Ilse

Ms Ilse Pauw, MA

Clinical Psychologist

Verified

“My interests include mood and anxiety disorders, stress, relationship issues and trauma. I offer in-person and online therapy with adults.”

About Me

I am an experienced clinical psychologist in Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa. My areas of interest include assisting adults with stress, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and trauma. I also work with people who face general life challenges or who would like to seek guidance regarding personal or relationship development. As a therapist with an extensive career in both in-patient and out-patient settings as well as the NPO sector, I am well placed to offer education, referrals and support to a wide range of people who face mental health challenges and to assist families. I am fluent in English and Afrikaans and offer in-person as well as online therapy.

Approach

I work collaboratively with my clients, combining practical skill-building with gentle exploration. Sessions are conversational and focused, with clear goals that we set together. I believe in meeting people where they are and working at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. We may explore communication, grounding, emotional awareness, breathing, and self-care strategies that can support you in everyday life. This approach can be helpful for adults and couples navigating life challenges, loss, burnout, or changes in their relationships.
Contact Ilse

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

I see adult individuals and couples. Clients have the option of in-person or online therapy.

Services Offered:

  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Information / Resource Service

    Services that connect individuals with mental health resources, community support, or practical help.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

    Learn more about Psychoeducation
  • Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, understand cognitive and emotional functioning, and guide treatment planning.

  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy
  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Couples

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Self-Care

    Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve one's own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

    Learn more about Self-Care

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Clinical Psychologist

Registration: PS0050741

Verify License

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism

University of Stellenbosch

Year: 1985

Higher Diploma in Education (HDE)

University of Cape Town

Year: 1986

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

UWC

Year: 1998

Service Areas

Clairwood Medical Practice

In-person & Online

Gardens

Cape Town, Western Cape 8001

South Africa

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Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa