Depression Psychologists and Therapists in Petersham, NSW

Photo of Paul Jessop, Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Paul Jessop
Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Petersham, NSW 2049
I am passionate about helping people through depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction.
My approach is holistic and integrative utilising a toolbox of healing and therapeutic modalities, drawing on my many years of experience of practice, study, working in the corporate world, as well as my own life experience of healing and self-exploration.
I am passionate about helping people through depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction.
My approach is holistic and integrative utilising a toolbox of healing and therapeutic modalities, drawing on my many years of experience of practice, study, working in the corporate world, as well as my own life experience of healing and self-exploration.
(02) 8000 1695 View (02) 8000 1695
Photo of James Croft, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
James Croft
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
(02) 9538 7957 View (02) 9538 7957
Photo of Toni Leemen, Psychotherapist
Toni Leemen
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming.
I work holistically with the mind-body connection using present experience. Greater awareness of the nuances between physical symptoms, emotions, sensations and patterns of thinking and experience can create more choice, a better relationship with yourself, your body and your condition.
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming.
I work holistically with the mind-body connection using present experience. Greater awareness of the nuances between physical symptoms, emotions, sensations and patterns of thinking and experience can create more choice, a better relationship with yourself, your body and your condition.
(02) 9159 6502 View (02) 9159 6502
Photo of Patrick Watts, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Patrick Watts
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Patrick works with adults experiencing a diverse range of issues, including low mood and depression, along with anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, OCD, social anxiety and phobias.
Patrick has experience in the university sector, private practice, and in public health. He has a warm, empathic approach, through which he utilises a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific needs of his clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-integrated therapies.
Patrick works with adults experiencing a diverse range of issues, including low mood and depression, along with anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, OCD, social anxiety and phobias.
Patrick has experience in the university sector, private practice, and in public health. He has a warm, empathic approach, through which he utilises a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific needs of his clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-integrated therapies.
(02) 9100 0206 View (02) 9100 0206
Photo of Tim Carey, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Tim Carey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I help people with a wide range of issues: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Loss and Grief, PTSD, Work Cover (SIRA accredited), and Compulsory Third Party.
I use a range of therapies, but primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as it addresses the needs of the whole person. ACT does this by helping us to deliberately notice unwanted thoughts and feelings, and how much we ‘buy into’ them. We then see whether their attempts to control thoughts and feelings is working to build a life with meanining.
I help people with a wide range of issues: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Loss and Grief, PTSD, Work Cover (SIRA accredited), and Compulsory Third Party.
I use a range of therapies, but primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as it addresses the needs of the whole person. ACT does this by helping us to deliberately notice unwanted thoughts and feelings, and how much we ‘buy into’ them. We then see whether their attempts to control thoughts and feelings is working to build a life with meanining.
0401 673 696 View 0401 673 696
Photo of Val Coelho, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Val Coelho
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Petersham, NSW 2049
I work with clients navigating significant life transitions, whether they are experiencing depression, trauma, or stress related to relationships, family, or other major changes.
Many people come to counselling feeling stuck in survival mode. They are overwhelmed, constantly overthinking, emotionally reactive, or caught in the same relationship patterns they promised themselves they would not repeat. I work with people who are tired of analysing everything and still feeling the same. In our work together, we slow things down so you can understand what is driving your reactions, regulate your emotions, and respond differently with more clarity, control, and self-trust.
I work with clients navigating significant life transitions, whether they are experiencing depression, trauma, or stress related to relationships, family, or other major changes.
Many people come to counselling feeling stuck in survival mode. They are overwhelmed, constantly overthinking, emotionally reactive, or caught in the same relationship patterns they promised themselves they would not repeat. I work with people who are tired of analysing everything and still feeling the same. In our work together, we slow things down so you can understand what is driving your reactions, regulate your emotions, and respond differently with more clarity, control, and self-trust.
(02) 9100 0941 View (02) 9100 0941
Photo of Katie Summerfield - Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
(02) 9100 0375 View (02) 9100 0375
Photo of Fiona Boughton - Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton, Social Worker, AMHSW
Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed, person-centred care, I offer an integrative approach that combines various evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. My expertise lies in adapting these methods to create a personalised experience tailored to each client’s unique needs and presentation.
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed, person-centred care, I offer an integrative approach that combines various evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. My expertise lies in adapting these methods to create a personalised experience tailored to each client’s unique needs and presentation.
0430 439 485 View 0430 439 485
Photo of Patrick Bryant, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Patrick Bryant
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. (Epictetus). Throughout my training to become a psychologist, I observed an emphasis that was placed on skills such as clinical knowledge, research, and critical thinking. Through my journey practicing as a psychologist, I have come to see that while such skills are crucial in being able to provide care and support to others, they lose some of their value without the ability to listen and show the patience that people deserve.
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. (Epictetus). Throughout my training to become a psychologist, I observed an emphasis that was placed on skills such as clinical knowledge, research, and critical thinking. Through my journey practicing as a psychologist, I have come to see that while such skills are crucial in being able to provide care and support to others, they lose some of their value without the ability to listen and show the patience that people deserve.
(02) 9100 0059 View (02) 9100 0059
Photo of Jane Rabie, Social Worker, AASW
Jane Rabie
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
(02) 9100 0607 View (02) 9100 0607
Photo of Rebecca Harrison, Social Worker, AMHSW
Rebecca Harrison
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I specialise in anxiety, including generalised anxiety, panic disorders and social anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorders, and mood and relationship difficulties. I help people navigate role transitions in work, family or social life. I support the people I work with to understand their experiences and themselves, reduce shame and self reproach and help them to build self worth and confidence to move forward. I value bringing compassion, calm, humour and hope to each session.
I specialise in anxiety, including generalised anxiety, panic disorders and social anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorders, and mood and relationship difficulties. I help people navigate role transitions in work, family or social life. I support the people I work with to understand their experiences and themselves, reduce shame and self reproach and help them to build self worth and confidence to move forward. I value bringing compassion, calm, humour and hope to each session.
(02) 9909 6136 View (02) 9909 6136
Photo of Sophia Charlotte Laurie, Counsellor
Sophia Charlotte Laurie
Counsellor
Online Only
I work with women experiencing social and generalised anxiety, depression, low mood, or a sense of feeling disconnected from themselves and the life they want to live. I support them to build self-trust, overcome challenges, and create a life that feels more aligned, meaningful, and fulfilling.
I work with women experiencing social and generalised anxiety, depression, low mood, or a sense of feeling disconnected from themselves and the life they want to live. I support them to build self-trust, overcome challenges, and create a life that feels more aligned, meaningful, and fulfilling.
0466 884 425 x61 View 0466 884 425 x61
Photo of Ange Martinez, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Ange Martinez
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Petersham, NSW 2049
Relationships are at the heart of wellbeing - yet even the closest couples can feel stuck, disconnected or overwhelmed. If you’re struggling with conflict, trust, communication or the distance growing between you, couples therapy can help you find your way back to each other. Alongside couples work, I also offer counselling for individuals, parents, families and children. My clients often come when life transitions, parenting stress or family dynamics feel overwhelming. I use a family systems lens to help people understand how their relationships, emotions and patterns are connected - and how small shifts can bring real change.
Relationships are at the heart of wellbeing - yet even the closest couples can feel stuck, disconnected or overwhelmed. If you’re struggling with conflict, trust, communication or the distance growing between you, couples therapy can help you find your way back to each other. Alongside couples work, I also offer counselling for individuals, parents, families and children. My clients often come when life transitions, parenting stress or family dynamics feel overwhelming. I use a family systems lens to help people understand how their relationships, emotions and patterns are connected - and how small shifts can bring real change.
(02) 9100 0167 View (02) 9100 0167
Photo of Sam Felicity Baran - Sam Baran (Inner Orbit Therapy), Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sam Baran (Inner Orbit Therapy)
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! I'm Sam (they/them), a queer non-binary therapist. I offer a judgement-free and affirming space for curious and creative people, including those from the neurodiverse, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we can look at hard stuff around relationships, identity, stress, anxiety, and existence with a view of boosting self-esteem and reducing distress. We’ll puzzle out the unique bits that sit at your core and use that understanding to create positive changes in your life and your relationships. My focus is always around making therapy a safe, supportive place where you can embrace and express your authentic self.
Hi! I'm Sam (they/them), a queer non-binary therapist. I offer a judgement-free and affirming space for curious and creative people, including those from the neurodiverse, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we can look at hard stuff around relationships, identity, stress, anxiety, and existence with a view of boosting self-esteem and reducing distress. We’ll puzzle out the unique bits that sit at your core and use that understanding to create positive changes in your life and your relationships. My focus is always around making therapy a safe, supportive place where you can embrace and express your authentic self.
(02) 8000 1501 View (02) 8000 1501
Photo of Tatiana Faundez, Social Worker, AASW
Tatiana Faundez
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
The areas of interest are identity, life stages, loss and grief, isolation, anxiety & depression, coming out, health complications, relationship issues and parenting.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
The areas of interest are identity, life stages, loss and grief, isolation, anxiety & depression, coming out, health complications, relationship issues and parenting.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
0402 975 707 View 0402 975 707
Photo of Renee Davies, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Renee Davies
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Elemental, Renée’s personal approach creates an environment where each person feels supported, connected, and understood. She believes that our sense of self and our interpersonal relationships are vital to our overall well-being. Relationships can shape who we are, how we see the world, and how we feel about ourselves. At the heart of our human experience lies the need for connection. Renée values diversity and cherishes the richness and creativity that our differences bring to our lives. She loves working with people of all sexual preferences, sex and gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and relationship types and styles.
At Elemental, Renée’s personal approach creates an environment where each person feels supported, connected, and understood. She believes that our sense of self and our interpersonal relationships are vital to our overall well-being. Relationships can shape who we are, how we see the world, and how we feel about ourselves. At the heart of our human experience lies the need for connection. Renée values diversity and cherishes the richness and creativity that our differences bring to our lives. She loves working with people of all sexual preferences, sex and gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and relationship types and styles.
(02) 9100 0327 View (02) 9100 0327
Photo of Anthony Arpino - Anthony Arpino (Proud Place Therapy), Counsellor, ACA-L2
Anthony Arpino (Proud Place Therapy)
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I identify with both of these communities myself and can help with stress, anxiety (including panic attacks) & depression management, relationship challenges, identity issues (including sexual orientation and gender identity), confidence and self-esteem, big life transitions and changes.
I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their unique identities and experiences, offering a sense of pride and empowerment. My goal is to create a collaborative and relaxed therapeutic environment that supports individuals to develop resilience, self-awareness, and self-acceptance, and make positive change in their lives.
I identify with both of these communities myself and can help with stress, anxiety (including panic attacks) & depression management, relationship challenges, identity issues (including sexual orientation and gender identity), confidence and self-esteem, big life transitions and changes.
I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their unique identities and experiences, offering a sense of pride and empowerment. My goal is to create a collaborative and relaxed therapeutic environment that supports individuals to develop resilience, self-awareness, and self-acceptance, and make positive change in their lives.
(02) 9100 0554 View (02) 9100 0554
Photo of Mackie Demirel, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Mackie Demirel
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
(02) 9100 0465 View (02) 9100 0465
Photo of Malak Shakhtour, Social Worker, AMHSW
Malak Shakhtour
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
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Photo of Tanuja Sahoo - Unlock The Mind Counselling Services, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Unlock The Mind Counselling Services
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Tanuja is an enthusiastic, self-aware therapist with a strong work ethic and a deeply ingrained desire to help others. She has highly developed interpersonal skills and understands working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds. She is skilled in Trauma, Domestic violence and suicide prevention, drawing from different therapeutic modalities. She has a considerable interest in helping people facing challenges with mental health. Her natural interests are helping people feel comfortable and open, exploring and understanding their concerns and bringing about positive change and greater well-being.
Tanuja is an enthusiastic, self-aware therapist with a strong work ethic and a deeply ingrained desire to help others. She has highly developed interpersonal skills and understands working with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds. She is skilled in Trauma, Domestic violence and suicide prevention, drawing from different therapeutic modalities. She has a considerable interest in helping people facing challenges with mental health. Her natural interests are helping people feel comfortable and open, exploring and understanding their concerns and bringing about positive change and greater well-being.
(02) 8105 5488 View (02) 8105 5488
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.