For Depression

Understanding and Overcoming Depression: How I Support Clients to Feel Better

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than simply feeling sad or having a bad day — it’s a mood disorder that can affect the way you think, feel, and function day-to-day. It can show up in many different ways:

  • Angry outbursts or irritability
  • Dark or intrusive thoughts
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Problems with sleep, appetite, or concentration

Everyone experiences low mood from time to time, but depression tends to last longer and often feels harder to shift. If you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling might be depression, try asking yourself:

  • Is there a specific reason I feel this way?
  • How long have I felt like this?

These questions can give you some insight. You can also take the PHQ-9 survey (linked under the Resources tab) — a standardised tool used by many mental health professionals to assess levels of depression.

My Approach: Helping You Move Forward with CBT

I believe that everyone deserves to feel happy and fulfilled. My work is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — a practical, evidence-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected.

We often tell ourselves, “I’ll do the thing when I feel better,” but in reality, it’s usually doing the thing that helps us begin to feel better. Waiting until we feel ready can keep us trapped in the same cycle. That’s why I help clients start small — setting achievable goals and gradually building on them, so change feels possible and rewarding.

Using specific CBT tools, I guide clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. We have thousands of thoughts every day — many of them automatic, shaped by early experiences. Just because a thought has been around for a long time doesn’t make it true. Together, we learn to question and reframe these thoughts, creating space for more balanced and supportive perspectives.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

One of the biggest challenges people face when dealing with depression is the hold of negative core beliefs — those deep-rooted ideas about ourselves or the world that can keep us stuck. I work collaboratively with clients to uncover these patterns and replace them with more realistic, compassionate beliefs.

I believe in small, consistent improvements that lead to lasting change. By setting realistic goals, we create momentum and a sense of achievement that builds over time.

Depression often touches every part of life — sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social connection. As part of therapy, we’ll explore these areas and make gentle adjustments to help you feel stronger and more balanced in your everyday life.

A Safe Space for Growth

I see therapy as a collaborative partnership. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment or expectation. I share my knowledge and experience, while you bring your lived experience and insight — together, we work toward meaningful change.

The CBT techniques and frameworks I use have a proven track record of helping people overcome depression and related challenges. You don’t have to go through it alone — support and healing are possible.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better

If you’re struggling with depression or low mood, reaching out for help can be the hardest — yet most important — first step. Through structured support, compassionate guidance, and practical tools, I can help you find a path forward.

Ready to take the next step?
Book a confidential appointment or learn more about how CBT can help you overcome depression and improve your wellbeing.