Everyone has low days. But when low mood lingers, or you stop being able to feel pleasure, motivation or hope, it can affect every part of life. Depression often brings tiredness, withdrawal and a harsh inner voice, and it can be hard to explain, even to the people closest to you.
Depression can follow loss, change or a long period of stress, or seem to arrive without any obvious reason. Either way, you don’t have to work it out alone.
You might notice
- Feeling low, flat or numb for much of the time
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Tiredness and low energy, even after resting
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Withdrawing from other people or from things you used to do
- Being very self-critical, or feeling guilty or worthless
- Feeling hopeless about the future
If you are worried about your safety in any way, please see who to contact in a crisis. Swift’s Hill Psychology Practice is not an emergency service and is unable to offer urgent support.
How therapy can help
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-evidenced treatment for depression, and one of the approaches I most commonly draw on. Together we look at how thoughts, feelings, body sensations and behaviour keep low mood going, and work on practical steps that gradually bring back energy, enjoyment and a sense of purpose.
Where self-criticism, shame or perfectionism are part of the picture, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) can help you to relate to yourself with more kindness. Where low mood is linked to loss or to past experiences, we can make space to understand that too.
My approach is collaborative and moves at a pace that feels manageable. Depression can make it hard to start, so the first step can simply be a conversation.
I offer therapy for depression and low mood in person in the Cotswolds in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and online across the UK.
What clients say
“Thank you Caroline - I found the CBT therapy really helpful and very much appreciated your sympathetic and considered approach.”
“The way it all made sense and gave me practical tools that I could apply in the future, whenever needed.”
“Empathy was genuine and you put me at ease.”
“A safe space to share, talking brings out wider thoughts and understanding of the situation, recognising my feelings and aiding self-reflection. To be given tools to support outside of the session and to help going forwards.”
“It was a very interesting experience and most definitely beneficial.”
Related areas of support
Take the first step
Have a conversation first. A free 15-minute call is a chance to tell me a little about what’s going on and ask me anything you like. No pressure, no obligation.