Depression

Therapy and Counselling Services in Kingston, Ontario

Feel like yourself again — one honest conversation at a time

Psychotherapy for Depression

If you’re feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or like you’re moving through life in a fog, you’re not alone. Depression can show up in many forms—not just sadness.

I offer psychotherapy for depression to individuals, couples, teens, and children. These sessions are offered in-person at my Kingston office (corner of Princess Street and Sydenham Road), virtually anywhere in Ontario or walk-and-talk is available on the K&P trail for ongoing clients.

For those experiencing depressive symptoms, I also run a group program grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) called Depression: Brighter Days Ahead. Learn more about the benefits of group therapy and the other programs I offer.

Learn more about my Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Groups

How Depression Might Show Up

  • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
  • Irritability or feeling emotionally numb
  • Physical aches or pains without a clear cause
  • Withdrawing from social activities or relationships
  • Slowed thinking, speech, or movement
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
A tranquil winter scene featuring a lone wooden bench in a snow-covered park.

Frequently Asked Questions about Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad — it’s a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life.

It can impact:

  • Your motivation
  • Your energy levels
  • Your sleep
  • Your appetite
  • Your ability to feel joy or connection

It might look like:

  • Feeling numb, empty, or like you’re just “existing”
  • Struggling to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks
  • Losing interest in things you used to love
  • Experiencing guilt, shame, or self-criticism that won’t go away

Depression can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, career, or background. It isn’t a sign of weakness, and you don’t have to “have it worse” than others to deserve help.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in Canada. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), approximately 1 in 8 adults will experience a major depressive episode at some point in their lives. Among youth aged 15 to 24, the numbers are even higher.
In fact, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and it often goes untreated due to stigma, shame, or the belief that one has to “tough it out.”

If you’re feeling low, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken — it means you’re human. Depression is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Therapy is one of the most evidence-based and supportive ways to move forward.

Since the pandemic, feelings of isolation, burnout, and emotional overwhelm have become even more common — and reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure.

It’s not always obvious — depression can creep in slowly or mask itself as exhaustion, irritability, or emotional numbness. If you’re noticing a persistent low mood, feeling disconnected from things you once enjoyed, or just not feeling like yourself for weeks at a time, it might be a sign of depression.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Have I felt consistently down or flat for more than two weeks?
  • Have I lost interest in things that used to bring me joy?
  • Do I feel more tired than usual, even with rest?
  • Am I withdrawing from people or activities?
  • Have my eating or sleeping habits changed significantly?

You don’t have to check every box to reach out for support. If you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling is depression — that’s reason enough to talk to someone who can help.

No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin counselling. Many people come to therapy because they’re struggling with low mood, burnout, or emotional overwhelm — even if they’re not sure whether it “counts” as depression.

Therapy can help you understand what you’re experiencing, and sometimes that clarity alone is healing. Whether or not you meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, your pain and your experience are valid. If it’s impacting your day-to-day life, that’s reason enough to reach out.

If you’re interested in exploring a formal diagnosis, I recommend speaking with your primary care provider. They can assess your symptoms, refer you to a psychiatrist if needed, and discuss whether medication or additional supports might be appropriate.

If you’ve been asking yourself this question, there’s probably something inside you that’s ready for support. You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of my clients start because they haven’t been getting “better” and are tired of pretending to be okay. Others find themselves crying more often than usual and don’t fully understand why.

Signs you might benefit from therapy:

  • You feel like you’re just going through the motions
  • You feel stuck in a low mood that won’t lift
  • You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy
  • You’re constantly exhausted, no matter how much rest you get
  • You feel like you’re just going through the motions

Therapy is a space where you can speak freely — without having to filter or explain yourself. Together, we’ll look at the thoughts, patterns, and experiences that may be contributing to how you’re feeling.

We might work on:

  • Naming and understanding your emotions
  • Challenging self-critical thoughts
  • Building manageable routines to create momentum
  • Exploring past experiences that may still carry weight

Many clients feel a shift within the first few sessions — not because everything changes overnight, but because they finally feel less alone in what they’re carrying.

Therapy helps by:

  • Creating space for your emotions without judgment
  • Offering strategies to manage your thoughts
  • Helping you reconnect with your strengths and values

Some people find that antidepressants help ease symptoms like low energy, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or sleep disruption. Please consult your primary care physician if you have any questions or concerns related to medication.

Some people prefer to start with therapy to better understand their symptoms and explore coping strategies before deciding on medication.

No, you don’t. While medication can be helpful for some people, it’s not a requirement for starting or benefiting from therapy. Many clients choose to begin with talk therapy and see how they feel over time.

Group Therapy

Depression

Brighter Days Ahead

This is a 9-session group grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that offers practical tools for managing depression. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn strategies to lift your mood, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and reconnect with activities that bring meaning and joy. Through guided exercises, reflection, and supportive discussion, you’ll build skills to better understand your emotions and maintain the progress you make—one step at a time.

Learn more about this CBT Group on Depression

Ready to Book?

Booking a psychotherapy appointment is simple and straightforward through my secure Jane platform. Just choose a time that fits your schedule—no back-and-forth emails needed. Evening and weekend appointments are available. I’m here when you’re ready to begin.

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Still have more questions?
Check out my FAQ section for more information or contact me.