ONLINE THERAPY/COACHING (VIRTUAL SESSIONS)

Online therapy/coaching sessions makes it possible to access specialist support from anywhere — without travel, traffic, parking stress, or unnecessary privacy concerns.

Research consistently shows that online therapy/coaching can be as effective as in-person therapy/coaching for many concerns, including anxiety, depression and relationship-related difficulties.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT: VIRTUAL SESSIONS
  • “Teletherapy... has been shown to have similar outcomes to traditional, in-person therapy” (American Psychological Association)
  • “No statistically significant difference in the therapeutic alliance...” (Meta-analysis on therapeutic alliance, 2024, PubMed)
  • “Psychotherapy delivered via telehealth… may be similar to face-to-face psychotherapy” (Systematic review & meta-analysis, 2022, randomized controlled trials)

What to expect

The goal is the same as in-person sessions: a strong therapeutic relationship, clarity, and practical progress — just online.

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Focused, structured sessions
Clear goals, real-world tools, and steady momentum.
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Confidential + discreet
You choose the environment that feels safest for you.
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Join from anywhere
Ideal for expats, travelling clients, or busy schedules.

DR MARELIZE SWART

PH.D, R.PSYCH, PCC

Dr. Marelize Swart is a Registered Psychologist (HPCSA), AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (Diplomate) (AASECT) and Professional Certified Coach (ICF).

She earned her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch and her Doctoral Degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada.

She has relocated back to Cape Town after living in North America for more than two decades.

Dr Swart brings more than 30 years of international experience in individual, couples, and sex therapy, having practised in Canada, the United States, and South Africa. She has also served as a sessional instructor to medical students and Masters level psychology and sex therapy students in Canada.

She offers therapy in both English and Afrikaans and is currently available for online sessions.


  PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS (Past and Present)

  • Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
  • Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA)
  • College of Psychologists of British Columbia
  • College of Psychologists of Alberta
  • Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
  • International Coaching Federation (ICF)
  • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
  • International Society for the Study of Women’s Health (ISSWSH)
  • World Association for Sexual Health (WAS)
  • The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
  • iEQ9 Enneagram Personality Assessment Solutions

Couples Institute Developmental Model

SEXUAL QUIZ

  • Do you want to feel more comfortable sexually?
  • Are you single and want to be pro-active to raise your sexual self-image?
  • Ever feel you just can’t ask for what you want sexually?
  • Do you struggle with initiating sexual activity with your partner?
  • When it comes to your sexual connection with your partner, do you often ask yourself, "Is this It?"
  • Are you successful in your career and other areas of your life and yet feel unfulfilled sexually?
  • Does your body-image effect your sexual expression?
  • Are you concerned about your sex drive?
  • Do you have difficulties with orgasm/erection/early ejaculation/delayed ejaculation?
  • Does having sex feel like another chore for you?
  • Is your love life in a rut?
  • Do you often have sex “just to get it over with?”
  • Do you ever experience pain with intercourse?
  • Do you often wish that sex was not part of your relationship?
  • Do you often feel too tired to have sex as for a very busy “to do” list?
  • Do you struggle with infertility?
  • Do you need professional guidance around issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, or paraphilias?

SEX THERAPY

COMMON CONCERNS

Couples
1. Communication and Intimacy problems
2. Sexual Desire Discrepancy
3. Extramarital Affairs
4. Conflict Resolution
5. Infertility
MEN
1. Erection Difficulties
2. Premature Ejaculation
3. Delayed Ejaculation
WOMEN
1. Difficulties with Orgasm
2. Lack of Sexual Desire
3. Pain during Intercourse (vaginismus, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and vestibulitis)
4. Inhibitions in Sexual Expression
5. Sexual Avoidance/Aversion
OTHER
1. Sex in Older Age
2. Alternative Lifestyles
3. Paraphilias
4. Gender Identity Confusion
5. Sexual Orientation Conflict


VIRTUAL THERAPY/COACHING FAQ’S

Yes. Research shows that online therapy/coaching can be as effective as face-to-face work for many concerns, and the therapeutic relationship remains strong.

Yes. Confidentiality standards remain the same as in-person therapy/coaching.

We can problem-solve together. Many clients use:

  • a bedroom / study
  • a parked car (private & quiet)
  • headphones to reduce the chance of being overheard

We reconnect immediately. If needed we continue by phone until the video stabilises.

Yes. I work with clients across South Africa and internationally. We simply schedule sessions that suit both time zones.

That’s completely workable. Couples sessions can be done online even when partners are in different cities, travelling, or living in different countries.

Common reasons clients prefer online sessions:

  • no commuting / traffic / parking stress
  • more flexibility
  • easier to attend consistently
  • greater privacy and discretion, especially for intimate, sensitive or taboo topics

We clarify what brings you to therapy/coaching and agree on a plan forward.

Questions I may ask:
  • What brings you here?
  • Have you ever been in therapy/coaching before?
  • What is the problem from your viewpoint?
  • How does this problem typically make you feel?
  • What makes the problem better (or worse)?
  • If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want to change?
  • Overall, how would you describe your mood recently?
  • What do you expect from the therapy/coaching process?
  • What would it take to feel more content and satisfied?
  • How would you describe your interpersonal awareness / relationship skills?
Book an online session

GET IN TOUCH

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US

Online practice (secure video sessions) Serving clients across South Africa & internationally. Time-zone friendly sessions
Phone (for WhatsApp messages):

060 737 8837
Email:

[email protected]