Marleen Laubscher Clinical Psychologist

24/07/2025

Today is International Self-Care Day, and while the internet is filled with quotes and candles, I want to bring it back to what self-care really is.

It’s not just what looks good from the outside.
It’s what actually supports your nervous system, your healing, your wholeness.

Sometimes that’s a walk.
Sometimes it’s boundaries.
Sometimes it’s letting the dishes wait because you need to cry or breathe or rest.

Self-care that’s rooted in awareness, not perfection. That meets you where you are and asks:
👉 “What do I need, and how can I support myself with kindness?”

So today, if you can—pause.
Breathe.
Listen inward.

And if all you do is recognise that you're a human being with needs? That’s enough.

21/07/2025

We know that life doesn’t always leave room for midweek, midday therapy appointments.

That’s why we’re now offering a limited number of weekday sessions after 17:00, as well as Saturday morning slots — to help make therapy more accessible for those with full schedules.

Creating space for support shouldn’t mean rearranging your whole life — and now, it doesn’t have to.

📲 WhatsApp us on 081 223 2262 to find a time that works for you.

04/07/2025

reg·u·late — a word we don’t hear as often as “cope” or “manage,” but one that sits at the very heart of emotional well-being.

To regulate is to tune in. To respond rather than react.
To notice the storm without becoming it.

It's not about always being calm.
It's about learning how to return.

Emotional regulation is a skill — not a personality trait.
And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.

This is the work we do in therapy.
This is the work of coming home to ourselves.

23/06/2025

𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳 — 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Anger. Fear. Grief. Sadness. Anxiety.
These emotions are deeply human — but they’re not easy to feel.

Maybe no one taught you how to feel without shutting down.
Maybe you learned to bottle things up, lash out, or numb out, because feeling big emotions didn’t feel safe.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? We often learn to avoid or fight the hard feelings, or we experience them in ways that feel destructive — to ourselves, or to those around us.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵:
All emotions have purpose.
Even the uncomfortable ones. They aren’t flaws or signs that something’s wrong with you — they’re signals from within, asking to be felt, heard, and understood.

► Sometimes the first step is simply noticing — becoming aware of the emotions that rise and how you relate to them.
► Sometimes it’s about unlearning old patterns that no longer serve you, and gently relearning healthier ways to engage with what you feel.

When we expand our capacity to feel the hard stuff, we give those emotions a chance to move through us, instead of overwhelming or controlling us.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀?
✔ Gently naming what you feel, without judgement.
✔ Pausing before reacting — emotions are meant to be felt, not fixed.
✔ Seeking out safe spaces and people who can sit beside you in the storm.
✔ Remembering: You can only learn to regulate an emotion that you allow yourself to feel.

💛 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

17/06/2025

June is Men’s Health Month.
And (believe it or not) mental health is a pretty major part of that.

Because here’s the truth:
Men feel too.
But too often, they’re expected not to.
Not to struggle. Not to talk. Not to feel too much.

The reality?
Men get depressed.
Men get anxious.
Men burn out.
Men carry trauma.

And far too many go through it in silence.

It’s time we normalise this:
- Mental health is health.
- Talking about it isn’t weakness—it’s courage.
- Getting help isn’t failing—it’s taking care of yourself.

You don’t have to carry it alone.
You don’t have to tough it out.
It’s okay to talk.
It’s okay to ask for support.
It’s okay to be human.

Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk about men’s mental health.

"We repeat what we do not repair" - Mary Beth Keane Book An Appointment About Me I am a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Swakopmund. I completed my undergraduate and honours studies in South Africa, during which time I worked with a range of community based projects in underdeveloped...

16/06/2025

𝗔𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀
Whether your teen is on a school break or still in class, this is a chance to slow down, reflect, and build inner tools for confidence, connection, and resilience.

𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝘄𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 — 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽!

We’re offering two small, therapeutic support groups — safe spaces guided by a registered mental health professional — where teens can grow, share, and gain lifelong skills:

𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛 — 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵
A 6-week therapeutic group for teen girls ready to explore identity, strengthen self-esteem, and nurture self-compassion.
- Creative activities, vision boards, guided reflection
- Learn tools to manage peer pressure & negative self-talk

📅 New Start: 1 July 2025 (Tuesdays)
👧 Ages: 14–17
📍 Swakopmund

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗖𝗟𝗘 — 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 | 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
A 4-week therapeutic group for teens who want to understand healthy friendships, build boundaries, and feel a true sense of belonging.
- Recognise red flags & green flags in friendships
- Build assertiveness & navigate peer dynamics

📅 New Start: 3 July 2025 (Thursdays)
👥 Ages: 14–17
📍 Swakopmund

💬 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 — 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲.
📞 WhatsApp / Call: 081 223 2262
📧 Email: marleenlaubscherpractice@gmail.com

11/06/2025

Therapy doesn’t always happen on a couch in a quiet office anymore. These days, it can also happen across a screen—from the comfort of your living room, your car during lunch break, or even while sitting on your stoep with a cup of tea.

𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆?
Virtual therapy (sometimes called teletherapy or online counselling) is simply therapy conducted via a secure online platform. It allows for a therapeutic connection between client and therapist without needing to be in the same physical space. Sessions can include video calls, phone calls, or even written communication in some cases—depending on what’s safe, accessible, and appropriate.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻-𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
While the core of therapy remains the same—support, insight, healing—the format does bring some shifts:

- There’s more flexibility. You can attend sessions from almost anywhere.
- There’s less travel, which means fewer logistical hurdles.
- Some people feel more at ease opening up from their own environment.

Both formats can be deeply meaningful—it really depends on what works for you.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗮?
Namibia’s landscape is vast and beautiful—but also a challenge when it comes to accessing mental health services. Many people live far from towns or cities where psychological care is typically based. Others might face time, financial, or mobility constraints that make regular travel to a practice difficult.

Virtual therapy bridges that gap. It opens up therapeutic support to individuals who may have previously been left out—whether because of location, transport, schedules, or health issues.

It’s not a replacement for connection—it’s a new way of creating it.

At our practice, virtual sessions are one of the ways we aim to meet people where they are—whether that’s in person or across a screen. 🌿

06/06/2025

FLOURISH Therapeutic Support Group— Cultivating Growth, Confidence & Self-Worth 🌸

A 6-week therapeutic support group for teen girls ready to explore who they are — and grow into who they’re becoming.

Flourish is more than just a space to talk. It's a psychology-based group, facilitated by a registered mental health professional, designed to support teens in developing emotional resilience, strengthening their sense of self, and building confidence from the inside out.

Through a blend of psychoeducation, expressive activities, and guided reflection, girls aged 14–17 will:
🌱 Explore their identity and core values
🌷 Build self-esteem and practice self-compassion
🧠 Learn to quiet negative self-talk
💬 Connect with others in a safe, therapeutic space

📍 Swakopmund
📆 Starts 17 June | Tuesdays 15h00–16h30
👧 Ages 14–17 | Limited spaces for focused group connection

💬 Bookings & questions:
📞 WhatsApp/call: 081 223 2262
📧 Email: marleenlaubscherpractice@gmail.com

✨ Let your daughter flourish with the right tools, guidance, and a circle that uplifts.

06/06/2025

THE INNER CIRCLE Support Group — Friendship | Belonging | Boundaries 🌿

A 4-week guided support group for teens who are ready to deepen their understanding of friendships, learn how to protect their peace, and discover what true belonging really feels like.

Whether your teen often gives too much in friendships, struggles to say no, or simply wants to feel more grounded and confident in social situations — The Inner Circle is a space for learning, sharing, and growing together.

In this small, closed group we’ll explore:
✨ How to recognise friendship red flags and green flags
✨ How to speak up, set boundaries, and self-advocate
✨ What it feels like to belong without pretending or people-pleasing
✨ When to stay, when to speak up, and when to walk away

With role-plays, real talk, and a supportive circle of peers, participants will walk away with a clearer sense of self, a stronger voice, and practical tools they can carry into everyday life.

📍 Location: Swakopmund
📆 Starts 19 June | Thursdays 15h00–16h30
👥 Ages 14–17 | Limited to 6–10 participants
📚 4-week closed group — consistent attendance is part of the process

💬 To book or ask questions:
📞 WhatsApp or call: 081 223 2262
📧 Email: marleenlaubscherpractice@gmail.com

Not all friendships are forever — but the tools you learn here will be. 💚

02/06/2025

“Sitting with a feeling” sounds simple, but it’s one of the bravest things we can do.

It means slowing down long enough to notice what’s happening inside — without rushing to fix it, label it, or push it away.

Here’s your gentle guide for how to actually sit with a feeling:

🌿 With curiosity
💜 With compassion
🌼 Without judgment

Your emotions are messengers, not enemies.

Save this post for the next time you're overwhelmed, numb, or just not sure what you're feeling — and let it walk you home to yourself.

14/03/2025

Ever been told you’re “too sensitive” or that you “need to toughen up”?

Here’s the truth: being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) isn’t just a personality quirk—it’s a biological trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).

This means your nervous system is wired to process sensory and emotional information more deeply, making you highly aware of subtleties, deeply empathetic, and easily moved by art, nature, and emotions. But it also means you can be more prone to overstimulation and emotional exhaustion.

So, how do you care for a nervous system that runs on high sensitivity? Swipe through to learn about HSP traits, why they get overwhelmed, and how they can support themselves.

💬 Do you relate to being an HSP? Let’s chat in the comments! What helps you regulate and recharge?

19/02/2025

Back by popular demand—our self-care group is making a return! And this time, we’re running it after hours to make it more accessible.

📅 Starting: Tuesday, March 18th
⏰ Time: 17:30 – 19:00
📍 Location: Eden Grove Therapeutic Centre, Sam Nujoma Avenue

This group is for women who want to prioritize their well-being, learn practical self-care tools, and connect with others in a safe, supportive space.

This is not about bubble baths and face masks (though we love those too!)—it's about real self-care: setting boundaries, managing stress, and nurturing yourself in ways that actually make a difference.

Spaces are limited, so please contact us at 081 223 2262 or marleenlaubscherpractice@gmail.com!