Yumna Zubi

Every individual has a unique story, and I would like to share a part of my journey in the mental health sphere. After earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2012, I embarked on an enriching journey through various institutions.  

Interning at Tara H. Moross Centre and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital marked the beginning of my professional journey, building a foundation in clinical experience. At Tara, I honed my skills by working with in-patients and out-patients facing severe psychopathology. Engaging in group therapies and learning and implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs, I gained invaluable experience in in-patient psychotherapy and support group facilitation. My subsequent role at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital further deepened my expertise. Here, I focused on individual and group therapies in the severe psychopathology ward for females and contributed significantly to the Suicide Clinic, conducting numerous suicide risk assessments and interventions. 

After my internship, my tenure at Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital was marked by extensive work with multi-drug resistant and extreme drug-resistant TB patients. For the first six months, I independently managed the Psychology Department, including the Pediatric Ward. I provided individual therapy and organised support groups to help patients cope with physical and terminal illnesses. This experience of working with terminally ill patients has taught me so much about life and the questions we face when confronting our own mortality. Mentoring interns from Tara’s Outreach Programme was a cornerstone of my experience, laying the groundwork for my passion for mentorship. 

In 2013, I transitioned into private practice as the CEO of The Couch, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. My journey in private practice was enriched by participating in the Healthcare Accelerator programme by GE and Standard Bank in 2017 and the Harvard ManageMentor programme in 2018. These programs equipped me with advanced clinical, technical, and business skills to enhance patient care and practice management. This experience ignited my enthusiasm for business, which led to the development of the Business of Private Practice workshop, designed to help other practitioners build and manage successful practices. Over the years, I have also entered corporate spaces, tailoring corporate wellness workshops to each business's needs. These workshops aim to promote mental health awareness, reduce stress, and enhance overall workplace well-being. 

At The Couch, I specialise in therapies for adult psychopathology, with a specific focus on Schizophrenia. My research, "Recollected Experiences of First Hospitalisation for Acute Psychosis Among Persons Diagnosed with Schizophrenia in South Africa," published in the South African Journal of Psychiatry, was also presented at the International Conference on Psychiatry and Mental Health, contributing to the advancement of mental health care. Working in healthcare over the years has taught me the importance of implementing a value-based healthcare system that prioritises outcome-based care, ensuring we address patient needs empathetically and deliver meaningful improvements to patient well-being.

Initiating Dialectical Behavioural Therapy at the practice in 2014 paved the way for the development of other workshops and group therapies. Beyond my specialisation, I have a profound passion for working with couples. This passion led to the creation of Grow, a workshop designed to help couples understand and navigate the dynamics shaping their relationships. Through Grow, I empower couples with practical tools to enhance communication, deepen connections, and foster both personal and relational growth. Additionally, with a strong emphasis on collaboration within a multidisciplinary team for a holistic recovery experience, the latest programme, Neurofrogsticity, emerged as a pioneering approach to addiction.

Now that you know a bit about my journey and dedication, I'm here to learn about yours. Whether you're a patient seeking support or a business owner looking to understand mental health better, I'm ready to partner with you on your path to well-being.