Grief & Loss Counselling

Grief is love with nowhere to go. Whether you have lost a person, a relationship, your health, or a future you had imagined, the weight of it is real — and you do not have to carry it alone. 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.

There is no correct timeline for grief and no “right” way to do it. Support helps you carry the loss, not forget it.

What grief can look like

Grief comes in waves rather than a straight line. It can show up as deep sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, trouble sleeping or concentrating, and avoiding reminders — sometimes all in the same day. None of it means you are grieving “wrong”.

Grief in teenagers

Teens often do not grieve in the ways adults expect. It can look like anger, withdrawal, throwing themselves into friends or screens, or carrying on as if nothing happened — then falling apart over something small. A death, a divorce, a move, or losing a pet can all hit hard. There is more on counselling for teenagers in South Africa.

Grief in adults

For adults, grief is not only about death — it can follow the end of a marriage, a diagnosis, losing a job, or a life that did not turn out as planned. Sometimes it is complicated by having to hold everyone else together. Therapy gives you a space that is just for your loss. There is more on counselling for adults in South Africa.

How Stephanie works with grief

The work is gentle and unhurried — person-centred, with DBT-informed tools for the hardest waves. There is no pressure to “move on” by anyone’s schedule but your own. More about Stephanie and her approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a right timeline for grief?
No. Grief does not follow neat stages or deadlines. Support can help whether the loss was last week or years ago.

My teenager does not seem sad — should I worry?
Not necessarily, but keep an eye out. Teens often grieve in bursts and mask it with anger or distraction; a private space to talk can help them process it.

Can I get grief counselling for a loss that was not a death?
Yes. Divorce, miscarriage, losing a job, a home, or your health are all real losses worth grieving.

It has been years — is it too late?
Not at all. Grief that was never given space often waits. It is never too late to tend to 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 grief and low mood 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.