Depression

Water droplets midair above a calm sea at sunset with a warm orange and yellow sky.

Support for Low Mood and Depression

Everyone feels sad or flat at times. Depression is different: it involves low mood, loss of interest and reduced energy that lasts for weeks or longer and affects how you think, feel and function day to day.

It can be hard to reach out when everything feels heavy, but depression is common and responds well to treatment. Our psychologists offer a warm, non-judgemental space and evidence-based therapy to help you recover and rebuild.

Signs of Depression

Depression can affect people in different ways. Some common signs include:

Persistent Low Mood: Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or irritable most of the day, on most days.

Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Activities and people you usually enjoy no longer feel rewarding.

Changes to Sleep, Appetite or Energy: Sleeping too much or too little, changes in eating, or feeling constantly tired.

Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus, remember things or make decisions.

Self-Criticism and Guilt: Feeling worthless, a burden, or overly critical of yourself.

Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family and daily responsibilities.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help straight away by calling 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How Therapy Can Help

Psychological therapy is a highly effective treatment for depression. Our psychologists use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you:

Understand What Is Keeping You Stuck: Make sense of the thoughts, behaviours and life circumstances that maintain low mood.

Re-engage with Life: Gradually rebuild routines, activities and connections that bring meaning and enjoyment.

Shift Unhelpful Thinking: Recognise and respond differently to harsh self-critical thoughts.

Build Self-Compassion: Develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself.

Reduce the Risk of Relapse: Strengthen the skills and supports that protect your wellbeing in the long term.

Recovery is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.

What to Expect

Therapy for depression is collaborative and paced around you. It usually involves:

A Thorough Assessment: We explore how you have been feeling, what has changed and what is going on in your life, at a pace you are comfortable with.

A Tailored Plan: We agree on goals that matter to you, whether that is feeling better, getting back to activities or improving relationships.

Practical Skills and Support: You will learn strategies to lift mood and energy, and practise them in small, achievable steps.

Reviewing Progress: We regularly check in on how things are going and adjust the approach as needed, so therapy continues to fit your goals.

How to Access the Service

To begin therapy, please get in touch with our friendly administrative team via our contact page, phone, or email address and we will send you an intake form and our information sheet and consent form to start the intake process.

You do not need a referral to book an initial appointment, however you may want to discuss your needs with your general practitioner (GP) to determine if you qualify for Medicare funding, which can cover up to ten sessions with a Mental Health Care Plan. In such cases, you would need a referral. Additionally, private health insurance rebates may be available through your provider.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000. For 24/7 crisis support in Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.