Therapists in Stellenbosch

All parents want the best for their children. However, you or your child may sometimes experience difficult situations, such as trauma, adjustments, and losses. Children may then need extra emotional support to work through their emotions. A change in the child's behaviour will be an indication that he or she needs extra help. Children may either have more energy and act out, or they may have less energy and become withdrawn, wanting to isolate themselves from society. In both of these cases, help is available for your child. Marie-Louise van Heerden is a social worker (B.SW) with a master's degree in play-based intervention (M.SW).

Rachelle completed her Masters in Psychology (specialisation Play Therapy) in 2014. In the years following her Master's degree, Rachelle has also completed training as a Neuro-therapist and Tomatis practitioner, as well as the BPsych Psychometry program offered through the University of Stellenbosch. Rachelle has worked in numerous countries and at different schools and institutions where she offered training and support for teachers and caregivers on how to manage the behaviour of children, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), developmental delays, and childhood trauma.

I offer online and in-person psychotherapy (individual, couple’s, and group) to adults and adolescents (aged 14+). I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds and with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. I enjoy working with students and also have a particular interest in women's health, anxiety and stress, depression, and infertility. I also offer psychoeducational groups and personal growth workshops.

I am a mental health practitioner based in Stellenbosch and operating within the wider Cape and Winelands region, I offer in-depth, client-centred counselling for individuals or groups. ​ Experienced in trauma-informed counselling and debriefing, this is the foundation of my counselling approach, I practice across various special interest fields, relying on psychological modalities that fit each client. ​ My purpose is to assess, support and provide psycho-educational guidance to improve day-to-day mental wellbeing of my clients. I do not offer diagnosis or treatments.

Inhale Hope. Exhale Peace.

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist (PS 0098035), with over 15 years experience offering brief and long term psychotherapeutic intervention, clinical assessment, case management, group psychotherapy and clinical supervision (individual and group therapy). I have practiced in a variety of settings, including the higher education context (including student wellness services at both the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University from 2008-2017), the primary health care setting, the private sector and, more recently, within the context of addiction (Bloemendal Addiction Treatment) and neurodiversity.

Operating from Stellenbosch, nestled in the heart of the historic Cape Winelands, I am an experienced clinical psychologist qualified to diagnose and treat a host of mental health issues. Passionate about working with adolescents, adults, couples and families; services range from managing day-to-day life stresses to treating severe mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. My focus is on working with clients in a way that best suits their unique needs. I am dedicated to providing client-centered interventions within a warm and tranquil setting.

I offer a reflective space and collaborate relationship for individuals, couples and families who are willing to engage in a process to better understand and think about their emotional and inner lives. Goals therefore does not only include symptom reduction, but longer term understanding and change.

There are times in life when we feel stuck and there seems to be no way forward. You might struggle to concentrate, feel anxious and stressed all the time, lie awake at night, and get angry for no apparent reason. You might also experiences more severe symptoms like phobias, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, self harm, eating disorders etc. The reason might not be apparent, but sometimes it might relate back to unresolved traumatic experiences you've had growing up like bullying, sexual abuse or rape, family violence, sibling rivalry, parents divorce, death of a loved one.

If you need to drastically transform your life and career, you are in the right place. I can help you radically improve your relationships, make major career transitions, and become the best version of yourself! I believe in the elasticity of human potential and that anyone can change given the right resources and professional guidance. With 18 years’ combined experience in psychology, corporate consulting, and education, I know what sticks and brings about real and sustainable change in people. My coaching sessions are high-impact and practical to equip people with the necessary skills to thrive despite life’s adversities.

Assessing and supporting children and youth in ways that will inspire and empower them to actualize their own potential

Are you suffering from stress? Do you have unresolved issues and childhood traumas? Are you a victim of sexual and other form of abuse you are struggling to overcome? Are you uncertain about the degree you wanna study? Are you having relationship issues? You have chosen a right Counsellor for your issues to be unpacked.

Are you feeling anxious and alone? Life feels overwhelming and you need a safe space to converse and process what is happening in your life. You want to feel empowered, motivated, and confident to take on this life. The healing process is painful but the reward is freedom in your emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Your mental health is the wealth for your future.

I am passionate about working with individuals invested in their own personal growth and are willing to invest time, energy and money into their quality of life. I believe strongly in being personally responsible for how you react to events/situations/people, how you shape your life with choices and how you define who you are. I frequently work with individuals processing a variety of life transitions, and those with struggle with symptoms of anxiety and low mood. I value openness to feedback, motivation to engage in a deeper process and a desire to change.

Most of us will be exposed to distressing or difficult events in our lifetime. However, in some cases, these traumatising experiences can have a last effect on our mental wellbeing and day-to-day life. When we are unable to process these events, mental illness such as PTSD, depression and anxiety may emerge. Often, we do not realise that these past traumas often surfaces as complex mental issues- even after many years of the traumatic event. I can help you work through the difficulties you are facing and guide you towards health and wellbeing once again.

The problem of uncertainty haunts many people. Uncertainty about themselves, the world around them and the future often results in anxiety. This creates difficulty to be yourself and to be happy with the way you live your life. I also focus on a different type of uncertainty. When we forget, struggle to organise our lives and to express our thoughts, we become concerned about the quality of our thinking abilities. The evaluation of these abilities provide more clarity on what the underlying cause may be and where to find the right help and support for individuals and their families.

Seeking therapy can be daunting, so I'd like to tell you about my therapeutic approach and what you can expect. Through psychotherapy I journey with you in the pursuit of self-awareness and healing. ​In my sessions I promote gaining insight into yourself and processing emotions linked to past and present experiences. We will work to explore current difficulties and I will provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. In your first session you and I will discuss your needs and treatment goals to assist in personalising your therapeutic experience. 

I offer long-term individual psychotherapy therapy to adults. I am interested in working with people with a wide range of concerns. People who see me for therapy might be seeking: greater self-understanding; help with difficulties with relationships, life changes, overwhelming emotions, or in coping with a “psychological disorder.”

I'm a Registered Social Worker with an Honours Degree in Psychology. Completed my Psychology Masters (By thesis) with a Family psychology focus at Stellenbosch University. I offer a confidential, safe therapeutic space for clients struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship concerns, Stress management, addiction or family conflict.