Martsie Dreyer on limited career guidance, lecturing in Cairo, and moaning and groaning

A counselling psychologist whose core expertise lies in the strategic optimisation of human potential writes about children living abroad, a task that often frustrates her, singing in professional choirs, and savouring a glass of whiskey.

1. Tell us about your background.

I grew up on a beautiful farm in the Free State with loving parents and three brothers. Looking back, it was there that I learned the values that shaped me, as well as the foundations of business from my father. Both my parents had a love for music, and they passed that passion on to us from a very young age.

2. You studied music, with a focus on piano and vocal performance. What did it mean to you?

At the time, as is still often the case, career guidance was limited, and music was the only field that truly came to mind. My teachers and the career counsellor I consulted also encouraged it. Midway through my studies, I realised that teaching others in this field would not be the right path for me. After completing my degree in music, I learned about music therapy and decided to pursue that direction by continuing with psychology studies.

This led to a natural progression toward my master’s degree and internship in psychology. Unfortunately, music therapy was not yet established as a career in South Africa, and opportunities were scarce. I often say that I became a psychologist almost by coincidence.

My specialised music training, however, became invaluable when I was diagnosed with Ménière’s Syndrome in 2015. It enabled me to develop ways of using music to manage some of these challenging symptoms.

Cape Town. Image: Unsplash

3. You’ve lived in more than one big city. What is or was special about each?

I studied in Bloemfontein, then, after getting married, moved to Johannesburg. We later lived in Cape Town before returning to Johannesburg after twelve years. Throughout this time, wonderful work opportunities came my way.

The most enriching experience of all was the time I spent in Egypt—sometimes alone and sometimes with my family. Our children attended a private school there for six months while I lectured at the American University in Cairo. It was a privilege for all of us to live among Egyptians and learn from their rich culture.

Also listen to Martsie speaking about “55-plussers: mind shifts that support us at home and at work.”

4. Tell us about your children.

We have two wonderful sons, both married to remarkable women. Rudolph is married to an American lady whom he met while working in Korea, and Eduard and his wife have been living in Ireland for the past five years.

5. Are there ways to ease the challenge of living so far apart?

Yes, although it will always be a challenge, your attitude plays a significant role. It affects your relationship with your children and your own emotional well-being. My motto is to not wait for your children to contact you, you must contact them and ask them about their day.  Share optimistic energy, not blaming, moaning and groaning. The question is always, how will they remember you when you put the phone down?

Image: Unsplash

6. Do you have grandchildren?

I have five beautiful grandchildren. The eldest is six years old and the youngest is four months.

7. Which interests do you and your husband, Wynand, share?

We met while singing together in the University of the Free State Choir, and music remains something we both enjoy. We are also fortunate to share our lives with a close circle of wonderful friends. Wynand loves cooking, a task that often frustrates me, so he gladly takes that responsibility, giving me the freedom to spend my time in the garden. I handle the gardening work, and he always appreciates the care and effort I put into it. In the evenings, we enjoy watching documentary films together, me with my whiskey, and him with his Coke Zero.

8. Do you still love to sing? Do you express your thoughts and feelings in other creative ways?

I have been involved in singing throughout the years, often performing in professional choirs. Music remains my lifeline. I also enjoy working with my hands—sewing, creating, and gardening—whenever time and opportunity allow.

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More about Martsie

Martsie Dreyer is a counselling psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). At present she has a private practice, where she mostly works with mid-career changes.

Her career has spanned multiple industries and her core expertise lies in the strategic optimisation of human potential. She combines psychological insight with a practical understanding of business dynamics, offering comprehensive support in psychological assessment, selection and counselling.

Martsie has more than 10 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, focusing on behavioural risk assessment, particularly within high-pressure environments such as reality television. Her international contributions include active participation in a global task team designing a framework of Duty of Care for reality TV participants.

Email address: dreyer.martsie@gmail.com

Cell phone: 084 242 0775

Thumbnail: Unsplash

Image of Martsie Dreyer: supplied

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