Counselling for Pregnancy & Post-partum

Pregnancy and new parenthood are among the biggest emotional shifts a person goes through — and they are not only happy ones. If you are anxious, flat, overwhelmed or not feeling the way you “should”, you are not failing, and you are not alone. Stephanie de Raay is a counselling psychologist (HPCSA – PS 0154580) who works with adults across South Africa by scheduled video call, from home — which matters a great deal with a new baby.

This is supportive counselling. It works alongside your medical care, not instead of it.

What this season can bring up

It can include anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, guilt, intrusive worries, a shift in identity, isolation, and difficulty bonding. When it lingers or deepens, it is more than the “baby blues”.

Support through pregnancy and after birth

For parents, the work makes space for antenatal anxiety, a difficult birth, post-partum low mood, the identity shift, and the strain it can place on a relationship. It is a space that is about you, not only the baby. There is more on counselling for adults in South Africa.

Teen pregnancy

A young person facing pregnancy needs support without judgement — for the fear, the stigma, the decisions and the family side of it. There is more on counselling for teenagers in South Africa.

How Stephanie works

The approach is warm, gentle and non-judgemental — person-centred, and always working alongside your GP, gynaecologist or clinic. It is not a replacement for medical care. More about Stephanie and her approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as being diagnosed with post-natal depression?
No. This is supportive counselling. If clinical care or medication may be needed, Stephanie works alongside — and refers you to — your GP or a psychiatrist.

Can I come during pregnancy, not only after?
Yes. Antenatal anxiety and preparing emotionally for parenthood are common and valid reasons to reach out.

I feel guilty for not being happy — is that normal?
Very. Many parents feel this and say it out loud for the first time in therapy. It does not make you a bad parent.

Can a pregnant teenager get support here?
Yes — with a non-judgemental space to work through the fear, the decisions and the family side of it.

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 post-partum low mood and depression 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.