Shelley Vickerman

I am a registered counsellor (PRC 0031763) and PhD candidate in Child and Family Studies at the University of the Western Cape, with a passion for health research that centres the voices of vulnerable populations. My doctoral research focuses on improving adolescent maternal health using the Human Capabilities Approach—a framework that recognises the full potential and agency of young mothers, beyond just their clinical needs.

Over the past several years, I’ve led and contributed to a number of multidisciplinary research projects, often using participatory methods such as digital diaries, arts-based workshops, and AI-assisted storytelling. These tools have allowed me to generate rich, nuanced data and translate complex experiences into meaningful, actionable insights, particularly in the areas of mental health, trauma, and access to healthcare.

I have authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications, presented my work at national and international conferences, and collaborated with researchers, clinicians, and community partners across various sectors. My background in counselling equips me with a strong psychosocial lens, which has been invaluable when working with diverse teams to design ethical, sensitive, and effective research processes.

I value collaboration and bring a unique combination of research rigour, therapeutic insight, and cultural awareness to any project I join. I am particularly interested in how research can inform patient-centred care, improve service delivery, and shape policy in ways that are inclusive and equitable, especially within the pharmaceutical and public health sectors.

I am a registered counsellor (PRC 0031763) and PhD candidate in Child and Family Studies at the University of the Western Cape. With over a decade of multidisciplinary experience across research, counselling, and academia, I bring a unique blend of psychological insight and research rigour to every project I engage with.

My research career spans qualitative, participatory, and applied health studies, with a strong focus on adolescent maternal health, gender-based violence, mental health, and healthcare access. I have led and contributed to numerous projects involving digital diaries, arts-based workshops, systematic reviews, and AI-enhanced research dissemination. My academic background includes an MA in Research Psychology and a BA Honours in Psychology, with a focus on marginalised populations.

Professionally, I’ve held roles as a lecturer, researcher, supervisor, and project assistant within university settings and public health contexts. I've worked across various interdisciplinary teams and international collaborations, including with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society and the Sinako Project. In addition to academic roles, I’ve served as a psychology practice manager and contributed to high-profile conferences and community-based interventions.

I have multiple peer-reviewed publications in areas such as mental health, rural healthcare, and gender and migration. I’ve presented at both local and international conferences, including the Thuli Madonsela Social Justice Summit and the Psychology South Africa Congress.

My counselling work includes trauma-informed care in shelters, schools, and community health centres in gang-infested areas, where I facilitated workshops, developed treatment plans, and supported clients dealing with sexual trauma, violence, HIV, and substance use.

With my strong foundation in ethics, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative engagement, I am well-positioned to contribute to multidisciplinary projects in the health, pharmaceutical, and social research sectors.

BPsych Hon (Psychology)

MA in Structured Research in Psychology (modules, thesis and internship) 

Current: PhD (data collected)