Prof Elmien Lesch holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology (University of the Free State) and a PhD in Psychology (Stellenbosch University). She has a specific interest in close relationships (both romantic and family relationships.) In line with this interest, she has pursued training in an evidence-based relationship-focused therapy model and is now a certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer. She also has a small practice where she focuses on providing relationship psychotherapy, and she frequently presents training events in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Prof Lesch is a NRF C-rated researcher. She coordinated the MA Clinical Psychology Programme from 2016 – 2023.