Grounded is here to support the people who protect our wilderness — by providing free, confidential, and culturally attuned mental health care to conservationists in Southern Africa.

Whether you’re working in the field, fighting for endangered species, or carrying the weight of ecological loss, your mental well-being and strength matters.

Conservationists are often exposed to stress, trauma, and burnout. But mental health support is rarely built into the ecosystem of environmental work.

Why Grounded?

Grounded was created to fund and facilitate access to counseling for conservation professionals who are giving everything to protect biodiversity from remote and rural regions across Southern Africa.

We’ve partnered with TherapyNow, a trusted South African mental health service led by Elza Berk — a national leader in trauma-informed care and global mental health initiatives.

Their team of highly qualified counsellors:

• Offer online sessions via WhatsApp, Teams, Google Meet, or chat

• Speak multiple languages including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Sesotho, Xhosa, and Dutch

• Are registered with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or Association for supportive counsellors and holistic practitioners (ASCHP)

• Are trained in trauma, PTSD and burnout prevention

How It Works

1. Email TherapyNow by clicking the link here. Fill in your details and be sure to use your Conservation Work Email. TherapyNow will respond to you with a unique Code.

2. Choose your preferred counsellor (you can get to know each counsellor here should you have a preference).

3. Once you've received your code, follow the link here to book an online counselling session with TherapyNow.

4. Choose your preferred date and time.

5. Fill in your details, making sure to use your Conservation Work Email. Add your unique Code in the 'Coupon Code' section. Your details are confidential with TherapyNow.

6. Make the most of the session and don’t hesitate to have repeat sessions - These sessions are free to you, providing that they deal with issues relating to your work in conservation and any traumatic times or events you are experiencing.

What You Can Expect

• 100% Confidential - Only TherapyNow knows about your details and attendance. Not Us. Not your work.

• Complimentary Service - This is a free ongoing service for those working on the front lines of conservation.

• No Judgment - If you’re having a tough time with your work or feeling ‘hopeless’, we strongly support you to have a session!

• Speak Your Language - Expressing yourself in your native language is important which is why there are numerous bilingual counsellors

• Change Your Counselor Anytime - If you’re not vibing with your counsellor, you can try another for your next appointment.

• Crisis Support Available - If you need to talk to someone ASAP, TherapyNow can arrange a session within 2 hours of contact.

“The most important part of therapy is having a safe space to debrief. That’s what we’re here for.” – TherapyNow Team

Head to TherapyNow’s Privacy Policy and Terms for more information.

The Briandez Legacy Trust facilitates access to mental health services through TherapyNow, but is not a medical or emergency service. If you're experiencing a crisis, please contact a professional directly or seek emergency care.