Mariette

Dr Mariette van Straaten, PhD

Social Worker (Mental Health)

“I am a social worker in private practice specializing in phyco-legal service, such a diversions, forensic assessment and pre-sentence reports and disaster social work”

About Me

I offer specialised support for individuals navigating complex psycho-legal situations. My work includes forensic assessments and pre-sentence reports, providing clear, objective insights. I also assist those impacted by disasters, helping to process traumatic experiences. Clients find my approach provides a vital bridge between personal challenges and legal or recovery processes. It offers a grounded path forward during difficult times.

Approach

My clinical work strikes a balance between measured assessment and practical support, moving seamlessly between evidence-gathering and focused emotional processing, so that clients feel both seen and clearly understood. Sessions in Bloemfontein or online, in Afrikaans or English, are structured and time-conscious, with space for reflection, safety planning, and collaborative goal-setting. This approach suits people navigating complex court or disaster-related challenges who want steady, practical guidance.
Contact Mariette

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Play therapy Therapy Parenting plans Forensic assessments Diversion programs Youth-at-risk programs

Services Offered:

  • Psycho-Legal

    Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.

  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Child Protection

    Services focused on safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, or harm, including assessment, intervention, and family support.

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Ukraine Aid

    Mental health support specifically for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, including refugees, displaced families, and those experiencing war trauma.

  • Mediation

    A structured process in which a neutral third party helps people in conflict reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

    Learn more about Mediation
  • Social Work

    A profession that supports individuals and families with mental health, welfare, housing, and access to community resources.

    Learn more about Social Work
  • Medico-Legal

    The intersection of psychology and law, involving psychological assessments and expert reports for legal proceedings such as personal injury, custody, or disability claims.

  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy

Works With:

  • All ages

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Trauma Therapy

    Therapeutic approaches specifically designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences.

    Learn more about Trauma Therapy

Professional Title:

  • Social Worker (Mental Health)

    A social worker specialising in mental health, providing therapy, case management, and support for people with psychological conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Social Worker

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy

University of The Free State

Year: 2025

Master of Social Work

University of the Free State

Year: 2012

Bachelor of Social Work

University of The Free State

Year: 2008

Memberships

South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP)

Service Areas

Giving Hope Johanna & Die Pikkewyntjie

In-person & Online

Helicon Heights

Bloemfontein, Free State

South Africa

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Helicon Heights, Bloemfontein, South Africa