Meet The Counsellor
My name is Portia Omowele, and I am a Specialist Wellness Counsellor with training in Health Psychology and Applied Behavioural Science. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Psychology and Well-being, and I am registered with the ASCHP (The Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners), a South African professional organisation dedicated to the fundamental practice of holistic wellness and the provision of ethical, supportive counselling for personal growth.
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Through my practice, The Veritas Change, I work with individuals who are navigating stress, burnout, health-related behavioural challenges, and significant life transitions. My work draws on principles from health psychology and behavioural science to help individuals understand the psychological and behavioural patterns that sustain distress while developing practical strategies that strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, and long-term wellbeing. In addition to my private practice, I have experience providing compassionate care and support within community contexts, assisting individuals who face complex emotional and life challenges.
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My professional perspective is also informed by over eighteen years of experience working in multicultural and humanitarian environments, including roles within United Nations organisations. Working closely with diverse communities facing complex social and personal challenges deepened my understanding of human resilience, vulnerability, and the psychological impact of life circumstances across cultures. This experience continues to shape my counselling practice, particularly in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who are navigating stress, transition, and emotional challenges in a global context.
The Veritas Method
At The Veritas Change, counselling is designed to move beyond insight alone and toward meaningful behavioural change. Our work focuses on understanding the patterns that sustain stress, burnout, and health-related behavioural challenges, while developing practical strategies that support long-term wellbeing.
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Sessions combine reflective exploration with structured skill-building. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop sustainable habits that support both psychological and physical health.
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The aim of this process is not simply temporary relief, but the development of practical tools and competencies that help you navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.
Services
Initial Intake Session (75 Min)
A comprehensive first session required for all new clients. This 75-minute assessment uses Health Psychology and Applied Behavioural Science to map out your behavioural patterns, chronic pain influences, stress load, and adjustment challenges. Together, we clarify your goals, identify behaviour drivers, and examine the factors affecting your self-efficacy.
Specialist Counselling Session (60 Min)
Your core working session for structured behavioural and emotional change. These 60-minute sessions focus on strengthening resilience, improving self-efficacy, enhancing emotional regulation, and supporting sustainable health behaviour routines.
A focused follow-up for existing clients who need rapid support. These 30-minute check-ins provide structured accountability and a framework for protocol refinement.
Habit Check-In Session (30-Min)
Our Core Commitments
Evidence-Based Protocols
Every session is guided by validated frameworks from Health Psychology and Applied Behavioural Science. We work with structured, measurable protocols rather than generic talk-based approaches, ensuring your progress is targeted, replicable, and grounded in empirical science.
Systemic Clarity
Your challenges are understood within their full behavioural ecosystem—mind, body, nervous system, routines, and environment. This whole-system approach allows us to identify root drivers, build resilient capacity, and reduce the risk of relapse.
Self-Efficacy Empowerment
Our goal is to transfer mastery to you. We equip you with precise, repeatable skills so you can independently regulate your behaviour, manage stress, and sustain wellbeing long after the sessions conclude.
Client Stories
"I didn't need a clinical diagnosis; I needed a strategy for my life. The veritas change focus on 'salutogenesis'—building health rather than just fixing problems—is exactly what I needed to navigate a high-stress transition in my career."
Peter M.
"The Veritas Change showed me that true well-being means addressing my environment and lifestyle, not just my thoughts. Their whole-person approach set a new standard for my healing."
Karabo K.
"The Veritas Change has been a guiding light in my journey toward resilience. Their unique blend of compassionate care and behavioural expertise gave me the practical tools to turn my wellbeing into a sustainable reality. It has truly transformed the way I navigate my daily life."
James T.
"I am incredibly grateful for the strategic support offered by The Veritas Change during a challenging transition. Their professionalism and focus on behavioural clarity helped me move from uncertainty to a state of sustained health and confidence."
Busisiwe N.
"We partnered with The Veritas Change because they understand the 'whole person.' Their fundamental belief that mental wellness is tied to lifestyle and environment makes them incredible collaborators for our holistic health programs. They bring a grounded, ethical approach to supportive care."
Mandy W.
FAQs
What exactly is Health & Behaviour Change Counselling?
Health & Behaviour Change Counselling is a structured, evidence-informed approach that helps you understand the psychological, behavioural, and lifestyle patterns affecting your wellbeing. The focus is on practical tools—habit design, behavioural protocols, emotional regulation, and values-based decision-making.
It is not psychotherapy or medical treatment; it is specialised behavioural counselling rooted in Health Psychology principles.
Who is this service suitable for?
This practice is ideal for individuals who want to:
• improve health habits or routines
• manage chronic pain or long-term health adjustments
• reduce stress, overwhelm, or burnout
• strengthen resilience and self-efficacy
• align behaviours with personal values
• understand and change persistent behavioural patterns
What does "Applied Science" mean in a counselling context?
How often should I book sessions?
It means we move beyond "talk therapy" into the application of proven scientific protocols. We utilize principles from Health Psychology and Behavioural Science to create structured interventions. This involves analyzing the link between your environment, your biology (such as the nervous system’s role in chronic pain), and your habits to develop a systematic plan for change.
Most clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build momentum. Chronic pain clients or high-burnout cases may benefit from a weekly rhythm. Once habits stabilise, the 30-minute Habit Check-In supports maintenance.
How is counselling at The Veritas Change different from coaching?
Counselling at The Veritas Change is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic service grounded in Health Psychology and Applied Behavioural Science. It is intended for individuals experiencing ongoing emotional distress, health-related challenges, burnout, or persistent behavioural patterns.
Unlike coaching, which is typically performance-focused and future-oriented, counselling allows space to work with underlying psychological, emotional, and physiological processes that may be maintaining current difficulties. All work is delivered within professional ethical standards and clinical boundaries.
What is the process for getting started?
All new clients start with the Initial Intake Session (75 Minutes). This mandatory first step is dedicated to a comprehensive assessment of your behavioural drivers. We conclude this session with a clear change hypothesis and your first structured protocol before proceeding to the Core Counselling Sessions.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your appointment may be charged the full session fee. This allows us to manage the schedule and availability effectively.