Melissa Adendorff

Melissa Adendorff

Melissa is an experienced addictions counsellor with a bachelor’s degree in psychology through SACAP, among a host of other qualifications including a PHD in history of ancient cultures.

Melissa has worked in a number of institutions as a counsellor and performance coach as well as in the academic environment as an editor and lecturer.

Whether in an academic, technical or counselling role, she encourages multi-disciplinary approaches. She has a special interest in issues of othering in society and believes in empowering individuals with inner and intrapersonal communication skills to allow for the development of autonomy and efficacy.

In the therapeutic environment, she is skilled in individual and group therapy, psychosocial and development counselling, trauma debriefing and support for individuals and groups.

Melissa is involved in several extramural activities including ballet, martial arts and indoor climbing.

She has been in stable recovery from active addiction for eight years.

The most incredible reward in the line of work I’m in is seeing when patients start to believe that change is possible, that they can do better for themselves, and that I get be present for their journey towards self-love.

Changes Addiction Rehab professional memberships and accreditations

Changes Addiction Rehab is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development (Practice No. 0470000537861) and the Department of Health, and is a registered detox facility and practice with the Board of Healthcare Funders. Our treatment programme is led by counsellors registered with the HPCSA, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals under a unified practice. We are proud, standing members of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, the South African Council for Social Service Professions, the South African Medical Association, the South African Nursing Council and the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Changes Addiction Rehab has been in continuous professional operation since 2007, when it was founded by Sheryl Rahme, who has worked in the addiction treatment field since 1984. Our core clinical team brings over 100 years of combined professional addiction recovery experience.