Counselling for Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people reach out for support — and one of the most treatable. Stephanie de Raay is a counselling psychologist (HPCSA – PS 0154580) who works with teenagers and adults across South Africa by scheduled video call, so help is within reach wherever you are — a small town, a farm, a city suburb, anywhere with a private space and a connection.
Whether it is constant worry, panic that seems to come out of nowhere, or a quiet dread that has been building for months, anxiety responds well to the right support. You do not have to wait until it feels unbearable to ask for help.
What anxiety can look like
Anxiety shows up differently in each person. Common signs include racing or spiralling thoughts, a pounding heart or tight chest, trouble sleeping, irritability, avoiding people, places or tasks, and panic attacks. It can feel like being permanently “switched on”, or like a sense of dread with no clear cause.
Anxiety in teenagers
In teens, anxiety often hides behind irritability, withdrawal, stomach aches, or a sudden dip in schoolwork. Exam pressure, social media, friendship struggles and a fear of failure all feed it. Because sessions are private and by video, many teenagers find it easier to open up than they would in a waiting room, and parents are guided on how to help without adding pressure. There is more on counselling for teenagers in South Africa.
Anxiety in adults
In adults, anxiety can look like relentless worry, perfectionism, health anxiety, panic attacks, or feeling wired and exhausted at the same time. It often travels alongside work stress, relationship strain or a big life change. Therapy helps you understand what is driving it and build practical tools to steady yourself. There is more on counselling for adults in South Africa.
How Stephanie works with anxiety
Stephanie draws on DBT-informed skills (calming the body, managing intense feelings), BWRT® for settling automatic stress reactions, and person-centred therapy — matched to what each person needs. The aim is not to “get rid of” anxiety overnight, but to help you feel steadier and more in control of it. More about Stephanie and her approach.
How sessions and fees work
Sessions are 55-minute secure video calls, and everything starts with a free 15-minute intake call. Full detail on how sessions run, fees and medical-aid reimbursement lives on the therapy FAQs page.
Support wherever you are
Because everything is by scheduled video call, you can work with Stephanie from anywhere in South Africa — see the areas we serve. Many people also find counselling for depression and low mood helpful, as anxiety and low mood often go hand in hand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is anxiety or just normal stress?
Stress usually eases once the pressure passes; anxiety tends to linger, feel out of proportion, or start getting in the way of sleep, relationships, school or work. If you are not sure, the free intake call is a good place to talk it through.
Can therapy help my teenager’s panic attacks before exams?
Yes. Panic responds well to practical tools, and Stephanie works with teens on calming techniques and the thinking patterns that fuel it — often within the same week when matric pressure is high.
Do you prescribe medication?
No — as a psychologist Stephanie does not prescribe. Where medication may help, she works alongside your GP or a psychiatrist. Many people do well with therapy on its own.
Can we do this from a small town or farm?
Absolutely. All you need is a private space and a stable connection. Video sessions exist so that where you live does not decide whether you can get support.
A note on safety
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, talking about suicide, self-harm, or in crisis, please seek urgent in-person emergency help immediately (local emergency services or your nearest hospital). Therapy is not a replacement for emergency care.
Book a free intake call
The easiest place to start is a free 15-minute intake call to see whether this is the right fit. You can reach Stephanie directly:
📞 079 565 1779
📧 info@stephaniepsych.com
Book a session
You can also explore counselling for teenagers and counselling for adults in South Africa.
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.
For more, see our therapy FAQs.
Sessions available via secure video call
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