Anxiety and Depression
Our therapists and counsellors specialize in approaches that are particularly effective in treating anxiety and depression. These modalities focus on cultivating self-understanding and emotional skills to navigate and respond to difficult thoughts, emotions, and states of mind, with a sense of calm, clarity and presence.
Understanding Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and what we interpret as potential threats. Usually manifesting in unease, worry, or concern, it is an experience that many of us have encountered. However, when it lingers or becomes overwhelming, it can significantly disrupt our daily routines and well-being.
Symptoms of Anxiety
• Excessive worry or fear
• Restlessness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle tension
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
Types of Anxiety Disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Agoraphobia
Depression
Depression isn’t merely a fleeting moment of sadness; it is a constant, heavy cloud of despair and hopelessness that can hang over a person for months or years. It can be everyday thoughts, emotions, and our sense of the world, making daily life feel like an insurmountable struggle.
Symptoms of Depression
• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
•Changes in appetite and weight
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Types of Depression
•Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Postpartum Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Atypical Depression
• Situational or Reactive Depression
Work with us
Whether it’s getting unhelpfully bothered about events outside our control, or feeling weighed down by particular worries, concerns or intrusive thoughts, anxiety and depression can deeply impact our experience of ourselves and the world, and lead to a feeling of stuck-ness and isolation in life.
Our therapists and counsellors are experienced in customizing evidence-based therapies that work for depression and anxiety to your unique needs and circumstances. Find the right therapist for you by exploring an intake session with a therapist of your choosing.
The Benefits of Anxiety and Depression Therapy
1. Safe and Confidential Expression
Therapy offers a safe and private environment where you can share your innermost thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and without judgment, with full confidentiality.
2. Effective Coping Strategies
Counselling and therapy can assist in addressing the challenges presented by anxiety and depression. These approaches can help you break away from negative thought patterns, develop effective emotion regulation abilities, and gain a greater sense of control over your own well-being.
3. Enhanced Self-Awareness
Engaging in therapy fosters a deeper understanding of yourself, allowing you to identify triggers and recurrent patterns in your thoughts and behaviours. This heightened self-awareness serves as a stepping stone towards initiating positive transformations in your life.
4. Long-Term Benefits
The insights and tools you gain in therapy last a lifetime. Therapy isn’t just about addressing current challenges; it is about forging emotional resilience and strength. You will acquire the skills to bounce back from future setbacks, and adapt to life’s twists and turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What can I expect from my first therapy session?
Your initial session is an opportunity to share about your concerns, personal history, and your aspirations for therapy. It is a time to get a felt experience of your therapist and if you’re comfortable working with them for the journey ahead. Your therapist will also provide their understanding of the issue and collaborate with you about what to expect from future sessions.
• How long does therapy usually take?
The duration of therapy is unique to each person and their issue, and also influenced by personal needs and aspirations. Some might achieve their goals within a few sessions, while others may opt to engage in longer-term therapy to work more deeply with their psyche. Nonetheless, our therapists are trained to adapt the length of therapy to meet the needs of each individual.
• Is therapy confidential?
All therapy sessions are held in the strictest confidence. Your therapist will outline the boundaries of confidentiality during your initial session to ensure a clear understanding. As a standard practice, your conversations remain private, safeguarded by the ethical and legal guidelines in Singapore.
• What if I am uncomfortable discussing certain topics in therapy?
Our therapists will always respect your pace and there is no obligation to share about issues that you are not comfortable with. We will approach those conversations only when you feel most ready to speak about them.
• What if I do not know the root cause of my anxiety and depression?
That is completely okay. Therapy aids to unravel these underlying patterns and root causes, even if you may not have all the answers at the start.
•Is there a specific type of therapy for anxiety and depression?
There are a variety of specialised therapies intended for addressing anxiety and depression. Some examples of these approaches are Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based therapy. There is strong evidence of their efficacy when used as part of the counselling process.