About Me.
I am a product of uMdantsane in the Eastern Cape and Philippi Township in Cape Town, Western Cape. My professional life has been shaped by both experiences as a black queer man who grew up in some of the most loving townships in South Africa, and also my training through the University of Cape Town. Through training and professional experience I ground my work in decolonial social work and psychology, queer affirming counselling & psychotherapy, and systems' theory guides my interventions.
Education & Training:
2012-2015
BSW (Social Work & Psychology)
University of Cape Town
The degree was acquired with merits (Dean's Merit) and a Class Medal (Psycho-social Functioning & Empowerment).
2016-2018
M.Soc.Sci (Social Work)
University of Cape Town
The degree was awarded with distinction in the dissertation which investigated: Reintegrating Institutionalised Forensic Psychiatric Patients into Communities in the Western Cape, South Africa.
2020
Certification
Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, USA.
Psychodynamics of Childhood Trauma & Abuse (8 CE Credits)
2021
Certification
University of Washington, USA
Responding to Disasters: Mental Health Crisis Management
Experience
I completed my Social Work internship in Psychiatry where I worked in acute care and forensic psychiatry. This experience developed my competencies in caring for persons with severe psychiatric conditions while equally empowering their families with the necessary skills to cope.
I founded my private practise (Decolonial Mental Health) in 2018 and I've been providing counselling to individuals, couples and families since. From assessments to therapeutic interventions and family conflict resolution, my clients benefit from active rather than passive counselling.
Beyond clinical practise, my work experience ranges from being a Mental Health Consultant in Kigutu, Burundi to public health consultancy in Washington DC, USA. I have also worked in research through the WITS School of Public Health and I co-authored a research paper that is published on an international journal, titled: Strategies to strengthen the provision of mental healthcare at primary care settings.
I also have experience with managing Psychosocial Support, Student development programmes and scholarships for philanthropies and corporations in South Africa. This experience has exposed me to psycho-social challenges faced by students as they navigate university.
You are worthy of love even in the absence of healing. Love can find you on the healing journey, you don't need to be perfect to deserve it.
Zolani Metu, MSW