Nelia

Dr Nelia Drenth

Registered Social Worker

An experienced and compassionate loss and grief therapist working primarily with adults and couples.

About Me

This experienced and compassionate therapist guides adults and couples through the profound journey of loss and grief. They offer an understanding, gentle space where emotions are processed without judgment. Clients seeking an empathetic partner to navigate sorrow will find dedicated support here. The focus is on helping people honour their feelings and discover pathways toward healing at their own pace.

Approach

When grief arrives I listen closely, helping you name shifting feelings and set a pace that feels manageable. Based in Pretoria, I offer sessions in English and Afrikaans. Sessions blend gentle exploration, practical coping strategies for illness, brain injury or life transitions with collaborative planning and gentle check-ins between meetings to support daily functioning. People navigating bereavement, health changes or major life shifts often find this steady, respectful approach helpful.
Contact Nelia

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Crisis Counseling

    Immediate, short-term psychological support during an acute mental health crisis such as a panic episode, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming distress.

  • Stroke Support

    The psychological aftermath of a stroke, which can include emotional changes, cognitive difficulties, grief over lost abilities, and family adjustment.

  • Wellness Support

    Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.

  • Rehabilitation

    Structured programmes that help people recover functioning after addiction, injury, or severe mental illness through therapy, skills training, and ongoing support.

    Learn more about Rehabilitation
  • Supervision

    Professional oversight for therapists and counsellors, providing guidance, ethical support, and reflective space for their clinical work.

    Learn more about Supervision
  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy
  • Training

    Professional development programmes for mental health practitioners, including workshops, courses, and continuing education.

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Brain Injury

    Damage to the brain caused by external trauma or internal events (e.g., stroke), which can affect cognition, emotions, personality, and physical abilities.

    Learn more about Brain Injury
  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Cancer Support

    The psychological and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and their loved ones, including fear, grief, and adjustment to treatment.

  • Chronic Illness

    A long-term health condition (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic pain) that persists over time and affects physical, emotional, and social well-being.

    Learn more about Chronic Illness
  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Retirement

    The transition from working life to retirement, which can bring loss of identity, purpose, routine, and social connection alongside newfound freedom.

    Learn more about Retirement

Professional Title:

  • Registered Social Worker

    A social worker registered with a regulatory body to provide social work services including therapy and case management.

Qualifications


University of Pretoria

University of Johannesburg

Registrations


South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Social Worker

Service Area


Dr Nelia Drenth

In-person

Moregloed

Pretoria, Gauteng

South Africa