I-Therapy
You don't have to face depression alone
Professional depression and low mood counselling in Christchurch using a compassionate approach that combines understanding, practical strategies, and supportive care to help you find your way forward.
A Holistic Approach to Depression
Depression can feel overwhelming. It can feel like you are trapped in a dark hole that you just can't get out of. It's a feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and sadness all rolled into one. It affects your thoughts, behaviours and can have an impact on every aspect of your life.
It can be tough living with depression. As a fellow human like you I know how hard it can be. At I-Therapy, we understand the overwhelming weight that depression can bring. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, understand the root causes of your depression, and develop coping strategies that work for you.
I-Therapy looks to treat depression and low mood through talk therapy. Your mood is closely linked to your thoughts and ideas, and everything that has happened to you and around you. Together we will look to explore the depression, where it started, what caused it, and work together to develop a plan to help you cope and deal with the depression going forward.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that can impact every aspect of your life, from your relationships and work to your physical health. If you're experiencing depression, you're not alone.
Common Signs of Depression
Depression shows up in many different ways, and you might recognise some of these signs:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Loss of confidence in yourself
- Tiredness or low energy all the time
- Difficulty getting out of bed or facing the day
- No motivation and trouble concentrating
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Negative self-talk and feelings of worthlessness
What Causes Depression?
Depression doesn't usually come from one single cause... it's often the result of a mix of factors. Understanding these can help in recognizing and managing depression effectively:
- Stressful life events such as grief, relationship struggles, losing a job, illness, or major changes
- Genetics - a family history of depression may increase vulnerability
- Personality factors - tendency to worry, self-criticise, or difficulty coping with challenges
- Alcohol or drug use - which can both contribute to and result from low mood
- Chemical changes in the brain affecting mood regulation
- Ongoing stress or trauma
How We Work Together
At I-Therapy, we follow a structured three-stage approach designed to help you work through depression and find your way forward. This method focuses on understanding where your depression may have begun, exploring the contributing factors, and developing a practical plan for coping and healing.
Exploring Your Depression
We begin by creating a safe, supportive space where you can openly explore your feelings without judgment. Together, we'll look at where your depression may have started, examining the life events, patterns, and circumstances that may have contributed to how you're feeling now. This stage is about understanding your unique experience and helping you make sense of what you're going through, because understanding is often the first step toward healing.
Understanding Contributing Factors
Depression is complex, and this stage focuses on understanding the various factors that may be maintaining or worsening your low mood. We'll explore how your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and life circumstances are all interconnected. By understanding these connections, you'll gain insight into why you feel the way you do and what areas we can work on together to create positive change.
Developing Your Coping Plan
The final stage focuses on developing a practical, personalized plan to help you cope with and work through your depression going forward. This isn't about quick fixes, but about sustainable strategies that fit your life. We'll work together to identify small, manageable steps you can take to begin feeling more in control again, slowly rebuilding your energy, hope, and joy in life. The goal is to help you develop the tools and understanding you need to move forward with confidence.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Not quite ready to book a full session? No worries — you're welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation instead. It's a relaxed opportunity to ask any questions, get a feel for how things work, and see if we're a good fit for your journey.