Anxiety Counselling In Pretoria
Not all "Counselling" is the same. This is different.
If you've tried anxiety counselling in Pretoria before and left feeling dismissed or unheard, this is a gentler, deeper approach, right here in Pretoria.
Real Tension. Real Understanding. Real Calm.
Pause the Spiral
Anxiety floods your thoughts with noise. We begin by slowing down and stepping back, not shutting it down, but getting curious.
Map the Triggers
Together we uncover what keeps your nervous system on high alert. When we externalise the fear, it loosens its grip.
Strengthen the Calm
Peace isn’t about control, it’s about trust. I help you build a more grounded, spacious way of living.
When anxiety doesn’t switch off, everything feels harder
Worry keeps your mind racing. Your body stays tense, even when nothing’s wrong. You’re tired all the time, but you can’t rest. Whether it shows up as overthinking, panic, pressure to be perfect, or fear of letting people down, anxiety can make everyday life feel like too much.
You’re not alone in this. I’ll help you understand what’s happening, quiet the inner noise, and learn how to respond without shutting down.
What is anxiety counselling?
Anxiety isn’t just in your head; it’s in your body, your sleep, your breathing, and your choices. It can feel like constant stress, racing thoughts, panic you can’t explain, or a need to keep everything perfect. Sometimes it looks calm on the outside, but it feels like chaos inside.
Anxiety counselling gives you space to slow down and make sense of it all.
We’ll gently explore what’s driving the fear, what triggers the spiral, and what helps you feel safe again. You’ll learn practical ways to cope, not just quick fixes, but real tools that fit into your life.
Whether you’re dealing with general anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking, or the pressure to hold it all together, you don’t have to manage it alone. I’m here to walk with you as you find your way back to calm.
Anxiety Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Are you experiencing any of the following?
Anxiety Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Trouble sleeping
Struggling to fall or stay asleep because your mind won’t slow down?
Constant racing thoughts
Feel like your brain’s stuck in overdrive, jumping from one worry to the next?
Perfectionism
Always pushing to get it right and never feeling like it’s enough?
Physical tension
Tight chest, headaches, or clenched jaw showing up daily?
Fear of the future
Worried something bad is always around the corner?
Irritability or overwhelm
Snapping more easily or finding it hard to stay in control?
If any of this feels familiar, you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer anxiety counselling in Pretoria, in a calm space where you can slow down, feel heard, and start finding relief.
Approaches I use in anxiety counselling
Anxiety Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Anxiety looks different for everyone. That’s why I adapt my approach based on what you need. Whether we’re unpacking the deeper story behind your anxiety or working on practical ways to manage it day-to-day, I’ll guide you with tools that feel safe, useful, and personal to your story.
Externalising the problem
“We firstly externalise the problem. Like I said, the problem is the problem. The person is not the problem.”
“We name the problem as something that is outside the person… it means that I also will remove people from my club of life who do not belong there anymore.”Deconstructing the problem
“We will deconstruct the problem so that we can see what is actually going on. What’s the tip of the iceberg that this person is talking about — but what is really underneath the water level of this iceberg?”
Identifying hidden values and skills
“We will identify hidden values, hidden skills that this person has used before. But those skills just need a little bit of dusting off.”
“Sometimes they feel that they can’t handle it, but they’ve shown the resilience previous times.”Co-creating the alternative story
“We then go and create the new narrative. We also say it’s the alternative story. We thicken the alternative story. And the dominant problem story is not the main thing anymore, it’s all about the new stories that we focus on.”
I don’t give advice. I ask better questions.
I’m Vanessa, a narrative counsellor based in Pretoria. I serve individuals, teens, couples, and families who are ready to feel safe in their own story again. Back when I was a teacher, I loved seeing people grow, but I also saw how many of them needed something beyond skills. They needed to be heard. Not fixed. That stayed with me.
I still get chills when a client says, “I feel lighter.” Narrative counselling isn’t magic, but it can feel that way when you finally feel seen without being judged. Some say I’m the calmest person they’ve met. Others say I ask the one question they didn’t know they needed. Either way, I’m all in. I listen until the pieces make sense.
You show up. You speak. I listen. We follow your story, not a script. Slowly, you find that your past doesn’t have to define you, and your future doesn’t have to scare you.
ABOUT ME
How anxiety counselling works
HOW IT WORKS
We start with where you are. I’ll take time to understand how anxiety shows up in your life, what it feels like, what triggers it, and how it’s affecting you. From there, we’ll work together to build strategies that help you feel calmer, more in control, and better equipped to handle the hard moments.
I help you slow down
You don’t need to explain everything at once. We create space to breathe and begin gently.
We name the fear behind the noise
We explore what your anxiety is trying to protect you from, and what’s keeping it alive.
You find a calmer way through
You’ll learn to respond differently to stress and feel more in control of your thoughts and reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanessa Crous Narrative Counselling
How long does anxiety counselling take?
It depends on your story and what you’d like to work on. Some people come for a few sessions to learn coping tools. Others stay longer to explore deeper patterns. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.
What can I expect in the first anxiety counselling session?
The first session is about getting to know each other. You’ll share a bit about what’s been going on, and I’ll ask a few gentle questions to understand how anxiety shows up for you. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just come as you are.
How can therapy help with my anxiety?
Therapy gives you a space to slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the anxiety, and learn ways to respond with more calm and clarity. We’ll focus on tools that work in your real life, not just theory.
What if I can’t pinpoint why I feel anxious?
That’s completely okay. You don’t need all the answers before you start. Part of our work is gently exploring where the anxiety might be coming from and learning how to manage it, even when it doesn’t make perfect sense.
Do you offer online anxiety counselling?
Yes. If you’re not able to attend in person, I offer secure online sessions. It’s the same safe space, just from the comfort of your home.
Anxiety Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Find Relief That Lasts
Anxiety counselling in Pretoria that helps you feel steady, safe, and seen. If anxiety has taken over your mind, body, and relationships, this is a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and find tools that truly work.
✓ One-on-one anxiety counselling (in-person or online)
✓ Calm, non-clinical space where you’re never rushed
✓ Supportive pace that respects your story and comfort
✓ Concrete tools for managing anxiety in daily life
✓ No labels, no judgment, just deep listening
✓ Gently guided identity and values work
✓ Safe space to talk about things you’ve never said aloud
✓ Clear steps to feel more in control again
✓ Flexible sessions that fit your schedule
✓ Counselling grounded in lived insight and compassion
BOOK A SESSION
Only when you’re ready. No pressure. No assumptions. Just a first step.
Get in touch when you're ready
Counselling in Pretoria & Online Across South Africa
Whether you’re considering narrative counselling for the first time, booking a session for your teen, or looking for help with a family or couple dynamic, I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re not sure what you need yet, that’s okay too. Just send a message. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
- Call: 082 324 9735
- 414 Cliff Avenue, Waterkloof Ridge Ext 2, Pretoria, 0181
- Online counselling across South Africa
Last step: Press SEND. (psstttt… we just became best friends.)
This Work Is Gentle, But It Changes Lives
testimonials
Vanessa het my 18-jarige dogter met spesiale behoeftes met soveel geduld en liefde hanteer. Deur die manier wat sy werk, het sy haar vertroue ten volle gewen. Sy het absoluut ‘n passie vir wat sy doen. Baie dankie Vanessa!
Vanessa’s caring approach brought real breakthroughs. She listens with empathy, offers clear insights, and helps you make sense of difficult thoughts and emotions. Her support has not only helped me grow personally but also improved how I show up in my work and business.
Vanessa Crous Narrative Counselling
Anxiety Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
You don’t need the perfect words. You just need to reach out.
