THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION IN BERKHAMSTED
We all have periods of low mood, that may be impacted by our life circumstances. However, if low mood persists for a prolonged period of time, you may be suffering from depression. Depression is a psychological condition that can affect how you think, feel, and function in daily life. Many people describe depression as a sense of heaviness, disconnection, or loss of direction. It can affect sleep, appetite, motivation, relationships, work, and the ability to experience pleasure or meaning.
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression can present in different ways, and experiences vary between individuals. For some people, depression may feel like emotional numbness rather than sadness. Common features include:
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Persistent low mood or sadness
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Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities (anhedonia)
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Fatigue or reduced energy
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
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Changes in appetite
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Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism
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Withdrawal from others or activities that previously brought meaning or joy
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A sense of hopelessness or feeling “stuck”
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Difficulties in relationships, including changes to sexual libido
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For some people, depression can lead to thoughts of ending their life, or self harm
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to contact your GP as a first step.
The Psychology of Depression
Negative Thinking Patterns
Depression is often maintained by interacting psychological processes rather than a single cause. Common maintaining factors include:
Self-critical or harsh internal dialogue that can include hopeless or pessimistic thinking, difficulty seeing positive or balanced perspectives
Reduced Activity and Withdrawal
Loss of motivation leading to reduced engagement, avoidance of previously meaningful activities or social withdrawal
Changes in the Body
Fatigue or low physical energy, sleep disruption, appetite changes or reduced capacity for effort or concentration
Emotional Regulation Difficulties
Difficulty accessing or processing emotions, which can lead to emotional suppression, overwhelm, numbness or heightened irritability
Over time, these factors interact to create a self-reinforcing cycle, where reduced activity and negative thinking further deepen low mood.
Types of Depression We Work With
We can support children, adolescents or adults experiencing symptoms of low mood and depression. We can support people experiencing Major Depressive Episodes, Recurring Depression, Post-natal Depression, Depression linked to Stress/Burnout, and Depression in the context of bereavement, chronic health conditions, such as chronic fatigue, pain, illness or neurological conditions.
How Can Therapy Help Depression?
Therapy for depression focuses on addressing both the emotional experience and the underlying maintaining processes. We often work on:
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Gradually increasing meaningful and manageable activity (behavioural activation)
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Understanding and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns
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Reducing self-criticism and building self-compassion
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Reconnecting with values and sources of meaning
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Improving emotional awareness and regulation
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Addressing underlying life experiences and understanding how they have contributing to core beliefs about yourself, others and the world
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At The Lotus Psychology Practice, all of our Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are often integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapeutic interventions are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.​ The most effective treatments for depression include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). We are able to offer longer-term psychotherapy for inidivduals who may benefit from understanding and processing early life experiences that contribute to current difficulties.
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Depression can affect both psychological and biological systems, and for some individuals, a combined approach including Psychology and Psychiatry may be indicated. While many people benefit from psychological therapy alone, others may also consider psychiatric input, particularly where symptoms are more persistent, severe, have not responded to previous treatment or are preventing engagement with psychological therapy. We can support you in understanding when this may be appropriate and, where needed, facilitate referral to a trusted psychiatrist for further assessment, including consideration of medication. Our approach is always to ensure that any intervention, psychological or medical, is thoughtfully considered, clearly explained, and tailored to your individual needs.
Depression in Children & Young People
In children and adolescents, depression may present differently and is often misinterpreted as 'difficult behaviour' or 'teenage behaviour'. Understanding the signs of depression in children and young people is vital in ensuring early, and evidence-based intervention.
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Common signs include:
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Irritability or sadness
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Withdrawal from friends or activities
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Reduced engagement in school
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Changes in sleep or appetite
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Low motivation or increased avoidance
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Emotional outbursts or shutdown
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Spending long periods of time in bed
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Self-harm or suicidal thinking
Within our Child & Adolescent Service, we are able to offer specialist assessment and evidence-based therapy to support children experiencing depression.
When to Seek Support
It may be helpful to seek support if depression is:
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Affecting your daily functioning or relationships
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Leading to withdrawal of situations or activities
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Interfering with sleep, concentration, or wellbeing
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Feeling difficult to manage alone
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may benefit from psychological therapy. You can contact us for an initial consultation with one of our Psychologists. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to begin therapy.
Our Approach at The Lotus Psychology Practice
At The Lotus Psychology Practice, our team of HCPC registered Psychologists have specialist experience in supporting children, adolescents and adults experiencing depression. We take a collaborative, formulation-led approach to therapy, working with you to understand how your difficulties have developed and what is maintaining them. This guides a structured, evidence-based and personalised treatment plan.
Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete standardised and validated questionnaire measures, which are used to inform the assessment. A comprehensive psychological assessment is completed across the first two sessions. This helps us to develop a shared understanding of your current difficulties.​ Following an assessment, you will receive a full report, which includes individualised recommendations and resources, as well as an agreed therapeutic plan and individual goals.
Based on the assessment, we will agree the most appropriate therapeutic approach, tailored to you. Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapies at The Lotus Psychology Practice are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
