Counselling for low mood and depression

Low mood can drain the colour from things slowly, until it’s hard to remember feeling any other way.

A square of window light on a dark wall

How low mood and depression can show up

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For many people it is closer to flatness, tiredness, or going through the motions.

In your thoughts
Harsh thoughts about yourself, trouble concentrating, a sense that nothing will change.
In your body
Heavy limbs, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, little energy for anything.
In your days
Pulling back from people, letting things slide, losing interest in what used to matter.

How we might work on it together

I won’t ask you to think positively. We begin by making room for how things actually are, including the parts that are hard to say out loud.

Over time we look at what has fed the low mood: losses, pressures, old beliefs about yourself. Alongside that we notice the small things that give a little energy back, and build from there.

You don’t need to feel hopeful to start. Turning up is enough.

What sessions are like

Every course of therapy is different, but most move through three phases, with regular reviews along the way.

  1. Beginning

    We build a picture of what brings you, what you need, and what you hope therapy will give you.

  2. Middle

    The main work. We go further into what you have brought, and what it means for your life outside our sessions.

  3. Ending

    We bring together what you have learned and plan how you will take it forward.

When it might be time to talk to someone

There is no right moment, and you don’t need to be at breaking point. These are some of the signs people mention.

  • It has gone on for longer than you expected.
  • It is getting in the way of sleep, work or the people close to you.
  • The things that usually help have stopped helping.
  • You have talked to friends or family, or you feel you can’t.
  • You keep thinking about talking to someone.

Questions people ask

Before starting, whatever brings you. Something else? Ask me directly.

Do I need a diagnosis, or a referral from my GP?

No. You can contact me directly, and you don’t need a name for what you are going through. I don’t diagnose or prescribe. If you are already seeing your GP or taking medication, counselling can sit alongside that.

What if I find it hard to talk about?

Most people do at first. We go at your pace, and you choose what to say and what to leave for later. Sitting quietly for a while is fine too.

Will I have to go over everything that has happened?

No. Some people want to tell the whole story and others want to stay with what is happening now. You decide what we talk about, and when.

What if more than one of these fits me?

That is very common. Difficulties rarely arrive one at a time, and we work with all of what you bring. You don’t have to pick one.

What if my problem doesn’t feel serious enough?

There is no threshold to meet. If something is bothering you enough that you are reading this page, it is worth a conversation.

All questions

Whenever you feel ready

Tell me a little about what’s going on, and we’ll take it from there.

Book a free callSend a message

Same-day reply