About Kyla Occupational Therapy

Meet Kyla du Plessis

""It is rain that makes the flowers grow, not thunder."

Kyla is a horse-loving nature enthusiast. Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of changing the world—even imagining herself as president one day. She still believes in that dream and knows exactly where change begins: with our children.

Children represent the future of any nation. Their development has a profound and lasting impact on society. The choices made during childhood shape the adults they become—and, ultimately, the world we live in.


"The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children."

— Nelson Mandela

Kyla has committed herself to this vision by becoming an Occupational Therapist.

She graduated from the University of the Free State in 2018 and began her career working in various private institutions, learning alongside experienced therapists. Today, she works at Eureka School in Vereeniging—a government special school for children with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. This has been a dream role for Kyla, offering her the opportunity to work with a wide range of developmental disorders and challenges, and to learn something new every day.

But she didn’t stop there. With the growing need for therapy services, Kyla also runs a private practice after hours. In every setting, she is committed to learning, growing, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children she serves.

Vission

A world where every child—regardless of physical or emotional challenges—can connect, grow, and thrive through compassionate, holistic therapy.

MISSION

We empower children with physical and emotional challenges through personalized, holistic occupational therapy. Using nature-based approaches like hippotherapy, aquatic therapy, and therapeutic play, we support each child’s unique journey toward confidence, connection, and independence.

the therapy approaches we value

HIPPOTHERAPY

Kyla did her Hippotherapy course in 2021 and has been part of the South African committee (EATASA) training therapists in Hippotherapy since 2023.

THERAPEUTIC PLAY/ PLAY THERAPY

Kyla has done various courses on play therapy since before graduating. She is presently a trainee in therapeutic play skills as presented through Play Therapy International (PTI).

PTI is the International Society for Play and Creative Arts Therapies Limited. PTI has grown to be the largest Play Therapy professional organization in the UK and the first to have a Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists accredited by the Professional Standards Authority in April 2013. Since its formation, PTUK has led the way in innovations in the field of play therapy.

AQUA THERAPY

Also known as aquatic or hydrotherapy, is a form of physiotherapy that utilizes the properties of water to facilitate therapeutic exercises and activities. Kyla does combined Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy session with her dear friend Rhondda Louw in the water. Combining PT and OT sessions offers a more comprehensive and effective approach to rehabilitation and recovery.

freequently asked questions and answers

How do I know if my child needs OT?

Occupational Therapy can help children who are struggling with everyday activities related to movement, coordination, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, or independence. If your child is having difficulty with things like:

Sitting still or paying attention

Fine motor skills like holding a pencil, using scissors, or tying shoelaces

Gross motor skills like walking, balancing, or coordination

Managing big emotions, anxiety, or frustration

Sensory sensitivities or avoiding certain textures, sounds, or movements

Participating in play or social interaction

Feeding themselves or managing basic self-care tasks

…it might be worth exploring how OT can help.

Occupational Therapy is also often recommended for children with specific diagnoses such as:

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Developmental Delays

Down Syndrome

Intellectual Disability

Although you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If you’ve noticed that your child’s challenges are affecting their confidence, participation, or development, an occupational therapy assessment can offer insight—and support tailored to their unique needs.

What are your tarrifs?

My therapy fees are set according to a private practice tariff and are not based on medical aid rates. However, they are structured in a way that allows for reimbursement by most medical aids, depending on your specific plan. These fees reflect the quality of care I provide—drawing on years of clinical experience and the use of well-researched, evidence-based therapy approaches. I aim to offer effective, compassionate therapy that is tailored to your child’s unique needs, while remaining as accessible as possible to families.

Please contact Kyla for her current fees.

Do you work through medical aid?

This is a cash-based practice, which means that payment is made directly to the practice rather than through medical aid. Invoices are issued at the end of each month, and clients are responsible for submitting these invoices to their medical aid for reimbursement.

How often will my child need therapy?

The frequency of therapy is tailored to each child's individual needs, goals, and stage of development. After an initial assessment, I will recommend a plan that best supports your child’s growth—typically, once a week is ideal. Weekly sessions provide the consistency needed to build skills, support neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), and maintain momentum between sessions. That said, I understand that every family’s circumstances are unique. I strive to work collaboratively with you to find a schedule that is both beneficial for your child and manageable for your family. Whether that means adjusting the frequency or exploring alternative options, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

What makes your approach different from other OT services?

My approach is grounded in the belief that therapy should be holistic, meaningful, and joyful. I work not only on the physical aspects of development, but also on the emotional and sensory needs of each child—supporting the whole child rather than focusing on isolated challenges. What makes this practice unique is the integration of nature-based, movement-rich therapies like hippotherapy and aqua therapy, alongside therapeutic play. These approaches are engaging, research-supported, and often feel more like play than work—which helps children participate more willingly and make lasting progress. I also work closely with families, recognizing that each child’s therapy journey is deeply personal. My therapy sessions are guided by evidence-based practices, but always tailored to suit your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and personality.