Leandie Buys - Relationship Therapist & Clinical Sexologist
Leandie Buys, MHSSH | Sexual Health
Over the past seventeen years, Leandie Buys has built a thriving practice as a successful relationship therapist and clinical sexologist in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa.
Leandie has helped thousands of couples in crisis to overcome their physical and relationship-based issues, and is passionate about her holistic approach to therapy, which incorporates an individual’s physical environment, mental health, physical health, emotional health and sexual health.
She is also a sex addiction therapist, certified by the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP).
Her focus is on helping couples build successful marriages, counselling trauma victims, and supporting sex addicts through therapy and the recovery process.
Formerly a police hostage negotiator for the SAPS, Leandie realised that a lack of relationship skills, and a breakdown in communication between loved ones were the root cause of the majority of cases she dealt with. This led her to pursue a career in relationship counselling and clinical sexology.
Her success in trauma and crisis situations as a hostage and suicide negotiator led to her being voted one of nine finalists for the “Woman of Distinction 2005” award in Port Elizabeth.
She is also the author of Seasons of Sex, which is available in both English and Afrikaans. The book features a number of case studies of couples in various stages of a relationship (dating, marriage, new parents, infidelity, menopause) and how they dealt with the different crises.
More about Leandie Buys:
- Leandie obtained a Master’s degree in Health Sciences (Sexual Health) from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2006 and now runs her own successful practice in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.
- In the field of sexology, she gained international experience working at Impotence Australia, Repromed, and Shine SA (Sexual Health Information Networking & Education SA Inc.) – all three of which are recognised Australian leaders in the field of sexology. Because sexology is a relatively new discipline in South Africa, she chose to study at the University of Sydney in order to obtain the relevant qualifications and academic background.
- In September 2008, Leandie obtained her Registered Counsellor’s qualification in trauma counselling and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This allows clients to claim from medical aid for consultations.
- In December 2009, she released her first book titled “Seisone van Seks.” The English version, Seasons of Sex, is now available.
- In 2010, Leandie ran a weekly column in the Weekend Post with Q&A about sexual health and education.
- In February 2010, she was featured on a weekly radio slot on local station, Algoa FM for four years. The show proved extremely popular and highlighted a range of topics from sexual dysfunction to conflict in the relationship.
- She is a contributing expert to various other media, including Women's Health Magazine, Men's Health Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Fairlady, Your Parenting Magazines, FHM Magazine, Femina, Shape, Longevity, Weigh Less, Soul Magazine, Real Simple, Living and Loving and Elle Magazine.
- Leandie is also a member of SAS - Society of Australian Sexologists.
- In 2015, Leandie received accreditation as a certified sex addiction therapist. This was obtained through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) under Dr Patrick Carnes. She is now a specialist in treating chronically problematic sexual behaviours such as recurring infidelity, watching excessive online pornography, repeated patronage of commercialised sex services and other secretive or poorly controlled sexual behaviours that compromise personal values and interfere with a healthy, happy and meaningful life.
