Depression counselling provides a safe, confidential space to understand what you are experiencing, explore what may be contributing to your difficulties and begin making meaningful changes. At Nightingale Counselling Consultancy, we take an individualised approach to therapy, drawing on approaches including CBT and integrative counselling to find the right support for you. Our experienced counsellors offer a compassionate, non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and work at a pace that feels manageable.
Depression Doesn’t Always Look Like Depression
Depression is not always obvious, either to the people around you or even to yourself. Some people continue going to work, looking after their family and maintaining their usual responsibilities while feeling very different internally.
You might recognise depression through persistent sadness, but it can also feel like numbness, exhaustion, irritability or simply feeling that you are no longer yourself.
Common experiences can include:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Feeling numb, detached or emotionally disconnected
- Losing interest in things you would normally enjoy
- Low motivation or finding everyday tasks difficult
- Feeling exhausted, even after sleeping
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or inadequacy
- Repetitive negative or self-critical thoughts
- Withdrawing from friends, family or social activities
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic about the future
- Finding work, relationships or everyday responsibilities increasingly difficult
- Feeling like you are struggling internally despite appearing “fine” to others
You do not need to experience every symptom to be affected by depression. Everyone experiences depression differently, and the reasons behind it can also vary considerably.
Do I Need Counselling for Depression?
You do not have to wait until you feel completely overwhelmed before seeking support. If low mood or other changes in how you think, feel or behave are beginning to affect your everyday life, counselling may be worth considering.
You might benefit from speaking to a counsellor if you find yourself asking:
- Have I felt low for several weeks or longer?
- Have I lost interest in things I normally enjoy?
- Am I withdrawing from friends, family or people I would usually spend time with?
- Am I struggling to motivate myself?
- Do I feel exhausted even when I have had enough sleep?
- Are negative thoughts becoming difficult to switch off?
- Do I frequently criticise myself or feel that I am not good enough?
- Do I feel hopeless about the future?
- Am I finding work or everyday responsibilities increasingly difficult?
- Do I feel disconnected from myself or from the people around me?
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, an initial assessment can help you understand what type of support may be most appropriate for your circumstances.
At Nightingale, the assessment process is also an opportunity to understand your individual needs and consider which counsellor and therapeutic approach may be the best fit for you.
How Can Counselling Help With Depression?
Depression counselling is not simply about talking about feeling low. Therapy can help you understand the patterns affecting you and develop practical ways of managing them.
1. Understanding What’s Happening
Your counsellor can help you explore your symptoms, circumstances, experiences and patterns of thinking and behaviour. This can help you develop a clearer understanding of what you are experiencing and why you may be feeling the way you do.
2. Identifying Unhelpful Thought Patterns
Depression can be accompanied by persistent negative thinking, self-criticism and hopeless thoughts about yourself, your circumstances or the future.
Therapy can help you recognise these patterns and explore whether the way you are thinking is contributing to how you feel.
3. Looking at Behaviour and Daily Routines
When you are depressed, it can become increasingly difficult to do the things that once gave you enjoyment, connection or a sense of achievement. You may withdraw from people, stop participating in activities or struggle to maintain routines.
Counselling can help you identify these patterns and gradually explore realistic ways to reintroduce activities and routines that support your wellbeing.
4. Developing Practical Strategies
Depending on your individual needs and therapeutic approach, counselling may involve CBT techniques, behavioural strategies, emotional exploration, problem-solving and other therapeutic interventions.
The focus is on finding strategies that are realistic and relevant to your circumstances rather than expecting you to simply “think positively”.
5. Building Longer-Term Coping Skills
The aim of counselling is not simply to help you feel better while you are attending sessions. Therapy can also help you develop a better understanding of your emotions, thoughts and behaviours and build coping strategies that you can continue to use after therapy ends.
CBT for Depression
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one approach that can be helpful when treating depression. CBT looks at the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and explores patterns that may be contributing to or maintaining low mood.
For example, depression may lead you to think negatively about yourself or the future. These thoughts can affect how you feel and may make you more likely to withdraw from activities, relationships or situations. Withdrawing can then reinforce the negative thoughts and feelings, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.
CBT can help you identify these patterns and develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving.
At Nightingale, CBT may form part of your counselling depending on your individual circumstances and what is identified during your assessment.
Find out more about CBT
What Can Cause Depression?
There is not always one clear cause of depression. Sometimes it develops following a particularly difficult period or significant change in your life, while for others there may not be an obvious reason for how they are feeling.
Depression can sometimes develop alongside or following experiences such as:
- Bereavement or loss
- Relationship breakdown or separation
- Difficulties at work
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Trauma or difficult past experiences
- Major life changes
- Isolation or loneliness
- Low self-esteem
- Ongoing personal or relationship difficulties
- Significant changes in your circumstances
Sometimes, however, depression can develop without an obvious trigger. You do not need to be able to identify a specific reason for feeling depressed before seeking counselling.
A counsellor can help you explore both what is happening in your life now and any experiences or patterns that may be relevant to how you are feeling.
Depression Counselling in Glasgow
Nightingale Counselling Consultancy provides professional depression counselling in Glasgow, with face-to-face and online counselling options available.
Our Glasgow counselling service provides a confidential and supportive environment where you can discuss what you are experiencing without judgement. Whether you have been struggling with depression for some time or have recently noticed changes in your mood, motivation or enjoyment of life, our team can help you explore your options for support.
Our approach begins with understanding you as an individual rather than simply focusing on a diagnosis or list of symptoms.
Depending on your circumstances and preferences, counselling may be available face-to-face in Glasgow or online, allowing you to access support from the setting that feels most comfortable for you.
Why Choose Nightingale for Depression Counselling?
Your Depression Is Personal, So Your Therapy Should Be Too
There is no single experience of depression and no single approach that works for everyone.
At Nightingale, we believe that effective counselling starts with understanding you as an individual. Your experiences, circumstances, personality, relationships and goals all form part of the picture.
This is why we do not simply allocate everyone to the same type of therapy.
Your initial assessment helps us understand what you are experiencing and consider which counsellor and therapeutic approach may be most appropriate for you. This could include CBT or another therapeutic approach depending on your individual needs.
Our aim is to make sure you feel understood, supported and comfortable with the person you are working with.
Experienced, Individualised Support
Nightingale was established with the aim of providing high-quality, professional counselling with a warm and personal approach. Our experienced counselling team works with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including depression.
We understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel difficult. You do not need to have everything worked out before you contact us. An initial assessment gives you the opportunity to talk through what has been happening and explore what support may be right for you.
Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better
You don’t have to wait until depression becomes overwhelming before asking for help.
If you have noticed persistent changes in your mood, motivation, enjoyment, sleep, relationships or ability to cope with everyday life, counselling could provide a space to understand what is happening and begin moving forward.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Counselling
What is depression counselling?
Depression counselling is a form of talking therapy that provides a safe, confidential space to explore how you are feeling and what may be contributing to your difficulties. You can talk through your thoughts, emotions, experiences and circumstances with a trained counsellor and begin to develop a better understanding of yourself and your patterns.
Depending on your individual needs, counselling may involve approaches such as CBT, which can help you explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
At Nightingale, we take an individualised approach rather than assuming that one type of therapy will be right for everyone.
How do I know if I am depressed or just having a difficult time?
Everyone experiences periods of sadness, stress and low mood. A difficult period may improve as circumstances change or with time and support.
Depression can be more persistent and may begin to affect different areas of your life, including your motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships and enjoyment of activities. If you have experienced a low mood for two weeks or more, or are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, it may be worth seeking professional support.
You do not need to diagnose yourself before contacting a counsellor. An initial assessment can help you talk through what you have been experiencing and consider what support may be appropriate.
Can counselling help with depression?
Yes. Talking therapies, including counselling and CBT, are commonly used to support people experiencing depression. Therapy can provide an opportunity to understand your thoughts and feelings, explore contributing factors and develop strategies for managing difficulties.
The type of support that is most appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. For some people, counselling may form part of a wider treatment plan alongside support from their GP or other healthcare professionals.
Is CBT effective for depression?
CBT is an established talking therapy used to treat depression. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can help you identify and challenge unhelpful patterns while developing more helpful ways of responding to difficult situations.
CBT is not necessarily the right approach for everyone. At Nightingale, your individual circumstances and needs are considered when deciding which therapeutic approach may be most suitable.
Find out more about CBT counselling in Glasgow.
How long does depression counselling take?
There is no set number of counselling sessions that is right for everyone. The length of therapy can depend on factors such as how long you have been experiencing difficulties, the severity of your symptoms, what you would like to achieve and the type of therapy being used.
Some people benefit from a relatively focused course of therapy, while others may need longer-term support. Your counsellor can discuss your progress with you throughout therapy and review your needs as you go.
For example, NHS guidance states that CBT courses commonly involve around 5–15 sessions, although the number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the difficulties being treated.
Can I have depression counselling online?
Yes. Online counselling can provide a convenient and accessible way to receive professional support without travelling to an appointment.
Online sessions allow you to speak with your counsellor from a private space that is comfortable for you. They can be particularly helpful if travelling to Glasgow is difficult, you have a busy schedule or simply prefer accessing therapy from home.
Nightingale offers online counselling alongside face-to-face counselling, giving you the option to choose the format that best suits your circumstances.
Can I have counselling if I am taking antidepressants?
Yes. Taking antidepressants does not necessarily mean that you cannot have counselling. In fact, talking therapy and medication may sometimes be used alongside one another, particularly when depression is more severe.
Your counsellor can support you with the emotional and psychological aspects of what you are experiencing, while your GP or prescribing healthcare professional remains responsible for your medication.
You should always speak to your GP or prescribing professional before making changes to your medication, including stopping or changing the dose of an antidepressant.
How do I find a depression counsellor in Glasgow?
Finding the right counsellor is about more than simply choosing someone who works with depression. It is important to find a therapist whose experience, therapeutic approach and style feel appropriate for you.
Find out more about our counsellors
At Nightingale, the initial assessment helps us understand your individual circumstances, what you are hoping to achieve from counselling and the type of support you may need. This helps us identify the most appropriate counsellor and therapeutic approach for you.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
You may be interested in our other services
Testimonial
Talking about your feelings can be hard. You need to be open and honest and often how you feel is hard to explain. Who you are speaking to, makes a big difference. I found Jenna thoughtful and supportive. Jenna gave me time to talk through my thoughts and gave kind and helpful feedback. Her structured approach combined with a natural easy manner gave me comfort when I needed it the most and helped me stay connected with what was right for me. I feel she gave me tools to address the challenges in my life and entrust in my own sense of self. This has given me the confidence to face the tests that life throws at me and assurance that I can be myself, and that’s OK. If you do feel you need support, I would highly recommend speaking with Jenna.
Depression counselling
I thought Selena was lovely to deal with and she made me feel really comfortable. Being able to get a lot off my mind has left me feeling much happier about myself and what the future has in store. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Selena to anyone who may require therapy in the future.
Depression counselling
Depression counselling provides a safe, confidential space to understand what you are experiencing, explore what may be contributing to your difficulties and begin making meaningful changes. At Nightingale Counselling Consultancy, we take an individualised approach to therapy, drawing on approaches including CBT and integrative counselling to find the right support for you. Our experienced counsellors offer a compassionate, non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and work at a pace that feels manageable.
Depression Doesn’t Always Look Like Depression
Depression is not always obvious, either to the people around you or even to yourself. Some people continue going to work, looking after their family and maintaining their usual responsibilities while feeling very different internally.
You might recognise depression through persistent sadness, but it can also feel like numbness, exhaustion, irritability or simply feeling that you are no longer yourself.
Common experiences can include:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Feeling numb, detached or emotionally disconnected
- Losing interest in things you would normally enjoy
- Low motivation or finding everyday tasks difficult
- Feeling exhausted, even after sleeping
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or inadequacy
- Repetitive negative or self-critical thoughts
- Withdrawing from friends, family or social activities
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic about the future
- Finding work, relationships or everyday responsibilities increasingly difficult
- Feeling like you are struggling internally despite appearing “fine” to others
You do not need to experience every symptom to be affected by depression. Everyone experiences depression differently, and the reasons behind it can also vary considerably.
Do I Need Counselling for Depression?
You do not have to wait until you feel completely overwhelmed before seeking support. If low mood or other changes in how you think, feel or behave are beginning to affect your everyday life, counselling may be worth considering.
You might benefit from speaking to a counsellor if you find yourself asking:
- Have I felt low for several weeks or longer?
- Have I lost interest in things I normally enjoy?
- Am I withdrawing from friends, family or people I would usually spend time with?
- Am I struggling to motivate myself?
- Do I feel exhausted even when I have had enough sleep?
- Are negative thoughts becoming difficult to switch off?
- Do I frequently criticise myself or feel that I am not good enough?
- Do I feel hopeless about the future?
- Am I finding work or everyday responsibilities increasingly difficult?
- Do I feel disconnected from myself or from the people around me?
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, an initial assessment can help you understand what type of support may be most appropriate for your circumstances.
At Nightingale, the assessment process is also an opportunity to understand your individual needs and consider which counsellor and therapeutic approach may be the best fit for you.
How Can Counselling Help With Depression?
Depression counselling is not simply about talking about feeling low. Therapy can help you understand the patterns affecting you and develop practical ways of managing them.
1. Understanding What’s Happening
Your counsellor can help you explore your symptoms, circumstances, experiences and patterns of thinking and behaviour. This can help you develop a clearer understanding of what you are experiencing and why you may be feeling the way you do.
2. Identifying Unhelpful Thought Patterns
Depression can be accompanied by persistent negative thinking, self-criticism and hopeless thoughts about yourself, your circumstances or the future.
Therapy can help you recognise these patterns and explore whether the way you are thinking is contributing to how you feel.
3. Looking at Behaviour and Daily Routines
When you are depressed, it can become increasingly difficult to do the things that once gave you enjoyment, connection or a sense of achievement. You may withdraw from people, stop participating in activities or struggle to maintain routines.
Counselling can help you identify these patterns and gradually explore realistic ways to reintroduce activities and routines that support your wellbeing.
4. Developing Practical Strategies
Depending on your individual needs and therapeutic approach, counselling may involve CBT techniques, behavioural strategies, emotional exploration, problem-solving and other therapeutic interventions.
The focus is on finding strategies that are realistic and relevant to your circumstances rather than expecting you to simply “think positively”.
5. Building Longer-Term Coping Skills
The aim of counselling is not simply to help you feel better while you are attending sessions. Therapy can also help you develop a better understanding of your emotions, thoughts and behaviours and build coping strategies that you can continue to use after therapy ends.
CBT for Depression
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one approach that can be helpful when treating depression. CBT looks at the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and explores patterns that may be contributing to or maintaining low mood.
For example, depression may lead you to think negatively about yourself or the future. These thoughts can affect how you feel and may make you more likely to withdraw from activities, relationships or situations. Withdrawing can then reinforce the negative thoughts and feelings, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.
CBT can help you identify these patterns and develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving.
At Nightingale, CBT may form part of your counselling depending on your individual circumstances and what is identified during your assessment.
Find out more about CBT
What Can Cause Depression?
There is not always one clear cause of depression. Sometimes it develops following a particularly difficult period or significant change in your life, while for others there may not be an obvious reason for how they are feeling.
Depression can sometimes develop alongside or following experiences such as:
- Bereavement or loss
- Relationship breakdown or separation
- Difficulties at work
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Trauma or difficult past experiences
- Major life changes
- Isolation or loneliness
- Low self-esteem
- Ongoing personal or relationship difficulties
- Significant changes in your circumstances
Sometimes, however, depression can develop without an obvious trigger. You do not need to be able to identify a specific reason for feeling depressed before seeking counselling.
A counsellor can help you explore both what is happening in your life now and any experiences or patterns that may be relevant to how you are feeling.
Depression Counselling in Glasgow
Nightingale Counselling Consultancy provides professional depression counselling in Glasgow, with face-to-face and online counselling options available.
Our Glasgow counselling service provides a confidential and supportive environment where you can discuss what you are experiencing without judgement. Whether you have been struggling with depression for some time or have recently noticed changes in your mood, motivation or enjoyment of life, our team can help you explore your options for support.
Our approach begins with understanding you as an individual rather than simply focusing on a diagnosis or list of symptoms.
Depending on your circumstances and preferences, counselling may be available face-to-face in Glasgow or online, allowing you to access support from the setting that feels most comfortable for you.
Why Choose Nightingale for Depression Counselling?
Your Depression Is Personal, So Your Therapy Should Be Too
There is no single experience of depression and no single approach that works for everyone.
At Nightingale, we believe that effective counselling starts with understanding you as an individual. Your experiences, circumstances, personality, relationships and goals all form part of the picture.
This is why we do not simply allocate everyone to the same type of therapy.
Your initial assessment helps us understand what you are experiencing and consider which counsellor and therapeutic approach may be most appropriate for you. This could include CBT or another therapeutic approach depending on your individual needs.
Our aim is to make sure you feel understood, supported and comfortable with the person you are working with.
Experienced, Individualised Support
Nightingale was established with the aim of providing high-quality, professional counselling with a warm and personal approach. Our experienced counselling team works with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including depression.
We understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel difficult. You do not need to have everything worked out before you contact us. An initial assessment gives you the opportunity to talk through what has been happening and explore what support may be right for you.
Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better
You don’t have to wait until depression becomes overwhelming before asking for help.
If you have noticed persistent changes in your mood, motivation, enjoyment, sleep, relationships or ability to cope with everyday life, counselling could provide a space to understand what is happening and begin moving forward.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Counselling
What is depression counselling?
Depression counselling is a form of talking therapy that provides a safe, confidential space to explore how you are feeling and what may be contributing to your difficulties. You can talk through your thoughts, emotions, experiences and circumstances with a trained counsellor and begin to develop a better understanding of yourself and your patterns.
Depending on your individual needs, counselling may involve approaches such as CBT, which can help you explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
At Nightingale, we take an individualised approach rather than assuming that one type of therapy will be right for everyone.
How do I know if I am depressed or just having a difficult time?
Everyone experiences periods of sadness, stress and low mood. A difficult period may improve as circumstances change or with time and support.
Depression can be more persistent and may begin to affect different areas of your life, including your motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships and enjoyment of activities. If you have experienced a low mood for two weeks or more, or are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, it may be worth seeking professional support.
You do not need to diagnose yourself before contacting a counsellor. An initial assessment can help you talk through what you have been experiencing and consider what support may be appropriate.
Can counselling help with depression?
Yes. Talking therapies, including counselling and CBT, are commonly used to support people experiencing depression. Therapy can provide an opportunity to understand your thoughts and feelings, explore contributing factors and develop strategies for managing difficulties.
The type of support that is most appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. For some people, counselling may form part of a wider treatment plan alongside support from their GP or other healthcare professionals.
Is CBT effective for depression?
CBT is an established talking therapy used to treat depression. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can help you identify and challenge unhelpful patterns while developing more helpful ways of responding to difficult situations.
CBT is not necessarily the right approach for everyone. At Nightingale, your individual circumstances and needs are considered when deciding which therapeutic approach may be most suitable.
Find out more about CBT counselling in Glasgow.
How long does depression counselling take?
There is no set number of counselling sessions that is right for everyone. The length of therapy can depend on factors such as how long you have been experiencing difficulties, the severity of your symptoms, what you would like to achieve and the type of therapy being used.
Some people benefit from a relatively focused course of therapy, while others may need longer-term support. Your counsellor can discuss your progress with you throughout therapy and review your needs as you go.
For example, NHS guidance states that CBT courses commonly involve around 5–15 sessions, although the number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the difficulties being treated.
Can I have depression counselling online?
Yes. Online counselling can provide a convenient and accessible way to receive professional support without travelling to an appointment.
Online sessions allow you to speak with your counsellor from a private space that is comfortable for you. They can be particularly helpful if travelling to Glasgow is difficult, you have a busy schedule or simply prefer accessing therapy from home.
Nightingale offers online counselling alongside face-to-face counselling, giving you the option to choose the format that best suits your circumstances.
Can I have counselling if I am taking antidepressants?
Yes. Taking antidepressants does not necessarily mean that you cannot have counselling. In fact, talking therapy and medication may sometimes be used alongside one another, particularly when depression is more severe.
Your counsellor can support you with the emotional and psychological aspects of what you are experiencing, while your GP or prescribing healthcare professional remains responsible for your medication.
You should always speak to your GP or prescribing professional before making changes to your medication, including stopping or changing the dose of an antidepressant.
How do I find a depression counsellor in Glasgow?
Finding the right counsellor is about more than simply choosing someone who works with depression. It is important to find a therapist whose experience, therapeutic approach and style feel appropriate for you.
Find out more about our counsellors
At Nightingale, the initial assessment helps us understand your individual circumstances, what you are hoping to achieve from counselling and the type of support you may need. This helps us identify the most appropriate counsellor and therapeutic approach for you.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
You may be interested in our other services
Testimonial
Talking about your feelings can be hard. You need to be open and honest and often how you feel is hard to explain. Who you are speaking to, makes a big difference. I found Jenna thoughtful and supportive. Jenna gave me time to talk through my thoughts and gave kind and helpful feedback. Her structured approach combined with a natural easy manner gave me comfort when I needed it the most and helped me stay connected with what was right for me. I feel she gave me tools to address the challenges in my life and entrust in my own sense of self. This has given me the confidence to face the tests that life throws at me and assurance that I can be myself, and that’s OK. If you do feel you need support, I would highly recommend speaking with Jenna.
Depression counselling
I thought Selena was lovely to deal with and she made me feel really comfortable. Being able to get a lot off my mind has left me feeling much happier about myself and what the future has in store. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Selena to anyone who may require therapy in the future.
Depression counselling
“Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best thing that will ever happen to us.”
Depression Myth Busters
It’s mental health awareness week so let’s focus on one of the most common illnesses out there, depression. Considering 1 in 4 of us living in the UK will be affected by depression at some [...]