What it can feel like
Low mood can feel like heaviness, emptiness or numbness. Some people describe losing their sense of enjoyment or connection, or feeling as though they are going through the motions. Everyday tasks can take much more effort than they used to.
It is common for low mood to come with self-critical thoughts, withdrawing from others, or a sense that things will not get better. These experiences are understandable, and they are something psychological therapy can help with.
How therapy may help
Therapy can help you understand what has contributed to how you are feeling, which might include life events, relationships, long-standing patterns or a combination of things. It can also help you notice the cycles that can keep low mood going, such as withdrawing, ruminating or being hard on yourself.
The work is collaborative and paced to you. Some people focus on gradually reconnecting with things that matter to them; others focus on self-criticism, loss or difficult experiences that sit behind their mood.
How we work with this
In your initial assessment, your Clinical Psychologist will take time to understand your experience and what you would like to be different. You will receive a short written summary and a proposed plan, so you know what to expect from therapy.
We draw on approaches such as CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy and ACT, adapting them to what is likely to be helpful for you.