Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore the feelings and life events contributing to your depression. A therapist helps you understand these triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and build practical coping skills to regain a sense of control, clarity, and hope.

If you are in crisis and cannot reach us out of hours, please contact the Samaritans on (01) 671 0071 or Pieta House on 1800 247 247.

 While a therapist will help you build a personal toolkit, five helpful skills include: 1. Staying Connected: Reaching out to one trusted person. 2. Gentle Movement: A short walk to change your environment. 3. Small Goals: Breaking a task (like showering) into one small step. 4. Re-engage with things you enjoy doing. 5. Routine: Try to wake up and get dressed at the same time each morning.

There is no single “best” type, as your needs are unique. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is very effective for challenging negative thought patterns. Other approaches, like Psychodynamic Therapy, explore deeper roots. The “best” therapy is one that’s built on a trusting relationship with your therapist.

Your counsellor’s first job is to listen and create a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel truly heard. They won’t “fix” you or give simple advice. Instead, they will work with you to explore your experiences, understand your patterns, and help you build the tools you need.

For many people, the most effective treatment is psychotherapy (talk therapy), which helps you build long-term skills. For some, this is combined with medication prescribed by a GP. Depression (or shut down) can also be a component of trauma. In these cases, EMDR has proved to be an extremely effective therapy.  A holistic approach, including therapy, social connection, and gentle movement, is often the most successful.

Triggers are unique to each person. They can include a major life event (like trauma, bereavement or relationship issues), intense stress, loneliness, a chronic illness, or the anniversary of a loss. Sometimes, there is no single, clear trigger. Therapy helps you identify and manage your specific triggers.

Symptoms can include a persistent feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, or numbness; a complete loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed; significant changes in sleep or appetite; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you feel this way, please reach out for professional help. You are not alone.

Yes. While it’s an investment of time and money, therapy is incredibly worthwhile. It’s not a quick fix, but a long-term investment in yourself. It helps you understand the roots of your depression and gives you tools for life, helping you build resilience long after therapy has finished.

There is no set timeline, as everyone’s journey is unique. Some people begin to feel relief after a few weeks, while for others, it’s a longer-term process. The goal is not a “quick fix” but creating sustainable, lasting change at a pace that feels safe for you.

 Getting started is a clear, simple process. You do not need a GP referral. The best first step is to visit our “Our Therapists” page, read their profiles, and find a therapist who you feel resonates with you. You can then book your first session directly.

This is a common belief, but it’s an oversimplification. While brain chemistry plays a role, depression is more complex. It’s often a combination of genetics, life events, trauma, and thought patterns. Therapy is so effective because it helps you work on the psychological and emotional parts.

Your GP is a great first point of contact. They can assess your physical health, rule out other medical causes for your symptoms, and discuss medication (like antidepressants) if that’s a path you wish to explore. They will almost always recommend counselling alongside any medical treatment.