Depression Counselling & Psychotherapy Singapore

Professional support for persistent low mood, emotional difficulties and depression-related concerns.

Depression can affect how you think, feel and manage everyday life. You may find yourself losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed, struggling with motivation or feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities that once seemed manageable.

At The Lion Mind, we provide counselling and psychotherapy in Singapore using evidence-based psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Our counsellor works collaboratively with you to understand your experiences, identify unhelpful patterns and explore practical ways to manage emotional distress.

Counselling is not a guaranteed cure for depression. However, appropriate psychological support may help you develop coping strategies, improve daily functioning and work towards meaningful personal goals.

Need immediate mental health support? If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please do not wait for a routine counselling appointment. Contact Samaritans of Singapore at 1767, national mindline at 1771, or visit the nearest hospital Emergency Department. If there is immediate danger, call 995.

Understanding Depression

Feeling sad, disappointed or emotionally overwhelmed is a normal response to difficult experiences. These feelings may arise following a relationship breakdown, a significant loss, difficulties at work or other life changes.

Depression is different from occasional sadness. It can involve persistent low mood, reduced interest in everyday activities and changes in thinking, behaviour and physical functioning. Some people experience sadness, while others describe feeling empty, emotionally numb or disconnected from themselves and their surroundings.

Depressive symptoms may develop gradually or appear alongside significant life events. Biological, psychological and social factors can all contribute, and there is not always one identifiable cause.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Depression can affect individuals differently. Common experiences include:

• Persistent low mood: Feeling sad, empty or emotionally distressed for much of the day.
• Loss of interest or pleasure: Finding little enjoyment in hobbies, relationships or activities that previously mattered to you.
• Reduced energy: Feeling tired or exhausted, even when you have not been physically active.
• Changes in sleep: Having difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently or sleeping more than usual.
• Changes in appetite: Eating noticeably more or less than usual.
• Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus, remember information or make decisions.
• Negative self-evaluation: Experiencing excessive guilt, self-criticism, hopelessness or feelings of worthlessness.
• Social withdrawal: Avoiding interactions or spending less time with people who are important to you.

When several symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, especially if they interfere with everyday functioning, a professional mental health assessment may be appropriate.

These symptoms do not automatically indicate a depressive disorder. A diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation, and symptoms may also be associated with other psychological or medical conditions.

How Can Counselling Help with Depression?

Counselling provides a structured and supportive environment where you can explore your concerns, understand your emotional responses and develop strategies for managing everyday difficulties.

At The Lion Mind, we recognise that depression does not affect everyone in the same way. Your counselling sessions will therefore consider your circumstances, personal goals and the patterns contributing to your current difficulties.

Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns

Depression may influence how you interpret yourself, other people and your future. You might become highly self-critical, focus on perceived failures or assume that difficult experiences will never improve.

For example, after making a mistake at work, you may begin thinking, “I am incapable of doing anything properly.” This interpretation may intensify feelings of guilt or hopelessness, even when it does not accurately reflect your overall abilities.

Counselling can help you recognise such thinking patterns, examine the evidence supporting them and consider more balanced interpretations.

The aim is not to force positive thinking, but to develop more realistic and flexible ways of understanding your experiences.

Rebuilding Meaningful Daily Activities

Depression can make it difficult to remain engaged in everyday activities. You may withdraw from friends, postpone responsibilities or stop participating in activities that previously provided enjoyment or a sense of achievement.

While withdrawing may temporarily reduce demands, prolonged inactivity can sometimes contribute to further reductions in mood and motivation.

Through CBT-informed counselling, you may explore the relationship between your activities and emotional well-being. Your counsellor may help you identify manageable steps towards re-engaging with routines, responsibilities or activities that matter to you.

These steps are developed collaboratively, taking into account your energy, circumstances and current capacity.

Managing Rumination and Self-Criticism

Some individuals experiencing depression repeatedly revisit past mistakes, difficult experiences or perceived personal shortcomings.

This pattern of repetitive thinking, known as rumination, may prolong emotional distress without producing helpful solutions.

Counselling can support you in recognising these patterns and exploring alternative ways of responding. This may include developing problem-solving strategies, examining unhelpful assumptions and directing attention towards actions within your control.

Developing Practical Coping Strategies

Depression can make ordinary challenges feel increasingly difficult. Problems involving relationships, work, studies or daily responsibilities may seem harder to manage when you are experiencing low mood and reduced motivation.

Counselling offers an opportunity to examine these difficulties, clarify priorities and explore realistic responses.

Rather than telling you what decisions to make, your counsellor works collaboratively with you to consider possible options and develop approaches suited to your circumstances.

Our Counselling Approach: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological approach that examines the relationships between thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

CBT can be helpful for depression by supporting individuals in identifying patterns that contribute to persistent low mood and developing alternative ways of thinking and responding.

For example, imagine that you have experienced several disappointments and gradually developed the belief that your efforts are meaningless. As this belief becomes stronger, you may withdraw from activities, avoid responsibilities and spend more time alone.

These behaviours may reduce opportunities for positive experiences and reinforce your original belief.

Through CBT-informed counselling, you can explore how this cycle operates and identify practical changes that may support your functioning and emotional well-being.

At The Lion Mind, our counselling practice also incorporates person-centred approaches, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy where appropriate.

The approach is selected according to your needs and therapeutic goals rather than assuming that one method is suitable for everyone.

Learn more about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

What to Expect During Depression Counselling

Your First Counselling Session

Your first session provides an opportunity to discuss the difficulties you have been experiencing and what you hope to achieve through counselling.

Your counsellor may ask about your emotional well-being, daily functioning, important life experiences, existing support and strategies you have previously tried.

You do not need to explain everything perfectly or arrive with a clear understanding of why you feel the way you do. The session is intended to help both you and your counsellor develop a shared understanding of your concerns.

Your counsellor will also explain the counselling process, discuss confidentiality and consider whether the service is appropriate for your needs.

Subsequent Counselling Sessions

Depending on your concerns, subsequent sessions may involve exploring thought patterns, examining behaviours associated with low mood, developing coping strategies and reviewing progress towards agreed goals.

Your counsellor may suggest practical activities or reflections between sessions to help you apply what you have discussed in everyday situations.

These suggestions are discussed collaboratively and adjusted according to your needs.

There is no fixed number of sessions suitable for everyone. The duration and focus of counselling depend on your circumstances, therapeutic goals and progress.

Learn what happens during your first counselling session.

When Might Additional Mental Health Support Be Needed?

Depression varies in severity, and counselling alone may not always be sufficient.

Some individuals may benefit from psychological therapy alongside medical assessment, psychiatric treatment or prescribed medication. The appropriate combination of support depends on individual circumstances and clinical needs.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening or significantly affecting your ability to function, consulting a doctor or psychiatrist may be important.

The Lion Mind does not provide formal psychiatric diagnoses, prescribe medication or operate as an emergency mental health service.

Where appropriate, your counsellor may recommend seeking an assessment or additional support from a General Practitioner, psychiatrist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, increasing difficulty keeping yourself safe or an immediate mental health crisis, please seek urgent assistance rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Meet Your Counsellor

Mr James Chong, Principal Counsellor

James holds a Master in Counselling from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the National University of Singapore.

He is a Clinical Member and Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling and a Full Member of the Singapore Psychological Society.

His counselling approach incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and person-centred practices.

James works with individuals experiencing depression-related concerns, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, stress, burnout and other emotional and psychological challenges.

His approach emphasises professional collaboration, respect for individual experiences and evidence-based psychological interventions.

View Mr James Chong’s professional profile.

Depression Counselling at The Lion Mind

At The Lion Mind, we recognise that seeking psychological support is a personal decision. Our role is to provide a professional environment in which you can explore your concerns and make informed decisions about your well-being.

Counselling is conducted within professional confidentiality boundaries. Your counsellor will explain relevant exceptions, including circumstances involving serious safety concerns or legal obligations.

We do not require clients to purchase compulsory counselling packages or guarantee particular treatment outcomes. The suitability and continuation of counselling are reviewed collaboratively.

Our location: 3 Ubi Ave 3, #05-01, Singapore 408857.

For current counselling fees, session arrangements and appointment information, please visit our Counselling Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend counselling without a depression diagnosis?

Yes. You may seek counselling for persistent low mood, emotional difficulties or concerns affecting your everyday life without having received a formal diagnosis.

Your counsellor will discuss whether counselling is suitable for your needs and may recommend additional assessment where appropriate.

Can CBT help with depression?

CBT is an established psychological treatment for depression. It focuses on recognising and modifying patterns of thinking and behaviour that may contribute to persistent low mood.

Its suitability depends on your circumstances, the severity of your symptoms and your broader treatment needs.

Do I need medication if I attend counselling?

Not everyone experiencing depressive symptoms requires medication. Some individuals may benefit from psychological therapy, while others may require medication or a combination of treatments.

A doctor or psychiatrist can advise you about medical assessment and medication options.

How long will counselling take?

The number of sessions varies according to your concerns, goals and progress.

Your counsellor will review your needs with you and discuss the appropriateness of continued counselling over time.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Counselling is conducted according to professional confidentiality requirements, subject to applicable legal, ethical and safety exceptions.

These boundaries will be explained as part of the counselling process.

Does The Lion Mind diagnose depression?

No. The Lion Mind does not provide formal psychiatric diagnoses.

If a diagnostic assessment is necessary, you may be advised to consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Seeking Support for Depression-Related Concerns

Persistent low mood and depression-related difficulties can affect different aspects of your life, including relationships, work, motivation and everyday functioning.

Counselling provides an opportunity to better understand these experiences and explore approaches that may help you manage your difficulties.

If you would like to find out whether counselling at The Lion Mind is suitable for your needs, you are welcome to contact us.

Book a Counselling Appointment

For general enquiries, email enquiry@thelionmind.com.sg or call +65 9740 3519.

Important: The Lion Mind does not provide emergency crisis services. For urgent mental health support, contact Samaritans of Singapore at 1767 or national mindline at 1771. If you are in immediate danger, call 995 or seek emergency medical attention.