Counselling
Depression counselling
Low mood, hopelessness and lost motivation are heavy things to carry alone. Our compassionate team can help guide you through tough times – and help you find your way back to yourself.
More than feeling sad
Depression isn’t weakness, laziness or a bad attitude. It’s a recognised health condition that changes how you think, feel, sleep, eat and relate to people. It can arrive after a loss or a hard season, or it can creep in with no obvious cause at all.
You might notice you’ve stopped enjoying things that used to matter, that everything takes more effort than it should, or that you’re withdrawing from people. Some people feel numb rather than sad. Others feel irritable, guilty or worthless. All of these are valid reasons to seek support.
Counselling provides structure, momentum and a relationship that holds steady while your motivation is low. Our counsellors use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavioural activation strategies, paced to where you actually are – not where anyone thinks you should be.
How counselling helps with low mood
Rebuilding momentum
Small, achievable steps that reconnect you with activity, people and meaning – the things depression strips away first.
Working with your thinking
Noticing the harsh, hopeless thought patterns depression generates, and learning to respond to them rather than obey them.
Understanding the context
Grief, burnout, discrimination, chronic stress and isolation all feed low mood. We look at your life, not just your symptoms.
A steady relationship
Someone who shows up consistently, doesn’t judge the mess, and keeps the work moving when you can’t.
Fees and practical details
From $80 per session
Low-cost counselling because support should be accessible to all. Individual sessions $80-$120.
No GP referral needed
You can book directly. If you have a referral, it can help your counsellor support you.
60 to 90 minute sessions
Individual counselling sessions are available for 60 or 90 minutes.
In-person or telehealth
Visit us in Preston, Melbourne, or connect by telehealth from anywhere in Australia.
Medicare does not currently provide rebates for counsellors under the Mental Health Care Plan. If you would like Medicare-rebated sessions with a clinical psychologist, ask us about a Mental Health Care Plan referral from your GP.
Process
What happens during your counselling journey
First contact
You call or fill out our form. Tell us what's happening and what you need. We listen without judgment and answer your questions about how we work.
Assessment session
We meet and talk through your situation in detail. This helps us understand your challenges and decide on the best approach for you moving forward.
Regular sessions
You attend regular sessions where we develop strategies and skills tailored to your needs. Between sessions, you practise what you've learned in daily life.
Moving forward
As you gain confidence and tools, sessions may reduce in frequency. You'll always have access to support when you need it, whether that's months or years later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's depression or just a rough patch?
A rough patch usually lifts as circumstances change. If low mood, flatness or hopelessness have lasted more than a couple of weeks and are affecting your sleep, appetite, work or relationships, it’s worth talking to someone. You don’t need to be certain to book a session.
Can counsellors diagnose or treat clinical depression?
Counsellors don’t diagnose. If your situation suggests clinical depression that would benefit from psychological treatment, we’ll be upfront and can connect you with a clinical psychologist at Invictus Health. Many people work with a counsellor alongside their GP or psychologist.
I can barely get out of bed. How am I supposed to do therapy?
That’s exactly the state counselling is built for. Early sessions ask very little of you – telehealth from home is fine, and the first goals are small by design. Momentum builds from tiny steps, not willpower.
What if I have thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
Tell us – we will take it seriously and respond with care, not panic. Counselling can be part of your support, and we’ll help make sure the rest of your safety net (GP, psychologist, crisis supports) is in place. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
How long until I feel better?
Most people notice the relationship and structure helping within a few sessions, with mood improvements building over weeks to months. Your counsellor will review progress with you and adjust the approach openly if something isn’t working.
What does it cost?
Individual counselling is $80-$120 per session, with no GP referral needed. Medicare does not currently provide rebates for counsellors.