Vibrant and charismatic with a spring in his step, known to be a humble and modest soul.
Paul Bushell is a well-known figure in the community and a psychologist by profession. We were able to interact with him and reverse the roles, as we had the chance to ask the clichèd “how does that make you feel?”
With a very active lifestyle, where he juggles family life and a booming professional career, also working closely with Khulisa and organising events in between, Mr Bushell never misses the opportunity to seize the moment.
Born in 1985 at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital, Mr Bushell was ecstatic to share his experience of coming back to his roots and living in Newcastle as an adult.
“I feel honoured to come back here and be an adult in a place where I grew up,” gushed Mr Bushell.
He spent his schooling career by attending St Dominic’s Academy, from primary school all the way through to high school, where he was elected as head prefect in 2002 and matriculated later that year.
“The school is still a very special place for me as I visit and perform leadership workshops with the pupils. I also have a good relationship with them,” said Mr Bushell.
He modestly calls himself average when asked to describe what type of child he was growing up.
His mum, Debbie Bester, plays a great role in his life and is significantly important to him.
“Paul was an angel child, never got into trouble and always actively involved,” said Mrs Bester.
Considering himself fortunate to have grown up in an environment surrounded by love, care and support from his mother, Mr Bushell expresses nothing but gratitude toward his family.
Mr Bushell has a younger sister, Amy Bushell, who he affectionately considers his best friend and an essential part of his life. Their relationship as siblings was cemented by the love from their mother and stepfather.
“My mum gave us the freedom to do whatever we wanted. We both felt safe and protected enough to try anything at least once.
Even though we didn’t always succeed, we left the situation feeling confident enough to attempt something new,” laughed Mr Bushell.
Attaining a tertiary education at Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, Mr Bushell majored in Psychology and later graduated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a master’s degree in Psychology.
“I am hoping to pursue a PhD in Psychology this year,” he said.
Mr Bushell has also been abroad and he lived in Japan for two years and thereafter in Italy for a few months.
Moving back to Newcastle four years ago, he opened his own practice and initially found the experience daunting.
“I remember when I just opened my practice in Newcastle. That month I must have had one patient, and I thought to myself this was going to be difficult,” recalled Mr Bushell.
Now he is proud to announce that he has a practice in Newcastle as well as Ladysmith, both flourishing.
Mr Bushell has been actively involved in Khulisa Social Solutions, a non-profit organisation for the last four years.
“Khulisa has given me many opportunities to expand my work not only in the Newcastle, Dundee and Ladysmith areas, but also in Durban and Johannesburg,” said Mr Bushell.
“I’m grateful to have grown that part of my career; it is rewarding to work with Khulisa as they have allowed me to work with the whole community, whereas in my counselling I’m working with one person. I like to find solutions for the entire community.”
He expresses his passion for the community as a bit selfish, as it motivates him and he thrives on the feeling of satisfaction and reward when he plays a part in changing someone’s life.
“On a selfish level it feels good for me, but in the same breath, we don’t live in isolation, we live in a community. If I can uplift my neighbour’s life and even the lives in the townships, there is more security in my life; it is a system, we all have a responsibility to do that,” said Mr Bushell.
The stigma that is attached to Psychology is not only experienced in South Africa but abroad as well as Mr Bushell emphasises the misconceptions.
“People feel ashamed to talk about their thoughts to other people and talking to a professional they feel as if they will be judged,” said Mr Bushell.
In his professional opinion, people handle physical trauma better than they would if diagnosed with a clinical disorder.
“They believe no one will judge them if they get diabetes, but feel they will be judged if they are diagnosed with depression,” said Mr Bushell.
By educating people on the disorders and signs to recognise psychological disorders, there would be no stigma attached to seeking help.
“Don’t suffer alone. There are professional people like myself, who are here to help you. Psychology is not only for diagnosable disorders but also allows one to make sense of the world,” advised Mr Bushell.
As a psychologist, Mr Bushell deals with his fair share of everyday struggles in his personal and professional life.
“I don’t feel that my job is more onerous in comparison to others.
“I believe everyone works hard and I find ways to deal with my work stress and pressures. I sometimes seek counselling myself, ” he admitted.
Speaking about his proudest achievements, he modestly acknowledged his tertiary awards, such as obtaining his master’s degree.
“The moments in life that no one witnesses, such as the small victories in my profession, are sometimes the biggest rewards and highlights of my life.”
Working abroad was a humbling experience, he said.
“Sometimes doing things differently is not wrong. Everyone has a story to tell. I am in no position to say mine is more right.”
Mr Bushell’s role model, even before he became a psychologist, is Nelson Mandela.
“I believe the essence of Mandela was that he wasn’t perfect and he lived out his ideals,” he said.
Being involved in Khulisa and the community at large, Mr Bushell has had the opportunity to meet famous people like Peggy Sue Khumalo, Miss South Africa 1995, as they worked on a project together.
“I was fortunate enough to meet Ms Khumalo and when I hear her talk, I think a little bit of Mandela resonates from her. I admire her a lot,” said Mr Bushell.
In a profession that involves meeting people from different walks of life, both famous and the average Joe, we asked Mr Bushell what kept him grounded.
“It is firstly my sister; she puts me in line and secondly it is my work that keeps me humble. I understand that life is difficult and people make mistakes, but ultimately everything will be okay.”
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