Grounded in Care
"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”
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Kylie is a gentle, compassionate and meticulous Clinical Psychologist. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from UNISA and has extensive experience in assessments, having previously worked as a Registered Psychometrist.
Her background spans both psychiatric and medical hospital settings, completing her internship at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital and community service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
She has a deep understanding of psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment. She works from a place of curiosity and empathy in helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges, emotional distress, life transitions and challenging interpersonal relationships.
Her passion and niche are in animal-assisted therapy, by incorporating dogs into her practice. However, she remains flexible in her approach which is tailored to each individual’s context.
Kylie is committed to supporting individuals’ holistic well-being through adopting an approach that would best assist treatment. This includes a client-centred and psychodynamic approach with dialectical behavioural techniques and the therapeutic connection that animals provide.
My Story
“What a beautiful world it would be, if people had hearts like dogs”
In 2015, Kylie completed her BA undergraduate degree (Cum Laude) majoring in Psychology and Criminology. Thereafter, she completed her BA Honours in Psychology degree (Cum Laude) at the University of the Witwatersrand. After discovering an interest for psychological assessments, she completed a BA (Hons.) degree in Practical Psychometry and worked as a Registered Psychometrist.
She pursued her passion for working with animals completing an Animal Assisted Interventions Course, with her master’s thesis closely following suit, looking into the role dogs played on our well-being during the Covid-19 Pandemic. She completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree (Cum Laude) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). After the completion of her internship at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital and community service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, she recently joined a private practice in Fourways where she will be working predominantly with adults, couples and children.
The Paws & Ground Therapy Centre was founded by Kylie in 2025, inspired by the deeper meaning behind psychotherapy. The name reflects her unique approach by combining therapeutic grounding techniques with the calming, supportive presence of dogs. “Paws” is a gentle play on words, reminding us of the importance of taking a pause – time to rest, reconnect, and heal. Grounding practices are central to Kylie’s work, forming the foundation of her compassionate, client-centred approach to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. It is a powerful therapeutic technique that helps individuals reconnect with the present moment during times of emotional distress, anxiety, or dissociation, serving as a bridge back to safety and awareness when overwhelming thoughts, feelings, or memories begin to take over.
Grounding isn’t just a coping skill, it is a vital part of helping clients feel safe in both their internal and external worlds and an integral part of Kylie’s approach.
Services
Our therapy center offers a range of services dedicated to enhancing mental wellness and promoting personal growth. We specialize in individual, couples, group, and family therapy sessions.
Individual Psychotherapy
Kylie’s approach to therapy is collaborative with underpinnings in psychodynamic and person-centred modalities. She believes that healing happens when we feel seen, heard, and understood, as she walks alongside you to explore the patterns, emotions, and experiences that shape your life. Kylie specialises in working with a range of mental health issues and everyday life challenges, using a range of therapeutic modalities such as Psychodynamic Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural approaches. Together, she’ll create a treatment plan that fits your unique goals and needs.
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Areas of Interest:
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Complex mood disorders (including Bipolar and Depressive disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Anxiety
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Trauma
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Obsessive-compulsive disorders
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Adjustment disorders
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Corporate mental wellness workshops
Couples Therapy
Every relationship faces challenges – whether it's difficulty communicating, navigating life transitions, healing from betrayal, or simply feeling disconnected. Couples therapy provides a supportive space where both partners can feel heard and work together to rebuild trust, deepen intimacy, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another. In therapy, you and your partner will explore the patterns that may be contributing to conflict, identify each person’s needs and values, and learn tools to improve communication and emotional connection. Our goal is not to "fix" one person, but to foster mutual understanding and empower both individuals to create a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a powerful and supportive environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. Guided by a psychologist, group sessions provide a safe, confidential space to explore emotions, build self-awareness, and develop healthy coping strategies. Participants benefit not only from the guidance of the therapist but also from the insights and encouragement of group members. This shared experience can help reduce feelings of isolation, increase empathy, and promote a sense of belonging and community.
Family Therapy
Families are complex systems, and when one member struggles, it can affect the entire family dynamic. Family therapy provides a supportive and structured space for family members to come together, improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. Whether facing challenges related to parenting, life transitions, mental health, or unresolved tensions, family therapy helps individuals better understand each other and work collaboratively toward healthier patterns of interaction. Using evidence-based approaches such as Structural Family Therapy and Systems Theory, we work together to restore balance and promote healing within the family unit. No matter what your family is going through, therapy can be a valuable step toward greater harmony, understanding, and connection.