Publications

Psychology is an interactive way of learning, growing and thereby giving back to health in general.

I use relationships, research and writing to reach these goals. Sometimes, I write manuscripts for professional journals. At other times, I write for general interest. I give input or guidance to students in healing professions such as psychology and social work. I have also contributed to audio-visuals and journalists writing about matters of mental health. Actively experiencing the personhood of others, hearing their critical questioning of me and their relationships, together with that which has been learned intellectually, provides a powerful environment for mutual growth.

Hoffman, S. (2024). The Courage to GrowLisa’s Story: Crime and Therapy in Society

The Courage to Grow: Lisa’s Story, describes a journey lived through a 24-year therapeutic relationship with Lisa, a woman the author first met in a correctional facility as a counsellor. The book is the result of the author’s uncomfortable realisation that she formed part of a society that grows crime, albeit largely unknowingly. Government, supported by society at large, attempts to contain crime through highly publicised but reactive measures under the banner ‘war on crime’, which focuses on the ‘offender’ as the cause of crime and the sole element to be rehabilitated. The author suggests that, for rehabilitation to be effective, all elements of crime must be addressed.

Hoffman, S. (2017). Smoke and Mirrors: Acknowledgement, Alienation, Antisocial Behaviour and Transformation.

Antisocial behaviour terrifies most, if not all, human beings. This fear triggers various, previously learned ways of trying to defend against it, resulting in disrespect in relationships, and wars between countries. On a professional level, it has given rise to resources such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual to prevent this behaviour. This book uses case studies, client narratives and socio-political examples to show that, depending on how they are used, these different forms of defence can sustain and fuel antisocial and prosocial behaviour.

Hoffman, S. 2012. ‘Disrespected’. Self-published.

A non-fiction book describing the therapeutic relationship between myself and a ‘career criminal’ whom I call Eddie, primarily within a prison setting. This book shows how disrespect, or ‘being dis’ed’ as it is more commonly termed, is core to the commission of crimes and a culture of violation in relationships between individuals, as well as socio-politically and institutionally. The book demonstrates that reacting to disrespect in defensive, often violational ways is common to all of us, including therapists. Like inmates, therapists and institutions are often unaware of their own contribution to violation.

Hoffman, S. (2010). Breaking the silence on violation in a South African prison. Saarbrücken: Lap Lambert Publications.

Professor Don Foster, head of the department of psychology at the University of Cape Town, wrote: “It is highly regarded and essential reading for those interested in understanding crime and issues pertaining to human rights. It challenges the inhumanity of prisons.” Marcus-Mendoza, Associate Professor of Human Relations and Women’s Studies and former prison psychologist noted: “…she makes an important contribution in this field … Her research is on what I believe to be the cutting edge of the field.”

  • Stewart, S. (1994, January). Profile of a (non-) rapist. Sash, vol. 36, no. 3.
  • Stewart, S. (1996, Winter). Making Security Last: The Eastern Cape Community Safety
  • Project. Crime and Conflict, no. 6.Stewart, S. (1997, Summer). The Criminal Cycle, Rehabilitation and Therapy. Crime and Conflict, no 8.Stewart, S. (1996). An investigation into how prisoners use relationships to cope with Stress. South Africa Beyond
  • Transition: Psychological Well-being. L.Schlebusch (Ed.) Durban: PsySSA.Gaum, G., Hoffman, S., & Venter, J.H. (2006). Factors that influence adult recidivism: an exploratory study in Pollsmoor prison. South African Journal of Psychology 36(2) pp. 407-424.
  • Community Based Adaptation Training Workshop. 26 – 27 October 2010 organized by Indigo Development and Change, at Kirstenbosch. Publication available at: http://www.indigo-dc.org/research.html
  • Hoffman, S. (2009). Some implications of apartheid legacies in South African correctional centres. South African Journal of Psychology 39(3) 336-346.
  • Hoffman, S. (2010). Understanding violations in a relational context and learning respectful alternatives. Transactional Analysis Journal 40((1) 54-69.
  • Hoffman, S. (2011). Social fabric of violation and transformation in a South African correctional facility In K. Kwandiwe & C. Ijiogu (Eds.). Africa in Focus: Governance in the 21st century (pp. 282-298). Cape Town: Human Sciences Research Council.
  • Presented a paper entitled “How prisoners use relationships to cope with stress” at the Third Annual Congress of PsySSA, September 1997.
  • Presented a paper, entitled “Rehabilitation of prisoners in a transforming South Africa” at a conference entitled “A New Decade of Criminal Justice in South Africa – Consolidating Transformation” (7 – 8/2/05, Gordon’s Bay).
  • Hoffman, S. (2008, 7 June) Presentation to 2 Military Hospital: Critically questioning psychopathy.
  • Workshop presented at Transactional Analysis World Conference, 2008 (7 – 10 August 2008), entitled Cradled by Culture.
  • Paper presented for CD at Transactional Analysis World Conference, 2008 entitled: “Perpetuation of crime vs. transforming to a culture of mutual respect”.
  • Talk to parents, teachers and psychologists on suicide at the request of the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group during International Mental Health Week, on Tuesday 10 October, 2006 at Grove Primary School, Cape Town.
  • Presentation to schools for adolescents considering psychology as a career.
  • ‘Fair Lady’ on ‘Stories of babies behind bars’ ( 10 April 2002 )
  • ‘Fair Lady’ on ‘How women in prison cope with intimacy’ ( 24 July 2002 )
  • Oprah magazine, January/February 2009 on couples in conflict
  • Cosmopolitan on: ‘Separation anxiety’ (2011, March) pp. 76 – 78
  • Participated in a television documentary series on counselling in prison, entitled “Psycho Factory” screened on SABC TV3 in June 2003, 20 April 2005 and five further screenings on 4, 11, 18 May 2005, and 1 & 8 June 2005.
  • Co-host on Cape Talk on crime, Tuesday 3 October 2006 at 10pm.
  • Member of SANTOC (South African No Torture Consortium)
  • Pro bono therapy to newly released prison inmates and therapeutic correspondence with inmates of correctional centres
  • Peer review of articles for the South African Journal of Psychology
  • Supervision of psychologists
APPOINTMENTS

Any person who wishes to explore therapy can be referred by their general practitioner, a psychiatrist, any other person or, even better, refer yourself (this means you are already empowering yourself by owning your right to be healthy and using the environment to help you). To ensure that focus is maintained for all of us in the consultation, therapy sessions last for 50 minutes or at most an hour. In order to avoid resentment and guilt contaminating therapy, yet taking into account the importance of accepting that health means we respect that we are imperfect, you as the client will be charged if you fail to give 24 hours’ notice that you can’t make an appointment (except if such absence occurs due to a crises in health). Similarly, if I double book and you are inconvenienced for your session, you will get a consultation for free.

FEES & PAYMENTS

I am registered with the Health Professions Council as a counselling psychologist (no: PS0061050), and my practice is registered under practice no: 8640998. Relevant medical aids packages should therefore cover fees for consultation. Fees for therapy are in accordance with medical aid rates.

Clients are responsible for prompt payment of their accounts, and for negotiation with their medical aids regarding their reimbursements (or problems of with payment), if any. In accordance with the aim of therapy to encourage mutual respect and personal and relational empowerment, if a client has a problem with making payments, you are urged to speak directly to me about this so that an alternative and mutually suitable arrangement can be reached.

At the end of every month, you will receive a statement of account which indicates how much has been paid and how much is owing, and banking details for payment. Payment can be made in cash after every consultation, or by EFT at the end of the month.