Relationship- and Sexuality Counselling. Trauma Tension Release.

Expert counselling for relationships, sexuality and individual challenges. Somatic Trauma Release.

Coaching.

About Marizanne Naested

Hi, I'm Maz.

I’m a Johannesburg-based counsellor specialising in relationship and sexuality counselling. With a background in academics, communication, marketing, and sales. I have an Honours in Communication (UJ) and a Baccalaureus Sexologiae (Cum Laude) international professional degree from the Academy of Sexology International.

I am certified internationally to practice TRE®.

I offer a compassionate, inclusive approach in both English and Afrikaans.

Passionate about somatic trauma release, I integrate body-based techniques to support deep healing and nervous system regulation. As a mother of two, I understand the complexities of maintaining healthy relationships while navigating parenthood. My personal experience with fertility challenges, marriage, a NICU stay, pregnancy loss, and birth-related trauma gives me unique insight into the emotional and relational struggles families face.

Through a trauma-informed, body-centered approach, I guide clients towards healing, self-awareness, and deeper connection.

I am qualified to counsel a variety of challenges, including:

TRE® Practitioner: A Somatic method of releasing Trauma and Tension
Relationship Counselling & Coaching
Sexuality counselling, coaching & education
Communication challenges / IMAGO Dialogue
Pre-Marital Counselling
Divorce Counselling
Grief Counselling
Pain associated with physical intimacy
Male- and female sexual disorders
Low Libido/High Libido challenges
Compulsive sex or -pornography use
Sexual Self-Esteem issues
Childhood sexuality challenges
Bullying
Corporate Coaching

Whatsapp for a booking: Graduation and VAT special 24 Apr - 24 May: R200 off per session!

Full rates 2025:

1 Hour: R900 (now R700)

1.5 Hour: R1300 (now R1050)

2 Hours: R1730 (now R1400)

I abide by the code of conduct of the Council for Sexual Health Professions NPC and am a Category A member (25001)

Who could benefit from a session with me?

Please reach out to me on whatsapp or my email if you have further questions

Condition that can benefit from TRE® work:

Chronic stress and burnout
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and emotional numbness
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Complex trauma (C-PTSD)
Childhood trauma and developmental trauma
Birth trauma (for both birthing parent and partner)
Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraines, TMJ)
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Muscular tension and physical tightness
Somatic symptoms with no clear medical cause
Fatigue and exhaustion (including adrenal fatigue)
Vicarious trauma (e.g., therapists, healthcare workers)
Recovery from surgery or medical trauma
Emotional dysregulation or high reactivity
Disconnection from the body or dissociation
Support during grief, loss, or major life transitions
Nervous system dysregulation (e.g., hypervigilance, shutdown)

Condition that can benefit from Sexological work:

💑 Relational & Couple Dynamics

Marital or long-term relationship conflict
Communication breakdown around intimacy or sexual needs
Mismatched libidos or sexual desire discrepancy
Emotional disconnection or relationship dissatisfaction
Infidelity, betrayal, or breaches of trust
Navigating open relationships, polyamory, or ethical non-monogamy
Relationship repair after trauma or crisis

💍 Pre-marital & Relationship Alignment

Premarital counseling with a focus on intimacy, values, and expectations
Discussing sexual compatibility and boundaries before long-term commitment
Navigating differing cultural or religious sexual norms in a relationship
Clarifying needs, boundaries, and emotional safety early on

🌿 Sexual Health & Function

Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or delayed ejaculation
Vaginismus, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or anorgasmia
Low or absent libido in any gender
Menopause- or postpartum-related sexual challenges
Sexual concerns related to chronic illness or disability
Hormonal or physical changes affecting sexual wellbeing
Sexual Self-esteem

🧠 Psychological & Emotional Aspects of Sexuality

Sexual trauma recovery and reclaiming sexual agency
Body image struggles and their impact on intimacy
Shame, guilt, or anxiety around sexual expression
Healing from religious or cultural sexual conditioning
Compulsive sexual behaviour or porn use concerns
Internalised homophobia, kink shame, or identity-related stress

🌈 Identity & Exploration

LGBTQIA+ support around sexuality and relationships
Gender identity exploration and the impact on intimacy
Support for clients exploring kink, BDSM, or non-traditional expressions of sexuality

🧩 Complex or Overlapping Issues

Intersection of trauma, attachment style, and sexual function
Family-of-origin patterns impacting current relationships
Navigating parenting and intimacy after children
Supporting couples where one partner is neurodivergent or chronically ill
Integrating somatic practices (like TRE) into sexological healing

What to Expect from Our First Session

I recommend that our initial session be no shorter than 90 minutes. This allows us the time and space to explore not only the presenting issues but also the underlying patterns and origins that may be shaping your current experience. My goal in this first meeting is to begin forming a clear and personalised roadmap for your healing journey.

Before we meet, you’ll be asked to complete a comprehensive intake form. This helps streamline our time together and enables me to focus in on some of the core areas that may need attention.

The space I offer is one of safety, curiosity, and respect—but safety doesn’t mean avoiding the work. Deep transformation requires commitment and engagement. Realistically, a single session once a month is unlikely to resolve long-standing patterns unless there is consistent effort between sessions as well.

My role is to be your trusted partner in this process. Together, we’ll do the work of meaningful, embodied, and lasting change.

*For TRE® work, loose comfortable pants and a water bottle are suggested.

Marizanne Naested

Relationship- and Sexuality Counselling. Trauma Tension Release.

About Marizanne Naested

Who could benefit from a session with me?

💑 Relational & Couple Dynamics

💍 Pre-marital & Relationship Alignment

🌿 Sexual Health & Function

🧠 Psychological & Emotional Aspects of Sexuality

🌈 Identity & Exploration

🧩 Complex or Overlapping Issues

The only journey is the journey within.

Contact Me...

Virtual and In Person Meetings in South Africa or Internationally - Afrikaans & English

Let’s Connect: Email

Sexuality- and Relational Counselling and Trauma Release in English and Afrikaans

Relationship- and Sexuality Counselling. Trauma Tension Release.

About Marizanne Naested

Who could benefit from a session with me?

💑 Relational & Couple Dynamics

💍 Pre-marital & Relationship Alignment

🌿 Sexual Health & Function

🧠 Psychological & Emotional Aspects of Sexuality

🌈 Identity & Exploration

🧩 Complex or Overlapping Issues

The only journey is the journey within.

Contact Me...

Virtual and In Person Meetings in South Africa or Internationally - Afrikaans & English

Let’s Connect: Email

Sexuality- and Relational Counselling and Trauma Release in English and Afrikaans

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