Bongiwe

Ms Bongiwe Khumalo

Social Worker (Mental Health)

“An experienced Social Worker working with: people who are infected and affected by HIV, adolescents, families and communities”

About Me

Bongie Khumalo, a Mental Health Social Worker, offers compassionate support to adolescents, families, and communities. She helps individuals and families navigate the unique complexities of living with or being affected by HIV. Bongie creates a collaborative, understanding space for clients to explore their experiences and build resilience. Her practical approach provides tools to strengthen relationships and foster well-being. This helps clients find clear ways forward.

Approach

With adolescents, families and community members living with HIV, I guide sessions that balance practical problem-solving and gentle emotional processing. In Vryheid and online I use English, isiZulu and other home languages so ideas land where they matter and follow-up feels doable. Sessions move at your pace — safety checks, short plans, advocacy when needed, and simple between-session practices to manage grief, stress or traumatic memories. People looking for steady, hands-on support from a social work perspective tend to find this way helpful.
Contact Bongiwe

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Advocacy

    Services that help individuals navigate healthcare, education, or social systems to ensure their mental health needs are recognised and met.

    Learn more about Advocacy
  • Crisis Counseling

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

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Trauma Counseling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counseling
  • Wellness Support

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

  • Social Work Services

    Organised social work support including case management, counselling, advocacy, and connection to community resources.

  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management
  • Training

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

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Children
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Grief & Loss

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

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Divorce Counseling

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

  • 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
  • HIV / AIDS Support

    The psychological impact of living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma, disclosure, medication adherence, and emotional well-being.

Professional Title:

  • Social Worker (Mental Health)

    A social worker specialising in mental health, providing therapy, case management, and support for people with psychological conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Social Worker

Qualifications

University of the Free State

Service Areas

Private Practice Office

In-person & Online

Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa

Vryheid, South Africa