Counselling for Adults in South Africa
Support for adults navigating anxiety, stress, relationships, loss, and the pressures of a demanding life — with sessions that fit around work and family.
When you started searching, something already felt like too much
Most adults don’t reach out on a good day. You reach out when the stress won’t switch off, when a relationship is straining, after a loss, or when you’ve been holding everything together for so long that it’s quietly wearing you down. Whatever brought you here, wanting support is not a weakness — it’s a sensible response to real pressure.
Stephanie de Raay is a licensed counselling psychologist (HPCSA — PS 0154580) who works with adults across South Africa by scheduled video call.
Why adults find video sessions easier
For most adults the barrier to therapy isn’t willingness — it’s time. Traffic, work hours, childcare and the effort of getting to a practice are often what stops people from starting, or keeps them from going consistently.
Video sessions remove that. You attend from home, the office, or a private space wherever you are — no commute, no waiting room, and the consistency of the same psychologist week after week, which is what actually builds change.
What adults bring to therapy
Anxiety, stress and burnout
Ongoing worry, tension, trouble switching off, or the flat exhaustion of burnout — common when work and life demands outpace your capacity to recover.
Depression and low mood
Low motivation, numbness, irritability, or a persistent sense that things are heavier than they should be.
Relationships, divorce and separation
Relationship strain, communication difficulties, and navigating divorce or separation — including the emotional weight these carry alongside practical change.
Grief and loss
Support after the loss of a loved one, or other significant losses, at your own pace and without a prescribed “right” way to grieve.
Life transitions and adjustment
Career change, relocation, becoming a parent, or other big shifts that unsettle your footing for a while.
Trauma and difficult experiences
Processing distressing or frightening experiences in a careful, supportive space.
Pregnancy, postpartum and early parenthood
Emotional wellbeing through pregnancy and after birth, and the adjustment that comes with a new baby.
Self-esteem and identity
Building steadier self-worth and a clearer sense of who you are and what you want.
Young adults and students
Stephanie also works with young adults and university students navigating the move into independent life — anxiety, academic and work pressure, relationships, and figuring out a direction. If that’s you, this support is designed with your stage of life in mind, not adapted down from anywhere else.
In the Vaal Triangle, there’s also a dedicated page for young-adult support in Vereeniging.
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie de Raay is a licensed Counselling Psychologist registered with the HPCSA (PS 0154580). Read more about her background and how she works on the Meet Your Psychologist page.
How sessions work
Therapy starts with a free 15-minute intake call, then sessions run about 55 minutes by secure video call. What you share is confidential — the only exception is an immediate risk of harm. For fees, medical aid and the full detail, see our therapy FAQs.
Counselling for adults across South Africa
Because sessions take place by secure video call, Stephanie works with adults across South Africa. Explore support by region:
- Psychologist in Johannesburg — Sandton, Fourways, Randburg and across the metro.
- Psychologist in Pretoria — Centurion, Pretoria East, Hatfield and across Tshwane.
- Counselling across the North West — Mahikeng, Klerksdorp, Brits and surrounding towns.
- Counselling in the Vaal Triangle — Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sasolburg.
- Areas we serve — every region and town Stephanie works with across South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
I’m not in crisis — is it still worth coming?
Yes. Therapy isn’t only for breaking points. Plenty of adults come to think something through, steady themselves, or work on a pattern before it grows — and that’s exactly when it tends to help most.
I’m so busy — will I actually have time for this?
Sessions are by scheduled video call, so there’s no travel and they fit around work and family. Many people find one focused 55-minute session a week is very manageable.
Can I claim from my medical aid?
This is a cash practice; you receive an invoice to submit to your scheme. See our therapy FAQs for detail.
Book a session
If you’re ready to take the next step, start with a free 15-minute intake call:
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range does Stephanie work with?
The practice is built for teenagers (13–18) and young adults (18–30). Children under 13 are usually better served by a child-specialist practitioner, and Stephanie is happy to refer.
My teenager does not want to come to therapy. What can we do?
Reluctance is normal. The free 15-minute intake call is designed exactly for this — your teen attends with zero commitment, hears how the practice works, and decides for themselves. Most teens shift from ‘I do not want to do this’ to ‘fine, one session’ after that first call.
Will my teen’s sessions be private from me as the parent?
Yes. Sessions are confidential. The single exception is when there is a genuine, immediate risk of harm to your teen or someone else. This is standard ethical practice and is what makes the work effective.
How does payment and medical aid work?
The practice is a cash practice — payment on the day of your session. Stephanie issues a detailed invoice that you submit directly to your medical aid for reimbursement. Most major SA schemes (Discovery, Bonitas, Momentum, Medshield, GEMS, Bestmed, Polmed) reimburse psychology sessions, with the level of cover depending on your specific plan. Practice numbers: HPCSA PS 0154580 · BHF Practice 1069802.
How long does therapy take?
Most families notice softer changes within four to six sessions. Deeper work typically runs twelve sessions or more. Therapy is not a one-off appointment; it is a process, and the pace is set by what your teen needs.
Do I need to be in the room with my teenager during sessions?
No. Teens 13 and over have their sessions one-on-one with Stephanie. You are looped in at intake, at agreed review points, and any time safety is a concern.
Counselling for teenagers across South Africa
Because sessions take place by secure video call, Stephanie works with teenagers across South Africa. Explore support by region:
- Teen psychologist in Johannesburg — Sandton, Fourways, Randburg and across the metro.
- Teen psychologist in Pretoria — Centurion, Pretoria East, Hatfield and across Tshwane.
- Counselling across the North West — Mahikeng, Klerksdorp, Brits and surrounding towns.
- Counselling in the Vaal Triangle — Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sasolburg.
depression and
mood concerns
anxiety
adjustment
pregnancy and
post-partum
loss and grief
divorce
life transitions
trauma
emotional dysregulation
relationship difficulties
self-esteem
school and
work stress
It is important to note that online therapy is not suited to everyone. For individuals who are in crisis, with self-harm or suicidal risks, or in need of in-patient admission, it is strongly advised that they seek therapeutic intervention with an in-person psychologist. If requested, I will be able to provide a list of recommended psychologists in your area. If at any time during the therapeutic process I feel that online therapy is no longer suitable or clinically adequate, I will refer you to a trusted colleague who can take over your therapeutic process in-person.
Therapy sessions are scheduled for 55 minutes and fees are aligned with current medical aid rates. Please note that this practice operates as a cash practice, requiring payment on the day of your session and I do not claim on your behalf from your medical aid. I will issue you with an invoice which you can then submit to your medical aid for reimbursement.
Sessions available via secure video call
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