The COVID-19 pandemic, its effects, has affected lives of all South Africans and the entire world in both positive and negative ways.

DUT would like to give recognition to its Frontline workers who have been at the forefront since the start of the pandemic. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Communications team’s, Waheeda Peters spoke to one of the frontline staff, psychologist Candice Leith from the Student Counselling and Career Centre.
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Q: Kindly tell me your role at the Student Counselling and Career Centre?

​A: “I am the Acting Senior Psychologist at the Durban University of Technology Student Counselling. I ensure the centre operates efficiently. I also do counselling and assist students with their personal and academic concerns, as well as take on an advocacy role for them. DUT is one of the few accredited training sites for counselling psychologist M2 students in Durban, with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. We have an internship programme that needs to be followed. I provide training to the interns as well as weekly supervision.”
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Q: How long have you been at DUT in that role?

A: “I have been in an acting role for just under 2 years, but have been at the Durban University of Technology Student Counselling for eight years.
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Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: “I am a friendly and caring person.”
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Q: How do you cope with the slew of counselling sessions, especially with COVID-19?

A: “The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty. We have had to make a lot of ‘technological’ adjustments and now are offering counselling via online platforms to all students. At first it was anxiety provoking for all of us, but I found working with my supportive team made it a lot easier.  Personally, I remind myself to take it one day at a time and try not worry about things you cannot control but things you can control.”
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Q: How do you de-stress in your own capacity considering the mental capacity of your day?

A: “We all need an outlet for stress. When I was younger I was a competitive KwaZulu-Natal swimmer so exercise has always been my natural way of coping with stress. I now enjoy running and going to the gym to de-stress. I also think it is important to be aware of how you are feeling. If you having a bad day allow yourself to feel that feeling. Self-care is so important here. This may take the form of reading, watching series or having a nap. Lastly friends and family is very important to me. My six-year-old God son Dom always provides me much needed entertainment with many laughs!”
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Q: A typical day entails…..

A: “I am a morning person. My day usually starts around 5am with a run or going to the gym. Work starts at 8am which usually involves meetings, supervision of the intern psychologists and counselling sessions.  When I finish work at 16.30, I may head back to the gym or spend the afternoon with my God son.”
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Q: What are your hobbies?

A: “Running, CrossFit, relaxing with friends and family, reading about psychology and health. I also love the water so a surf swim at the beach is always on my to-do list.”
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Q: Your favourite moment in the day?

A: “Definitely the morning, having a coffee and waking up before the sunrise. I find with the work we do as psychologists we need time for ourselves and away from people. I like to spend the mornings on my own having my breakfast or with a good coffee and reflecting on what I need to do for the day.” 
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Q: Are you a series or reality TV person?

 A: “I do love series. Criminal minds comes to my mind. Maybe because of the work I do!” 
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Q: Your practical advice or mantra you follow and would impart to students is?

A: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand but listen with the intent to respond. Listen, listen and then listen some more.”