Lefika La Phodiso Art Counselling Johannesburg

Lefika La Phodiso Art Counselling Johannesburg

Lefika La Phodiso is Africa’s first organisation offering Community Art Counselling Training and arts-based therapeutic programmes for children and adults. Located in Parktown, Johannesburg, Lefika La Phodiso—meaning “the rock of holding and healing”. Therefore, providing a safe, nurturing space for healing through creativity, expression, and community support.

Healing Through Art and Creativity

At Lefika La Phodiso Art Counselling Johannesburg, art is used as a universal language to support emotional healing, growth, and communication. Through drawing, painting, storytelling, and performance, participants explore personal experiences and trauma in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. The organisation’s mission is to foster resilience and well-being within communities affected by social challenges such as poverty, violence, and displacement.

What We Do

Lefika La Phodiso offers a range of community-based art counselling programmes designed to support children, youth, and caregivers:

• Open Studio: Community Art Counselling – A daily safe space for children to create art, process emotions, and express their stories.

• Open Studio: Art Skills – Develops children’s artistic skills and creative confidence.

• Open Studio: Drama Therapy – Uses storytelling and performance to address trauma and build self-esteem.

• Open Studio: Drama Club – Aimed at teenagers to build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

• Nutrition Programme – Provides nutritious meals and food parcels to children attending the programmes.

• Parent & Caregiver Group – Monthly support sessions fostering communication and shared learning between parents and counsellors.

Training and Supervision

Lefika La Phodiso also provides Community Art Counselling Training. Furthermore, equipping individuals and professionals with the skills to use art as a tool for healing. The organisation partners with Wits Drama for Life.  Namely, SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology), and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to host interns who participate in therapy sessions and after-school programmes. Volunteers and counsellors receive ongoing supervision and mentorship to ensure ethical, effective support for all participants.

Research and Social Impact

With over two decades of experience, Lefika La Phodiso has contributed to academic and community-based research on trauma. Additionally, art therapy, and social change in South Africa. Furthermore, the organisation’s work has been featured in several scholarly publications exploring creativity as a means of healing displacement, xenophobia, and violence.

Get Involved

Community members, students, and professionals can support Lefika La Phodiso through donations, volunteering, or participating in workshops and training. In conclusion, every contribution helps sustain this vital space for creative healing and transformation.

“Art therapy offers an alternate language of communication, inhabiting the space between images and text.” – Hayley Berman, Founder