Depression Therapists in Ottawa, ON

What is depression and how is it different from sadness?

Depression is a clinical condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness lasting two weeks or more. Unlike ordinary sadness — a normal response to difficult events — depression is pervasive and significantly impairs work, relationships, and daily life. It is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada.

What types of depression can a therapist help with?

Therapists work with major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and depression related to grief, chronic illness, or trauma. They also support people experiencing subclinical depressive symptoms that have not yet met the threshold for a formal diagnosis.

Which therapy approaches are most effective for depression?

CBT is among the most extensively researched treatments for depression, highly effective at identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns. Behavioural activation, interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are also well-supported. MBCT is particularly recommended for preventing relapse in people with recurrent depression.

Does therapy work for severe depression?

Yes — therapy is effective across the full spectrum of depression severity, though for moderate to severe depression a combination of therapy and antidepressant medication often produces the strongest outcomes. Therapy addresses the psychological and behavioural patterns that maintain depression, while medication can lift mood enough to engage productively in treatment. Your therapist will refer you to a physician if medication appears warranted.

How long will I need therapy for depression?

Many people experience significant improvement within 16–20 sessions of CBT or interpersonal therapy. Depression can be recurrent, and some people benefit from longer-term therapy or periodic maintenance sessions to prevent relapse. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) delivered over 8 weeks has strong evidence for reducing the risk of future depressive episodes.