Meet social worker, psychology expert Sharon Shirinda

With a background in both social work and counselling psychology, Sharon Shirinda embodies a unique blend of compassion, expertise, and dedication, enriching the lives of individuals and families across South Africa.

Her journey into the realm of mental health care began in her formative years, growing up in Atteridgeville, a township in Pretoria. Reflecting on her childhood Shirinda speaks fondly of the support and stability provided by her family, which included her parents and three siblings.

She acknowledges the privilege of having both parents present, recognising the prevalence of single-parent and child-headed households in the country. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for familial bonds and community support, laying the foundation for her future aspirations.

With a keen interest in humanities, Shirinda embarked on her educational journey with aspirations of pursuing psychology. However, upon learning about the challenges of gaining acceptance into a master’s program in psychology, she decided to explore alternative paths. This led her to social work, a field that resonated with her values of social justice and community empowerment.

In 2014 she pursued a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Pretoria as her primary focus while also studying psychology, laying the groundwork for a career that would seamlessly blend the two disciplines.

One of the key differences Shirinda highlights between social work and counselling psychology is the scope of intervention. As a social worker, she emphasises grassroots interventions and addresses immediate social needs, such as connecting individuals with essential services and resources.

“The integration of social work and counselling psychology is crucial because you can’t address mental health issues in isolation from socioeconomic factors that impact individuals. It’s about recognising that therapy alone isn’t enough when individuals are facing systemic challenges like unemployment, poverty, and crime, we need a multidisciplinary approach to address the holistic needs of the person,” she emphasises.

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Reaching rural communities

Her experiences in unconventional settings, such as the Phelophepa Transnet Health Train, have provided her with invaluable insights into the intersection of mental health and community outreach. Stationed in remote communities, she encountered the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, as well as the challenges of providing short-term interventions in resource-limited settings.

“It’s a Transnet initiative, a healthcare train that reaches remote communities across South Africa. Stationed for a few weeks, it offers various clinics like optometry, dental, and psychology, providing services where people are, eliminating the need to travel to hospitals or health care centres,” she adds.

Shirinda remains committed to maximising the impact of her interventions and advocating for greater awareness and support for mental health issues. Looking to the future, her aspirations extend beyond clinical practice.

With her recently completed tertiary studies in counselling psychology and an upcoming board exam to be able to practice in the field, she envisions herself as a mentor and advocate, guiding aspiring mental health professionals.

Through initiatives like mentorship programmes and community workshops, Shirinda aims to bridge the gap between social work and counselling psychology, fostering a holistic approach to mental healthcare in South Africa.

Sharon’s advice to aspiring mental health professionals is, “Don’t walk alone. See the council of other professionals and remember the power of the people you serve.”