Counselling for Emotional Regulation

When emotions feel too big, too fast, or impossible to switch off, everyday life gets exhausting — and so do the people around you. Emotional regulation is a set of skills, and skills can be learned. Stephanie de Raay is a counselling psychologist (HPCSA – PS 0154580) who works with teenagers and adults across South Africa by scheduled video call, from wherever you are.

This work is practical: tools you can actually use in the moment, not just insight after the fact.

What emotional dysregulation can look like

It can show up as being quick to anger or tears, feeling flooded or overwhelmed, impulsive reactions you later regret, difficulty calming down, all-or-nothing feelings, or shutting down completely.

Big emotions in teenagers

For teens, this often means meltdowns, mood swings, anger and harsh self-criticism. The teenage brain runs hot by design — and it responds well to concrete skills for riding the wave instead of being swept away. There is more on counselling for teenagers in South Africa.

Emotional regulation for adults

For adults it can look like reacting in ways you regret, feeling controlled by your emotions, and the guilt that follows. Practical skills help you respond rather than react. There is more on counselling for adults in South Africa.

How Stephanie works with emotional regulation

This is where DBT-informed therapy is at its strongest — distress tolerance, emotion-regulation skills and mindfulness — alongside BWRT® and person-centred work. The focus is skills you can use when it counts. More about Stephanie and her approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as anger management?
It is broader. It covers all overwhelming emotions — anger, but also anxiety, shutdown and mood swings.

What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy — a practical, skills-based approach for managing intense emotions. Stephanie works in a DBT-informed way, tailored to each person.

Can teenagers learn these skills?
Yes — teens often take to them quickly, and they help at home and at school.

Will I always feel this reactive?
No. Regulation is a skill set that strengthens with practice; most people notice they recover from emotional spikes faster over time.

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 intense emotions and anxiety often overlap.

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.