Depression

CHALLENGES OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR DEPRESSION CAN SUPPORT YOU WITH

Often misunderstood, depression can be incredibly debilitating for those living with it. Not simply feeling low, moody or sad, depression can be long-lasting and impact on every area of your life. 

Estimated by Beyond Blue to affect 1 in every 7 Australians, depression is also far more common than many of us realise. While it is more likely to be experienced by those who have lived through abuse, severe loss, trauma or other stressful events, it can affect anyone at any stage of life. 

Speaking with a psychologist for depression can help you identify the cause of your feelings and work towards a more joy-filled, enriched existence. 

While depression can manifest differently from person to person or have varied causes behind it, if you have been experiencing any of the following for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help: 

- You feel sad, teary or overwhelmed most of the time

- You don’t feel anything other than numb or empty

- Small issues suddenly feel big or insurmountable

- You are easily irritated or frustrated 

- You are withdrawing from family and friends

- You are having trouble sleeping or feel like sleeping all the time

- You have a loss or change of appetite 

- You struggle to concentrate or dissociate at work, school or when speaking to others

- You have thoughts of worthlessness or hopelessness

- You are unable to maintain basic self-care such as showering or brushing your hair and teeth 

It is important to recognise that while it may feel like there is no way forward, depression is treatable and a happier, more fulfilling life is possible with help.  

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PORT PHILLIP PSYCHOLOGY

At Port Phillip Psychology, our team is informed by decades of shared experience and are highly skilled in counselling for depression. With both male and female psychologists available, our focus is on ensuring you feel as supported and comfortable as possible at all times. 

Compassionate and understanding, we offer a safe, supportive and judgement-free environment in which you can discuss anything you need. Helping you to pinpoint the cause of your depression, we also guide you in coping strategies and provide encouragement as you work through it all. 

Recognising that trust and collaboration are integral to effective therapy outcomes, we set goals for recovery with you and regularly review your progress. This approach ensures your therapy is tailored to your changing needs and able to properly support you throughout this process. 

Should you be experiencing additional mental health issues related to depression such as anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, social isolation or similar, these can also be addressed through therapy.  

GET IN TOUCH

In Chelsea and St Kilda or
via Video or Phone
(03) 8774 2150

EMAIL : help@portphillippsychology.com.au

Experience Compassionate & Genuine Care With Port Phillip Psychology

At Port Phillip Psychology, our team of Melbourne-based psychologists for depression provides genuine and compassionate care focused on your wellbeing. Delivering specialised support, our goal is to help you feel better both now and well into the future. 

Focused on flexible, accessible care, we offer in-person sessions in Melbourne’s Bayside areas of Chelsea and St Kilda or remote consultations via telehealth. A range of session times are also available to suit your schedule, including daytime, evening and Saturday appointments.

Learn to understand yourself better and journey towards better mental health through counselling for depression. Contact Port Phillip Psychology today to get started. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The number of therapy sessions required will vary based on your needs and goals. While improvement is often experienced within 6 sessions, continued therapy is often recommended.

    Your psychologist will work with you on your goals for therapy and perform regular reviews of your progress with your involvement. Ensuring you feel supported and that your therapy timeline is as beneficial as possible.

  • In your first session, your therapist will be focused on asking you about yourself, your life and the challenges that have brought you to see them and that you would like to work on. 

    From here you and your therapist can formulate a plan for how often you should meet and discuss how many sessions might be needed to achieve your goals. 

    Remember, it’s very normal to feel anxious, nervous, or unsure about your first therapy session. Our team recognises this and works hard to provide a private, comfortable, safe and respectful place for you to discuss anything you need without judgement.

  • Psychologists in Australia are bound to confidentiality through the ethical guidelines outlined in the APS Code of Ethics. 

    This means they are bound to protect your privacy and not disclose what is discussed during your sessions. However, there are some some circumstances in which your psychologist may need to breach this such as when:

    • There are concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others

    • Your information is subpoenaed by a court of law

    • There is a legal obligation to do so due to the disclosure of information regarding involvement or knowledge of a criminal offence that has not been made known to the police 

  • Payment is required on the day of your appointment. We process Medicare rebates right away wherever possible, the rebate amount will vary depending on your circumstances. Any private health rebates must be submitted directly to your insurer for processing. 

  • At Port Phillip Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors for depression employ a variety of therapy tools or interventions to help with the treatment of depression. 

    This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapies. These tools can be highly effective in treating depression and can be used alongside other strategies and methods as needed. 

    Exactly how your therapy will be conducted or which interventions will be employed will be determined by your psychologist following a discussion with you what you are comfortable with.

  • No, we recognise that seeking help with depression is not always easy and that having to attend therapy in person can be off putting. As such, we offer Telehealth sessions both during and outside of normal business hours to ensure you can feel comfortable and capable of accessing care around your needs and schedule.