Psychotherapy is collaboration between a psychotherapist and a client (individual, couple, family or group). The purpose of therapy is to enter into a therapeutic journey in a safe and trusting environment where it is possible to deal with issues of a traumatic or psychological nature.
Building the inner strength and facing the trauma and distress of the past, present and anticipated future, the therapist and client are able to rewire, challenge and learn to deal with the life challenges that brought about the search for therapy.
Psychotherapy provides a safe, unbiased and confidential relationship with a trained professional to assess, understand and treat psychological distress, while also providing the opportunity to adjust and release unhealthy habits. Within a space of safety, psychotherapy can facilitate a heightened awareness and a sense of accountability that can add meaning and a sense of purpose to everyday life.
Therapist Toolkit
Treatment Areas:
- Trauma (sexual/physical/emotional abuse; accidents; medical operations; sudden or traumatic death of a loved one)
- PTSD, C-PTSD, ACE (adverse or traumatic developmental trauma)
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders, such as GAD, OCD and phobias
- Addictions, eating disorders
- Adjustment problems (e.g. new life phase/stage, changing circumstances)
- Relationship problems
- Identity/self-worth issues
- Stress management/lifestyle
- Mindfulness/Spiritual trauma
- Personal development
Tools in her toolkit include:
- Eye Movement Integration (EMI®)
- Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT®)
- Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE®)
- Ego State Therapy
- Resource Therapy
- Somatic Experiencing – SE® Year 2 – Intermediate
About the Therapist
Maria is a Clinical Psychologist who provides individual therapy to adults and students. Prior to joining our team, she worked for the Department of Defence for ten years, helping military families including young children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. During this time, she became interested in the field of trauma work – specifically Acute Stress Reactions and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is not only experienced in the line of duty, but also in everyday South African life with events like car hi-jackings, theft, bullying, physical and sexual assaults, medical trauma related to physical accidents, operations and illnesses, and developmental trauma such as childhood neglect and emotional abuse. She understands the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the body and mental health, and the correlation with many mood and anxiety disorders and physical illnesses.
Maria follows a systemic, integrative approach to therapy, drawing on her initial training in traditional psychotherapies such as the psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and person-centred approaches, and supplementing them with more recent, innovative and rapid transformative modalities in which she has completed her training.
She completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling at Stellenbosch University, as well as a Bachelors in Psychology degree. She also completed a Social Work major (degree equivalent) which has given her an added understanding of the systemic nature of relationships and the importance of social injustice and change to improve our individual and collective mental health as a country.
We call her our “multi-tasker” as she juggles work and family life with a smile on her face.
Maria enjoys spending time with her little one, savouring her husband’s cooking, walking or hiking, connecting with family and friends, music that stirs the soul, a good novel, and doing adventurous activities.
Consultations
Treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Medical Aid as well as Private Rates apply. We also apply for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) where applicable. Our practice is contracted in to Medical Aids. We submit claims to the medical aid on your behalf. The private fee can be paid in cash or via EFT.
Sessions are in English or Afrikaans.