Depression and low mood
CBT for depression and low mood
Low mood can change how you see yourself, the future and the effort required for ordinary life. It may involve sadness, numbness, withdrawal, self-criticism or a loss of interest in things that once mattered. An assessment can help distinguish a difficult period from a pattern for which structured therapy may be useful.
Patterns that may keep low mood going
- Withdrawing from people or activities reduces opportunities for pleasure, connection and achievement.
- Harsh self-criticism makes setbacks feel like proof of personal failure.
- Rumination keeps returning to why things went wrong without creating a way forward.
- Sleep, concentration or motivation become difficult and daily tasks begin to accumulate.
How CBT approaches low mood
CBT looks at the reciprocal relationship between mood, activity, thoughts and circumstances. Together, we may identify cycles that make life narrower and plan small, purposeful changes that reconnect you with routine, relationships or activities that carry meaning.
We may also examine recurring beliefs and self-critical thinking with curiosity rather than treating them as facts. The process should be collaborative: goals, exercises and pace are discussed, reviewed and adjusted rather than imposed.
Starting with an assessment
We would explore the duration and impact of the low mood, current support, risk, physical health and what a meaningful improvement would look like. This helps decide whether online CBT is appropriate now and what other support may also matter.
Reliable information
Clinical guidance and public information used to inform this page:
A first conversation
You do not need to decide about therapy before you enquire.
Send a short message about what you are looking for. Angeliki can then consider whether an assessment is appropriate, and you can both decide whether to proceed.
Send a short enquiry