Teen Counselling in Pretoria
Support for teens who feel lost, overwhelmed, or misunderstood
Teen Counselling in Pretoria with Vanessa offers more than just a place to talk. Through narrative counselling, teens learn to understand their stories, express emotions safely, and find their own voice in a noisy world.
Real teens. Real support. Real growth.
Understanding themselves
Helping your teen make sense of who they are and how they’re feeling, without judgement or pressure.
Managing anxiety and stress
Giving them simple, practical tools to handle school pressure, social anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
Building confidence
Supporting your teen to feel more sure of themselves, not just on the outside, but from within.
When growing up feels like too much
Teen years are full of change, in the body, the mind, and relationships. When something feels off, it’s not always easy for teens to talk about it. You might notice mood swings, isolation, panic, outbursts, or low confidence. Or maybe they just don’t seem like themselves anymore.
Teen counselling creates space to unpack what’s going on underneath the behaviour. It’s not about fixing them. It’s about helping them feel heard, safe, and better able to cope.
What is teen counselling?
Teen counselling gives young people a space to express themselves without judgement or pressure. Sometimes they don’t have the words yet, and that’s okay. We start slowly, building trust, and use a mix of conversation and creative approaches that match how they process the world.
I work with teens facing anxiety, self-esteem issues, peer pressure, school stress, emotional overwhelm, family conflict, and more. We focus on helping them feel more grounded and confident in who they are. You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes talking is the first step to finding them.
Teen Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Are You (or Your Teen) Experiencing Any of the Following?
Teen Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Anxiety or stress overload
Feeling constant pressure from school, friends, or social media? Worry and overwhelm can build up fast, often showing up as sleepless nights, stomach aches, or tension.
Low self-esteem
Do they compare themselves to others and feel like they’re never enough? Therapy helps them see their strengths and feel more confident in who they are.
Anger or frustration
Frequent outbursts or irritability might be their way of saying they feel unseen or overwhelmed. Therapy helps them express emotions in healthier ways.
Feeling misunderstood at home
Do they often say “you just don’t get it”? It’s common, and therapy offers a safe space where they can feel heard and start rebuilding trust.
Emotional overwhelm
Struggling to manage big feelings like sadness, fear, or rage? Many teens feel like their emotions come in waves. Therapy helps bring stability and calm.
Social withdrawal
Spending more time alone, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or pulling away from friends and family?
Approaches I Use in Teen Counselling
Teen Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Every teen is different. Some open up easily. Others take time. I meet them where they are, with respect, patience, and curiosity. Whether we talk, draw, use metaphors, or focus on practical coping tools, I’ll create a space that feels safe and real.
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 Teen Counselling Works
HOW IT WORKS
We start slow. I’ll meet with your teen and begin building trust at their pace. I might ask questions, offer tools, or simply listen. Sometimes we’ll work together with the parent. Other times, I’ll support the teen one-on-one. Either way, I’m here to walk alongside them, and you, as they grow through what they’re going through.
I earn their trust
I meet your teen where they are, no pressure, no judgement. We focus on helping them feel safe enough to be real.
We name what’s hard
We talk about anxiety, stress, identity, family pressure, whatever’s been weighing on them, in ways that make sense to them.
They find new ways to cope
We strengthen their sense of self and equip them with practical ways to handle emotions, set boundaries, and feel more in control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanessa Crous Narrative Counselling
How long does teen counselling take?
It varies. Some teens need just a few sessions for support. Others stay longer to work through deeper issues. We go at a pace that feels right.
Do you include parents in the sessions?
Yes, when helpful. I may meet with you as a parent to support the process, but the main focus is giving your teen a space of their own.
What if my teen doesn’t want to talk?
That’s normal. I don’t force conversation. We start with connection, and I adapt to what helps them feel safe and open.
Can you help with school-related stress?
Absolutely. School pressure is a major source of anxiety. We can work on time management, confidence, and ways to cope with stress.
Do you work with self-harm or suicidal thoughts?
Yes. If your teen is struggling in this way, it’s important to get support. I’ll offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk and heal.
Teen Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
You don’t have to explain everything to be heard here
Teen counselling in Pretoria helps you feel calmer, more stable, and more like yourself again.
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You’ll talk to someone who doesn’t tell you what to think
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You’ll feel understood, not analysed
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You’ll get space to say what’s real, even the stuff you usually hide
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You’ll stop holding it in until it explodes
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You’ll feel less alone in your thoughts and emotions
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You’ll learn how to manage stress without pushing it down
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You’ll feel like someone finally sees you—not just your grades or mood
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You’ll be treated with care, not like a project
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You’ll get tools for handling school, anxiety, and your own mind
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You’ll be reminded you don’t have to carry everything on your own
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
Teen Counselling in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
Even if you don’t have the words, it’s enough to start here.
