Depression Therapy Singapore
Explore treatment options for major depressive disorder (depression), dysthymia, and bipolar disorder
What is Depression?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a low mood, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and it disrupts a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Depression can happen to anyone. It is a serious condition that requires attention and support.
Understanding the Types of Depression
Mood disorders, including depression, can manifest in various forms. Some common types of depression include:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A severe form of depression that involves a consistent low mood and loss of interest in activities lasting for at least two weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression that lasts for at least two years, with symptoms that may be less severe than MDD but still significantly impact daily life.
Bipolar Disorder: A condition characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.
Symptoms of Depression
Some common symptoms include:
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Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness
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Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
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Changes in appetite, sleep patterns
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Fatigue and decreased energy levels
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Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
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Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
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Thoughts of being not alive
Depression can cause difficulties in various aspects of life, including at work, school, home, and in an individual’s relationships with others.
Causes of Depression
Depression can stem from a combination of different factors, for e.g.:
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Stressful life events: Going through difficult experiences, such as losing a loved one, facing financial problems, or experiencing a major life change, can trigger depression.
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Trauma: Traumatic events, like abuse, neglect, or violence, can lead to depression later in life.
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Psychological factors: Negative thought patterns, low self-esteem, and a history of mental health issues can make you more vulnerable to depression.
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Biological influences: Imbalances in brain chemistry and genetics may contribute to the development of depression.
When Should You Seek Help for Depression?
Many people wonder if what they are experiencing is severe enough to seek professional help. If you are asking yourself this question, it's likely a sign that reaching out could help. Consider seeking counselling if:
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Persistent low mood that lasts two weeks or longer
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Daily functioning is impaired, struggling with work, relationships or self-care
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Loss of interest in activities and social withdrawal
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Significant changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
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Persistent negative thoughts, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness
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Physical symptoms (unexplained pain, fatigue) or the use of substance (e.g. alcohol) to cope
Important: If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, please seek immediate help. Contact:
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Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1-767 (24-hour hotline)
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IMH Helpline: 6389 2222 (24-hour hotline)
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Or go to your nearest A&E
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You don't have to wait until things get worse. Early intervention to help yourself often leads to faster recovery. Depression is treatable and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches for Depression
At LightingWay Counselling & Therapy, we use evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to help you overcome depression:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most researched and effective treatments for depression. We will identify negative thought patterns that keep you stuck in the cycle of depression. Your therapist will help you challenge these maladaptive thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. You will learn to recognize common thinking traps like all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, and jumping to conclusions – cognitive distortions that fuel depression. You'll also learn practical skills to manage low moods and change behaviors that reinforce depression, empowering you to take control of your mental health
Choice Theory/Reality Therapy (CTRT)
The Choice Theory approach is a very practical approach. It focuses on what you can control right now. Rather than dwelling on the past or things outside your control, we will explore your current choices and behaviours. You'll learn how your actions impact your mood and relationships, and discover that you have more power than you think to create positive change. CTRT emphasizes taking responsibility for your choices while building better relationships and meeting your psychological needs in healthy ways – connection, achievement, freedom, and fun.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Depression often makes us feel trapped, and we naturally try to push away painful emotions. But the more we struggle to eliminate these feelings, the more exhausting they become. ACT takes a different approach: what if, instead of spending all your energy fighting how you feel, you could learn to make room for difficult emotions while still moving toward the life you want? Through ACT, we will work together to clarify what truly matters to you and help you take meaningful steps forward, even when depression tries to hold you back. This frees up energy to focus on what matters most.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Depression often traps us in rumination, endlessly replaying negative thoughts about the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness brings you back to the present moment. We will teach you practical mindfulness techniques that help you notice, observe your thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them. Research shows mindfulness can reduce depression symptoms, prevent relapse, and improve overall well-being by helping you respond to difficulties with awareness, instead of automatic negative reactions.
How Depression Therapy Can Help
Therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against depression. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional. When combined with psychiatric treatment, our work together in psychotherapy for depression can help you:
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Gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and the root causes of your depression
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Learn coping strategies to manage depressive symptoms, including practical techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, and mindfulness practices
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Identify and work on negative thought patterns which can perpetuate the cycle of depression, replacing them with more balanced, realistic perspectives
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Build healthier relationships, boundaries, and communication skills
Psychotherapy treatment can also complement psychiatric treatment to enhance the overall effectiveness of your depression treatment plan. While medication can help alleviate the biological symptoms of depression, therapy addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of the condition. Research has shown that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is often more effective than either treatment alone, especially for moderate to severe cases of depression (Cuijpers et al., 2020).
Whether you opt for therapy for depression alone or in combination with psychiatric treatment, I am here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards healing and better mental well-being.
What to Expect in Depression Therapy
Starting therapy can feel uncertain. Here is what you can expect in depression therapy at LightingWay Counselling & Therapy:
Your First Session (Initial Assessment)
In our first meeting, we will focus on getting to know each other and understanding your experience with depression. I will ask about your symptoms, how long you have been struggling, what's happening in your life, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. It is a safe, non-judgmental conversation. Together, we will set some goals and create a roadmap for your treatment.
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Ongoing Sessions (Active Treatment)
Therapy typically happens weekly or bi-weekly, each session lasting 60 minutes. In these sessions, we will:
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Explore root causes of your depression and patterns keeping it in place
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Learn practical coping strategies you can use between sessions
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Work through difficult emotions in a supportive environment
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Challenge negative thoughts and develop healthier perspectives
Timeline & Progress
Every individual's mental health journey is different, but many clients notice improvement within 6 to 10 sessions. Some need shorter-term support (3-6 months), while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We will regularly review your progress. Recovery isn't always linear, but over time, you will build resilience and develop tools to manage depression even after therapy ends.
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What I Ask From You:
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Come with an open mind and willingness to explore difficult topics
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Practice skills and strategies between sessions when possible
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Communicate openly about what's helping and what isn't
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Be patient with yourself – recovery takes time
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Therapy is a collaborative process. You are in the driver's seat, and your therapist is there to guide and collaborate with you.
Meet Your Therapist
Therapist for Depression
Registered Counsellor (RC) of Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
M.A. in Counselling and Guidance, Singapore
Hi, I’m Stella, a professional psychotherapist and counsellor based in Singapore. I am committed to provide high-quality, professional, and inclusive therapy for all. Using evidence-based modalities like CBT, CTRT and ACT, I utilize an integrative toolkit and trauma-informed care to support you towards better mental health.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where you can openly share, gain insight, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Read more about my credentials here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Individual Counselling Services in Singapore
Located conveniently in the East side of Singapore near Eunos, Joo Chiat and Katong area, my practice offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy Singapore lifestyle. Understanding the demands of work-life balance, I also provide evening weekday appointments and weekend sessions for people who can't attend during business hours.
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My comprehensive individual therapy services (60 minutes) in Singapore include:
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Individual counselling sessions
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Evidence-based approaches (CBT, CTRT, ACT, etc)
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Online therapy options for those unable to attend in person
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Bilingual counselling services (mix of English and Mandarin)
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One of the most affordable therapy options in Singapore
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Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply want to enhance your personal growth, my evidence-based approaches and culturally sensitive counselling can help you create a more fulfilling and balanced life within our local multicultural context.
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Book an appointment with our therapist, Stella Ong today.
