Depression Therapy Montreal

Evidence-Based Depression Counselling in Westmount, Montreal

Accepting new clients in-person and online.

Depression has a way of narrowing your world. Motivation drops, routines fall apart, and the things that used to hold your attention lose their pull. Over time, withdrawal and inactivity reinforce the condition, making it harder to see a way through.

As a therapist in Westmount, I work with clients who are dealing with depression that is affecting their ability to function, whether that means difficulty getting through the day, strained relationships, disrupted sleep, or a persistent flatness that will not shift. Therapy provides a structured way to understand what is maintaining these patterns and to build practical strategies that restore momentum.

Recognising Depression

Depression does not always look the way people expect. It is not always sadness. It can present as numbness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or a loss of interest in things you used to care about. Some people push through on autopilot for months before recognising that something has shifted.

Common signs include:

  • Low mood that persists for weeks or longer
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
  • Emotional flatness or feeling disconnected
  • Increased self-criticism or hopeless thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Withdrawing from social or professional responsibilities
  • Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
  • Low energy, fatigue, or difficulty initiating tasks
  • Physical discomfort without a clear medical cause

These patterns are common and they respond well to structured therapy. If several of these have been present for more than a few weeks, it is worth addressing.

How Depression Therapy Works

Depression tends to be self-reinforcing. Low energy leads to withdrawal, withdrawal leads to isolation, and isolation deepens the low mood. Short-term fixes like pushing through or waiting it out rarely interrupt this cycle on their own.

Therapy takes a different approach. In the first session, we review your symptoms, history, and current stressors to form a clear picture of what is going on. From there, we build a plan that targets the specific processes keeping the depression in place.

Ongoing sessions focus on identifying the thought patterns, behaviours, and habits that maintain low mood. You will learn strategies that support motivation and routine, develop skills for managing difficult emotions, and work on re-engaging with the parts of your life that have fallen away. The approach is practical and structured. We track progress throughout and adjust as needed.

I offer both in-person sessions at my office in Westmount and secure virtual sessions for clients who prefer remote therapy.

What to Expect

Depression can make it difficult to believe that things will improve, and that scepticism is part of the condition. You do not need to feel optimistic to start therapy. You just need to be willing to show up and engage with the process.

Some clients notice improvement within a few sessions once they begin applying skills consistently. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when depression has been present for many years or is connected to ongoing stress, burnout, or significant life changes. There is no fixed timeline. We work at the pace that fits your situation and adjust the frequency of sessions as progress allows.

Schedule a Free 10-Minute Phone Consultation

Professional Background

Academic qualifications and professional memberships:

Learn more about my background and qualifications.

Counselling That Fits in With Your Schedule

I’m available for appointments Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, either in-person at my office in Westmount, or online for your convenience.

You don’t need a referral to make an appointment. You can contact me directly by phone, email, or book a session through the website.

If you're not quite ready to book but would like to learn more or get a sense of how I work, I offer a free 10-minute consultation by phone.

Your First Appointment

In our first session, we’ll talk through the following:

  • Your main concerns and what has brought you to therapy
  • How these concerns are impacting your day-to-day life and relationships
  • Your expectations, goals, and hopes for the work ahead

This initial session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and to ask any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of depression do you work with?
I work with mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, adjustment-related depression, and depressive symptoms linked to stress, burnout, or life transitions. If depression is affecting your sleep, work, relationships, or decision-making, it is appropriate to address in therapy.

How often will we meet?
Most clients begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build momentum and stabilise symptoms. Frequency is adjusted over time based on progress and what makes sense for your situation.

How long does depression therapy take?
This varies. Some clients see meaningful improvement in a relatively short period. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when depression has been a recurring pattern or is tied to deeper issues. We assess progress together and adjust accordingly.

Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. I offer both in-person sessions at my office in Westmount and secure virtual sessions.

Do you issue insurance receipts?
Yes. I provide receipts that can be submitted to your insurance provider. Confirm directly with your insurer whether counselling services from a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) are covered under your plan.

What is your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows me to offer the time slot to other clients.

Schedule a Free 10-Minute Phone Consultation

Paul Jozsef Counselling & Coaching | Montreal Paul Jozsef

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