Counselling for Depression & Low Mood

Depression and low mood are among the most common — and most treatable — reasons people reach out. Stephanie de Raay is a counselling psychologist (HPCSA – PS 0154580) who works with teenagers and adults across South Africa by scheduled video call, so support is within reach wherever you are — a small town, a farm, a city suburb, anywhere with a private space and a connection.

Depression is not weakness and it is not something you should have to “snap out of”. With the right support, it lifts — and you do not have to wait until you hit rock bottom to reach out.

What depression and low mood can look like

It is more than sadness. Common signs include low or flat mood, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, tiredness that sleep does not fix, changes in appetite or sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness. Some people feel deeply sad; others just feel numb, or like they are going through the motions.

Depression in teenagers

In teens, depression often does not look like sadness at all — it can show up as irritability, anger, withdrawal, dropping grades, or what looks like “laziness”. It is easy to mistake for a phase or an attitude problem. Because sessions are private and by video, many teenagers find it easier to talk, and parents are guided on how to support without adding pressure. There is more on counselling for teenagers in South Africa.

Depression in adults

In adults, depression can feel like exhaustion, guilt, loss of motivation, or quietly carrying on while feeling empty inside. It often travels with anxiety, burnout, grief or a major life change. Therapy helps you understand what is keeping it going and take small, workable steps back towards yourself. There is more on counselling for adults in South Africa.

How Stephanie works with depression

Stephanie draws on DBT-informed skills, BWRT®, and person-centred therapy — matched to what each person needs, and paced gently when energy and motivation are low. Often anxiety and low mood sit together, so the two are worked with side by side. 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 anxiety helpful, as low mood and anxiety often go hand in hand.

Frequently asked questions

Is it depression, or just a rough patch?
A rough patch usually lifts as circumstances change. Depression tends to linger for weeks, dampen most areas of life, and not shift much even when things objectively improve. The free intake call is a good place to talk it through.

My teenager seems angry and flat, not “sad” — could it still be depression?
Yes. In teens, depression very often looks like irritability, withdrawal or a drop in schoolwork rather than obvious sadness. It is worth taking seriously rather than waiting to see if it passes.

Do you prescribe antidepressants?
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, or with the two together.

What if I can barely get the energy to attend a session?
That is exactly what depression does — and why sessions being at home, by video, helps. There is nowhere to travel to; you simply need a private space. Stephanie paces the work to where your energy is.

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.