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
Approach
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Services
Services Offered:
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Psycho-Legal
Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
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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.
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Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
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Parenting Support
Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.
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Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
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Trauma Therapy
Therapeutic approaches specifically designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences.
Learn more about Trauma Therapy
Professional Title:
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Social Worker (Mental Health)
A social worker specialising in mental health, providing therapy, case management, and support for people with psychological conditions.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy
DoctorateUniversity of The Free State
Year: 2025
Master of Social Work
MastersUniversity of the Free State
Year: 2012
Bachelor of Social Work
BachelorUniversity of The Free State
Year: 2008
Registrations
South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
Social Worker
Memberships
South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP)
Service Area
