How do I know if it's depression or just a low mood?

If low mood, loss of interest, exhaustion or hopelessness have been around most days for more than a couple of weeks, it's worth talking to someone — a GP, a counsellor, or both. You don't need a diagnosis to begin counselling.

Can counselling help if I'm already on medication?

Yes. Medication and therapy work well together for many people. Therapy addresses what the medication can't — the meaning, history and context of the depression, and the patterns that keep low mood going.

What if I don't have the energy to talk?

That's a normal part of depression and we'll go gently. You don't need to arrive with anything prepared. Sometimes the start of the work is simply showing up, and we build from there at a pace that feels manageable.

How long does depression counselling usually take?

Some people find a few months of focused work is enough to feel more like themselves again. Others value longer-term support. We'll review regularly so the work stays useful rather than open-ended for its own sake.

Depression Counselling

Depression Counselling in Richmond

Depression flattens things. Colour drains out of the days, energy and motivation fade, and even simple tasks can feel like too much. It can be hard to explain to people who haven't been there — and exhausting to keep pretending you're fine.

Depression counselling offers a steady, confidential relationship in which the low mood can be understood rather than fought. There's no pressure to be upbeat or make progress quickly. We work at your pace, with warmth and care.

I offer depression counselling in Richmond upon Thames and online across the UK. Whether you've been feeling this way for weeks or years, you're welcome to get in touch for a free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit.

How depression often shows up

Persistent low mood or numbness
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Exhaustion, poor sleep or sleeping too much
Harsh self-criticism and feelings of worthlessness
Withdrawing from people who care about you
A sense of hopelessness about the future
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your life

A relational, integrative approach

Depression often makes sense in the context of someone's life — losses, pressures, old patterns, things never grieved or said. Together we try to understand what your depression is responding to, rather than treating it as a flaw in you.

I work integratively, which means drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT-informed ideas depending on what helps. That might include making sense of your history, noticing harsh inner voices, or finding small, practical ways to move through the day when everything feels heavy.

What to expect from counselling

The first session is a chance to talk about what's bringing you and how you've been coping. There's no script and nothing you need to prepare. We'll discuss how often to meet — usually weekly — and what you hope might be different.

Over time, many people find they understand their depression better, relate to themselves with more kindness, and regain a sense of agency. Change is rarely linear, but having someone alongside you can make the weight feel more bearable.

If you're struggling right now

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123. Counselling sits alongside, not in place of, urgent care.

If you're unsure whether counselling is right for you yet, the free introductory call is a low-pressure way to ask questions before committing to anything.

In-person or online sessions

I offer weekly 50-minute sessions in a quiet, private consulting room, or by secure video if that's easier for your week.

We agree the pace together and review the work regularly so it stays focused on what matters to you.

Taking the first step

Reaching out when you're low takes courage. A free 15-minute call gives us both a chance to see whether we'd work well together — no obligation, no pressure. You can book via the contact page or email counsellingrichmond26@gmail.com.

Common questions

How do I know if it's depression or just a low mood?: If low mood, loss of interest, exhaustion or hopelessness have been around most days for more than a couple of weeks, it's worth talking to someone — a GP, a counsellor, or both. You don't need a diagnosis to begin counselling.
Can counselling help if I'm already on medication?: Yes. Medication and therapy work well together for many people. Therapy addresses what the medication can't — the meaning, history and context of the depression, and the patterns that keep low mood going.
What if I don't have the energy to talk?: That's a normal part of depression and we'll go gently. You don't need to arrive with anything prepared. Sometimes the start of the work is simply showing up, and we build from there at a pace that feels manageable.
How long does depression counselling usually take?: Some people find a few months of focused work is enough to feel more like themselves again. Others value longer-term support. We'll review regularly so the work stays useful rather than open-ended for its own sake.

Arrange a free 15-minute call

A no-pressure conversation to see whether we're a good fit before booking.

Get in touch