Seasonal Affective Disorder Counselling

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern which tends to occur at the same time each year, usually during the winter time leading to it also being known as “Winter Depression.”

The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter and become most pronounced during December, January and February.

In most cases the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder begin to improve in the spring before eventually disappearing.

As with other types of Depression, the two main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a lack of interest in life.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

As with all forms of depression, the main symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include a low mood and a loss of interest in normal everyday activities.

Other symptoms can include:

• feeling irritable
• feelings of despair
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• low self esteem
• indecision
• crying, often spontaneously
• feeling stressed
• low sex drive

For many people, Seasonal Affective Disorder can be difficult to live with and it can have a significant effect on day-to-day life.

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The exact cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder isn’t fully understood, but it has been suggested that it is linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days of the year.

One theory is that light stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls mood, appetite and sleep.

Whilst this seems like a reasonable idea it doesn’t explain why some people are affected by the dark winter nights and others (in fact the majority) are not.

Seasonal Affective Disorder may be impacted as much by limiting beliefs as by the reduced amount of sunlight, indeed, SAD may be the product of unhelpful thinking in itself!

Therapy & Counselling for Seasonal Affective Disorder

We offer a number of different types of therapy and counselling for Seasonal Affective Disorder and mood-related problems.

Choosing the most suitable therapy depends on a number of different considerations including factors such as:

• How long you have had the problem.
• Your personal preferences.
• How your problem is affecting you today.

You can read more about the different types of therapy for SAD on the following links:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Counselling for Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Hypnotherapy for Winter Depression

Although all therapies use slightly different approaches, the one thing they all have in common is the relationship that is formed between the client and therapist.

Furthermore, research also suggests that therapy relationship may be the most important factor in achieving a good therapy outcome.

Self-Help CBT Course for Seasonal Affective Disorder only £149!

Our online self-help CBT course has been designed to teach you the fundamental tools and techniques of clinically proven Cognitive Behavioural Therapy without having to see a therapist.

Structured over TEN, in-depth modules, this course will provide you everything you need to know to change the way you think about and experience Seasonal Affective Disorder from the comfort of your own home.

Click Self-Help CBT to find out more.

Free Initial Consultations for Seasonal Affective Disorder

We offer all prospective clients a FREE initial consultation to discuss your Seasonal Affective Disorder prior to commencing any treatment plans.

The consultation is free and lasts around 50 minutes.

During this consultation we will discuss the various therapy options that are available to you and make a considered recommendation based on your individual personal circumstances.

Initial consultations are also available as part of our online therapy service.

At Tranceform Psychology we recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping people to bring about effective change, so its important to be able to ‘meet’ to discuss any therapy treatments BEFORE proceeding.

Our policy is to help people make a fully balanced & considered decision about undertaking work with us, including both the financial and personal implications.