I have specialized in the field of strengths-based psychology for a number of years. My research interest is in the facilitation of resilience, and in successful adaptation to / optimal performance within any context that poses challenges in terms of the maintenance of one’s psychological well-being.

Professor Alida Herbst is a registered social worker and currently Director of the School of Psychosocial Health. She practised for 13 years as medical social worker in 1 Military and the MediClinic Heart and Kloof hospitals where she gained expertise in the fields of narrative, trauma, grief and bereavement counselling; the psychosocial adjustment of patients with cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses; support to the families of such patients and the self-care of caregivers.

I studied Social Work at the then Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education for my junior BA (SW) and MA (SW) and later obtained PhD (SW) at the North West University.  I worked for the House of Representatives and later Department of  Health (20yrs) before joining NWU, Mahikeng Campus as a lecturer, now senior lecturer and Social Sciences.  My main focus has always been on the vulnerable like children and the aged. Great focus falls on Family and child issues, the youth and medical issues that impede optimum social functioning of individuals, families and groups in general, a