| Occupation | Psychiatrist, EMDR therapist |
|---|---|
| Education | MBChB — University of Cape Town |
| Methods | EMDR, CBT, Psychopharmacology, MBCT |
| Registration | Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA #MP0987654) |
| Organization | EMDR Encyclopedia & Global Directory |
Dr. Pieter van der Merwe — HPCSA-registered psychiatrist and EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist based in Cape Town, South Africa. He specializes in PTSD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. Dr. van der Merwe has a particular interest in trauma related to violent crime — an unfortunate reality for many South Africans — and works with both survivors and witnesses.
| Issue | Methods |
|---|---|
| PTSD & crime-related trauma | EMDR, CBT |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | CBT, MBCT, EMDR |
| Panic disorder | CBT, EMDR, Psychopharmacology |
| Major depression | Psychopharmacology, MBCT, EMDR |
| Bipolar disorder | Psychopharmacology, MBCT |
| Burnout & work-related stress | MBCT, EMDR, CBT |
Dr. van der Merwe's approach is calm, evidence-based, and deeply human. He believes psychiatry is not just about prescribing — it's about understanding the whole person in their context. He combines careful medication management with EMDR for trauma processing and MBCT for building long-term resilience. His clients appreciate his steady presence, his willingness to explain the "why" behind every recommendation, and his respect for their autonomy. He has a particular soft spot for working with healthcare professionals and first responders.
He offers in-person sessions in Claremont and telehealth across South Africa.