Depression Counselling & Therapy in Singapore
When depression clouds your days and challenges your spirit, finding a nurturing space to confront these feelings is crucial.
At The Psychology Atelier, we ensure a supportive and non-judgmental environment for both locals and expats where you can engage with professional therapists and insights tailored to lift the fog of depression. Our dedicated team of clinical psychologists and counsellors are here to guide you through personalised approaches, helping you rediscover joy and purpose in your life.
What is Depression & How Can Therapy Help?
Depression goes beyond ordinary sadness, manifesting as a profound and persistent despair that permeates every aspect of life, sometimes accompanied by physical pain.
Depression isn't a singular experience; it manifests in various forms, each with its own nuances. Beyond major depressive disorder, some may experience persistent low moods, known as dysthymia, while others face the unique challenges of postpartum depression. Further, situational and atypical depression are also recognised. Each type can disrupt daily life and affect relationships.
Therapy and counselling for depression play a critical role in addressing this condition by offering structured support and effective strategies designed to alleviate symptoms and foster recovery. Engaging with a skilled therapist can be transformative, enabling individuals to regain control and move towards a hopeful future.
Common Triggers of Depression
Depression can arise from a complex interplay of sources, each contributing to the onset or exacerbation of symptoms. Each of these triggers can profoundly affect an individual’s life, making it essential to recognise and address them in therapy. Common triggers include:
Grief and Loss
Bereavement can trigger profound depression, often challenging to distinguish from normal sadness. The intensity and duration of grief can complicate emotions, potentially leading to what is known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder.
Physical Illness and Medication
Certain illnesses and medications can trigger depressive symptoms. For instance, conditions like hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and even some heart medications can induce feelings of depression.
Life Transitions
Even positive changes like promotions or moving to a new city can trigger stress and depression. Negative transitions, such as job loss or divorce, can have a more pronounced effect, often necessitating professional help to manage the accompanying emotional turmoil.
Rejection and Social Exclusion
The need for social acceptance is fundamental. Rejection, whether real or perceived, can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression. High rejection sensitivity can exacerbate these feelings, causing individuals to withdraw socially and experience heightened anxiety and depression.
Rumination
Dwelling excessively on negative thoughts or events can trigger depressive episodes. This obsessive contemplation can prevent individuals from recovering from grief or stress, leading to prolonged depressive states.
Psychological Stress
Stress is a significant precursor to depression, affecting the body’s hormonal balance. Chronic stress can alter brain function and immune system responses, contributing to the development of depressive symptoms.
Financial Stress
Economic instability can significantly impact mental health. The stress from financial insecurity or sudden financial changes can trigger depressive symptoms, creating a cyclical pattern of stress and depression.
Signs of Clinical Depression
Clinical depression can deeply affect emotional and psychological well-being, making the recognition of its signs early crucial for timely and effective intervention.
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Clinical depression often manifests through the following signs and symptoms:
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Persistent sadness or a feeling of emptiness
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Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
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Guilt or worthlessness that seems ever-present
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Increased irritability and anger
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Restlessness and agitation
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Trouble focusing or making decisions
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Constant fatigue or a lack of energy
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Disrupted sleep patterns, whether insomnia or oversleeping
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Significant appetite changes, leading to weight loss or gain
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Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or pain that does not ease
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Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
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Withdrawing from social interactions
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Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
These signs are calls for compassion and support, not judgement. Recognising them as early as possible is a step toward nurturing recovery. If these symptoms feel familiar, reaching out for professional help can provide the supportive steps necessary for understanding and transformation. Every journey towards recovery begins with the courage to acknowledge the need for support, bolstered by understanding and compassionate friends and family, and nurtured within a safe space.
Personalised Therapy Sessions for Depression
At The Psychology Atelier, we recognise the varied nature of depression. Our therapy sessions address your specific needs, acknowledging the individual experience of each person.
Therapy for Depression for Individuals
Understanding that depression affects each person uniquely, one-on-one therapy sessions begin by exploring your specific situation. Through compassionate dialogue, we explore contributing factors and collaboratively chart a path forward. These personalised sessions offer vital emotional support, creating a safe space to navigate depression's complexities.
Depression Support for Expats
Being away from home, especially for an extended period, will inevitably affect mood, sometimes contributing to depressive feelings or emotional changes that may lead to depression. Our therapists, with their understanding of the unique challenges faced by expats, can provide a bridge to navigating depression away from home. This support is tailored to address the particular stresses of living abroad and adapting to a new culture.
Therapy with a Clinical Psychologist
Engage with experienced psychological support from our therapists. They provide deep understanding, listen with compassion, and create a dedicated space for you to explore your emotional experiences. This approach provides the support needed to understand and manage your depression effectively.
Our Approach to Counselling and Therapy for Depression
At The Psychology Atelier, our approach to counselling and therapy for depression is grounded in the Attachment Framework. Each client is seen as a unique individual, not solely defined by their condition. This creates the safe and trusting environment where we work together to understand and manage the unique challenges of your depression. We prioritise building a secure therapeutic relationship, enabling you to explore your experiences with empathy and without judgement.
Evidence-Based Techniques for Depression Management
Our therapists utilise evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is an effective method for addressing depression. CBT assists clients in identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours, contributing to improved emotional regulation and mental well-being. This method is complemented by mindfulness practices that promote relaxation and grounding.
Addressing Different Types of Depression Disorders
Our therapy sessions are customised for each individual, a range of depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder, ensuring that each client receives appropriate intervention for their specific needs.
Long-Term Support and Empowerment
For clients seeking to explore the root causes of depression, often linked to past experiences and relationships, long-term support becomes essential. This journey involves deeper therapeutic explorations, facilitated by our attachment-based focus. We move beyond short-term coping strategies, aiming for internal transformation and sustained mental well-being.
At The Psychology Atelier, our team of clinical psychologists and counsellors are deeply committed to creating a supportive therapeutic environment that fosters empathy, personal growth, and mental recovery. With their diverse expertise in therapy for depression, they are devoted to providing personalised care tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Melanie Liang
Senior Clinical Psychologist
MPsych. (Clinical Psychology), BSc. (Hons) in Psychology
Registered Clinical Psychologist (SRP, Singapore
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Melanie Liang is deeply committed to guiding individuals through the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Her approach is rooted in a strong belief in human resilience and the transformative power of therapy. By utilising a personalised blend of mindfulness, compassion-focused, and cognitive-behavioural therapies, she empowers clients to build fulfilling lives.
Dr. Clarissa Lui
Senior Clinical Psychologist
DPsychˆ, MClinPsych, BSc(Hons)Psych
Registered Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA, SRP)
Board-Approved Supervisor (AHPRA, SRP)
ˆnot a medical or dental qualification
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With a focus on the well-being of children, adolescents, and their families, Dr. Clarissa Lui navigates a diverse range of psychological and developmental challenges. Her practice is characterised by a holistic integration of cognitive-behavioural techniques and attachment theory, aimed at cultivating healthier relationships and fostering developmental progress.
Victoria Wong
Clinical Psychologist
MClinPsych., BPsychSc. (1st Hons)
Registered Clinical Psychologist (SRP, Singapore)
Accredited Triple P Provide
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Victoria Wong, with her diverse experience in Singapore and Australia, believes in the sanctity of therapeutic exploration. Her approach, combining cognitive-behavioural and schema therapies, is enriched with mindfulness and self-compassion, ensuring each client receives a tailored experience that resonates with their personal journey.
Jocelyn Liao
Senior Clinical Psychologist
MPsych. (Clinical Psychology), BSc. (1st Hons) in Psychology
Registered Clinical Psychologist (SRP)
Registered Psychologist (AHPRA)
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual (Trauma Institute International
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Jocelyn Liao, a graduate of the University of Melbourne, prioritises a therapy experience that harmonises psychodynamic and relational perspectives with cognitive-behavioural techniques. Her dedication lies in creating a secure psychological haven where clients can delve into their challenges and dismantle the obstacles hindering their well-being.
Why Choose The Psychology Atelier for Therapy for Depression?
Experienced Therapists
At The Psychology Atelier, our therapists provide a compassionate and nurturing space, blending professional expertise with compassion and empathy. We are deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique struggles of each individual facing depression and fostering personal growth.
Personalised Therapy Plans
We understand that each journey through depression is deeply personal. Each therapy plan is carefully formulated according to your unique emotional landscape, ensuring that every strategy resonates with and supports your specific path to recovery and self-discovery.
Safe, Confidential & Supportive Space
The Psychology Atelier is a space where confidentiality and empathy create a foundation for safety and trust. We uphold a psychologically safe space that contains your experiences with care, allowing you to explore your feelings and challenges without fear of judgment.