top of page

Depression Counselling in Ontario

Depression can feel heavy, exhausting, and isolating. It is more than sadness. It may show up as emotional numbness, irritability, low motivation, or a persistent sense that things feel harder than they used to.

At Niilo Wellness, we provide depression counselling for adults across Ontario through secure virtual therapy and in-person sessions where available. Our work is collaborative, evidence-informed, and paced according to your needs.

 

What Depression Can Look Like

Depression presents differently for each person. Some experience a gradual decline in mood. Others notice a sudden shift after stress, loss, burnout, or relational conflict.

Common signs include:

  • Ongoing low mood
     

  • Loss of interest or pleasure
     

  • Sleep disruption (too much or too little)
     

  • Changes in appetite
     

  • Difficulty concentrating
     

  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
     

  • Irritability or frustration
     

  • Emotional flatness
     

Many high-functioning professionals continue meeting responsibilities while privately struggling. Depression does not always look like staying in bed — it can look like pushing through while feeling disconnected.

 

Depression vs. Low Mood

Low mood is part of being human. Depression typically involves:

  • Symptoms lasting two weeks or longer
     

  • Interference with work or relationships
     

  • Reduced ability to experience pleasure
     

  • Persistent negative self-perception
     

You do not need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy. We focus on your lived experience and goals.

 

How Depression Develops

Depression is rarely caused by one factor. It often involves a combination of:

  • Biological vulnerability
     

  • Chronic stress
     

  • Relationship strain
     

  • Workplace burnout
     

  • Unresolved grief
     

  • Trauma history
     

  • Hormonal shifts
     

Therapy helps untangle these layers rather than treating depression as a single problem.

 

How Therapy Can Help

Depression counselling may include:

1. Behavioural Activation

Reintroducing meaningful activities gradually to restore momentum.

2. Cognitive Work

Identifying patterns such as hopelessness, all-or-nothing thinking, or self-criticism.

3. Emotional Processing

Creating space to feel emotions that may have been suppressed or avoided.

4. Attachment-Focused Exploration

Understanding how early relationships shape current patterns of worth and connection.

5. Burnout & Lifestyle Assessment

Exploring whether exhaustion, overcommitment, or boundary issues are contributing.

Our approach is structured but flexible.

 

Depression & Work in Ontario

In Ontario, many clients face:

  • High workplace demands
     

  • Economic stress
     

  • Long wait times for psychiatric referrals
     

  • Limited access to publicly funded therapy
     

While OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy, many extended health plans provide reimbursement for sessions with regulated professionals.

Virtual therapy allows access across Ontario without geographic barriers.

 

Medication & Therapy

Some clients combine therapy with medication prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist. Others choose therapy alone. We can collaborate with your healthcare provider if helpful.

 

When to Seek Support

You may consider therapy if:

  • Mood changes persist
     

  • You feel disconnected from yourself or others
     

  • Motivation feels consistently low
     

  • You are using substances to cope
     

  • You feel hopeless or overwhelmed
     

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate support through emergency services or crisis resources is essential.

 

​

bottom of page