about me

Dr. Evalo van Wijk

I started my nursing career in 1976. During the 46 years since then, I have acquired a vast amount of knowledge, skills and experience in psychiatric nursing. This includes: working as a Registered Advance Nurse Practitioner (including weekends at private clinics to maintain my clinical skills); lecturing basic psychiatric nursing science as well as the post–basic diploma in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing (R212). My knowledge and expertise of mental health led me to work voluntarily in a Police trauma room where I supported victims/survivors who encounter any type of trauma, domestic/gender-based violence. This voluntary work was generally after-hours and over weekends.

 

Additionally, I have a passion for research and, in particular, qualitative research, with my focus on evidence-based good clinical practice. Thus, I have become a knowledgeable and exceptional lecturer, teaching qualitative research and how to conduct a literature review. In 2011, I obtained a PhD in Philosophy: Nursing, in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Cape Town. During this time, I conducted Proposal Reviews for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I reviewed abstracts for various national and international conferences, performed blind reviews of articles for two journals and provided, on a purely voluntary basis, extensive assistance to twelve students who were busy with their Masters degrees and to three Doctoral students. Several of these outputs were requested by the students concerned because they were aware of my expertise and knowledge of the various aspects of research and psychiatric nursing.

 

Furthermore, I published five articles in peer-reviewed journals, I am a co-author of a chapter in a book, and made oral or poster presentations at nine national and international conferences. I also received the following two research grants: 

  • African Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship award offered by the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), 2008
  • A research grant from The Margaret McNamara Research Foundation, 2009.

I am registered with the South African Nursing Council:11984556. Practice Number: 9990880001029126

Mental health specialist

When it comes to mental health, the gap between need and care has never been wider. Dr Evalo's Mental Health Sequence is scientifically designed to close the gap created by disjointed point solutions—without needing to replace your existing mental health and well-being benefits

I believe that mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process, and Iam committed to addressing your mental health concerns.

Academic Research

Research is essential for the advancement of any profession. Healthcare is no different. Nursing research has a remarkable impact on the current and future professional nursing practice. It evolves with the needs of society, advances in medical science, to prevent disease and disability, manage symptoms of illnesses and assist nurses to provide effective, evidence-based care. Patients and caregivers rely on nurses for information so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Therefore, the nursing profession required nurses to have strong research skills, since the use of evidence-based practice by nurses not only ensures better standards of care, but warranting access to high-quality nursing care over time.In essence it help to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Qualitative research

As an expert in qualitative research, I am well-organized and resourceful. My aim is to make life as easy as I can for all Honors, Masters and Doctoral students to assist them with academic research writing (proposals and dissertations).

If you encounter trouble with writing your research proposal and dissertation you should not have to feel all alone and helpless. You should look no further as to contact me because I am here to help you and anyone who is looking for support with the planning of your research, formulating a suitable topic, background, searching for literature, literature review, research methodology, writing up and discussion of your research findings.

                             Mental Health Support

                                     

 

Why is mental health important for overall health?

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health.  Sometimes life may make people feel stressed or overwhelmed, and incapable of coping with interpersonal difficulties. They are unable to handle daily and financial stressors, and certainly not any kind of violence or abuse. They are subject to anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, bereavement, or life adjustments such as relationship or employment issues, or health problems.  For example, depression exacerbates the risk associated with many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Equally, the presence of chronic conditions can escalate the risk of mental illness (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021:1). Because of the correlation between mental illness and other health conditions, people should familiarize themselves with the information provided below:  
 

What is mental health?
A client’s mental health includes their emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act. The state of an individual’s mental health helps to determine how that person handles and copes with stress, relates to others, makes healthy choices, reaches personal goals and develops healthy relationships. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021:1).
 

How common are mental illnesses in South Africa?
South Africa has a 12-month prevalence estimate of 16.5% for common mental disorders; these include anxiety, mood and substance use disorders. Almost one third (30.3%) of the population has experienced a common mental disorder at some stage in their lifetime. (Petersen, Fairall,  Bhana, Kathree & Selohilwe et al 2016: s29–s39)

 

What causes mental illness?

There is no single cause of mental illness but a number of factors can contribute to the risk of mental illness. For example:

  • Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
  • Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Feelings of loneliness or isolation

(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021:1).

 

The most common feelings and behaviour associated with a diagnosis of mental illness/any form of abuse/loss of a loved one:

  • Denial
  • Shocked
  • Feeling numb
  • Anger
  • Blaming
  • Guilt feelings
  • Sadness or depression
  • Fear and anxiety
  • Stress

The warning signs of a mental health problem

Changes in how a person feels or acts can be a warning sign of a mental health problem. For example, potential signs of depression include:

  • Losing interest in activities that are usually enjoyable
  • Experiencing persistent sadness or feeling empty
  • Feeling anxious or stressed
  • Having suicidal thoughts

 

What is therapy all about?

In any therapy, a therapeutic relationship and communication skills play a crucial part. After all, therapy is based on empathy, being non-judgmental and displaying an unconditional and positive regard for clients and their problems.  Therapy is based on psychodynamic theories and an evidence-based approach using therapeutic treatment modalities that work for specific presenting problems and diagnoses.

If you are having trouble in coping with any form of stress, abuse, violence, mental illness or loss, then you should not have to feel alone and helpless. You should just contact me because I am here to help you and anyone else who is looking for support with these issues. You can trust me to pay attention to your needs and create an environment for you that encourages growth, equality, and freedom of speech.

 

Mental Health Support Services for Adults, Children and Teenagers

In South Africa, mental health treatments and interventions are not available to everybody. They can only be accessed by a small minority of the population due to the costs involved. Therefore, I offered the following Mental Health Support Services for adults, children and teenagers.

  • Assessment and referral to a psychiatrist and/or community psychiatric clinic
  • Counseling 
  • Mindfulness 
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy, Family and Couple Therapy, therapy for individuals going through loss, grief or bereavement
  • Therapy with children and teenagers
  • Support for victims and survivors of any form of abuse. For example, gender based/intimate partner/domestic/sexual violence and  child  abuse

These services will be rendered to individuals who cannot afford or do not have access to public mental health services and to people whose medical aids are exhausted.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counseling?

Counseling is a form of 'talk therapy.’  It is a process where an individual, couple or family meet to talk about issues.

Online counselling is an excellent solution for people who do not have access to a professional in their area or who live remotely or abroad. It also serves those who are immobile or find it more convenient to conduct therapy in the privacy of their own home.

 

Which problems /challenges can be addressed through counselling?

  • Relationship and Marriage challenges
  • Family Therapy
  • Trauma
  • Drug and Alcohol abuse
  • Grief and Loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stressful life issues
  • Work problems
  • Chronic pain

(Vision Counselling and Psychology 2022:1)

 

What is Individual counseling (Psychotherapy?)

Individual counseling is sometimes referred to as therapy, psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy, talk therapy, or treatment. It is a process in which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. 

The common goals of therapy are to inspire change or improve quality of life. People may seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone. For example: 

  • Worry about the stigma that can come with mental health care
  • Feelings of shame when speaking about past hurts
  • Not wanting to acknowledge that anything is wrong
  • Fear that discussions in treatment will not stay confidential
  • Money issues

 (Good Therapy, 2022)

 

Does counseling really work?

Yes, if clients are motivated, determined and committed to the counseling process for their mental and emotional issues.

 

Do I really need counseling?

This question is often posed by clients but it is not an easy one to answer. Therapy is a process of personal growth and can be used to help individuals cope with any kind of mental or emotional issue they have. When individuals are ready to change and improve the overall quality of their life, counseling can help them.

 

Is confidentiality guaranteed?

Yes, everything clients say is confidential, except when clients provide written permission to share information .

 

How many sessions should a client attend?

Many sessions have a duration between half-an-hour and one hour. However, the length of each session, and the number required,  will depend on what issues a client is trying to deal with.

(Answers LLC, 2022)

 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment. It has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
 (American Psychological Association 2022)

 

What Is family therapy?

Family therapy is a type of treatment designed to help with issues that specifically affect a family’s mental health and functioning. It can help individual family members build stronger relationships, improve communication, and manage conflicts within the family system.

 (Cherry, 2021)

 

What is couples therapy? 

It is therapy in which both partners in a committed relationship are treated at the same time by the same therapist or therapists.

(APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2022)

 

What makes therapy successful?

  • The simple answer is:  the individuals themselves. 
  • Therapy is a personal step that helps many clients along the way to recovery.
  • The success of therapy depends on how open the individuals are to the process and whether they are willing to examine themselves and do the work needed for change; if so then therapy will be a success.
 

What makes this therapy or support unique/different? 

The support or therapy is provided virtually, or face-to-face.

 

Ready to take the first step?

 I am ready and waiting to help individuals to find the answers they are looking for.

 

Request an appointment or have a question?

(No medical aid required)

By appointment only: in case of an emergency please call me on my cell number

Office Hours Mondays - Fridays 10:00 AM to 20:00 PM

Saturdays 9.00 -13.00

Cell +27827842417

Email: didier@vxpress.co.za or evalinavanwijk100@gmail.com

                        Academic Research Consultant

General Nursing & Midwifery (Otto Du Plessis College), Psychiatric Nursing (Stikland college), BA CUR & Nursing Education (UNISA), Advanced Psychiatric Nursing & Masters (UWC) PhD (UCT)

              

                                                                                                               

Research is essential for the advancement of any profession. Healthcare is no exception. Thus, nursing-related research has a remarkable impact on current and future professional nursing practice.  Research evolves with the needs of society and is guided by advances in medical science, with the aims of preventing disease and disability, managing symptoms of illnesses and assisting nurses to provide effective, evidence-based care. 

 

Patients and caregivers rely on nurses for information so that they can make informed decisions about their health care; therefore, the nursing profession requires nurses to have strong research skills because the use of evidence-based practice by nurses not only ensures better standards of care, but also helps to provide access to high-quality nursing care over time. In essence, nursing-related research helps to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. 

 

As an expert in qualitative research, I am well-organized and resourceful. My aim is to make life as easy as I can for all Honours, Masters and Doctoral students. You are here because you need support with your research assignment, proposal or dissertation. You should not have to feel all alone and helpless. You should look no further than contacting me because whatever support you need, I can advise and assist you and by doing so, avoid any potential problems.

 

You can trust me to pay attention, at all times, to your needs. At the same time, I will create an environment that encourages growth, equality, and freedom of speech. I will offer you the best consultation and advice on managing your research assignment, proposal, dissertation or preparation /delivering of presentations.

 

If you encounter any problems with any aspect of your research then I am available to provide advice, assistance and support. This includes the following:

 
  • Finding/access of credible academic research sources
  • Research assignments
  • Proposal writing
  • Selecting/formulating a suitable topic
  • Research outline and planning
  • Preparing of the following:
  • Introduction
  • Background to the problem/problem statement
  • Motivation/rationale for the study
  • Purpose of the study
  • Objectives of the study
  • Research question of the study
  • Significance of the study
  • Guidance with literature review and in particular, how to search for and select relevant scientific articles
  • Introduction
  • Background to the problem/problem statement
  • Motivation/rationale for the study
  • Purpose of the study
  • Objectives of the study
  • Research question of the study
  • Significance of the study
  • Guidance with literature review and in particular, how to search for and select relevant scientific articles
  • Writing up of dissertation chapters
  • Corrections’ from supervisors
  • Conference presentations-PowerPoint/Poster

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I develop a good research question?

A good research question is the key to any proficient thesis which aims to contribute or develop new knowledge in your discipline. Any research question should focus on the phenomenon that the student is trying to explain or understand.

 

How do I write a problem statement?

Each research study must address a problem and this in turn, calls for a clear statement of what that problem is.  The reason why you chose the topic was because you wanted to find out more about, or solve, the problem to be addressed. This will call upon you to explore areas which have not been widely covered by other researchers.

 

How do I search, select and write a good literature review?

The prerequisite for a good literature review is to select keywords and phrases related to your topic and to use these to search for resources in search engines. An ability to write an effective literature review is a critical tool for success in an academic career. You must be able to summarize and synthesize prior research relating to the chosen topic. This demonstrates that you have a good grasp of the accessible information on that topic and will also assist you in the learning process (Denney & Tewksbury 2012:1).  A literature review needs to provide a comprehensive overview of prior research regarding the specific topic. It should inform the reader of what is known about that topic and at the same time should indicate what is not yet known. This sets the stage for providing the rationale and need for a new investigation (Denney & Tewksbury 2012:1).

 

How do I choose the research methodology best suited for my study?

The selection of the correct research methodology can determine the success and overall quality of your dissertation or report. Before selecting the methodology, any student needs to understand, thoroughly, the differences between quantitative and qualitative research and needs to know when to follow a qualitative or quantitative research approach. The student also needs to know how to analyses qualitative and quantitative data.

The selected research methodology must be able to answer the research question and meet the objectives and purpose of the study (Thattamparambil, 2020:1).

 

Why is academic writing important in the nursing profession?

 

Good academic writing is clear, concise, focused, structured and backed up by evidence (Fang, 2021:1). The author’s purpose is to aid the reader's understanding. Academic writing has a formal tone and style but it is not difficult and does not require the use of long sentences and a complicated vocabulary. It provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth and should demonstrate evidence of critical thinking. Additionally, academic writing is a means of producing, codifying, transmitting, evaluating, renovating, teaching, and learning knowledge and ideology in academic disciplines. An ability to write in an academic style is essential for learning and is critical for academic success (Fang, 2021:1)

 

What makes this research support unique or different? 

Support is provided virtually, via email or face-to-face.

 

contact me

contact information

  • 10:00 AM to 20:00
  • +27827842417
  • +27647537850
  • didier@vxpress.co.za or evalinavanwijk100@gmail.com

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