Maryke Van Zyl, Ph.D.

I've been a therapist for about 14 years and have worked in a variety of clinical settings where the people I worked with had a range of identities, situations and concerns. My training in Marriage and Family Therapy provided a strong foundation in family systems thinking, which continues to inform how I understand people within the context of their relationships and communities. I am passionate about helping parents of young kids, particularly dads, navigate parenting and relationships.

As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges of adapting to new environments, balancing different cultural expectations, and building a sense of belonging. My training and professional experience have emphasized multicultural and community mental health, helping me work thoughtfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.

When I'm not working, I'm gardening, hiking, or doing pottery. I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, two young kids, and two dogs.

Education

• BA Humanities, Stellenbosch University
• M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University
• Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University

Clinical Psychologist Licensure

• California
• Oregon
• Indiana

Specialized Training and Certifications

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)