Dr Vanessa Marais Clinical Psychologist Kylemore

Dr Vanessa Marais Clinical Psychologist

About Dr. Vanessa Marais

Dr. Vanessa Marais is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 27 years in the field. She began her career working in a government hospital for six years, where she held a dual appointment with the University of the Free State. During this time, she also lectured in psychology at the Medical Department and supervised psychiatric interns in psychotherapy.

For the past 23 years, Dr. Marais has been in private practice, initially in Kimberley for 14 years, and then in Bloemfontein since 2008. She has worked at M-Care Optima Hospital, providing individual therapy to adolescents and adults, and facilitating group therapy. Her expertise extends to marital and sex therapy, as well as working with cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer.

Dr. Marais’ passion lies in helping patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges related to chronic illness and trauma. She has recently completed her PhD in holistic therapeutic interventions for breast cancer patients, which reflects her long-standing commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families.

Services Offered

Dr. Marais provides a variety of therapeutic services, including:

• Individual Therapy: She specializes in helping adolescents and adults work through anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship issues. Her work focuses on personalized, evidence-based approaches to meet each patient’s unique needs.

• Marital and Sex Therapy: Dr. Marais offers couples therapy, helping couples navigate relationship challenges, improve communication, and address intimacy issues.

• Trauma and Anxiety Therapy: With significant experience in treating trauma-related anxiety, Panic Disorder, and anxiety related to physical illness, Dr. Marais offers effective strategies to manage and overcome these conditions.

• Cancer Support Therapy: Dr. Marais has a special interest in working with cancer patients, especially breast cancer patients, and their families. She offers holistic therapeutic interventions to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.

• Support for Terminally Ill Patients: Dr. Marais also works with terminally ill patients, offering emotional support and coping strategies for both the patient and their families.

Additional Information

Optima@RustenVrede is a private psychiatric clinic located in the scenic Banhoek Valley near Stellenbosch. The clinic is surrounded by mountains and is next to Hillcrest Berry Farm, providing a peaceful and conducive environment for healing.

The clinic offers three units: one for children and parents, one for teens, and one for adults. The multidisciplinary team at Optima includes psychiatrists, paediatricians, clinical psychologists, neuro-psychologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and physiotherapists. This comprehensive team ensures that patients receive the most effective, personalized care possible.

The clinic treats a broad range of mental health conditions, developmental disorders, and crisis situations. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs, and stays typically last for two weeks, depending on the patient’s progress and medical aid coverage.

To book an appointment with Dr. Vanessa Marais, you can contact 082 929 5699 or email vanessa.marais@vodamail.co.za.