Depression and low mood
Depression & Low Mood Counselling
When things feel heavy, you don’t have to carry everything on your own.
I’m Emily Corkery, a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #006695) and former teacher. I see children from age 4, teens, young adults, adults and families in person in Stittsville (Ottawa) and online anywhere in Ontario, and I’m accepting new clients. The first step is a free 15-minute call.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Have you been feeling unlike yourself lately? Maybe things that used to bring you joy don’t feel the same, everyday tasks seem harder or you find yourself feeling sad, overwhelmed or disconnected.
Sometimes low mood develops gradually. You might have difficulty finding motivation, feel more irritable than usual or struggle to explain why things feel so difficult.
For children and teens, emotional struggles don’t always look like sadness. They might show up as frustration, withdrawal, changes in behaviour, difficulty at school or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or your child, you deserve a space where you can talk openly, feel understood and explore ways to move forward.
At Collaborative Counselling, I offer a warm, supportive and collaborative approach to helping children, teens and adults navigate low mood and emotional challenges.
What can depression and low mood look like?
Everyone experiences difficult emotions from time to time. However, when feelings of sadness, emptiness or disconnection persist or begin affecting everyday life, additional support may be helpful.
You might notice:
- Feeling sad, down, empty or emotionally drained.
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- Difficulty finding motivation or getting things done.
- Feeling disconnected from others, or withdrawing from friends and family.
- Increased irritability or frustration.
- Changes in sleep or energy levels.
- Negative thoughts about yourself or the future.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.
Children and teens may express these feelings differently. Changes in friendships, school performance, behaviour, sleep or participation in activities can sometimes signal that something more is going on.
Low mood in adults
Sometimes there is an identifiable reason for feeling this way. Other times, you may struggle to explain it. You might continue meeting responsibilities at work and home while privately feeling exhausted, discouraged or disconnected.
Whatever your experience looks like, you deserve support. See counselling for adults.
Supporting children and teens experiencing low mood
It can be difficult for parents to know when their child’s struggles are part of growing up or when additional support may be helpful.
As a former teacher, I understand how emotional well-being can affect children’s experiences at school, their friendships and their confidence.
I work with parents and children to better understand what’s happening, develop practical strategies and strengthen the support surrounding the child. See counselling for children and counselling for teens.
How can counselling help?
When you’re feeling low, it can be difficult to know where to start. Counselling offers an opportunity to slow down, understand what you’re experiencing and identify small, meaningful steps forward.
Together, we can work toward helping you or your child:
- Better understand and express emotions.
- Recognize patterns in thoughts and behaviours.
- Identify unhelpful self-talk.
- Develop practical coping strategies.
- Reconnect with meaningful activities and relationships.
- Build confidence and self-compassion.
- Develop routines and strategies that support well-being.
- Navigate difficult experiences and life challenges.
There is no expectation that you need to have everything figured out before beginning counselling. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable.
My approach to supporting low mood
I draw on several therapeutic approaches, adapting our work to each person’s experiences and goals.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps us explore the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. When we’re feeling low, negative thinking patterns can influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. We work on recognizing these patterns and developing more helpful ways of responding.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us make space for difficult emotions while identifying the people, activities and values that matter to us. Rather than waiting until we feel better to start living meaningfully, we explore small steps toward the things that are important.
- Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), when working with children and families, can help parents better understand their child’s emotional experiences and develop ways to provide support and connection.
You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for support. Reaching out can be the first step toward understanding what you’re experiencing and finding a way forward.
Sessions, fees and scope
Sessions are 50 minutes: $170 for individual sessions and $200 for family sessions. No HST, and I provide receipts for insurance. See Fees and the FAQ for details.
Counselling with me focuses on emotional and everyday mental health concerns. I don’t provide diagnoses or formal assessments; if another kind of support would serve you better, I’ll help you think about where to turn.
If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8, or call 911.
Common questions
Do I need a diagnosis to start counselling?
No. You don’t need a diagnosis to start counselling, and I don’t provide formal assessments.
What if I’m in crisis?
Counselling isn’t an emergency service. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. In Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 any time.
Do you see children and teens for low mood?
Yes. I work with children from age 4, teens and adults, and with parents to support their child at home.
Related support
Let’s take the first step
You deserve support, too. A free 15-minute call is an easy way to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.
Book a free 15-minute callPrefer to talk? Call 613-577-2275
50-minute sessions · $170 individual · $200 family · No HST · Receipts for insurance