Prof Carien Lubbe-De Beer from the Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP) was recently appointed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

The HPCSA is a statutory body, established to serve and protect the public and to provide guidance to registered healthcare professionals.

Prof Lubbe-De Beer was appointed to serve on the Professional Board for Psychology as a psychologist for a five year term that started in July 2015.

She has always had a soft spot for minority groups. Sparked by her own life story, as well as her PhD journey, which explored the experiences of children growing up in same-gender families, she has a sense of the role that psychology can play in society. Her work in sexuality and gender made her aware of her voice as a psychologist, and the much needed work required of psychology as a relevant discipline.

‘Being appointed by the Minister of Health to the Professional Board for Psychology is a huge honour,’ says Prof Lubbe-De Beer. She believes she is at the right place in her career to take up the role and its responsibilities. The Board represents all psychologists in the country, with the emphasis on service to society. Prof Lubbe-De Beer hopes to be instrumental in effective and useful service delivery and to advance the quality of training and the professionalism of practitioners.

‘For me, being and becoming a psychologist is one of the highest callings. To sit next to another human being, whether an individual, family or community, and to create a safe and supportive space for them to face their pain and sorrow, is one of the most humbling experiences. Furthermore, psychologists not only assist when things go wrong ... we have wonderful opportunities for proactive interventions, working systemically towards sustainability and assisting others towards mental health and well-being,’ she says.