Depression therapy illustration

Depression Therapists in Canada

Therapy for people experiencing low mood, persistent fatigue, or loss of interest in things that once felt meaningful, supported by therapists experienced in depression and mood disorders.

What to look for in a Depression therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Experience working with depression and mood disorders
  • Approaches like CBT, behavioral activation, or interpersonal therapy
  • A balance of empathy and gentle structure to support progress
  • Focus on small, realistic steps toward improvement

41 therapists for Depression in Canada

Browse 41 therapists specializing in Depression. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Diana Ben

Diana Ben

Hi, I’m Diana! As a first‑generation African Canadian, I understand the complexity of navigating cultural identity, family expectations, people‑pleasing, autonomy, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by unprocessed trauma, anxiety, and the pressure to hold everything together. They often feel alone in their experiences, struggle with confidence, and second‑guess their decisions and experiences. My goal is to offer a non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally sensitive space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. I help you understand the roots of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns so you can shift them with intention. My work focuses on identity, self‑awareness, and healing from trauma and anxiety in a space that feels grounding and supportive. My approach blends insight, compassion, and practical tools to help you create real, sustainable change! Therapy with me is about understanding yourself more deeply so you can move through life with clarity and confidence. I believe insight is a powerful tool for healing; it helps us break old cycles and create new possibilities by moving beyond the feeling of “I don’t know why.” If you’re ready to explore your inner world with support, I’m here to help!

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Peter Reid

Peter Reid

I work with LGBTQ2S+ adults who are tired of being "hooked" by their own minds—that loop of anxiety, the "not good enough" narrative, or that "stuck" feeling. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or just feeling "flat," I help you get your hands back on the steering wheel of your life.

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Ramona Saeedi

Ramona Saeedi

If you landed on this page, you took the first step. As humans we have the capacity to adapt and discover more meaning & joy in life as we face and overcome obstacles in life. To me, happiness is the process of solving problems and developing more adaptive ways of being. I am excited to help you overcome challenges and achieve your wellness goals. Hi, my name is Ramona and welcome to my page! As a therapist, I take you seriously. Not just what you say, but what you’re bringing with you. My clients often tell me they feel genuinely understood, because I notice the weight you’re carrying, the patterns you’ve been sitting with, and the parts of your story that actually matter. I’m curious about who you are in the context of everything that shaped you: your culture, your relationships, your upbringing. I connect those threads with what’s happening with you now. I see individuals and couples across a wide range of experiences: mood disorders like depression and anxiety, identity work, ADHD, grief, and trauma. I’m equally comfortable supporting someone navigating a single difficult season or working through patterns that have persisted for years. I have particular experience with adolescents and young adults, as well as adults in midlife transitions. Whether you’re coming in with a specific crisis or just a sense that something needs to shift, I meet you where you are. Over my 10+ years as a therapist, I’ve developed an integrative approach. I draw on CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and EFT for couples. For trauma, I use EMDR, inner child work, and attachment-based approaches. I trained in nervous system work and trauma-informed yoga in Indonesia. I understand how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. More than the techniques, what ties them together is that I believe you already have the answers within you. My job is to create the conditions where those answers surface. Real trust and empathy. The safety to explore. The space to discover what change actually looks like for you. I’m a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and specialize in relational therapy. I work from a multicultural, anti-oppressive perspective, which means I’m attuned to the systems and contexts that shape your experience. With me, you get access to therapy from the comfort of your space!

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Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Do you have a story you feel you need to share with someone? Maybe it’s your first time opening up, or maybe you tried before, but just never quite felt heard. If there’s something inside of you that needs telling, I’m here to hear you out. I often work with clients who suffer from depression, trauma, anxiety and relationship issues. I can also be particularly helpful to clients who’ve felt they haven’t gone deep enough in therapy, who tend towards dissociation or intellectualization, or who find themselves between cultures—immigrants, children of immigrants, people from interfaith families, and "third culture kids." I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is based on the premise that the more we understand about ourselves, the more freedom we have to make new choices. If you’ve ever felt stuck without knowing exactly why, or even if you understand why but can’t quite seem to change things, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be immensely helpful. Life can be deeply painful, but it can also be joyous. I aim to be witness to all of you without judgment, so that you can come to know yourself more fully, and therefore have all the more freedom to choose not only how to respond to what life throws at you, but also what life it is you want to live.

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Jan Krynicki

Jan Krynicki

Hey there, I'm Jan! I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and unbiased space for therapy and counseling in an easy-going, relatable way. I have done my BSc in Psychology at the VU Amsterdam and finished my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have worked as a therapist/counselor in Cape Town, South Africa which exposed me to working with diverse groups of people. I have finished my Master's thesis on mindfulness practice and its effects on students in regards to burnout and fatigue. However, I am also trained in motivational interviewing, ACT, and CBT with a constant drive to keep learning. I believe that having a great therapeutic relationship is really important for a good outcome in therapy. I aim to be the therapist that doesn’t recite word for word what they learned in university textbooks but one that integrates therapeutic techniques into tailored sessions all while making it feel natural and comfortable for the client. The first intake session is always free! Ask me about my student rate!

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Yaroslav Grechkin

Yaroslav Grechkin

Hi there and welcome! I’m Yaroslav (or Y for short), a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. Life can feel incredibly heavy when you're carrying the belief that you're somehow not good enough. You may find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, comparing yourself to others, struggling with self-criticism, or feeling overwhelmed by shame. Perhaps you've spent years trying to be what everyone else needs you to be, while quietly wondering why you still don't feel worthy, confident, or at peace. You are not alone. Many of the struggles we experience—whether it's self-doubt, shame, relationship conflict, or feeling disconnected from those we love—are deeply human responses to difficult life experiences, unmet emotional needs, and the challenges that come with navigating relationships, family life, and personal growth. These struggles do not mean there is something wrong with you. They often reflect the ways you've learned to cope, survive, and make sense of your experiences. As a therapist, I bring not only professional training but also a deep understanding of what it means to navigate life's challenges, uncertainty, and the ongoing work of self-discovery and growth. Like many people, I have experienced moments of self-doubt, vulnerability, and the complexities that come with balancing relationships, responsibilities, and personal well-being. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing happens not through perfection, but through self-compassion, connection, and the courage to face our struggles with curiosity rather than judgment. I help individuals, youth, and couples create lasting change by addressing the deeper emotional patterns that drive distress and disconnection. I offer in-person therapy in Hawkesbury and virtual therapy across Ontario, providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. My work with individuals and youth focuses on overcoming feelings of inadequacy, shame, self-criticism, anxiety, and emotional pain through the evidence-based approaches of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Together, we explore the origins of painful beliefs such as "I'm not good enough," understand the emotions beneath the struggle, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. As therapy progresses, many clients begin to experience greater self-acceptance, emotional resilience, confidence, and freedom from the patterns that have kept them stuck. For couples, I specialize in helping partners navigate parenting challenges, communication difficulties, recurring conflicts, and emotional disconnection. Parenting can place enormous pressure on even the strongest relationships, often leaving couples feeling more like teammates managing responsibilities than partners deeply connected to one another. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we identify the negative cycles that create distance and frustration, helping both partners better understand their own needs and each other's experiences. Through this process, couples often strengthen their emotional bond, improve communication, rebuild trust, and rediscover a sense of connection and partnership. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth and healing when they feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is not about fixing you—because you are not broken. It is about helping you better understand yourself, heal old wounds, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter most. Whether you're struggling with shame, low self-worth, anxiety, relationship challenges, or the demands of parenting, you don't have to navigate it alone. Meaningful change is possible, and support is available. If you're ready to take the next step toward greater self-compassion, confidence, and connection, I invite you to reach out. Contact me today to book a consultation and discover how therapy can help you create the lasting changes you're looking for.

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Jessica Charles

Jessica Charles

I specialize in helping young adults with CPTSD symptoms like low self-worth, depression, substance misuse, and neglect. Honestly – everybody needs to be empathetically challenged. To see if we’re a fit, email me for a free 15-min consultation :).

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Amelia Jones

Amelia Jones

Do you struggle with anxiety, people pleasing or feelings of overwhelm? Do you have a difficult relationship with your parents or get easily triggered? Maybe you have ADHD (or think you do) and feel like you can't do life "right"? If you experience any of these, I can help! You likely need to uncover unhelpful patterns, heal the past wounds holding you back, and develop actionable tools to help you return to a more grounded, regulated state. I'll help you process AND keep you accountable (warmly and compassionately of course). I'm trained in both Talk and Art Therapy. You can try both or choose whatever one feels best for you. Why try art therapy? Because sometimes our thoughts and feelings are hard to express with words alone. Creativity can provide another avenue of expression to dig in deeper. Heads up: No art skills are needed and we'll still use talk therapy approaches too! My style is warm, curious and collaborative. That involves both listening AND supporting you shift out of patterns no longer serving you. Together, we'll build on sessions over time with intention and direction. Let's get you thriving, not just surviving! To book a free consult, email or visit my site for the online booking link.

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Marc-Anthony Racco

Marc-Anthony Racco

Are you struggling to maintain relationships? Maybe you feel disconnected, unable to get through the day without negative thought patterns. As a psychotherapist, I work with both teens and adults, specializing in relational and childhood trauma. However, I also work with individuals who have faced various life challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. Holding a queer identity and a crisis counselling background, my therapeutic space is highlighted in inclusivity, incorporating anti-oppressive and strength-based frameworks to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts freely. My sessions often take a client-centred approach, building a collaborative process of unlearning damaging self-beliefs, practicing healthy coping skills, and reclaiming your life through newly formed self-awareness. This is your journey, and I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. I view trauma as a relational experience. Not only is it often experienced in relationships with others, but it is also a new development of healthy relationships that can assist in healing.

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Chinwendum Onyeocha

Chinwendum Onyeocha

I help clients explore why their mind functions the way it does, especially when they feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, ADHD-related difficulties, or emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while developing practical tools for change. When working with me, clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where we move at a pace that feels supportive. Together, we will work toward greater clarity, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and confidence in how you navigate your life.

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Kinza Jat

Kinza Jat

Have you ever felt caught between who you are and who others expect you to be? Perhaps you’re navigating cultural pressures, identity-related challenges, or a lingering sense of never fully belonging. As a second-generation Canadian raised by immigrant parents, I understand how isolating it can feel to exist between different worlds and expectations. Drawing from my lived experiences with marginalized identities, I strive to create a warm and inviting space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself on your own terms. I am currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology. In my practicum, I provide queer-affirming, pay-what-you-can psychotherapy to individuals aged 14 and older, while welcoming clients of all identities, orientations, and backgrounds. My work is client-centered and trauma-informed, aimed at fostering deeper understanding by revealing unconscious patterns, emotions, and experiences that may be shaping your current challenges. Together, we move at a pace that feels grounded for you, co-creating a treatment plan that reflects your needs, intentions, and goals. Much like a flower that blooms when given the right conditions, I believe meaningful growth unfolds when we are supported in the ways we need most. My goal is to help cultivate those conditions, tailoring our work together to support your growth in a way that feels authentic to you. If this resonates, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation. Book Here.

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Lisa Vanderpas

Lisa Vanderpas

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, specializing in nervous system regulation and the mind-body connection. My work focuses on understanding how chronic stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma, and chronic pain can impact both psychological and physiological wellbeing. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities including CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy to support emotional awareness, resilience, and lasting personal growth. I am passionate about psychoeducation and helping individuals better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and nervous system responses. I strive to create a grounded, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic environment where healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change can take place.

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Roberta McClelland

Roberta McClelland

You are thinking about facing an issue that you are carrying (big or small), and changing things for the better. I'd like to be a part of that change. I'm Roberta McClelland. I'm a registered social worker with over 10 years of experience in the field. I work with female teens, post-secondary students, and adults who are coping with grief, caregiver fatigue, major and minor life transitions, relational stress, depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, trauma, and abuse via in-person, virtual, and phone appointments I will create a safe, collaborative space for you that is focused on your strengths, that respects your needs and your voice, and that will flex with you as you move through your change journey. And I will support you in this journey by using a variety of treatment techniques based on what fits best and feels best for you. As a counsellor I'm committed to providing a non-judgmental place where you can bring what is heavy, look at what hurts, say what you need to say, and plan for a better tomorrow. If this sounds like a good fit for what you're looking for right now, please get in touch and consider meeting with with me for a free 15 minute consult to see if we're a good match Call or Email Roberta McClelland now for a free 15 minute consultation - (226) 242-3641 Let's Connect(226) 242-3641

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Christine Peddle

Christine Peddle

I (she/her) have been practicing therapy since 2016. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador I’ve made the West End of Toronto home and St. Joseph’s Health Centre my primary workplace where I work as a Child and Family Therapist. I have countless trauma trainings, plus DBT, CBT, DDP, EFFT, Psychodrama for Traumatic Stress, and exposure to Gestalt Therapy. I participate in psychoanalysis and am a true believer in the healing relational aspect of therapy. I know the importance of an intersectional approach to personal growth, and I seek to help you discover wholeness versus the elusive permanent wellness. Relational dynamics are my expertise, they play important roles in how we see ourselves and live our lives.

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Tehreem Fatimah

Tehreem Fatimah

I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and have several years of experience working within community mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing challenges related to substance use, homelessness, depression, anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma, and systemic barriers. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the resilience and strength individuals demonstrate while navigating difficult life circumstances. My work has shaped a compassionate and client-centred approach that is rooted in empathy, respect, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity. I understand how trauma, chronic stress, and experiences of marginalization can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being. Because of this, I am committed to creating a supportive, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth and healing. I take a holistic and strengths-based approach to counselling, recognizing that every person brings unique experiences, abilities, and inner resources to the therapeutic process. I believe in working collaboratively with clients, allowing them to guide their journey while supporting them in developing practical coping tools, building resilience, and fostering greater self-awareness. My goal is to help individuals enhance their emotional well-being, improve their quality of life, and create sustainable, positive change.

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Vivian Chu

Vivian Chu

I offer a supportive and reflective space for individuals who are navigating the everyday challenges and complexities of life. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship concerns, or simply looking for a place to pause and reconnect with yourself, I am here to help. My goal is to provide a calm and compassionate space where you can feel heard and supported as you make sense of what you are going through. My approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for your lived experience. We can explore your thoughts and emotions to better understand what might be keeping you feeling stuck. I work with people from all walks of life who are seeking clarity, growth, and emotional well-being.

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Elika Yamauchi

Elika Yamauchi

Hello! My name is Elika (Eh-lee-ka) and I am a neurodivergent, cisgender, second generation Okinawan immigrant settler occupying the stolen traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. I am an intern counsellor completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree, and am excited for the opportunity to lean into over 15 years of experience working in community-based programs and social services. I have had the privilege of working alongside individuals of all ages, identities, and diverse family/caregiver structures such as young folks living in the foster care system. I bring a deep passion for welcoming and exploring the unique story of each person, nurturing their strengths, interests, and capacities while creating a supportive space to work through life’s challenges. Together, we’ll explore how your past experiences, your environment, and the different parts of who you are shape the person you are becoming today. Through developing a meaningful and trusting connection to ground our work together, I strive to support your vision of health and well-being with warmth, openness, empathy, and kind care. I believe in exploring and (re)discovering your inner resources, and nurturing your authenticity in a way that is meaningful to you.

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Fiona Smith

Fiona Smith

I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, burnout, and perfectionism. I work with clients to develop a more compassionate understanding of themselves and their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that reflects their authentic self and values. I offer low-cost sessions for individuals through the Full Circle Program at Design Your Life Centre as a student therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Thomas. This program is for individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford therapy. My approach is rooted in humanistic and person-centred principles, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded presence to my work. I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences and emotions and to supporting you, with patience and genuine belief in your capacity to change, as you work toward the life you want to lead.

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Monika Mehan

Monika Mehan

In my journey as, first, a therapy client, and then a psychotherapist, one of the most striking things I've learned has been that we tend to hold deep knowledge about what we actually want, need, and feel. That the signals our bodies and brains deliver to us aren't random. The anger that we might try to push down can actually tell us where a boundary of ours - one we might not have even recognized for ourselves yet - is being crossed. The tiredness or pain in our bodies might be telling us to slow down, to pay attention to an important part of ourselves, an important feeling, that we've tried to ignore out of fear. When we have a hard time getting moving on a project, it isn't a character flaw - it's giving us important information about a need we have, perhaps around relaxing our own expectations for ourselves, or getting more clarity around what we're trying to do. It makes sense that we don't always listen to these inner signals of ours, for so many reasons. In today's world, many of us are busy just trying to survive, and might feel like turning inward is unhelpful or a waste of time. We might fear that we'll discover a part of ourselves that's asking for a change that we don't yet feel ready to implement in our lives. We might have learned throughout our lives that our feelings are too big or threatening to handle, so ignoring them becomes the default. I believe, however, that if we're able to receive support in slowing down and listening to that inner voice, we can start to truly move toward an easier, more aligned, more fulfilling life, with more fulfilling connections - with others and with ourselves. I love to support folks moving through this type of work. I often work with clients who might be feeling stuck, unhappy, isolated, or overwhelmed. I also see many clients who are neurodiverse, and hold lived experience with AuDHD myself. I love working with creative people, people who have self-identified as "people pleasers," anyone experiencing relationship difficulties or life transitions - whatever it is you're going through currently, and whoever you are, I'd love to chat about it! I am a graduate of the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and am trained as a relational therapist, which means that I think about the rules we learn implicitly in our lives about relationships - who were we taught that we need to be in order to stay in connection with others? These often-invisible-to-us rules deeply impact how we relate to those around us, but also how we relate to ourselves, and to what degree we're able to listen to that aforementioned inner voice. If we learned our needs were too big and the people around us needed them to be smaller - we'll ignore anything inside of us that's trying to alert us to a need we have. If we learned we had to constantly fight for ourselves, we might have a harder time listening to an inner voice of ours that's asking for some softness. I would love to support you in letting all of the complex pieces of yourself have space to share and room to shine. If my profile resonates with you, please don't hesitate to reach out - I would love to hear from you, and to have the chance to chat about how we can work together! :)

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Rachelle Choueiri

Rachelle Choueiri

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite belong—like you’re putting on a mask just to make it through the day? Maybe life feels heavier than it should, or quietly exhausting. I work with people who are navigating anxiety, procrastination, imposter syndrome, and a lingering sense of disconnection. Together, we’ll gently explore what may be keeping you stuck and begin creating a life that feels more authentic and more your own. With a PhD in chemistry and a background outside of mental health, I understand the pressures of high performance, the weight of expectations, and the loneliness that can come with feeling different. I work relationally, offering a calm, curious space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can get a sense of how I work and ask any questions. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just a willingness to take one step. If something in this profile resonates with you, I invite you to reach out and begin the conversation.

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What is Depression?

Depression doesn't always look like sadness. For many people, it shows up as a quiet heaviness that lingers through the day, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and losing interest in things that once felt easy or meaningful. You might still go to work, reply to messages, and keep routines going, but it feels distant, like you're not fully in it. Even small decisions or everyday tasks can feel disproportionately exhausting. If you're searching for help with depression or wondering whether therapy could make a difference, it often starts by recognizing these subtle shifts, not just how you feel, but how much effort everything now seems to take.

Depression takes different forms. For some people it arrives after a loss, a major life change, or a period of prolonged stress. For others it has been present for years, sometimes well managed and sometimes not. Postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal patterns are all variations that can benefit from professional support. Regardless of how long you have been experiencing it or how it began, therapy can help you understand what is contributing to your current state.

Therapy can help you explore what is underlying your low mood, shift patterns that are keeping you stuck, and gradually rebuild motivation and meaning. The goal is not just feeling better in the short term, but understanding the factors that contribute to depression so they have less control over your life.

Who this approach may help

Persistent low mood or loss of interest

People experiencing ongoing sadness, emptiness, or a noticeable drop in interest or pleasure in things they used to enjoy, lasting more than a few weeks.

Depression linked to life events

People whose low mood developed after a loss, relationship breakdown, career change, illness, or another significant stressor and who have not fully recovered.

Depression alongside anxiety

People who experience both low mood and persistent worry or nervousness, which is a common combination that therapy can address by targeting the patterns underlying both.

Chronic or recurring depression

People who have experienced multiple episodes of depression or have felt low for years, including those who have tried therapy before and are looking for more sustained support.

Physical symptoms of depression

People experiencing fatigue, sleep disruption, changes in appetite, or physical heaviness that appear connected to their mood rather than an underlying medical condition.

What happens in a session?

  1. 1

    Understand your current experience

    The therapist asks about your mood, daily functioning, sleep, and how long you have been feeling this way to build a clear picture of what you are experiencing.

  2. 2

    Identify patterns and triggers

    You explore situations, thoughts, relationships, or behaviours that seem to worsen or maintain your low mood, looking for patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

  3. 3

    Learn and practice tools

    Depending on the approach, the therapist may introduce techniques for managing negative thinking, gradually re-engaging with meaningful activities, or improving sleep and daily routine.

  4. 4

    Work through underlying causes

    Over time, sessions may explore past experiences, relationships, or beliefs that contribute to depression, particularly when low mood has been present for a long time.

  5. 5

    Track progress and adjust

    The therapist checks in on how you are responding, adjusts the focus as needed, and helps you build awareness of what is working so you can maintain progress after therapy ends.

How it compares to other approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most researched approaches for depression. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. It is structured and time-limited. Not all depression therapy is CBT, but CBT techniques are often part of a broader treatment plan.

Behavioral Activation

Behavioral Activation is a specific approach that targets the withdrawal and inactivity that often maintain depression. It focuses on gradually re-engaging with meaningful activities rather than addressing thoughts directly. It is sometimes used on its own or as part of CBT.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on how relationships, life transitions, and grief contribute to depression. Rather than examining thought patterns, it works on improving communication and adjusting to interpersonal changes. It tends to be short-term and structured.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic approaches explore how past experiences, unconscious patterns, and relationship history contribute to current mood. This tends to be longer-term and more exploratory than CBT or IPT, and suits people who want to understand the deeper roots of their depression.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy and is particularly used for people with recurrent depression. It focuses on changing your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings rather than eliminating them, and is often recommended after a second or third episode.

How to choose a Depression therapist

Questions to ask before booking:

  1. 1

    Ask about their experience with depression specifically, including how they have worked with people whose symptoms are similar to yours in severity or duration.

  2. 2

    Ask which therapeutic approach they use and why they think it suits your situation. Different approaches work better for different people, and a good therapist can explain their reasoning.

  3. 3

    Ask how they structure sessions and how they measure progress. Knowing what to expect can help you stay engaged, particularly when motivation is low.

  4. 4

    If your depression has been present for a long time or has recurred, ask whether they have experience supporting people through chronic or recurring episodes.

  5. 5

    Ask how they handle it if therapy does not seem to be helping. A good therapist will reassess the approach, consider referrals, or discuss whether a medication evaluation might be worth exploring.

  6. 6

    If you are taking medication for depression or considering it, ask whether they are comfortable collaborating with your physician or psychiatrist.

When this may not be the right fit

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, crisis support should come first. Therapy is an important part of care, but acute safety concerns are best addressed through a crisis line, an emergency department, or a mental health crisis team.

Depression is sometimes caused or worsened by underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies. If your depression is new or unexplained, speaking with a physician before or alongside starting therapy is a reasonable step.

If your depression has been severe, has not responded to previous therapy, or involves significant functional impairment, involving a psychiatrist or physician in your care is worth considering. Therapy alone may not be sufficient.

If low mood appears connected to bipolar disorder, a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan from a specialist is important before beginning standard depression therapy, as some approaches may not be appropriate without that context.

Related specialties

Frequently asked questions

What type of therapist is best for depression?

Many licensed professionals can treat depression, including counsellors, psychologists, and social workers. The most important factor is finding someone experienced with mood disorders and whose approach fits your needs, whether that is structured techniques, deeper exploration, or a mix of both.

How long does therapy for depression take?

The timeline varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, especially with structured approaches, while others benefit from longer-term support when depression is linked to life patterns, relationships, or unresolved experiences.

Can therapy work without medication for depression?

Yes, many people improve with therapy alone, particularly for mild to moderate depression. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral activation can be effective. For more severe cases, therapy and medication are sometimes combined for better results.

What happens in a depression therapy session?

Sessions typically involve discussing your thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences while identifying patterns that contribute to low mood. Therapists may introduce practical exercises, small behavioural changes, or ways to shift thinking patterns to gradually improve energy and outlook.

Do I need to feel ready before starting therapy for depression?

No. Many people begin therapy while feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure. A good therapist meets you where you are and helps you take small, manageable steps forward, even if you do not feel fully ready or hopeful at the start.

Can I do depression therapy online?

Yes. Online therapy is a practical option for many people experiencing depression, particularly when low energy or motivation makes travelling to in-person appointments harder. Research supports the effectiveness of online CBT and other structured approaches for depression.

Looking for a Depression therapist?

Browse therapists in Canada who specialize in depression. Filter by location, fee, and session format to find the right fit.

Depression Therapists in Canada — Find a Depression Therapist | Purple Lotus