Psynet - Innovating through inquiry

About Me

Dr. Sifikile Songo-Mlilo (PhD)

My work focuses on understanding the interface between community practices, beliefs and morals and mental health.

I am a lecturer at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences. I have eleven publications and have earned nine travel and accommodation grants for research paper presentations, professional development and faculty exchange.

In the future, I intend to focus on interdisciplinary research with specific exploration of artificial intelligence ethics and artwork in mental health practice to inform policy in the field of psychiatry.

About Psynet: Psynet is a psychosocial company based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It is a provider of Employee Assistance Programmes, individual and group assessments and psychotherapy services, seminars and workshop facilitation, research consultation, curriculum development, career analysis and coaching. It targets corporate organizations, public organizations, non-profits and individuals.

Consulting Services

Individual/Group Counselling

Professional counselling services for individuals and groups to address psychological challenges and promote mental wellbeing.

Employee Assistance Programs

Comprehensive EAPs designed to support employee mental health and enhance organizational productivity.

Career Analysis

Professional career assessment and guidance to help individuals make informed career decisions and maximize their potential.

Seminar & Workshop Facilitation

Expert facilitation of seminars and workshops on mental health, psychosocial issues, and related topics.

Research Consultation

Specialized consultation for research projects in psychology, mental health, and related fields.

Module Writing

Development of educational modules and curriculum materials for psychology and mental health programs.

Research Projects

Young People's Research Initiative

Organization: SAYWHAT

Period: July 2026 - November 2026

Role: Research Assistant

Facilitating a research methodologies workshop, mentoring individual research in research paper writing and publication.

ProFuturo Project Rapid Assessment

Organization: World Vision Zimbabwe

Period: June 2025 - October 2025

Role: Co-consultant

Instrument adaptation and data analysis for the rapid assessment project.

Impact of Religion/Spirituality on HIV Care

Organization: University of Basel, Switzerland

Year: 2022

Role: Language translation & Online questionnaire administration

Studying the impact of religion/spirituality on HIV care outcomes in rural and urban Zimbabwe.

COVID-19 Healthcare Access Study

Organization: Africa University Child Rights Centre

Year: 2021

Role: Language translation

Research on motivators and barriers to access essential healthcare services during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy Assessment

Organization: Africa University Clinical Research Centre

Year: 2021

Role: Language translation & Online questionnaire administration

A rapid national assessment of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Zimbabwe.

Impact of Cyclone Idai upon Clergy

Organization: Africa University Clinical Research Centre

Year: 2019

Role: Facilitating focused group discussions

A rapid assessment of the impact of Cyclone Idai upon clergy members.

Selected Publications

Tele healthcare in the Post Covid-19 pandemic era: The Zimbabwe context

Exploration of telehealth implementation in Zimbabwe following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contextualising cultural sensitivity in Eurocentric and Afrocentric perspectives for psychological practise and research in Africa

Published in Annual Review of Critical Psychology Volume 17. Examination of cultural sensitivity in psychological practice across different cultural paradigms.
Attitudes and Perceptions on Mental Health Literacy of Teachers: A case of Odzi High School, Mutare District, Zimbabwe

Study examining teachers' understanding and perceptions of mental health literacy in a Zimbabwean context.
Cyclone Idai Related Losses and the Coping strategies of Adolescent survivors in Odzi Community Zimbabwe

Research on the impact of natural disasters on adolescent mental health and coping mechanisms.
Psych-Anthropological perspectives of natural hazards

Interdisciplinary examination of natural hazards through psychological and anthropological lenses.

Teaching & Credentials

I am currently a lecturer at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, where I contribute to the education and development of future psychology professionals. My teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications, particularly in the context of mental health in Zimbabwe and the broader African region.

Professional Credentials

Licensed Educational/Community Psychologist

(A/Psy 0413)

Certified Career Analyst (2024)

BCPA(INDIA)/ACCPH(UK)

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (2024)

University of Limpopo, South Africa

Certificate in Disability Inclusion in Education (2024)

University of Cape Town, South Africa

Certificate in Humanitarian Work (2016)

NUST, Zimbabwe

Master of Science in Community Psychology (2014)

Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology (2012)

Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (2007)

IPMZ, Zimbabwe

Diploma in Personnel Management (2005)

IPMZ, Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Technology: Education Management (2001)

Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Diploma in Education (1996)

University of Zimbabwe

Contact Me

Get in Touch

Dr. Sifikile Songo-Mlilo (PhD)

Psychosocial Consultant

Certified Career Analyst

+263 772 938 045

+263 712 685 152

psynet2002@gmail.com

Psynet Ltd

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Innovating through inquiry