Miss Kyla du Plessis, BA

Counseling Psychologist

Verified

“I work with children, adolescents and adults who may be navigating anxiety, stress, low mood, addiction, trauma, emotional or behavioural difficulties, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I offer therapy in English and Afrikaans. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore challenges, gain insight, develop practical coping skills, and build confidence. For younger clients, I also work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to support positive change. ”

About Me

I’m a psychologist who believes that therapy is a space where you should feel heard, understood and accepted for who you are. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who may be navigating anxiety, stress, low mood, life transitions, relationship difficulties, addiction, trauma, emotional challenges or simply feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while taking a holistic view of each person and their unique experiences. I aim to help you better understand why you think, feel and respond the way you do, while developing practical tools to navigate life with greater awareness, flexibility and confidence. Working with me is a collaborative process. I won’t simply tell you what to do; instead, we will work together to understand what is happening, identify what matters to you, and explore meaningful ways forward. I strive to create a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental environment where you can feel safe to be honest, explore difficult experiences and grow at your own pace. I believe that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to better understand yourself and create meaningful change.

Approach

I provide warm, evidence-based psychological support for children, adolescents, and adults. Together, we build insight, coping skills, and emotional resilience in a safe, supportive space. I work from different approaches: CBT; DBT; ACT, Schema, Psychodynamic; and Person-Centred.

Contact Kyla

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Languages:

Afrikaans, English

Fees:

Medical aid/insurance accepted

Johannesburg, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

I offer individual psychological therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural and life challenges. My areas of interest include anxiety, stress, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, adjustment difficulties, trauma, eating disorders, behavioural difficulties, addiction, and coping with challenging life experiences. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I help clients develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, while building practical skills to manage difficulties and respond to life in more helpful and meaningful ways. With children and adolescents, I incorporate age-appropriate, engaging and practical approaches to support emotional awareness, regulation, coping skills, confidence and healthy communication. I also value working collaboratively with parents and caregivers where appropriate. My approach is holistic and person-centred, recognising that psychological wellbeing is influenced by the whole person and their relationships, environment and life experiences. Therapy is tailored to each client's individual needs, goals and pace.

Services Offered:

ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.
Learn more about ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBT
Couples Therapy
Therapy for partners working on communication, conflict, intimacy, and trust, with both people seen together rather than individually.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
A structured therapy that combines cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness, designed to help people regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.
Individual Psychotherapy
In-depth one-on-one therapy that explores the deeper roots of a person's difficulties, often drawing on psychodynamic or psychoanalytic models.
Neuro & Psychological Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation of brain function, memory, attention, and thinking skills to help diagnose neurological or psychological conditions.
Occupational Therapy
A therapy that helps people develop or recover the practical skills needed for daily life activities, from self-care to work and social participation.
Play Therapy
A therapy for children that uses play as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express feelings and process difficult experiences.
Learn more about Play Therapy
Schema Therapy
A therapy that identifies deep, long-standing emotional patterns (schemas) formed in childhood and works to change the ones that cause recurring problems.
Learn more about Schema Therapy
SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy)
A short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on building solutions rather than analysing problems, exploring what is already working and how to do more of it.

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Children
Couples
Families
Groups
Organisations
Parents
Under Fives
Elderly

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

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
ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
Anger
An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.
Learn more about Anger
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
Behaviour or Conduct Issues
Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.
Cancer Support
The psychological and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and their loved ones, including fear, grief, and adjustment to treatment.
Depression
A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.
Learn more about Depression
Eating Disorders
A group of conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, involving disturbed eating behaviours and a distorted relationship with food and body image.
Learn more about Eating Disorders
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.
Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Autism (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

Professional Title:

Counseling Psychologist
A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.