Psychotherapy for mood disorders, low motivation, and persistent sadness
Depression can feel heavy, confusing and relentless. It is not only a sadness of the mind but a weight that settles into the body and spirit. Energy slips away, motivation feels out of reach, and even simple tasks can seem overwhelming. Many people describe it as a sense of being cut off from joy, from connection and sometimes even from themselves.
From a psychodynamic and attachment-based perspective, depression is not something to be reduced to a medical label. It is a complex and deeply personal experience, often rooted in early emotional environments, relational wounds, unprocessed grief and quiet stories of disconnection. Exploring these layers is not about blame but about making sense of how the past continues to live in the present.
In childhood and early life, we learn how our emotional needs are met. Some are acknowledged and cared for, while others may be overlooked or neglected. When needs go unmet for long periods, a kind of emotional constriction can take hold. Grief has nowhere to go, anger is pushed down, and longings are hidden away for the sake of survival.
At first, these defences can help us manage. But over time they often harden into patterns that leave us feeling hopeless, numb, or critical of ourselves. These are the hallmarks of depression.
You might recognise yourself in patterns such as:
These patterns are common, and they can shift with the right support. Therapy can uncover the emotional roots of depression while also helping you build new ways of thinking, relating, and engaging with life.
While I focus on the emotional and relational roots of depression, I also work holistically:
Inflammation, hormonal shifts, and genetic vulnerabilities can contribute to low mood
Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and substance use influence both the onset and maintenance of depression
Attachment patterns, early losses, trauma, and unconscious beliefs shape how depression is felt and sustained
I stay informed by evolving research in psychiatry, somatic psychology, and the role of supplements in emotional health.
Depression is rarely caused by one factor. It is layered shaped by history, biology, relationships, and environment. That complexity deserves to be respected.
In our work together, we’ll approach depression with both depth and practicality. Therapy will help you understand its emotional roots while also giving you tools to ease symptoms and reconnect with life.
A supportive setting where you can share your experience at your own pace.
Identify self-critical beliefs and relational dynamics that contribute to low mood.
Notice how depression affects your body and daily rhythms, and find ways to restore vitality.
Experience a consistent bond that offers hope, stability, and a new way of relating.
I also integrate elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when appropriate. These tools are always adapted thoughtfully to your process and can offer practical frameworks that complement deeper inner work.
The role of medication in treating depression is complex and continues to evolve.
Early theories often framed depression too simplistically, such as the idea of a “serotonin imbalance.” More recent research shows there is no clear evidence that a simple serotonin deficit causes depression. This does not mean the brain is uninvolved — but rather that its role is more layered than we were once taught.
For some people, medication can be a vital and even life-saving part of recovery. For others, therapy alone is enough. I stay informed about the latest research and, if appropriate, can help you explore psychiatric support thoughtfully. This may include referring you to psychiatrists who take an integrative, person-centred approach.
Any decision around medication is always collaborative, respectful, and guided by your unique story, symptoms, and values.
Depression often speaks of places inside that were unseen, unmet, or overwhelmed for too long. It reflects not personal failure, but personal history—history that can be honoured, explored, and ultimately accepted.
Healing from depression isn’t about forcing yourself to “be happy.” It’s about reclaiming your emotional vitality, building new inner structures of safety and meaning, and allowing new possibilities for connection, creativity, and joy to emerge.
Finding the right therapist matters because research shows that the best indicator of a
successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance.
Depression often speaks of places inside that were unseen, unmet, or overwhelmed for too long. It reflects not personal failure, but personal history—history that can be honoured, explored, and ultimately accepted.
Healing from depression isn’t about forcing yourself to “be happy.” It’s about reclaiming your emotional vitality, building new inner structures of safety and meaning, and allowing new possibilities for connection, creativity, and joy to emerge.
Finding the right therapist matters because research shows that the best indicator of a
successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance.
