Dr Barbara Wade Social Worker

Dr Barbara Wade – Skilled Social Worker in Benoni

Dr. Barbara Wade’s journey into social work and therapy is rooted in her own personal transformation. Initially a physiotherapist, Dr. Wade’s career took a significant turn after a motorcar accident left her unable to continue in her original field. Determined to find a new path, she pursued a Master’s degree in psychology, a BA degree in Social Work, and later, advanced studies in Family Therapy.

Influenced by the teachings of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, who showed that growth often comes through suffering, Dr. Wade believes that trauma does not define us, but can lead to positive change and self-actualisation. This perspective fuels her passion to help clients find hope, healing, and strength even after their most difficult experiences.

Through The Olive Branch, Dr. Wade provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals and families can heal from trauma, relationship struggles, and emotional pain. She uses a variety of approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, a trauma therapy that works on both emotional and physical levels to help clients overcome the lasting effects of trauma.

Experience

Private Practice – The Olive Branch
Dr. Wade works with individuals, couples, and families to address challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

Services offered include:

• Trauma Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing
• Marriage Guidance & Counselling
• Divorce Counselling
• Family Therapy (Including domestic violence, abuse, etc.)
• Therapy for Survivors of Childhood Abuse
• Play Therapy for Children
• Parenting Skills and Support
• Therapy for Chronic Illness, Pain, & Terminal Illness
• Bereavement Counselling
• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Rape Counselling
• Group Therapy
• HIV/AIDS Counselling
• Relationship Issues

Qualifications

• BSc (Phys), University of Witwatersrand (1979)
• Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
• Doctorate in Trauma, University of South Africa (2005)
• MSc (Psychology)
• Master’s in Family Therapy
• BA in Social Work