Talks, Workshops & Training

Mariska brings her deep understanding and love of sharing information to her talks, information sessions and training. Having extensive experience as a counsellor and a National Training manager for a leading Education Corporate, together with several years in her capacity as a psychology lecturer, Mariska brings her subjects to life, providing new insights on subjects which are close to the heart of her audience.

If you have ever wondered about the illusive parenting manual, Mariska brings her knowledge and experience as a therapist and as a mother to her talks on different aspects of parenting.

Known for her versatility, Mariska customizes her topics around her audience, providing information in a nurturing, compassionate and non-judgmental environment.

Please Note:  if you can’t attend a workshop or course on a particular date or time, Mariska offers a special service, where you can book a one on one session with her for an abridged version of the essential points from the course.  Booking is for an hour or two at the normal session rate.

You can also book Mariska for a custom made workshop or talk of your choice.

Info sessions

Upcoming Events

The Teenage Client

Understanding teenagers and how to work with them; exploring the fundamentals.

A workshop for counsellors, teachers, psychologists, social workers (anyone working with teenagers)

Contact Us on 076 238 7666 for bookings and info

Adult Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Understanding and working with the adult survivor. 

A workshop for counsellors, social workers, psychologists

Contact Us on 076 238 7666 for bookings and info

My Anxious Child ( 3 - 10 y )

We will cover the following: 

  • How does anxiety present in children
  • Why children get anxious
  • How to manage their anxiety
  • When to get help

Contact Mariska on 076 238 7666

Narcissism

Part I:  Understanding narcissism

  • Gaslighting
  • Love Bombing
  • Triangulation
  • Flying Monkeys
  • Supply
  • Rage
  • and much more!

Part II: How to break the trauma bond.

Contact Mariska on 076 238 7666

Cool Dudes: a Workshop for tween boys

We will cover the following: 

  • Puberty
  • Development of boys and girls
  • Hormones
  • Sexuality
  • Pornography
  • Internet safety
  • Expectations and responsibilities:
    • Of society
    • my parents
    • Romantic relationships
      • sexties, nudes etc

Contact Mariska on 076 238 7666

Understanding my Tribe: a Workshop for tween girls

  • Friends and conflict
  • Puberty
  • Hormones
  • Sexuality
  • Internet safety

Contact Mariska on 076 238 7666

My Teenage Brain

My Daughter's Brain: Preparing for the teenage years

My Son's Brain: Preparing for the teenage years

My DAUGHTER’S brain: Preparing for the teenage years

You went to bed with your family – while handing out butterfly kisses and a million hugs, your little eleven-year-old girl said goodnight.   When you woke her up the next morning it was like an alien has invaded your home.  If she’s not biting your head off, she’s crying her eyes out in her room.  When she’s not crying, she’s jumping on the trampoline with the same friend who broke her heart the day before – giggling and totally inseparable.

Things have literally changed overnight.  Your sweet sunshine child has disappeared…… or maybe just changed. It’s scary and it hurts.   How would you know what to do when you have no idea what is happening to her?

Does it sound familiar?  If so, please join Mariska van der Meulen of Meraki Counselling Services explaining what your daughter is going through.  Parents of daughters from approximately 8 years old and older will benefit hugely from these information sessions/talks.

Some topics of discussion:

  • The Development of the female brain
  • The role of hormones and the roller coaster of emotions
  • The role of neurotransmitters (simplified for us who do not have a medical background!)
  • Conflict and the teenage female brain

Why the:

    • secrecy
    • sleeping in
    • drama
    • obsession with her girlfriends
    • obsession with physical appearance
    • risk taking
  • Her developing sexuality
  • Stress and the teenage daughter
  • What will calm her down during difficult periods?
  • The role of Mom
  • The role of Dad
  • How are boys different?
  • When is her behaviour not normal anymore?
More information - Teenage Daughter

My SON’S brain: Preparing for the teenage years

Your busy, mischievous little boy has disappeared overnight.  No more hugs and chats, instead he is spending all his free time locked in his room. Conversations have turned into short grunts and he is always in a bad mood. The only topics that will get him out of his shell momentarily are games or sport, girls or his friends.  You are not sure whether the hours spent behind closed doors are only playing computer games or sometimes homework as well….and you are too cautious to ask.  Did we fail as parents or is my son only going through a phase?

Does it sound familiar?  If so, please join Mariska van der Meulen of Meraki Counselling Services explaining what your son is going through.  Parents of boys from approximately 8 years old and older will benefit hugely from these information sessions/talks.

Some topics of discussion:

  • The Development of the male brain
  • The role of hormones
  • Physical development
  • The role of neurotransmitters (simplified for us who do not have a medical background!)

Why does this happen:

  • Homework wars
  • Sleeping in
  • Boredom
  • Emotional withdrawal
  • Moodiness
  • Aggression, dominance and competition
  • Sensitivity around his physical appearance
  • Risk taking and decision making
  • Auditory processing (does he hear me?)
  • His developing sexuality
  • Interest in girls
  • Stress and your son’s brain
  • Peer pressure
  • Role of Mom
  • Role of Dad
  • How are girls different?
  • When is his behaviour not normal anymore?
  • Case studies
More information - Teenage Son

Feedback

Mariska facilitated a very informative talk on "My teenage daughter's brain" on the 29th and 31st of January 2019. View the feedback below.

Training photos

Wat 'n insiggewende 2 aande!!!
Die biologiese, sosiale, emosionele & sielkundige amalgamasie van konteks van informasie weergegee was só nodig. Dis beslis 'n 'werkswinkel' wat ek graag 'n 2de en selfs 'n derde keer sal bywoon.
Ek voel beslis nou beter ingelig ivm wat voorlê & is bewus van al die areas wat ek persoonlik moet aanspreek om my dogter se tienerjare net so bietjie minder van 'n rollercoaster te maak.
Baie werk wat gedoen moet word... but let the work start with me!
EYE OPENING - DANKIE!!!

The information was extremely valuable and all parents with daughters need to obtain this information. The information provides insights and understanding for both the parent & the child. This enables a healthier relationship & allows parents to mentor and guide children for a strong long-term relationship, creating strong & confident individuals ready for the challenges that society will throw their way.

Looking forward to the 2nd and last evening of the "My teenage daughter's brain" informative talk tonight.
Mariska is an amazing speaker and has exceptional knowledge on this topic. I am a mom of an 11 year old girl and an 8 year old boy, and I can honestly and sincerely recommend this talk to all parents. I am most definitely attending the "My teenage son's brain" as well!

Thank you for the teenage daughter brain course, it changed our lives.