Research Supervisor: 

Ronald Addinall

Brief Biography:
Saeeda is a postgraduate clinical social work student at the University of Cape Town and a social worker at Westerford High School. She holds an Honours degree in Clinical Social Work (with a focus on substance abuse), is trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and is currently specialising in psychodynamic theory at a Master’s level. Her work is primarily with adolescents, while also engaging closely with families and collaborating with school staff to support the broader wellbeing of learners.

Her clinical approach is integrative, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of the client. Her experience includes facilitating DBT-informed groups, grief and study skills groups, reflecting a practical and responsive approach to the needs of young people within a school context. She has also gained experience supervising second-year social work students, an aspect of her work she finds particularly meaningful. This role has strengthened her commitment to reflective practice, ethical engagement, and supporting the development of emerging practitioners.

Her interest in the field is rooted in her passion for working with young people and engaging critically with the complexities they face in a fast-changing world.

Outside of her professional role, she enjoys staying active, being outdoors, and discovering new places.

Title of Dissertation:

Mental Health Practitioners’ Perceptions of the Influence of Pornography on Adolescents’ Psychosexual Development