Depression — Psychologist in Fremantle
What depression looks like
Depression is more than sadness. Many people who are depressed do not feel sad in an obvious way — they feel numb, flat, empty, or exhausted. Motivation drops. Things that used to matter stop mattering. The days blur together. You might be functioning on the outside — going to work, managing the basics — while feeling like you are running on empty.
Depression can also show up as:
Persistent low mood or a sense of flatness Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.
Fatigue that does not respond to rest Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Irritability or feeling disconnected from people around you.
Changes in sleep or appetite A sense of hopelessness or that things will not improve.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It has biological, psychological, and social dimensions — and it responds to treatment.
How I work with depression
Depression tends to be self-reinforcing. Low mood reduces activity, which reduces positive experience, which maintains low mood. It is also typically accompanied by particular thinking patterns — harsh self-criticism, hopelessness, and a distorted view of yourself and the future.
I draw on several approaches depending on what fits:
Behavioural Activation (from CBT) interrupts the withdrawal cycle by gradually re-engaging with meaningful activities. Not because you will feel like it at first — action tends to come before motivation, not after.
Cognitive approaches address the thought patterns that maintain depression — the inner critic, the all-or-nothing thinking, the catastrophising.
Schema Therapy is useful where depression is longstanding and linked to deep-seated beliefs about yourself — beliefs that often have long roots in earlier experiences.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on the relationship between mood and the quality of your relationships and social connections — particularly useful where depression has followed a loss, a life change, or a period of relationship difficulty.
How long does it take?
Mild to moderate depression often responds to 6 to 12 sessions of focused work. More persistent or longstanding depression typically takes longer. I will give you my honest view as we go, and we review progress regularly.
Psychology can work alongside medication. If you are taking antidepressants or considering them, we can talk about that — I am not able to prescribe medication, but I can help you understand your options and work alongside your GP or psychiatrist.
If you are in crisis
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please contact a crisis service before booking a regular appointment. Regular appointments are not a substitute for crisis support.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Emergency: 000
Medicare and DVA
Psychology sessions for depression are covered under Medicare's Better Access initiative and DVA. Sessions are $220. With a Medicare rebate, your out-of-pocket cost is approximately $118 per session.
0468 310 853 | admin@ftpc.com.au