Counselling for Depression

Living with depression can feel like the weight of the world is against you. A heaviness in your thoughts, a lack of joy in things you used to enjoy, and days that feel harder than they should are all burdens to bear. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and importantly, support is available right here in Wakefield.

I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for depression tailored to you and your situation. With warm, professional guidance, you can begin to understand what you’re experiencing and find ways to feel more like yourself again.

  • Licensed Practitioner of NLP
  • ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Advanced Diploma of Professional Stress Management
  • YHT Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling
  • CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Diploma in Smoking Cessation Therapy from the College of Integrated Therapies

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad occasionally. It’s a mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, behaviour and daily functioning. It can leave you feeling unmotivated and hopeless, even if there are no obvious triggers.

What Depression Can Look Like

People who are struggling with depression often experience a mix of:

  • Persistent low mood and tearfulness
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Reduced energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Negative thoughts about yourself or your future
  • Feeling worthless or guilty

These symptoms can be different from person to person, and they can change over time. What matters is how they affect your life.

No Obligation Counselling Consultation

It’s very important that you feel comfortable and relaxed with your therapist and that is why I offer all new clients a free no-obligation telephone consultation.

I find that most of my clients are very keen to get started right away. If, however, you are not sure whether you wish to proceed at this point, then you are of course under no obligation to continue.

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Types of Depression

Depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Some common forms include:

  • Clinical depression (major depressive disorder): symptoms persistent and severe enough to impact daily life
  • Situational depression: linked to specific life events such as bereavement, job loss or relationship issues
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): a chronic low mood lasting years rather than weeks

You don’t need to have a “reason” for how you feel; depression can occur even when life seems okay on the outside looking in.

How Therapy Helps with Depression

Therapy for depression isn’t about simply “cheering up.” It’s a process that gives you space to explore your experiences, understand how your mind works, and build lasting skills.

What Happens in Therapy

When you come to see a therapist for depression:

  • You’ll be given time and space to talk openly about what you’re feeling
  • The therapist listens without judgement and helps clarify why you’re having negative thoughts
  • Together, you’ll explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours that may be maintaining your low mood
  • You’ll set goals for what you want to change or understand

Each person’s journey is unique, and therapy adapts to what you need.

Therapeutic Approaches Used

Different approaches can help with depression. I works from a diverse therapeutic “toolbox”, and may draw from:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. 
  • EMDR Therapy: supports processing of distressing memories or emotional blocks that contribute to depression. 
  • Counselling talk-based approaches: empathetic, reflective conversations that help bring clarity and emotional relief. 
  • Other techniques tailored to your needs in session

In every case, the aim is the same: to give you tools that improve wellbeing both in and out of the therapy room.

The Benefits You Can Expect

Therapy doesn’t just reduce immediate symptoms. You may also find that it helps you:

  • Understand triggers and emotional patterns
  • Build resilience and coping strategies
  • Strengthen self-awareness and confidence
  • Improve your relationships and communication
  • Navigate future challenges more effectively

You don’t have to solve everything at once: therapy is a marathon, as they say, not a sprint.

Common Triggers and Causes of Depression

Depression can develop for many reasons, including:

  • Life circumstances: major life changes or stressful situations, such as bereavement, chronic illness, financial strain, or relationship breakdown, can all impact mood and mental wellbeing.
  • Biological and genetic factors: imbalances in brain chemistry, hormonal changes or family history of depression can increase the likelihood of experiencing depression.
  • Trauma and chronic stress: long-term stress and unresolved trauma can wear down your mental resilience.
  • No single “right” reason: for many people, depression doesn’t have one obvious trigger, and that’s okay, it doesn’t make your feelings less valid or less important. Therapy offers a safe space to explore all possibilities with a trained practitioner.

About Lynne

In my practice I support people who feel a wide range of emotions: fear, sadness, doubt, overwhelmed, trapped by self-criticism, negative perceptions and or disruptive patterns.

I have a particular interest in helping people reduce anxiety as well as people who are navigating what it means to be themselves in several areas of their life.

Whatever you’re struggling with, I’m here to help you.

Read More About Lynne

Why Choose Lynne

Choosing the right therapist for depression therapy in Wakefield is a personal decision. Here’s what sets me apart:

Deep Experience and Training

I have decades of experience supporting people through depression and emotional distress. I have also trained extensively in multiple therapeutic approaches and use my broad skill set to tailor therapy to you.  

My qualifications include accredited diplomas in counselling, CBT and clinical hypnotherapy, as well as training in EMDR, enabling me to provide you with a flexible, person-centred approach. Here are just some of my relevant qualifications:

  • Licensed Practitioner of NLP
  • ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Advanced Diploma of Professional Stress Management
  • YHT Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling
  • CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Diploma in Smoking Cessation Therapy from the College of Integrated Therapies

A Personalised Approach

Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” method, I adapt therapy to your needs and goals. You’ll be supported to explore what matters to you, at a pace that feels safe.

Local to Wakefield

My practice is based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire (15 Margaret Street, WF1 2DQ), a familiar, accessible location for local clients seeking therapy for depression and other common mental health issues. My local presence in Wakefield means I have a high understanding of the community and the surrounding areas too.

A Safe, Confidential Environment

Your wellbeing and confidentiality are at the heart of the therapy process. Everything discussed in sessions stays between you and your therapist, with absolute respect for your privacy.

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for help can feel daunting. It’s completely normal to feel unsure or nervous, as many people feel this way before their first session. But you deserve support, and the first step doesn’t have to be perfect.

You can contact me by phone or through the website form for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation. This initial chat can help clarify what you’re looking for, answer your questions, and assess whether therapy feels right for you.

If you feel comfortable proceeding, you can arrange a time for your first appointment. All details remain confidential. I am just a five minute walk from Wakefield Westgate train station, and I am also accessible by car or bus.

Why Professional Support Matters

Talking to someone professionally trained in depression helps you:

  • Understand the root and triggers of your symptoms
  • Learn tools and strategies to manage your mood
  • Gain emotional support without judgement
  • Break unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour

Evidence shows that supported therapy can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life more effectively.

Reach out to me with a brief explanation of why you are looking for therapy or counselling, and I’ll respond as soon as I can.