Our Approaches To Depression Counselling and Therapy
At Care Alliance Counselling, we offer a person-centred approach to depression counselling that goes beyond surface-level symptom management. We focus on uncovering root causes and equipping clients with evidence-based strategies, lifestyle support, and emotional regulation techniques to foster long-term well-being.
Evidence-Based Therapies to Transform Your Thinking and Emotions
Our therapists use methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to address depression symptoms. These therapies aim to challenge negative thinking patterns, process emotional pain, and rebuild cognitive and emotional resilience. This process empowers you to respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Mental Wellness
Small daily habits can make a difference in your mood and mental health. Our counsellors will work with you to introduce practical, sustainable lifestyle changes to support your therapy journey and enhance overall wellness.
Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques for Emotional Balance
We incorporate relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices such as breathwork, guided imagery, grounding exercises, and body scans. These techniques can be beneficial for regulating your nervous system and cultivate emotional balance, especially important when coping with depressive symptoms.
How Depression Therapy Works
Depression therapy involves structured sessions with a psychotherapist or counsellor to explore emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change.
During sessions, the therapist or counsellor provides a safe, confidential space where you can examine your emotions, beliefs, and behaviours. They also help you develop healthier ways of thinking, relating to others, and managing distress. The goal of every session is to address your depression symptoms and potentially improve your mental well-being.
Types of Therapy Used to Help with Depression
We employ several therapeutic approaches based on your unique needs:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and reframing negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. By replacing unhelpful beliefs with constructive, reality-based thinking, CBT helps you potentially respond more positively to life’s challenges.
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Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing (EMDR): Originally developed to help with trauma, EMDR can also be beneficial depression rooted in unresolved emotional experiences. Through guided reprocessing of past distress, EMDR helps manage the emotional impact of negative memories and shifts limiting self-beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough”, into healthier, more compassionate views of self and others.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): It combines cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies. DBT is especially beneficial if you experience intense emotions, as it helps you develop practical skills to manage distress, improve emotional control, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Our Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists
At Care Alliance Counselling, we prioritise professional integrity, client privacy, and the creation of a safe, non-judgmental environment for healing. Our team of counsellors and psychotherapists are not only warm and empathetic but also guided by strict professional ethics and evidence-based practice.
Each member of our clinical team holds recognised qualifications in counselling or psychology, with certifications in modalities such as CBT, EMDR, and DBT. Our therapists are also affiliated with respected professional bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and Singapore Psychological Society ensuring that every session meets rigorous ethical and clinical standards.
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What Our Clients Say
I have been consulting with Grace from Care Alliance for a few months now. I have seen a huge improvement in my ability to handle difficult situations. What I really like about Grace is that she does not give textbook solutions and explains each strategy that she teaches me including how it is going to help me. She listens to me and gives me tailored methods to deal with my issues. I am now in a very positive situation and able to analyze my issues and deal with it in very specific ways that are very effective. The one thing that she told me resonates with me, she said that I should learn to have empathy for myself, which I did not even think about or know about.
Thank you Grace
Lily is by far one the better counsellors I have met so far. She’s empathetic, listens actively and shows understanding in the issues I’m facing. It can be hard to counsel me, or even try different modalities on me, but Lily takes time to explain to me the different modalities used and challenge some of my fixated ideas. I’m very glad to have her as my therapist 🫶🏽 I’m making progress good progress so far, so yeah highly recommend her service. Thank you Lily!
Grace has been a joy to work with. I used to think that therapy would be daunting, but with Grace's expertise and guidance, the healing journey has rewarding one.
Thank you for helping me learn more about myself in the process while undoing my past baggages.
Book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Depression
How long will therapy take?
The duration of counselling for depression varies significantly among individuals, as it depends on the specific needs and progress of each person. Our approach is to tailor the length to best support your unique journey towards emotional well-being.
What should I expect during my first session?
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to establish a connection. It's a time to discuss your current challenges and goals for therapy. The session will be guided by empathy and respect, focusing on creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. You’ll be encouraged to speak openly, and together, we’ll begin to map out your path forward.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for therapy sessions varies by insurance provider and plan. While outpatient therapy, including counselling and psychotherapy, may not be universally covered, many insurance plans do include mental health benefits. These often cover a portion of the cost of therapy sessions. Additionally, employers may offer plans that support mental health as part of employee wellness initiatives.
How to seek help for mental health in Singapore?
Seeking help for mental health counselling in Singapore is a courageous and essential step towards your overall well-being. You can begin by reaching out to a licensed counsellor or psychotherapist. If you're unsure where to start, consider contacting a reputable counselling centre, where trained professionals can guide you through an initial assessment and recommend the most appropriate form of support.
Is there medication for depression?
There is medication available for depression. However, this is typically prescribed by a psychiatrist or a General Practitioner (GP), depending on the severity and type of depression.
It's important to note that psychotherapists and counsellors do not prescribe medication. Instead, they offer therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
If you’re unsure whether medication is right for you, a collaborative approach involving both a mental health therapist and a medical doctor can help you explore your options in a safe and informed way.
Understanding Depression Disorder
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder characterised by prolonged periods of sadness or a marked disinterest in daily activities. Unlike ordinary mood fluctuations, depression deeply impacts social relationships and professional life, often stemming from significant stress like relationship difficulties, financial strain, occupational issues, or trauma. According to the Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 3 individuals aged 15 to 35 in Singapore report experiencing severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. And among those with severe or extremely severe symptoms, only about 69.1% sought help through informal or formal mental health support services. These statistics underscore the urgent need to recognise the signs of depression early and seek timely, appropriate support.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
If you consistently encounter the following symptoms throughout most days, you may have depression:
• Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• Extreme tiredness and low energy levels
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Reckless behaviour
• Isolating from family and friends
• Increased irritability and agitation
• Appetite or weight changes
• Irregular sleep, with patterns of either prolonged or reduced sleep.
• A pervasive sense of despair or negative outlook
• Frequent thoughts of death or self-harm
• Persistent feelings of guilt, helplessness, or worthlessness
• Challenges with focus and decision-making
• Persistent physical aches without clear causes
Do note that depression manifests differently in each person. Not everyone will show all the symptoms, and their severity can vary widely. If you notice any persistent symptoms, embracing therapy or counselling for depression can be a courageous step towards regaining your balance and well-being.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is a form of depression marked by persistent symptoms, such as sleep issues, appetite changes, and sadness, that lasts for at least two weeks. Depression counselling can help manage these challenges, offering guidance to improve daily life and support a path toward emotional well-being.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a long-term form of depression where symptoms last for at least two years. Though symptoms are less severe, they can still influence one’s mood, outlook, and daily functionality.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs at specific times each year, beginning and ending around the same periods annually. It is influenced by changes in environmental factors, such as reduced natural light exposure, which can disrupt sleep patterns, mood, and energy levels.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
This type of depression can arise within the first year after childbirth, affecting a parent’s ability to care for themselves and their baby. This may occur due to hormonal changes and the social and psychological adjustments of parenthood. Counselling can offer valuable support, helping parents manage these challenges and regain emotional balance during this journey.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic Depression is a severe type of depression that involves episodes of psychosis, such as false beliefs or hearing and seeing things that others do not. The exact causes of Psychotic Depression are not fully understood, but factors may include a combination of genetic predisposition, biochemical imbalances, and significant life stressors or trauma.
Some individuals with PTSD are also diagnosed with psychotic depression, making therapy for PTSD and trauma another beneficial option to help address underlying issues.
Related Counselling Services
Anxiety Therapy
& Counselling
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Stress Management Counselling
Manage stress with our targeted stress management counselling. Learn effective stress management techniques in a supportive environment. Our counsellors work with you to develop personalised strategies that enhance your ability to manage stress healthily and productively.
Therapy & Counselling for PTSD
Address and work through your experiences with our PTSD therapy in Singapore. We focus on providing a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience and a sense of stability.