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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.

27/10/2025

Monday Motivation: The Power of a Single Decision?

Science shows that change begins the moment you decide.

Neuroscience research (including studies published in Frontiers in Psychology and The Journal of Positive Psychology) reveals that making a clear decision activates the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain linked to motivation, planning, and self-control. This shift turns mental energy into focused direction.

When you make a decision — even a small one — your brain releases dopamine, the chemical that drives motivation and reward. This helps you feel more capable and gives you the push to take that first step. It’s not magic — it’s your brain reorganizing itself around your new intention.

Psychologists call this the “agency effect.” Once you commit to a choice, you move from being a passive observer of your life to an active participant. Anxiety decreases, clarity increases, and action becomes easier.

So, this week — make one clear decision.
Decide to start, to try, to change, or to care for yourself differently.
Because that single mental choice is often the start of better mental health and a stronger, more focused you.

Decide. Begin. Become. 💪

24/10/2025

Insecurity is a feeling of being inadequate, which often triggers defensive behaviors like becoming overly sensitive to criticism, denying fault, or projecting one's own flaws onto others. These defenses are used to protect against perceived threats to self-esteem, and they can stem from past experiences, fear, shame, or a lack of confidence.

18/10/2025

Emotional response effort and mental stability. The effort of avoiding conflict is an emotional one that takes a significant toll. It involves consistently suppressing your feelings, which is a draining process. This emotional labor is what contributes to chronic stress and can make you feel worse in the long run. Ultimately, while avoidance may seem like the easier path in the moment, the long-term effort of suppressing emotions is a significant burden on your mental health.

16/10/2025

As the year winds down, take a moment to pause and look inward.

We often reach this time of year with a list of things we still want to change, fix, or understand — yet somehow, we find ourselves circling the same emotions, the same patterns, the same quiet struggles we thought we’d moved past.

Sometimes it’s subtle—a heaviness you can’t name, the sense that you’re “stuck,” or that the people around you don’t really get what’s going on inside. Maybe you’ve heard, “Have you thought about seeing someone?” and brushed it off. Or maybe you’ve convinced yourself it’s “just a small thing.”

But if something keeps resurfacing, reshaping your world in ways you don’t want—it’s asking for your attention. Healing begins when you stop ignoring what needs to be understood.

✨ Take the step. Give yourself the space to heal, reflect, and grow.

Book a session with Christel Maritz—Clinical Psychologist
Because understanding yourself is the first step to becoming yourself.

📞 cmaritz67@gmail.com

06/10/2025

Monday Motivation | Understanding ADHD in a New Light

In recent years, ADHD has finally begun receiving the attention it deserves — not as a label, but as a window into how uniquely our minds are wired.

✨ Why the growing focus?

Because we’re learning that ADHD doesn’t just affect concentration — it affects emotion, relationships, and self-worth. Undiagnosed or misunderstood, it can lead to deep frustration, depression, and patterns of dysfunction that echo through families.

Parents struggle to cope.
Partners misread behaviours.
Children grow up believing they’re “too much” or “not enough.”

But here’s the truth:🧠 ADHD isn’t a character flaw. It’s a different way the brain processes life — full of creativity, intensity, and potential once understood and supported.

This week, let’s move from blame to understanding, and from survival to connection. If you or someone in your family struggles to stay focused, regulate emotion, or feels constantly “behind,” it may be time to look deeper — and start healing together.

💬 Take the first step. Awareness changes everything.
📩 DM or reach out: cmaritz67@gmail.com

Let’s break the cycle and build healthier, more connected families — one conversation at a time. — Christel Maritz, Clinical Psychologist - 🕊️ Helping individuals and families find balance, clarity, and connection.

29/09/2025

Psychosis is often misunderstood — and surrounded by unnecessary fear. At its core, psychosis is an experience where someone loses touch with reality, which may include seeing, hearing, or believing things that others don’t.

What we don’t always see is the human behind the experience: a person who deserves compassion, not stigma. Psychosis can be brought on by stress, trauma, mental health conditions, or even physical illness — and with the right treatment and support, recovery is absolutely possible.

💡 The more we talk about it, the more we replace fear with understanding.
💡 The more we learn, the better we can support loved ones when they need us most.

Let’s start breaking the silence and remember:
👉 Psychosis doesn’t define a person.
👉 With care, therapy, and community, healing can happen.

25/09/2025

When we operate primarily from the limbic brain, our behaviors often become reactive rather than intentional. Low self-awareness means we may not recognise that our actions are hurtful. Instead, we may focus only on how misunderstood we feel, justifying repeated dysfunctional patterns.

Over time, these cycles can sabotage our relationships. Loved ones may feel blamed, manipulated, or shut out—especially if their caring is turned against them. What starts as an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions can create an atmosphere of tension and mistrust.

https://christelmaritzpsychologist.psychpractice.org/trauma-and-when-the-limbic-brain-takes-over/

23/09/2025

When a parent becomes mentally ill, the world can feel like it falls apart.

No one is ever truly prepared for the shock of seeing your mother or father struggle with their mind. The roles you’ve always known shift — suddenly the strong parent who held everything together may need care themselves.

The first reaction is often disbelief: How can this happen to my mom? My dad? The grief is real — grieving the parent you once knew, while learning to love and support them in this new reality.

So how do you handle it?
🌱 Start with compassion — for them, and for yourself.
🌱 Educate yourself about their illness, because understanding removes fear.
🌱 Reach out for support — therapy, family groups, or trusted friends — you do not have to carry this weight alone.
🌱 And remember: mental illness does not erase the love, history, or bond you share. It simply means the journey will look different.

The shock is heavy, yes. But healing begins when we allow ourselves to acknowledge the pain, seek support, and walk with our loved one with patience and understanding.

✨ You are not alone in this.

16/09/2025

💡 Did you know ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition?

Research shows that most children with ADHD carry their symptoms into adulthood, often without even knowing it. For many, it means struggling with focus, time management, or emotional regulation — challenges that can feel overwhelming in work and personal life.

But here’s the good news: ADHD in adults also comes with unique strengths. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience often shine through when the right support is in place. Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or treatment, understanding ADHD opens the door to living not just with it — but thriving because of it. 🌱

Let’s shift the conversation from stigma to strength.

👉 If you or someone you love relates to this, remember: recognition is the first step toward support and change. DM me cmaritz67@gmail.com.

15/09/2025

Your Mental Health Is Your Responsibility.

Healing your mental health is a courageous journey that impacts not only you but everyone around you. It’s okay to face challenges—mental health can be tricky, especially when those closest to you may not fully understand or when medication feels misaligned. Remember, your circle is also learning how best to support you.

Stay present and committed to your healing process. Your mental well-being shapes your world and influences those you care about. Seek help, set boundaries, and honor your unique journey. You hold the responsibility to nurture and protect your mind—keep moving forward. You are not alone in this.

Stay grounded. Stay hopeful. Stay in the process.

13/09/2025

✨ What you don’t know about neurodivergent people might surprise you… ✨

Neurodivergence isn’t just a label for kids in classrooms. It’s a way of describing the different — and often brilliant — ways that brains can work. From children to adults, many people live with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other forms of neurodivergence every day.

Here’s the thing: neurodivergent people don’t need “fixing.” They need understanding, support, and spaces where their strengths can shine. 🧩

👦 For kids, therapy can be a safe space to learn coping tools, express themselves, and build confidence.
🧑 For adults, therapy often helps unpack years of masking, self-doubt, and burnout — creating room for self-acceptance and new strategies.
💡 And for families, communities, and workplaces, therapy provides guidance to embrace difference instead of pushing for sameness.

When we shift the conversation from “deficits” to diverse strengths, we open the door to a world where neurodivergent people are not only included but celebrated.

Let’s keep talking, keep learning, and keep creating spaces where every brain has a place to thrive. 🌱

08/09/2025

To investigate the effects of trauma on the hippocampus researchers looked at the brains of coal miners who had developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being involved in an explosion (2). The researchers found that the coal miners with PTSD had significantly reduced volume of the amygdala and hippocampus in comparison to non-traumatized coal miners.

These findings hold important implications when it comes to memory. Reduced volume in the hippocampus and amygdala due to chronic stress reduces the ability to form and recall memories.
https://christelmaritzpsychologist.psychpractice.org/how-stress-affects-your-memory/

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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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.