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Monday 08:30 - 16:00 Tuesday 08:30 - 16:00 Wednesday 08:30 - 16:00 Thursday 08:30 - 16:00 Friday 08:30 - 16:00

Christel Maritz Clinical Psychologist

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Christel Maritz Clinical Psychologist

Christel Maritz is a qualified Clinical Psychologist based in Somerset West. She obtained her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1991.

Over the past 22 years she has come to realize that although there are different schools of psychotherapy, certain common denominators are occurring and that these denominators are brain based. ‘People seeking help from one therapist, may hear a completely different perspective about their problem than they would from another well-meaning therapist from a different theoretical school’ John Arden; Brain2Brain, Enacting Client Change through the persuasive power of Neuroscience. Being keenly interested in Maths and Science, but also in the human psyche, she started off by studying B.Sc Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch majoring in Mathematical statistics and Psychology. Through 22 years of private practice she did various courses in neuroscience and specifically the effect of psychotherapy on the different brain structures as well as to be able to take a specific patient’s brain functioning into account in planning tailor made therapy. Therapeutic modalities that she currently uses, are evidence based, ensuring patients that they are being treated with research based and sound strategies. Including psycho-education about neuroscience as part of therapy, greatly assist patients in understanding their behaviour and emotions. It changes them from being helpless victims of a diagnoses to active participants in their own recovery process, by having a neuro scientific understanding of their symptoms and learning more about their brain and the brain-body connection. Christel is committed to on going study and recently added the modality of Brain Working Recursive Therapy to her repertoire. BWRT® is a ground breaking therapy that reflects the way our brain operates to change previously formed patterns that are preventing us from living life to the full. Research shows that the brain has already processed information and initiated a reaction before our conscious minds are even aware of it. So when we are trying to address areas such as anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, relationship problems, confidence, and other negative or limiting habits, we often fail or struggle despite thinking rationally after years of being in therapy. BWRT® bypasses this problem by retraining the neuro-pathway of the brain’s patterns. BWRT® is also quite effective in treating Post traumatic symptoms. Working with predominantly Christian patients, Christel also realized that for many, their relationship with God is fundamental to their identity and many emotional and relationship problems stem from their religious perspectives of themselves and God. Differentiating between Body, Soul and Spirit as well as understanding the relationship between the three concepts, assists patients in having a point of reference to start working on religious issues. She thus furthered her studies in the field of Behavioral Life Style Counselling. She obtained an extra qualification in Biblical counselling to enable her to also assist patients with spiritual issues. An integrated neuroscientific approach in the planning and executing of therapy for each individual, is thus the essence of Christel’s approach to treating her patients. Treating and addressing symptoms instead of labelling and treating diagnoses, is of utmost importance to her.

02/02/2026

You survived the trauma—you will survive the healing. What many don’t see is that therapy doesn’t just help you cope—it reveals the parts of yourself you never knew existed, the patterns, the blocks, the fears you’ve carried silently.

When the journey breaks open the unimaginable, therapy provides a framework to process, integrate, and transform it. It’s where the chaos of your past meets the possibility of profound change. Healing isn’t quick. It isn’t easy. But it is possible—and it is powerful.

This week, remember: showing up for yourself is the most radical act of courage. Each session, each insight, each moment of reflection is a step toward clarity, resilience, and freedom.

The table is set. All that’s needed is your willingness to engage. ✨

26/01/2026

It’s a good moment to reflect on mental health trends from 2025. Many people sought therapy for challenges they had. The top 5 reasons people came to see psychologists in 2025:

Anxiety and Stress Management – Coping with daily pressures, work demands, or uncertainty.

Depression and Low Mood – Feeling stuck, hopeless, or lacking motivation.

Relationship and Family Challenges – Difficulties with partners, children, or extended family dynamics.

Life Transitions – Adjusting to career changes, relocation, or other major life events.

Trauma and Past Experiences – Working through unresolved issues affecting current wellbeing.

At Christel Maritz Psychologist, what sets our approach apart is the combination of professional expertise and a genuine commitment to individualized care. As a clinical psychologist, I not only address symptoms but also uncover underlying patterns, providing practical steps toward meaningful change. Every session is held with respect, confidentiality, and a focus on empowering clients to move forward.

If you feel something is brewing beneath the surface or you’re navigating challenges you can’t resolve alone, my chair is open. Together, we can take the first steps in the right direction. You don’t need to wait to prioritize your mental wellbeing—help is just one call away. Emailb - cmaritz67@gmail.com.

24/01/2026

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving, interpreting, or responding to sensory input from the environment. This can include:

*Touch, taste, smell, sight, sound
*Body position (proprioception) or movement (vestibular sense)
*People with SPD may be over-sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive) to stimuli, making everyday experiences overwhelming or hard to notice.

Examples:

Covering ears in a noisy room
Avoiding certain textures of clothing
Seeking strong sensations like jumping or spinning

5 Tips for Managing SPD

Create a calm environment 🕯️
Reduce bright lights, loud noises, or overwhelming visual clutter to help regulate sensory input.

Use sensory breaks ⏸️
Short, scheduled breaks to move, stretch, or use calming tools like weighted blankets or fidget objects.

Introduce stimuli gradually 🌱
Slowly expose to new textures, sounds, or environments to build tolerance without overwhelming the nervous system.

Incorporate proprioceptive and vestibular activities 🤸‍♂️
Activities like jumping, swinging, carrying weighted items, or yoga can help the brain process sensory input more effectively.

Work with a professional 🧩
Occupational therapists trained in sensory integration can provide personalized strategies and exercises.

19/01/2026

Monday mornings often expose how overwhelmed we really are.
When mental noise takes over, we lose our sense of agency — the ability to think clearly, choose deliberately, and move forward with confidence. Mental clarity is not about pushing harder; it’s about restoring your inner authority.
Therapy creates the space to pause, reset, and reconnect with your capacity to respond rather than react. This is where agency returns — and where meaningful change begins.

Christel Maritz, Clinical Psychologist
📍 Somerset West, Western Cape

12/01/2026

For many people, January can feel overwhelming. After the intensity of December, your nervous system may still be in recovery, making even simple tasks feel heavy.

Reclaiming a sense of control is one of the most important mental health focuses this month. Small, manageable actions like making your bed, planning a meal, or taking a short walk gently remind your brain that you are capable and safe. These moments rebuild the inner message of “I can cope” far more effectively than big, pressured New Year’s resolutions.

At Christel Maritz Clinical Psychologist in Somerset West, we support clients in finding their footing again through compassionate, grounded therapy that honours where you are right now. 🌱

02/01/2026

My 2026 Theme: Honouring Every Nervous System. As we step into a new year, my focus as a clinical psychologist working with individuals on the autism spectrum and across neurodiverse profiles remains clear: Healing does not begin with changing who someone is. It begins with feeling understood, safe, and respected in how their nervous system experiences the world.

In 2026, my work will continue to centre on listening more deeply - to sensory needs, emotional rhythms, communication styles, and the subtle ways people show us who they are. Neurodiversity is not something to be corrected. It is something to be supported, interpreted, and honoured.

May this year invite more compassion, better attunement, and spaces where every person can belong exactly as they are.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year ✨

As we enter a new year, it is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again. Each new chapter offers the possibility of growth, healing, and greater self-understanding.

May the year ahead bring you moments of clarity, emotional balance, and renewed strength. Whether you are continuing your journey or just beginning, know that you do not have to walk it alone.

Wishing you a year of compassion, resilience, and meaningful progress.

Warm regards,
Christel Maritz
Clinical Psychologist

26/12/2025

Dissociation isn’t “ignoring” — it’s survival.

Sometimes, when life throws a huge, life-changing event at you, your mind and body go blank. You might act like it’s nothing… but inside, your nervous system is protecting you from being overwhelmed.

This is your body saying: “I can’t handle this all at once, so I’ll put it aside for now.”

Healing isn’t about forcing feelings immediately — it’s about gently returning to them, when your nervous system feels safe. 💛

22/12/2025

Ignore your emotions and your body will speak for you.

Unprocessed fear, sadness, or anger doesn’t disappear — it shows up as tension, pain, fatigue, or other physical symptoms.

Your body isn’t trying to punish you.
It’s trying to say: “I need to be heard.” 💛

19/12/2025

Holiday Anxiety: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Pause

The festive season often comes with pressure: social obligations, financial strain, family dynamics, travel, noise, and disrupted routines. For many people, this combination can activate anxiety, even in those who usually cope well.

*Common signs of holiday-related anxiety include:
*Persistent tension, irritability, or feeling “on edge”
*Racing thoughts or difficulty switching off
*Changes in sleep or appetite
*Feeling overwhelmed by social plans or expectations
*Headaches, stomach discomfort, or unexplained fatigue
*A strong urge to withdraw, cancel plans, or escape situations

Signals it’s time to regroup or ground yourself:
*Your reactions feel bigger than the situation
*You notice snapping, shutting down, or people-pleasing to exhaustion
*Your body feels unsafe: tight chest, shallow breathing, restlessness
*You’re pushing through when your capacity is already depleted

Psychologists often recommend simple regulation strategies:
*Pause and breathe slowly (longer exhale than inhale)
*Step away from stimulation: noise, crowds, conversations
*Name what you’re feeling without judging it
*Ground in the present: feel your feet, notice five things you can see
*Reduce commitments rather than “pushing through”
*Maintain basic routines: sleep, hydration, meals

When to seek extra support:
*Anxiety is constant or escalating
*Panic symptoms appear
*You feel emotionally numb, detached, or hopeless
*Coping strategies no longer bring relief

Holiday anxiety is not a personal failure—it’s a nervous system response to overload. Slowing down, setting limits, and listening to your body are not selfish acts. They are protective ones.

This season doesn’t need perfection. It needs regulation, honesty, and care.

18/12/2025

You might not remember… but your nervous system does.

It holds every moment you felt unsafe, unheard, or unprotected.
Every tension, every startle, every shutdown is your body saying: “I’m still keeping you safe.”

This isn’t weakness — it’s survival.
Healing begins when your nervous system finally feels: “We’re safe now.” 💛

15/12/2025

Your nervous system doesn’t care how much you “understand” your trauma.
It cares about whether it feels safe.

You can read every book.
You can analyse every memory.
You can explain exactly why you are the way you are…
and still feel overwhelmed, reactive, shut down or exhausted.

Because healing isn’t an intellectual event.
It’s a body event.

Your nervous system is constantly scanning your world for signs of danger or comfort.
And if it doesn’t feel safe, it won’t let you rest.
It won’t let you trust.
It won’t let you open up.
It won’t let you move forward — even if your mind desperately wants to.

So be gentle with yourself.
You’re not “dramatic.”
You’re not “broken.”
You’re not “stuck.”
Your nervous system is simply doing its job.

Healing begins when your body learns:
“I’m safe now.”

Not when your mind says it,
but when your whole being finally believes it.

Address

2B Niblick Way Tre Mondi Office Park Somerset West
Cape Town
0027

Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 16:00
Thursday	08:30 - 16:00
Friday	08:30 - 16:00

Website

http://www.christelmaritzpsychologist.psychpractice.org/

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Our Story

Over the past 22 years she has come to realize that although there are different schools of psychotherapy, certain common denominators are occurring and that these denominators are brain based. ‘People seeking help from one therapist, may hear a completely different perspective about their problem than they would from another well-meaning therapist from a different theoretical school’ John Arden; Brain2Brain, Enacting Client Change through the persuasive power of Neuroscience. Being keenly interested in Maths and Science, but also in the human psyche, she started off by studying B.Sc Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch majoring in Mathematical statistics and Psychology. She obtained her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1991. Through 22 years of private practice she did various courses in neuroscience and specifically the effect of psychotherapy on the different brain structures as well as to be able to take a specific patient’s brain functioning into account in planning tailor made therapy. Therapeutic modalities that she currently uses, are evidence based, ensuring patients that they are being treated with research based and sound strategies. Including psycho-education about neuroscience as part of therapy, greatly assist patients in understanding their behaviour and emotions. It changes them from being helpless victims of a diagnoses to active participants in their own recovery process, by having a neuro scientific understanding of their symptoms and learning more about their brain and the brain-body connection. Christel is committed to on going study and recently added the modality of Brain Working Recursive Therapy to her repertoire. BWRT® is a ground breaking therapy that reflects the way our brain operates to change previously formed patterns that are preventing us from living life to the full. Research shows that the brain has already processed information and initiated a reaction before our conscious minds are even aware of it. So when we are trying to address areas such as anxiety, stress, fears, phobias, relationship problems, confidence, and other negative or limiting habits, we often fail or struggle despite thinking rationally after years of being in therapy. BWRT® bypasses this problem by retraining the neuro-pathway of the brain’s patterns. BWRT® is also quite effective in treating Post traumatic symptoms. Working with predominantly Christian patients, Christel also realized that for many, their relationship with God is fundamental to their identity and many emotional and relationship problems stem from their religious perspectives of themselves and God. Differentiating between Body, Soul and Spirit as well as understanding the relationship between the three concepts, assists patients in having a point of reference to start working on religious issues. She thus furthered her studies in the field of Behavioral Life Style Counselling. She obtained an extra qualification in Biblical counselling to enable her to also assist patients with spiritual issues. An integrated neuroscientific approach in the planning and executing of therapy for each individual, is thus the essence of Christel’s approach to treating her patients. Treating and addressing symptoms instead of labelling and treating diagnoses, is of utmost importance to her.