Mariette Bothma — Chartered Clinical Psychologist & Leadership Consultant — Hertfordshire & Online UK

A space to think, feel and heal.

Working with individuals to understand themselves more deeply — and find their way forward with greater clarity and ease.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." — Carl Rogers

A thoughtful,
human-centred
approach.

Chartered Clinical PsychologistQualified in South Africa, 1997

HCPC Registered PsychologistRegistration No. PYL02806

BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist

British Psychological SocietyFull Member, Division of Clinical Psychology & Associate Fellow

Mariette Bothma

I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with adults and young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties — from anxiety, depression and trauma to life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, and questions of identity and meaning.

Throughout my career I have supported people in finding ways to manage emotional distress and live more creatively. I often explore with clients how art, poetry or music can help them manage severe emotional pain and connect more deeply with themselves.

My approach draws on a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassionate Mind Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. I tailor my work to each person, believing that no single method fits everyone.

I also work as a Leadership Consultant, drawing on management training completed in 2022 which encompassed individual and team coaching, mentoring, navigating organisational politics, managing difficult conversations, and understanding personal strengths and vulnerabilities as a leader. I have worked extensively within the NHS and with corporate clients, many of whom present with emotional difficulties arising from work-related stress. I bring both psychological depth and practical experience to this work.

I run a private practice in Hertfordshire and offer face-to-face sessions to clients who can attend in person, as well as online sessions for those unable to do so due to distance. I offer a gentle and exploratory space where you can take the time to reflect on your current difficulties, as well as their deeper roots — and come to a place of deep healing and understanding of yourself, your relationships, and your life.

Words from those
I have worked with.

"After years of struggling with depression, anxiety, and intense emotions, I'd tried therapy before but still felt stuck. Mariette gently helped me see what I'd been avoiding — and that made all the difference. I now approach everyday challenges with so much more calm, feel truly connected to myself, and have a greater appreciation for all parts of who I am. She created a warm, safe, and nurturing space with incredible patience. Investing in therapy has been the best decision I've made — for myself and my family."

— Rachel, Individual Therapy

"I came to therapy struggling with anxiety rooted in teenage trauma, which made work incredibly stressful and left me easily triggered by criticism for days at a time. It also held back my ability to trust in relationships. Mariette's focus on healing has been truly transformative — before working with her, I couldn't speak about my past without breaking down, but now doing so is infinitely less painful. I've learned to understand and accept my feelings rather than fighting them, and when difficulties arise, they no longer consume me for days. There is no wiser way to spend your money than to heal yourself, as the benefits will last forever. Mariette's therapy has hugely improved my life and I feel that I am blessed to have found her."

— Anonymous, Anxiety & Stress

All testimonials are shared with permission. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.

How I can
help you.

Book now
01

Individual Therapy

Weekly or fortnightly one-to-one sessions, tailored to your needs and goals. Available in-person in Hertfordshire or online throughout the UK.

02

Anxiety & Depression

Specialist support for anxiety disorders, low mood, panic, phobias, and OCD using the most current evidence-based approaches.

03

Life Transitions

Support through major life changes — career shifts, relationship changes, loss, parenthood, retirement, and questions of purpose.

04

Trauma & PTSD

Compassionate, trauma-informed care using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and trauma-focused CBT for those who have experienced difficult or distressing events, supporting deep and lasting healing.

05

Assessment

Psychological assessment and formulation drawing on a wide range of evidence-based models to inform care planning.

06

Leadership Consultation

Ongoing or single-session coaching for managers, clinical leads and executives in the NHS and corporate sector — covering team dynamics, difficult conversations, organisational politics, and personal strengths and vulnerabilities as a leader.

07

Clinical Supervision

CBT supervision and general psychological supervision for practitioners, as well as case consultation — available on an ongoing or single-session basis, in person or online.

Coming Soon

A therapeutic group for high-functioning young women at risk of burnout.

Designed for young women in sixth form, university or early careers who are pushing hard — and feeling the cost of it. This small, confidential group will offer a space to slow down, connect, and find a more sustainable way forward.

Register your interest
Coming Soon

Understanding your dreams — a two-hour introductory workshop.

Open to anyone curious about the inner world of dreams. Using a simple 4-step approach, this workshop offers a gentle and accessible introduction to working with your dreams as a tool for self-understanding. Offered in person in Hertfordshire or online, depending on interest.

Register your interest

Supporting those
who lead others.

Leadership can be one of the most rewarding — and most isolating — positions to occupy. The demands placed on managers, clinical leads and executives are considerable, and the emotional weight of that responsibility is rarely acknowledged.

Drawing on management training completed in 2022 and extensive experience working within the NHS and with corporate clients, I offer a confidential space for leaders to think, reflect and grow — separate from the pressures of the organisations they serve.

Book a Leadership Session
Individual & Team Coaching

One-to-one or group coaching to develop leadership capability, improve team relationships, and navigate complex organisational dynamics.

Difficult Conversations

Support for leaders who need to address performance, conflict or sensitive issues with staff — with confidence, clarity and compassion.

Strengths & Vulnerabilities

Reflective work to help leaders understand their own psychological patterns — what drives them, what depletes them, and how to lead more sustainably.

Work-Related Stress

For leaders and executives experiencing emotional difficulties as a result of workplace pressure, combining clinical depth with organisational understanding.

Begin your
journey
here.

I offer a free 15-minute introductory call so we can speak briefly before you commit to anything. All enquiries are treated with complete confidentiality.

In-person sessions in Hertfordshire
Online sessions via secure video link
Individual therapy: 50 minutes · £140 per session
Leadership consultation & coaching: fees on request
Burnout group & dream workshops: fees on request
Reduced fee places available — please enquire

Thoughts &
reflections.

View all articles
Anxiety

Understanding the difference between worry and anxiety

Many people use the words interchangeably, but they describe quite different experiences.

Wellbeing

Why self-compassion is not the same as self-indulgence

The research is clear — being kinder to yourself is one of the most effective things you can do for your mental health.

Therapy

What to expect from your first therapy session

Beginning therapy can feel daunting. Here is a straightforward guide to what the first session usually looks like.

Get in
touch.

I endeavour to respond to all enquiries within two working days. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123.

Phone 07398 923333
Location Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
& online throughout the UK
Hours Monday – Friday
Contact to discuss availability

Frequently asked
questions.

Are you a qualified and registered psychologist?

Yes. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC registration number PYL02806), an accredited CBT therapist with the BABCP, and a full member and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Do you offer online therapy sessions?

Yes. I offer both in-person sessions at my practice in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and online sessions via secure video link for clients anywhere in the UK.

What issues do you specialise in?

I work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. I also offer psychological assessment and leadership consultation for managers and executives.

How much does a session cost?

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes and cost £140.

Do you accept health insurance?

Yes. I accept Aviva, AXA PPP, Bupa, Healix, Vitality and WPA. Please check with your provider regarding your specific cover before booking.

Do you offer reduced-fee or sliding-scale places?

Yes, a limited number of reduced-fee places are available — please get in touch to enquire.

How do I book an initial appointment?

I offer a free 15-minute introductory call so we can speak briefly before you commit to anything. You can book this through the contact form on this site, or call 07398 923333.

Where is your practice located?

My practice is based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. I also see clients from Hatfield, St Albans, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Stevenage, as well as online clients across the UK.

What should I do if I'm in a mental health crisis?

This is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123.