Low mood & depression
Support for low mood and depression
A confidential, non-judgemental space to work through what's contributing to low mood, and rebuild steadier ground. Online or by telephone, anywhere in the UK.
If you're at risk right now
This website is not a crisis service. If you are in danger, or having thoughts of harming yourself, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. See the urgent help page for more options, including a free 24-hour crisis text line.
At a glance
- Provider
- Ann Purves
- Professional status
- Registered Member MBACP, registration 00988953. Verify on the BACP Register.
- Approach
- Integrative, mostly person-centred, drawing on CBT and psychodynamic techniques
- Format
- Telephone or secure online video
- Fee
- £50 / 1 hour · £30 / 30 minutes
- Clients
- Adults and young people from age 5
- Coverage
- UK-wide, based in Newcastle upon Tyne
- First step
- Email ann@annpurves.com or call 07856 187641
Low mood vs depression
Low mood is something everyone experiences, often tied to a specific event, and it usually passes within a couple of weeks. The NHS describes depression as low mood that persists for weeks or months and is severe enough to affect daily life: sleep, appetite, motivation, concentration and relationships. Both are valid reasons to seek support, and you don't need a diagnosis before getting in touch.
How Ann works with low mood
Ann works integratively, mostly person-centred, so sessions start from what's actually happening for you rather than a fixed programme. Low mood often has roots that go back further than the current low patch, so psychodynamic exploration, looking at where a pattern first took hold, can be part of the work. Alongside that, CBT-informed techniques help with noticing the specific thoughts that keep a low mood circling, and sessions sometimes focus on small, concrete steps when motivation itself is the thing that's missing.
Signs it might help to talk to someone
Persistent low mood, loss of interest in things you'd usually enjoy, low energy, disrupted sleep, or feeling flat and disconnected for more than a couple of weeks. Counselling can help whether or not you've spoken to a GP yet.
Common questions
Low mood & depression support, explained
What's the difference between low mood and depression?
Low mood is something everyone experiences from time to time, often linked to a specific event, and it usually passes within a couple of weeks. The NHS describes depression as low mood that lasts for weeks or months and is severe enough to interfere with daily life. If in doubt, a GP can help tell the two apart.
Can counselling help with depression?
Talking therapy is a recognised, NHS-supported treatment for depression, often used alongside or instead of medication depending on severity and personal preference. Counselling provides a confidential, non-judgemental space to work through what's contributing to low mood and rebuild a sense of steadiness.
What approach is used for low mood in sessions?
Ann works integratively, mostly person-centred, meeting you where you are rather than following a fixed programme. This can include psychodynamic exploration of where a low mood first took hold, CBT-informed techniques for noticing the thoughts that keep it circling, and a focus on small, concrete steps when motivation itself is what's missing.
Should I see a GP for depression as well as having counselling?
It's worth seeing a GP if low mood has lasted more than two weeks, is affecting your ability to function day to day, or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself. A GP can assess severity, discuss medication where appropriate, and refer for NHS talking therapies. Private counselling and GP care work well alongside each other and aren't an either/or choice.
What if I'm having thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
If you are in danger right now, call 999 or go to A&E. For free, confidential support at any time, call Samaritans on 116 123 or text Shout on 85258. This website is not a crisis service and enquiries by email are not monitored around the clock. See the urgent help page for full details.
Can I have depression counselling online or by phone across the UK?
Yes. Sessions are available UK-wide by secure online video or telephone. £50 for a 1-hour session, £30 for a 30-minute session.
Ready to talk it through?
Send me an email or give me a call and we'll find a time that works.