Depression Counselling in Pretoria
Depression feels heavy, let’s carry it together
Depression Counselling in Pretoria with Vanessa offers a space where your story is honoured, not rushed. Using narrative counselling, we unpack the weight of depression and begin to shape a gentler, more hopeful path forward.
Real struggle. Real support. Real steps forward.
Make sense of the weight
Name what’s been sitting on your chest, without being rushed or dismissed.
Reconnect with yourself
Learn how to feel again, not just numb, stuck, or overwhelmed.
Find small ways forward
Depression doesn’t lift all at once. But we’ll find the next right step, together.
You’ve tried to hold it together, but it’s getting harder
Some days, just getting through feels like a win. You might smile at work or with friends, but inside you feel flat, tired, or like you’re barely holding on. Maybe you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy. Or maybe you just feel… nothing.
Depression counselling gives you space to say it out loud, without judgement, without pressure. Together, we’ll begin to untangle the weight you’re carrying and find a way forward that feels real.
What is depression counselling?
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, hopelessness, or feeling stuck in a fog. Counselling gives you the space to explore what’s underneath, at your own pace, with someone who isn’t trying to cheer you up, just walk with you through it.
We’ll look at what’s draining your energy, what thoughts are keeping you stuck, and what small steps can help you reconnect with yourself and your life. You don’t need to have the words. You just need a place to start.
Depression Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Are You Experiencing Any of the Following?
Depression Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Constant tiredness
Even after resting, everything still feels like too much.
Loss of interest
Things you once enjoyed now feel pointless or draining.
Feeling numb
You’re not sad, you just feel nothing, and that scares you.
Overthinking or self-blame
Your thoughts spiral into guilt, shame, or “what’s wrong with me?”
Difficulty concentrating
You’re forgetful, distracted, or zoning out more than usual.
Pulling away from others
It’s easier to be alone, but also lonelier when you are.
You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. I offer depression counselling in Pretoria, a space where you can speak honestly, feel supported, and slowly begin to feel again.
Approaches I use in depression counselling
Depression Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
We start small. Whether it’s building routine, exploring your thoughts, or just sitting in the silence together, I’ll guide you gently. We’ll focus on what matters most to you, and move at your pace. No pressure. No fixing. Just real support for the real weight you’re carrying.
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 Depression Counselling Works
HOW IT WORKS
There’s no perfect plan or quick fix. We begin with whatever you’re ready to share, even if it’s just, “I don’t know what’s wrong.” I’ll help you name what’s happening, understand where it comes from, and slowly start to shift what feels stuck.
I listen to your story
You speak honestly about the numbness, hopelessness, or exhaustion you’ve been carrying.
We name what’s really going on
We explore the roots of your low mood, what’s been keeping it in place, and what might help shift it.
You find your way forward
You’ll begin to notice moments of lightness again, and have the tools to keep moving gently toward hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanessa Crous Narrative Counselling
How long does depression counselling take?
There’s no set timeline. We’ll work at your pace, depending on how deep the feelings go and what kind of support you need.
Do I need to be diagnosed to come for counselling?
No. If you’re feeling low, flat, stuck, or tired all the time, that’s enough reason to seek help, no diagnosis is required.
What if I don’t know what to say?
That’s okay. We can start with silence, questions, or just whatever comes up. You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, if you’re more comfortable from home, I offer secure online counselling too.
Can depression affect me physically?
Yes, it often shows up as low energy, appetite changes, sleep issues, or body tension. We can talk about that too.
Depression Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
You don’t need the right words. Just a willingness to show up
Depression counselling in Pretoria that gives you a soft place to land when everything feels too hard.
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You’ll be heard without being rushed or corrected
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You’ll take small steps without pressure to perform
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You’ll stop carrying shame for not “snapping out of it.”
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You’ll feel less alone, even in the middle of the fog
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You’ll get gentle support on the days when motivation is gone
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You’ll learn how to break things into manageable moments
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You’ll feel seen by someone who doesn’t need you to explain everything
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You’ll start to remember what it feels like to be okay
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You’ll have a space that’s private, grounded, and safe
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You’ll move at your own pace, because progress looks different for everyone
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
Depression Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to feel safe. Even one quiet message could change something.
