Welcome to Rise Up Therapeutic Services!
Hi, I’m Michaela Marais, a registered social worker with a passion for supporting children, teenagers, young adults, and their families. I started Rise Up Therapeutic Services to create a safe and nurturing space where individuals can thrive and families feel empowered and supported. I have a special interest in working with individuals with neurodiversity.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Stellenbosch University (2018), and my journey has been driven by a commitment to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. I have been working in private practice for 7 years, specializing in supporting children, teenagers, and young adults—particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), PDA, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits.
At Rise Up, I focus on building trust and providing therapeutic support that is both individualized and holistic. I’m deeply invested in helping children, teenagers, and young adults build resilience, develop coping strategies and social skills, and ultimately rise up to their full potential. It is also important for me to support my clients’ emotional wellbeing throughout this process.
In addition to my work at Rise Up, I’m proud to contribute to the Boland School for Autism, where I provide emotional support, social skills training, and group therapy for children, parents, and teachers.
I also enjoy mentoring and guiding future social workers. In 2023, I had the privilege of acting as a supervisor for second-year social work students at Huguenot College. In 2024, I served as a supervisor for third-year social work students at Stellenbosch University, helping them develop their professional skills and passion for the field.
I have attended various specialized courses over the years to deepen my expertise, particularly in neurodiversity. I am registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), registration number 1049398. Rise Up is also registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders, practice number 1066080.
Rise Up Therapeutic Services also has a special four-legged team member, Luna, a dapple miniature dachshund. Luna has been a valuable part of the practice since September 2023. She loves ice cream, yogurt, and cheese and is rarely seen without her beloved ball. Luna is adored for her big heart and bravery, often thinking she’s a much larger dog. While she’s initially cautious, sometimes barking when meeting someone for the first time, she quickly warms up and loves giving kisses. Luna has a special fondness for children and enjoys spending time with them. Though she’s afraid of loud noises, she’s happiest when near her human mom and can’t be apart for too long. Whether she’s napping adorably or showing off her playful side, Luna’s presence brings warmth and joy to Rise Up.
I believe in the power of collaboration, and I am committed to working closely with other professionals, schools, and organizations to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children, teenagers, young adults, and families I work with.
Thank you for considering Rise Up Therapeutic Services. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey and helping your family navigate any challenges you may face. Together, we can create lasting, positive change.
