CAYA Psychology
Geelong

Therapy for children, teens & adults with depression

Different shades of blue
Depression isn’t the same for everyone.

Therapy adapts to the form it takes in your life.

- Some people experience:
- Long-term low mood or “background” depression
- Depression linked to stress, burnout, or chronic pressure
- Depression following loss, change, or major life transitions
- Periods of low mood that come and go

Understanding the context of your depression helps guide therapy.

Depression doesn’t always look like constant sadness. Many people experience depression as emotional flatness, loss of motivation, or feeling worn down over time. I work with children, teens and adults experiencing depression, whether symptoms are long-standing or linked to life stress, loss, or burnout.

What depression often looks like

Depression can be quiet and gradual, making it hard to recognise.

Common experiences include:

  • Persistent low mood or emptiness
  • Loss of interest or enjoyment in things that once mattered
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Increased self-criticism or feelings of hopelessness

Many people continue functioning outwardly while struggling internally. You don’t need to feel “at your worst” to deserve support.

How therapy can help with depression

Therapy focuses on:

- Making sense of emotional patterns and life stressors
- Rebuilding motivation and engagement in daily life
- Addressing unhelpful thinking patterns and self-criticism
- Supporting gradual change without pressure or judgement

Progress often involves small, steady steps rather than quick fixes

My Approach

Client centred: We focus on what matters most to you

Practical and Grounded: not overly technical or jargon heavy

Collaborative: You are not pushed faster than you are ready to go

Evidence Based: Uses principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Is therapy right for you?

You might consider therapy if:

  • Low mood or exhaustion is affecting your quality of life
  • You feel disconnected from yourself or others
  • Motivation feels hard to access
  • You’re relying on getting through rather than feeling okay

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy.

Therapy details

  • Therapy is available for children, teens & adults
  • Sessions are offered in person and via telehealth
  • Appointments are confidential and paced to your needs

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is depression, we can explore that together.

Taking the next step

If depression is affecting your life or someone you care about and you’d like support, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether therapy might be a good fit.

Frequently asked questions

What does a psychologist actually do?

A psychologist provides a structured space to talk through thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be contributing to stress or difficulty. Sessions focus on understanding what's going on, identifying unhelpful patterns, and developing practical strategies to manage challenges more effectively

Why aren't there reviews of you/your clinic or testimonials?

In Australia, psychologists (and other health professionals) are not allowed to use client testimonials. This rule is to protect clients' privacy and to avoid creating unrealistic expectations about outcomes.

Instead of reviews, it can be more useful to focus on the connection with your therapist. The first session is an opportunity to get a sense of how we work together and whether the approach feels right to you.

Do I need to have a clear problem before I book?

No. Many people start therapy without a clear explanation of what's wrong. Part of the process of therapy is working together to clarify concerns and priorities over the first few sessions.

What happens in a first appointment?

The first session usually focuses on understanding your background, current concerns, and goals. You can ask questions about the process and discuss what you would like to get out of therapy. There is no expectation to share everything all at once.

How is therapy different from talking to friends or family?

Therapy is a confidential, structured conversation guided by professional training. The focus is on patterns, strategies, and practical change rather than informal advice or reassurance.

What do we actually talk about in sessons?

Sessions focus on current challenges, relevant past experiences, and patterns that affect how you think, feel and respond. The content is guided by your priorities and what feels most useful to address

Will you tell me what to do?

Therapy is collaborative. Rather than giving instructions, the aim is to help you understand your options, learn about your experience of symptoms, develop skills and strategies to try, and make informed decisions about your situation.

How structured are sessions?

Sessions are purposeful and guided by agreed goals. Some people prefer a more structured approach with specific strategies, while others benefit from open exploration. The approach can be adjusted over time.

Do I have to commit to long-term therapy?

No. Some people attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose to work together for longer. This can be reviewed regularly.

What if I don't know what to say?

That's common. Your psychologist helps guide the conversation. You don't need to prepare or organise your thoughts beforehand.

Does coming to therapy mean something is wrong with me?

No. Many people attend therapy to navigate stress, changes in life, or improve coping skills. Seeking support is a practical step rather than a sign of failure.

Will therapy make things feel worse before they get better?

Talking about difficult topics can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Sessions are paced carefully to keep the process manageable and focused on constructive change.

What if therapy doesn't work for me?

Fit is important. If something is not helpful, it's discussed openly and the approach can be adjusted. You are not obligated to continue if it doesn't feel useful.

How long does it take to see results?

This varies depending on your goals and the issues involved. Some people notice useful shifts within a few sessions while more complex concerns can take longer. Progress is reviewed regularly.

What kind of results can I expect?

Therapy aims to increase understanding, reduce distress and build practical coping strategies. Outcomes differ between people and depend partly on engagement with the process.

How much effort is involved outside of sessions?

Some approaches include practising strategies between sessions. Consistent attendance and active participation tend to support better outcomes.

How often are sessions scheduled

Many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions and adjust frequency over time depending on their needs and availability

How long is a therapy session?

50 minutes (plus 10 minutes for your therapist to write notes and complete any administrative tasks).

How do I know if therapy is working?

Your progress towards your goals is reviewed at the beginning and end of each session. Some signs that therapy is helping include clearer understanding of patterns, improved coping, less stress, and changes in how challenges are managed day-to-day.