Depression counselling

What is depression?

One way of thinking about depression is that it is a prolonged state of feeling hopeless and often lacking any desire whatsoever.  Depression can range from mild to severe and can feel debilitating even in milder forms. Whilst the causes of depression may often not be obvious, therapy works to uncover and process unacknowledged emotions that may be feeling the depression. In fact, often the depression we feel is caused by earlier losses during our life, where the feelings at the time could not be felt and therefore become stuck. To discuss your situation with one of our psychotherapists, get in touch today.

The cause of depression

The causes of depression are usually multiple and differ from individual to individual. Common causes include: physical illness, issues dating back to childhood, current life circumstances, hormonal imbalances, poor diet and lifestyle, misuse of alcohol and/or drugs, and relationship difficulties, to name a few.

Common signs and symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms are:

• Tiredness
• Withdrawal
• Enduring and prolonged sadness
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Lack of pleasure and enjoyment
• Loss of self-confidence and feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Loss of sex drive and or appetite
• Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

Do you need psychotherapy for depression?

The word depression has become increasingly common in everyday language and is often used in place of terms like sadness or grief. However, true depression usually manifests as a persistent, heavy sense of hopelessness that affects mood, emotions, behaviour, and even the body.

Depression can range from mild to severe—even debilitating—and its causes are often misunderstood, including by those experiencing it. Psychotherapy for depression helps uncover and process unacknowledged emotions, often grief, that may underlie or maintain depressive symptoms.

At its core, depression is a prolonged state of hopelessness, often accompanied by a loss of desire or interest in life. If you’ve been feeling this way for some time, you may benefit from psychotherapy. We invite you to get in touch and speak with one of our experienced psychotherapists.

Psychotherapy for depression Brighton and Lewes

When working with depression, we first try and establish what may be the underlying cause of those symptoms, which clustered together, feel like depression. For example, grief, such as that experienced after a significant bereavement, can feel very much like depression and clinically meets all the symptoms. However, the big difference is that it is completely normal to feel ‘depressed’ after the loss of someone we love, whereas it is not beneficial to feel unable to engage with the world for prolonged periods of time when there is no obvious cause.

As depression counsellors our job is to gently understand the many factors in a client’s life that may be contributing to their overwhelming feelings of sadness and then to help them to find a language to understand and process the feelings from the past or present. This may also involve an enquiry into the lifestyle factors that may be impacting or making the symptoms worse, and work with the client towards change.

The benefits of psychotherapy for depression

Psychotherapy offers many benefits for individuals experiencing depression, including a reduction in feelings of sadness and hopelessness, improved sleep, and—over time—a renewed sense of hope and engagement with life.

In therapy, we may help clients develop practical skills to manage stress, reduce emotional overwhelm, and respond more constructively to negative thoughts and feelings.

We also explore patterns of behaviour and relationship dynamics that may contribute to depression. This process enhances communication and conflict resolution skills and supports the development of stronger, more connected relationships.

The link between depression and anxiety

Many people experience both depression and anxiety simultaneously. This is not surprising, as the two often go hand in hand. The low mood and hopelessness of depression, combined with the persistent worry and tension of anxiety, can create a difficult cycle to break.

Psychotherapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore both conditions, understand how they’re linked, and begin to uncover and address their root causes.

What to expect from therapy for depression

First sessions

Your first session with one of our practitioners is an opportunity to explore whether you feel comfortable working together. Your therapist will likely ask about what has brought you to therapy and explain how the process works. This is a two-way conversation, giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether you feel safe and supported.

Ongoing sessions

In subsequent sessions, we begin by exploring the potential causes behind your depressive symptoms. For instance, feeling low after a bereavement is a natural response to loss, whereas a prolonged inability to engage with life—without an obvious trigger—may point to clinical depression.

As psychotherapists, our role is to help clients make sense of the emotional, relational, and psychological factors contributing to their distress. This includes giving language to difficult feelings and experiences, and may also involve gently examining lifestyle habits that could be exacerbating symptoms—always with a view toward compassionate, sustainable change.

Our therapists for the treatment of depression Brighton and Lewes

Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy is home to a talented team of counsellors and psychotherapists with decades of clinical experience. Visit our practitioners to learn more and find the right therapist for you.

Areas we cover

We have two physical practices—one in Hove and one in Lewes—offering a full range of psychological therapies. We also offer online therapy services for those who prefer to access support remotely.

Why choose Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy?

Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy delivers high-quality psychotherapy and consultancy in Brighton and Hove, Lewes, and online. With over a decade of experience and a dedicated team of skilled associates, we’ve built a strong reputation for professional excellence.

Unlike many directory sites that pose as clinics—or large operations with hundreds of clinicians—we’ve deliberately kept our team small enough to work closely and collaboratively, while still offering the range and depth of expertise to meet our clients’ diverse needs.

To learn more about how we can support you through psychotherapy for depression, get in touch today to arrange your initial consultation.