Therapy for Depression and Low Mood

Online psychotherapy with Simona Hawkins, UKCP-registered psychotherapist — sessions available across the UK.

Woman sitting thoughtfully in an armchair by a window

Depression can affect far more than your mood. It can influence how you experience yourSelf, other people and your sense of what is possible in your life.

You may feel persistently low, disconnected, exhausted or unable to enjoy things that once mattered. You may become withdrawn or increasingly critical of yourself, lose confidence, or feel powerless and unable to imagine the future differently.

For some people, depression is less visible. You may continue to work and meet your responsibilities while privately feeling empty, disconnected or emotionally overwhelmed.

Psychotherapy offers a space to make sense of these experiences rather than simply trying to push difficult feelings away. These feelings are real, and they carry meaning. Understanding that meaning can open up new perspectives, choices and possibilities.

Understanding what may be underneath low mood

Depression does not always have one clear cause. In therapy, we can explore the different experiences that may be shaping how you feel, including relationships, loss, significant life events, self-esteem, expectations and emotional patterns.

We may explore questions such as:

How do you experience yourself when you are struggling?
What do you expect from yourself and from other people?
How do your relationships affect your mood?
Are there feelings that are difficult to recognise or express?
What has changed in your sense of Self or your view of the future?

Depression, relationships and self-worth

When we feel depressed, our relationship with ourselves can become particularly difficult. You may experience self-criticism, guilt, inadequacy or a sense that you are letting other people down.

You may also withdraw from relationships while feeling lonely and wanting greater connection.

Psychotherapy can help you understand the links between your emotions, thoughts, behaviour and relationships, and explore patterns that may have become familiar over time.

A space to think and reflect

My approach is collaborative and relational. Therapy provides time and space to think about experiences that may feel confusing, overwhelming or difficult to put into words.

Developing a clearer understanding of yourself and what you are experiencing can create new perspectives and greater freedom in the choices you make.

Common questions

Can psychotherapy help with depression?

Psychotherapy can be one form of support for depression and low mood. The most appropriate support depends on your individual circumstances, the nature of your difficulties and your wider needs.

What if I do not know why I feel depressed?

You do not need to know the reason before starting therapy. We can begin with what you are experiencing now and gradually explore the patterns, relationships and experiences that may be relevant.

Will therapy focus only on the past?

Earlier experiences may be explored when they help us understand the present, but therapy also focuses on your current experience, relationships and choices.

Please note: psychotherapy is not a crisis service

Psychotherapy is not a crisis or emergency service, and I am not able to offer support in a crisis. If you are in crisis or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please don’t wait for a therapy appointment. In England you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support, contact your GP, call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or in an emergency call 999 or go to A&E.