Depression Counselling Services in Ottawa

Supportive Counselling for Depression and Low Mood

Many people feel sad or down from time to time but when you are experiencing periods of deep sadness, emotional numbness, or a loss of motivation that feels difficult to explain it might be time to reach out for help. Depression counselling at Family-Therapy™ offers a confidential and supportive space for individuals in Ottawa who are struggling with persistent low mood, emotional distress, stuck in a cycle of negative thinking, feeling disconnected or changes in how they feel, think, or function.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start feeling better. Whether you’re struggling with persistent low mood, stress, or just don’t feel like “yourself,” our Ottawa therapists are here to help. At Family-Therapy™, we move beyond labels to focus on your unique experience. Discover effective coping strategies and gain clarity in a confidential, professional environment. No referral or diagnosis required, just your desire for change.

Common Experiences That Lead People to Seek Depression Counselling

Recognizing the early signs of depression or emotional burnout is the first step toward recovery. People seek depression counselling for many reasons. You may recognize some of the following experiences:

  • Feeling persistently sad, empty, or emotionally overwhelmed or more than two weeks
  • Losing interest in activities or social events that once felt meaningful
  • Low energy, “brain fog,” or fatigue that interferes with daily life
  • Noticeable changes in your sleeping patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite or weight without intending to
  • Difficulty focusing at work, memory lapses, or feeling “paralyzed” when trying to make simple decisions.
  • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or self-criticism
  • Increased irritability, restlessness, or emotional withdrawal

These experiences can be distressing, and they are also highly treatable. Seeking depression counselling in Ottawa provides you with a non-judgmental environment to unpack these feelings. Whether you are dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postpartum struggles, or chronic stress, our evidence-based approach helps you build a toolkit for emotional resilience.

How Depression Counselling Can Support You

While every journey is different, our goal is to help you move from “surviving” to “thriving.” By engaging in evidence-based therapy in Ottawa, you can expect to work toward:

  • Building a Psychological Toolkit: Learn healthier, actionable ways to respond to intrusive thoughts, difficult emotions, and the “inner critic.”
  • Developing Emotional Resilience: Strengthen your ability to bounce back from life’s stressors and manage future challenges with confidence.
  • Deepening Self-Understanding: Gain clarity on the root causes of your feelings and identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
  • Improving Daily Functioning: Regain the focus, energy, and motivation needed to engage fully with your work, family, and passions. Because your story is unique, our psychotherapists do not use a “one-size-fits-all” model. We tailor every session to your specific goals, whether that is managing acute symptoms, healing from past trauma, or simply finding a sense of balance again.

Counselling for Adults, Teens, and Families

Depression counselling is available for adults, teens, and families in Ottawa, Nepean, and Kanata. Some individuals seek counselling for themselves, while others, reach out because they are concerned about a loved one, child, or teenager.

Therapists work in age-appropriate ways and involve family members when helpful and appropriate. Participation is always guided by comfort, consent, and individual needs.

Confidential and Respectful Care

Counselling services at Family-Therapy™ are confidential and follow professional and legal standards in Ontario. Your therapist will explain confidentiality, its limits, and what to expect during your first session so you can feel informed and safe.

If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, a consultation can help you explore your options.

Taking the First Step

We understand that reaching out for support can feel like a challenge, especially when your energy and motivation are low. At Family-Therapy™, we want you to know that taking this step is an act of self-care and courage.

Call 613-287-3799 to learn more about depression counselling services in Ottawa or to book an appointment. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you are looking for an Ottawa therapist or prefer the convenience of online counselling across Ontario, we are here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to feel heard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Counselling in Ottawa

No. You do not need a clinical diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to begin counselling at Family-Therapy™. Many of our clients reach out simply because something feels “off,” heavy, or increasingly difficult to manage on their own. By removing the need for a formal diagnosis, we make mental health support more accessible. This allows you to start your healing journey in Ottawa or anywhere in Ontario, the moment you feel ready, focusing entirely on practical tools and emotional clarity. Your insurance company may require you get a doctor’s referral for counselling for insurance coverage.

Depression counselling focuses on emotional support, understanding patterns, and developing coping strategies. Any decisions to be made about medication will be done with your doctor. We are happy to write a case summary to your doctor if required. Some people engage in counselling alone, while others combine it with medical care based on their individual needs.

Yes. Counselling is confidential and follows Ontario’s professional and legal standards. Our therapists are registered with Ontario’s professional colleges (such as the CRPO or OCSWSSW), ensuring you receive care that is both ethical and regulated. At your very first session, your therapist will clearly explain the “limits of confidentiality.”

Yes.  A common barrier to seeking help is the feeling that you need to have a “good reason” or a clear explanation for your distress. At Family-Therapy™, we want you to know that you don’t need the answers before you start.  Many of our clients in Ottawa and across Ontario reach out simply because they feel a persistent sense of heaviness or disconnection that they can’t quite put into words. Often, the root of emotional distress is a combination of many small, cumulative factors. We help you connect the dots between your experiences, environment, and emotions.

Yes. Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of massive transition, and it is common for young people to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or “stuck.” At Family-Therapy™, we provide specialized support tailored to the unique needs of teens and young adults in Ottawa and across Ontario. Our therapists recognize that “talk therapy” for a 10-year-old looks different than it does for an adult. We use developmentally appropriate methods and creative strategies when working with younger children and teens. We believe in a collaborative approach while respecting the young person’s growing need for privacy.

One of the most common questions we receive is, “How many sessions will I need?” The truth is, there is no set timeline for healing. At Family-Therapy™, the length of your journey is entirely dependent on your individual needs, the complexity of your situation, and your personal goals.

Yes. Depression counselling may be available in person at our Ottawa locations or virtually, depending on therapist’s availability and your preferences. We offer virtual counselling throughout all of Ontario.

You can get started by calling Family-Therapy™ or booking an appointment online. Our therapists can answer questions and help you take the next step at a pace that feels manageable.