Depression counselling is talk-based support for persistent low mood, loss of interest, and the exhaustion that tends to come with them. Depression is also one of the most misunderstood conditions, sometimes even by the people living with it. This guide works through the common myths and sets each one against what CAMH says, then explains what counselling looks like in practice. It is general information, not a self-assessment.

What Depression Is

CAMH calls depression “one of the most common mental health problems.” It describes symptoms that occur most days, last for most of the day, persist for more than two weeks, and get in the way of work, school, or relationships. They can range from minor to severe and include sadness, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, trouble concentrating or deciding, irritability, fatigue, aches and pains, and changes in sleep or appetite.

Only a qualified health professional can tell you whether what you are experiencing is depression. The myths below are about the things people tell themselves while they decide whether to ask.

Myths and Facts

Myth: “It is just sadness. I should be able to snap out of it.”

CAMH says depression “should not be ignored.” What separates it from a low patch is how long it lasts and how much it takes over: most days, most of the day, for more than two weeks, and enough to affect work, school, or relationships. Being unable to snap out of it is not a character flaw; it is part of how depression works.

Myth: “Nothing terrible happened, so it cannot be depression.”

For some people depression follows a loss, a separation, a job change, or a move. For others it builds slowly with no obvious cause. Both are workable in counselling, and a clear reason is not required before you ask for support.

Myth: “Counselling is just talking about my childhood.”

The history can matter, but a good deal of the work is about the present. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one of the approaches used at Serenity, looks at the thought patterns and habits that keep low mood going, such as withdrawing from people and activities, and builds small, practical, gradual changes. CAMH notes that counselling can help you build skills for improving mood and for resilience later on.

Myth: “It is either therapy or medication.”

CAMH lists counselling, individual and group therapy, and medication among the treatment options, and says they may be used alone or together. Which route suits you depends on how severe the depression is, how you have responded to treatment before, and your own and your family’s preferences. Medication is a conversation for your family doctor, not for a psychotherapy session.

Myth: “Other people cope, so I should too.”

CAMH cites a 2016 survey in which 40 per cent of respondents had experienced feelings of anxiety or depression but had never sought medical help. Struggling quietly is very common, and it is not a sign that you are coping better than someone who asks.

What Counselling Looks Like

The first appointment is about understanding how depression shows up for you: your energy, sleep, motivation, the things you have stopped doing, and what made you reach out now rather than earlier. You do not need language for any of it in advance.

From there, you and your therapist agree on a direction and revisit it as you go. Some people want to build routines and coping skills quickly; others need to talk through what has been happening before anything else feels useful. At Serenity Psychotherapy Clinic, sessions are with Ahmad Shihab, MA, RP (CRPO #11572) and draw on CBT and mindfulness-based strategies, with the emphasis shifting as the work develops. Depression counselling does not promise a particular outcome or timeline, but many people find that consistent support gradually lifts mood and everyday functioning.

Things That Can Support Recovery

CAMH notes that healthy habits can support recovery: regular physical activity, good eating and sleep, time outdoors, and limiting alcohol and other substances. These are supports alongside treatment rather than replacements for it, and on a heavy day even one of them can feel like too much, which is something to say out loud in a session rather than to push through alone.

If You Are Struggling Right Now

CAMH is direct about this: if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, this is a mental health emergency. Call or text 9-8-8 to speak to someone immediately, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Practical Details

Individual sessions are $220 per hour, with a free 30-minute consultation first and no referral or diagnosis required. We directly bill with most insurance providers — please give us a call to inquire about your specific insurance policy. Sessions take place in person at the Meadowvale office in Mississauga or online anywhere in Ontario, which can help on days when leaving the house feels like too much. See the depression therapy page, the online therapy page, and fees and insurance. For a wider look at when something has moved past an ordinary rough patch, see understanding mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need counselling or something more?

That is a good question for a family doctor or a therapist, and you do not have to decide alone. A free consultation is a low-pressure way to describe what you have been noticing and hear what the options are.

Do I need a diagnosis to start?

No. You can book directly. If a diagnosis would help for another reason, such as insurance, accommodations, or a medication discussion, your family doctor can guide you.

Can I do depression counselling online?

Yes, for clients located anywhere in Ontario. The therapist and approach are the same as in person.

References