Depression
Identify the cause of your feelings and work towards a more joy-filled, enriched existence
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.
We're here to help
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:
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.
Why Choose Us?
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.
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.
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
Thinking about taking the next step?
We know that when you’re in the thick of depression, reaching out can feel like the hardest thing in the world. These are some of the questions we hear most often from people taking that first step. If something’s still on your mind, our friendly team is always just a phone call away.
We often get asked...:
How many sessions will I need?
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.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
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.
Is everything that is discussed confidential?
Psychologists in Australia are bound to confidentiality through a Code of Conduct and the Privacy Act.
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 disclose information such as:
- There are concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others
- Your information is subpoenaed by a court of law
- Mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
- Completing GP updates under the Medicare referral scheme.
When is payment required?
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.
What therapy tools are used to treat depression?
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.