Ms Marliën Barnard

Clinical Psychologist

“Systems orientated psychotherapy for mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, grief and loss and PTSD. Approach includes CBT, somatic experiential work and gestalt and mindfulness techniques”

About me

I am a Clinical psychology practice based in Grootfontein , Pta, as well as Alberton , Gauteng, South Africa. I help clients with CBT based therapy, for anxiety and depressive episodes. clinical diagnostic assessment, trauma and grief counseling, online sessions and experiencial group therapy, including art-based techniques, music and drumming.

Approach

During in-person sessions or online, I blend structured dialogue with embodied exercises to help you track emotions, body responses and relational patterns. We move between short, focused CBT-style tasks, creative somatic experiments and mindful noticing, adjusting pace to what feels manageable. Between meetings I suggest simple mindfulness practices and reflective art and journaling prompts when helpful, and we review progress collaboratively. This way of working suits adults seeking practical change alongside deeper emotional processing.

Contact Marliën

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic information

Languages:

Afrikaans, English

Fees:

Direct payment

Grootfontein Country Estates, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

In -person and online individual psychotherapy offered for all clients. Group sessions in workshop format.

Services Offered:

Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling
Grief & Loss
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
Learn more about Grief & Loss
Hypnosis
A therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind and facilitate positive change.
Learn more about Hypnosis
Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy
Pain Management
Psychological approaches to chronic pain that address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions of living with persistent pain.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBT
Group Therapy
Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.
Learn more about Group Therapy
Guided Visualisation
A relaxation technique in which a therapist guides you through calming mental imagery to reduce stress, anxiety, or pain.
Skills Training
Structured programmes that teach practical coping and life skills, such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Learn more about Skills Training

Works With:

Adults
Groups
Individuals
Elderly
Families

Area of expertise

Scope of Practice:

Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
Bipolar
A mood disorder involving episodes of mania (abnormally elevated mood and energy) alternating with episodes of depression, affecting judgement, sleep, and daily functioning.
Learn more about Bipolar
Depression
A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.
Learn more about Depression
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.
Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Guilt or Forgiveness
Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or difficulty forgiving oneself or others that weigh on emotional well-being and relationships.
Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
Learn more about Life Transitions
Dream Work
The exploration of dream content (themes, symbols, and emotions) to gain insight into unconscious feelings, conflicts, and desires.
Learn more about Dream Work
Mood Disorder
A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.
Learn more about Mood Disorder
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a condition involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety.
Learn more about OCD
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Learn more about PTSD

Professional Title:

Clinical Psychologist
An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.