Dr. Micki Pistorius is a trailblazing psychologist, author, profiler, and academic who has profoundly impacted the fields of criminal psychology, literature, and education. As South Africa’s first psychological profiler, she pioneered the Investigative Psychology Unit for the South African Police Service, revolutionizing the approach to solving violent crimes. Her groundbreaking work in criminal profiling helped solve some of the country’s most notorious cases, and her expertise continues to be sought after worldwide.
Beyond her work in law enforcement, Dr. Pistorius is a celebrated author, having written several books, including the international bestseller Catch Me a Killer. Her writing bridges the gap between academia and the general public, offering deep insights into the human psyche while captivating readers with her storytelling.
An accomplished academic, she holds a doctorate in psychology and an Honours degree in Biblical Archaeology. Dr. Pistorius has lectured internationally, contributed to investigative psychology curricula, and continues to mentor future generations through her private practice and educational initiatives. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to understanding the complexities of human behavior and sharing that knowledge to create positive change.
Personal Life
Born on March 19, 1961, in Pretoria, Micki Pistorius was nurtured by parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for history and literature. Her nomadic childhood, attending multiple primary schools, culminated in matriculating at Hoërskool Menlo Park in Pretoria. She pursued a BA in Psychology and Languages at the University of Pretoria, further enriching her cultural perspective with travels across Europe, notably falling in love with Paris. Her personal experiences have profoundly influenced her professional endeavors, providing a rich tapestry of insights into human behavior.
Author
Dr. Pistorius’s literary journey is marked by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for storytelling. Her career in journalism spanned various media, including print and broadcast, where she covered diverse topics from general news to nature conservation. Her transition into psychology did not quell her writing; instead, it enriched it, leading to the publication of several acclaimed works. Her autobiography, Catch Me a Killer, became an international bestseller, offering an unflinching look into the world of criminal profiling. Through her books, she demystifies complex psychological concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Psychologist
In 1994, Dr. Pistorius obtained her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She was immediately appointed as the first psychological profiler for the South African Police Service, pioneering the Investigative Psychology Unit. Her groundbreaking work involved developing curricula for investigative psychology courses, training detectives, and directly contributing to solving numerous high-profile cases. Her expertise extends to private practice, where she addresses a spectrum of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and relationship counseling.
Academic & Skills Developer
Dr. Pistorius’s academic pursuits are a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and education. After earning her BA, she served as a junior lecturer in Social Psychology at the University of Pretoria while completing her Honours and Master’s degrees, both awarded cum laude. She later achieved her Doctorate in Psychology with a thesis on serial killers. Beyond her formal education, she has engaged in various training programs, both as a learner and an instructor, covering topics from forensic psychology to neuropsychology. Her commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident in her development of investigative psychology curricula and her mentorship of young minds through career counseling and study method seminars.