of KwaZulu-Natal

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1997

  Tutor/Lecturer part time while completing my qualifications as a Registered Psychologist

  Tutored both first year Psychology students ( akin to providing additional lectures, as conducted in large lecture halls, in a "lecture type fashion") and second year Psychology students ( in small tutorial type groups, which were more interactive). Both done in accordance with and following the required tutorial programmes of the Psychology department. One on one meetings with students occurred during official "student hours". These involved various responsibilities, including assistance with the various Psychology modules, guidance in terms of their performance on various Psychology tests/exams and so forth. This position also included marking Psychology exam papers. Show less

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  Michelle Bennett Psychologist

  Jan 1997 - now

  Counselling Psychologist in private practice

  Special interestsI have experience in working with a wide range of clients, concerns, belief systems, spiritual orientations, lifestyles and different cultural groups. I believe it is important for each individual to be seen and understood holistically and that personal belief systems are respected in the therapeutic space. Skype and whats app video call therapy also offered internationally, locally and nationally.My areas of special interest include, but are not limited to: Individual Therapy: Adults with a History of Sexual Abuse or Rape; Depression; Bereavement/Grief; Stress; Relationship Concerns and Destructive Relationship patterns; Interpersonal Difficulties; Divorce Adjustment; Step-family issues; Blended families; Infidelity; Trust issues; Sexual orientation and identity; Emotional Abuse; Co-dependency; Self-esteem; Anger Management; Anxiety Disorders , such as Panic Attacks, Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma (including hi-jacking, burglary etc) , Social Anxiety, Assertiveness Training; Crisis; Adjustment including to Life Stages; Loneliness; Work Difficulties; Single life; Personal Growth and more.Couple Counselling and Marriage Counselling:Couple counselling encompasses marriage counselling, pre-marital counselling, and just general "couple counselling" Both straight and gay couples are seen. Extensive experience with couples who "have"/identify with different religions/ spiritual belief systems, different religious backgrounds and couples from different "race groups". I also have experience in IOD (Injured on duty) / Workman’s Compensation cases. This mainly involved trauma work. I have therefore developed a particularly special interest in dealing with trauma cases. I have also done a significant amount of private practice work for various Corporates and also smaller companies over the years. I also do work for some EAP groups (Employee Assistance Programs), comment for various magazines and supervise internships. Show less

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  Psychologist (Counselling) Michelle Bennett

  Jan 1997 - now

  Counselling Psychologist Michelle Bennett, Owner, Private practice

  Part time Private practice - Psychology. Part time while working for Solvay Pharmaceuticals.

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  University of KwaZulu-Natal

  Aug 1997 - Dec 1997

  Head of Department (Psychology) secretary

  A temp/ contract position as Head of Psychology Department secretary from about August/ September of 1997. The contract began after completing my Psychologist Internship linked to the department, until finding employment in the Pharmaceutical industry in a position of my choice and interest. This was by mutual agreement between The HOD and I, to work half day in the department as HOD secretary and to be able to build and practice in my own Psychology private practice in the afternoons. I really valued being part of the Psychology department, in another different capacity than what I was used to. That HOD Psychologist will always have my greatest respect. Show less

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  Solvay Pharmaceutical

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2003

  Medical Representative

  Worked for a successful International Pharmaceutical company. Met with Doctors and various Specialists, including Psychiatrists and also General Practitioners. Training and knowledge of psychopharmacology and Psychiatric medication was gained, in particular in relation to antidepressants. Received recognition and awards - Frequently "rep of the month" and officially awarded as "one of the top 3 representatives in the country", based on results achieved. Resigned in order to go into full time private practice, expanding my part time private practice as a Psychologist into a full time practice. What an honour to work for such an incredible company alongside such fantastic people in every single level of the company. Such a lovely environment with special memories. In addition made some lifelong friends. Show less

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  The Smart Group (The specialist Management and Representative Group)

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2000

  Lecturer part time while working for Solvay Pharmaceuticals and in my own private practice.

  Lectured for at least about a year for The Smart Group (The specialist Management and Representative Training Group). This was done on a part time basis, whilst also working in the Pharmaceutical Industry and being in after hours private practice. Lectured on a large variety of topics, mainly medically related.

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  Artist Original oil Painting

  Feb 2003 - now

  Artist

  Creating my own Original oil paintings. In the mere love and appreciation of the act of creation and creativity through art. For the purposes of interior design and decoration.