About Nikki Munitz
Nikki Munitz is a counsellor and self-development practitioner based in Cape Town. She has worked in addiction treatment and recovery since 2010, at Houghton House and the CHANGES treatment centres, before establishing Nikki Munitz & Associates.
She is the author of FRAUD, a memoir about addiction, imprisonment and self-discovery, and the creator of the Golden Key Programme, a twelve-week self-esteem programme developed with her mentor and now taught as the foundation of an accredited counsellor training course.
Since 2010 in the field. In recovery since 2008.
Nikki began working in addiction treatment after her own recovery. At Houghton House and the CHANGES treatment centres, setting up Freeman House before starting her own practice and Sandhurst Manor. She worked with people at every stage, from active addiction through to long-term reintegration.
That experience is the reason the practice looks the way it does. She saw people leave treatment with insight and motivation and then struggle at exactly the point where formal support ended, which is why aftercare, reintegration and family support sit at the centre of the work rather than at the edges.
Qualifications, memberships and development
Bachelor’s degree
BA General, UNISA, Class of 2014
Professional training
- Level 2 Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions — Athena Herd Foundation, ACCPH-accredited course, November 2023
- Intermediate Trauma-Informed Training — The Voyage, 52 hours CPD, July to November 2022
- DBT Foundations and Skills Training — The South African DBT Institute, HPCSA-accredited course, March 2022
- 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counselling — Houghton House, 2010
- Counselling the Addicted Communities — Houghton House, 65 Hours, July 2010
Professional memberships
- ACCSA — Since 12 October 2016
- Council for Counsellors — Registered Counsellor
- ISSUP — International Society of Substance Use Professionals – Since November 2020
Continuing professional development
- UKESAD — UK and European Symposium on Addictive Disorders
What Nikki works with
- Recovery, reintegration and long-term change
- Self-esteem, identity and self-worth
- Disordered eating and body image
- Relationships, boundaries and communication
- Family systems around addiction
- Burnout and the point at which coping stops working
- Direction, purpose and personal development
What Nikki refers on:
Where there are concens requiring specialist psychiatric, psychological, medical, nutritional or other clinical intervention – We refer to the appropriately qualified and registered professional where needed. With the client’s consent, Nikki can remain involved in a supportive or case-management capacity, working collaboratively with the relevant professionals to help ensure continuity of care.
The practice
Nikki Munitz Self Development Consultancy, trading as Nikki Munitz & Associates, is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations as a Skills Development Provider. The practice offers counselling, structured programmes, online recovery groups, retreats, counsellor training and recovery management for individuals and families.
It works face to face in Cape Town, and online across South Africa and internationally.
Nikki also has an interest in a secondary care facility in Cape Town, and works with facilities across the country and abroad.
Author and speaker
Nikki’s memoir, FRAUD, was published in 2024. She speaks at conferences, on podcasts and at events on self-esteem, recovery and behavioural change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nikki Munitz’s qualifications?
A bachelor’s degree, trauma-informed training through The Voyage, DBT Level 1, the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counselling, equine facilitated interactions certification through the Athena Herd Foundation, eating disorder training and Enneagram Level 1 with continuous professional development
Is Nikki a registered psychologist?
No. Nikki is a counsellor and self-development practitioner. Where somebody needs psychological or psychiatric care, she refers them to the appropriate professional and coordinates with them.
How long has Nikki been doing this work?
Nikki has been in recovery since 2010, at Houghton House and the CHANGES treatment centres, setting up Freeman House before starting her own practice and Sandhurst Manor. Author of FRAUD and creator of the Golden Key Programme.
Does Nikki have personal experience of addiction?
Yes. Nikki has been in recovery since December 2008 and writes about it openly in her memoir, FRAUD
Where is Nikki based?
Cape Town, with online sessions and groups available across South Africa and internationally.
Is the training accredited?
Yes. Nikki Munitz Self Development Consultancy t/a Nikki Munitz & Associates is accredited by the QCTO as a Skills Development Provider for the Community Counsellor programme at NQF Level 5.