Marteleze van Graan

My Practice: Fostering Relationship-based Therapy

At my practice, I primarily offer therapy sessions catering to individuals, couples, and teenagers. I firmly believe that our mental health and well-being are intricately connected to the quality of our relationships. Thus, I adopt a relational approach that extends to various aspects of my clients’ lives, including family, friends, work or school environments, and all other encountered relationships. By understanding my clients within their unique relational contexts, I employ diverse techniques that I have been trained in, such as Interaction Pattern Analysis, Person-Centered interviewing, Teddy Bear Therapy, Hypnosis (Level III), and Sport Psychology.

Sport Psychology: Enhancing Performance and Well-being

In addition to my therapy practice, I am actively involved in the field of sports psychology. Within the realm of sports, I assist individuals and teams in optimizing their performance, career development, and addressing challenges that may arise after pursuing a professional sporting career. The sporting context presents unique interpersonal challenges, performance-related issues, and the need for maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle. As a Sport Psychologist, I am well-equipped to address these dynamics and support athletes in their journey. I am proud to be affiliated with the Sport Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), which is associated with the University of Pretoria.

I work as an Independent Practitioner in the field of Counselling Psychology and hold official registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. As a passionate healthcare professional, I am dedicated to providing gender-affirming services and catering to individuals from diverse sexual identities and preferences.

Hypnosis: Enhancing Therapeutic Work

As a Certified Clinical Hypnotist, I am deeply passionate about incorporating hypnosis into my therapeutic practice to facilitate positive change.

Hypnosis can be described as a profound state of relaxation where the critical faculty is suspended, allowing for selective thinking. It is a natural state that we all experience throughout the day, such as during instances of “highway hypnosis” when we reach our destination without recalling the specific lane changes. Another example is the immersive experience of watching a movie or reading a book, where we emotionally connect with the characters. In hypnotherapy, I guide clients into this state to bring relief at a subconscious level, while ensuring they remain aware of everything said during the session.

Sex Therapy: Exploring Sexual Well-being

As part of the My Sexual Health team, I specialize in working with clients who face various sexual and sexual health challenges. When providing sex therapy or addressing sexual dysfunction, as well as assisting clients questioning their sexuality or sexual expression, I prioritize understanding their unique perspectives on sex. This involves examining their beliefs, societal norms, the influence of media, relationship dynamics, the role of intimacy and sensuality, and concepts of pleasure. By considering these factors and their impact on the client’s self-perception and fulfillment of their sexual needs, I work to alleviate distress and dysfunction.