Marlie Herbst
Playtherapist
Vereeniging
Summary
I am a school-based Play Therapist completing my clinical hours within a primary school setting. I provide child-centred, play-based therapeutic support to learners presenting with emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. I work collaboratively with teachers and parents to strengthen emotional regulation, self-esteem, coping skills, and social development in learners. My experience across schools, private practice, and child development support has equipped me to create safe, structured therapeutic spaces where children feel understood, regulated, and supported to function optimally within the classroom environment.
Overview
2
2
Languages
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Play Therapist (Clinical Hours)
Laerskool Risiville
01.2026 - Current
- Delivered individual play therapy addressing emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges for learners.
- Implement play-based interventions to develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-esteem, and adaptive coping skills.
- Established structured therapeutic spaces in school to enhance learner engagement and emotional support.
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to support learner wellbeing and classroom functioning.
- Utilized developmentally appropriate, child-centred therapeutic techniques to foster a supportive school environment.
Assistant
Mind Melody (Psychometrist & Registered Counsellor Practice)
01.2025 - Current
- Supported learners in developing numeracy, literacy, and study skills through individualized sessions.
- Assisted in planning and facilitating social and emotional learning (SEL) activities to enhance self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
- Collaborated with professionals to design tailored, engaging learning environments for children with diverse needs.
- Assisted in observing assessment-informed support and therapeutic strategies utilized in practice.
Au Pair | Childcare and Development Support
Elaine Van Aswegen
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided after-school care, supervising homework, managing routines, and transporting children to activities to support their daily development.
- Assist with emotional regulation, problem-solving, and positive behaviour guidance in daily interactions.
- Assisted with emotional regulation and problem-solving, guiding positive behaviour in daily interactions to foster children's social-emotional growth.
- Work closely with parents to ensure continuity between home routines and developmental needs.
- Maintained open communication with parents regarding their children's progress, needs, and any concerns that arose during the au pair placement period.
Practical Observation & Assistance
Fundamental Primary (Integrated Learning Therapy)
02.2025 - 03.2025
- Observed and assisted therapists working with learners experiencing learning, emotional, and behavioural challenges.
- Acquired practical insight into therapeutic techniques applied in school settings to enhance learner support.
- Assisted learners during sessions and integrated classroom activities to foster engagement and learning.
Academic Helper
Abraham Kriel Children’s Home
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Assisted Grade 6–7 learners with homework, test preparation, and study planning.
- Provided encouragement and emotional support to children from vulnerable backgrounds.
- Helped learners build confidence in their academic abilities and independence.
- Enhanced student comprehension by providing one-on-one assistance and group tutoring sessions.
Community Engagement
NWU SRCS Sub-Committee
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Engaged with learners during outreach at a primary school in Potchefstroom through activity-based activities.
- Coordinated projects focused on enhancing children’s development and wellbeing.
- Implemented innovative programming initiatives to attract diverse audiences and increase community engagement.
Education
Certificate - Therapeutic Play Skills
Play Therapy International
Johannesburg, South Africa01-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioural Sciences with Psychology and Sociology
NWU Potchefstroom
Potchefstroom, South Africa03-2025
High School -
Hoërskool Overvaal
Vereeniging, South Africa12-2021
Skills
School-based play therapy and emotional support
Emotional regulation and behavioural intervention
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Behavioral observation
Supporting learners with developmental and learning challenges
Developmentally appropriate intervention planning
Observation and interpretation of play themes
Trauma-informed care
Child-centred therapeutic communication
Collaboration with parents and teachers
Strengthening self-esteem, resilience, and coping skills
Accomplishments
NWU SRCS Sub-Committee (Community Engagement) | 2023
Golden Key International Honour Society Member
Timeline
Play Therapist (Clinical Hours)
Laerskool Risiville
01.2026 - Current
Au Pair | Childcare and Development Support
Elaine Van Aswegen
06.2025 - 12.2025
Practical Observation & Assistance
Fundamental Primary (Integrated Learning Therapy)
02.2025 - 03.2025
Assistant
Mind Melody (Psychometrist & Registered Counsellor Practice)
01.2025 - Current
Academic Helper
Abraham Kriel Children’s Home
03.2024 - 10.2024
Community Engagement
NWU SRCS Sub-Committee
03.2023 - 11.2023
Certificate - Therapeutic Play Skills
Play Therapy International
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioural Sciences with Psychology and Sociology
NWU Potchefstroom
High School -
Hoërskool Overvaal