Therapy for Depression
Counselling & Psychotherapy in London: Oxford Circus, Shoreditch and Wimbledon
Depression can feel like the colour has drained from life. Things that once brought you pleasure or purpose may no longer hold the same meaning, and even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. If you are experiencing persistent low mood, a loss of motivation, or a growing sense of disconnection from the people and activities around you, therapy can provide a space to explore what is happening and begin to move towards something different.
It takes courage to acknowledge that you are struggling, and even more courage to seek help. Many people I work with have spent months or even years trying to push through on their own before reaching out. There is no wrong time to start therapy, and there is no threshold of suffering you need to meet before your experience is taken seriously.
How Depression Shows Up
Depression is more than simply feeling sad. It can affect your thinking, your energy, your body and your relationships. You might recognise some of the following experiences:
- A persistent low mood or a feeling of emptiness that does not seem to lift
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or thinking clearly
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, either too much or too little
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or social situations
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism that feel disproportionate to the situation
- Physical symptoms such as fatigue, heaviness, or unexplained aches and pains
- Thoughts that life is not worth living, or that others would be better off without you
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours) or your GP as a matter of urgency. You can also reach out to me and I will do my best to support you in accessing the right help.
A Relational Understanding of Depression
From a relational perspective, depression is rarely just a chemical imbalance. While biological factors can play a part, depression is often rooted in our experiences of connection and disconnection with others. When our early relationships have taught us that our needs will not be met, or that we must suppress parts of ourselves to maintain closeness, we can develop patterns that leave us feeling isolated, stuck or emotionally shut down.
In therapy, I work with you to explore these patterns gently and at a pace that feels manageable. My integrative approach means I can draw on psychodynamic thinking to understand what is driving the depression, humanistic principles to create a warm, accepting therapeutic relationship, and cognitive behavioural techniques to address unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
What Therapy for Depression Looks Like
There is no single formula for working with depression. Some people find it helpful to focus on understanding the roots of their low mood. Others benefit from developing practical strategies to re-engage with daily life. Most people find that a combination of both is what creates lasting change.
What I can offer is a confidential, unbiased space where you can begin to make sense of your experience without judgement. The therapeutic relationship itself, the experience of being truly seen and heard by another person, is often profoundly healing for people who have been feeling alone in their depression.
Sessions are available in-person at my London practices in Oxford Circus, Shoreditch and Wimbledon, or online. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation so we can discuss what you are going through and explore whether therapy with me might be the right next step.
Getting Started
If depression is affecting your life, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at [email protected] or call +44 (0)7930 348 294. Taking that first step can feel difficult, but it is often the beginning of a meaningful shift.