CBT Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Understanding SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern.
Sufferers often report experiencing it during the winter time leading to it being known as "Winter Depression."
Depression linked to SAD is a common and sometimes serious mental health problem characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
People experiencing SAD often describe:
- feeling low most of the time during the winter months
- having no motivation or interest in things
- feeling hopeless or empty
- struggling to get through daily life
Although the experience can feel intense or confusing, it is important to know that these patterns are understandable – and they can change with the right psychological support.
AVAILABLE FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE
We're Ready to Help You
We offer all prospective clients an hour long, informal and confidential chat to discuss your seasonal mood-related worries for just £30.
There's no pressure to undertake any therapy going forward, no judgement from us and we're very friendly and easy to talk to!
♦ Ongoing sessions:
Typically weekly or fortnightly, tailored to your needs.
♦ Location:
Comfortable private setting near Wolverhampton / Wombourne, with free parking.
Secure online therapy available with Paul across the UK.
♦ Fees:
Ongoing sessions: £90/hr
What Could Cause SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, can often stem from a variety of life experiences that intertwine with the changing seasons, leading to feelings of sadness and apathy during specific times of the year.
Factors such as a history of loss or grief, significant life transitions, or even long-standing patterns of stress can heighten vulnerability to SAD.
Additionally, the impact of reduced daylight hours may exacerbate feelings of isolation or disconnection, particularly for those who may already be navigating challenging emotional landscapes.
Experiences of challenge and adversity, particularly during the winter months, can contribute to a cycle that makes it difficult to engage with life and find joy in everyday activities.
Understanding these underlying experiences is essential as it can empower individuals, helping them to recognise the patterns in their emotions and seek appropriate support to foster resilience and positive change.
SAD Symptoms
As with all forms of depression, the main symptoms include a low mood and a loss of interest in normal everyday activities.
Your symptoms may 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 impact on day-to-day life.
Psychological therapy with paul
CBT Therapy Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder
ABOUT PAUL
Meet Paul Lee MSc
Hello, I'm Paul and I've been working with people as a psychologist, psychotherapist and coach since 2009. I have expert knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and adopt a non-medicalised philosophy when helping people overcome mental health challenges. This means that I will frame your current difficulties as being the result of what has happened to you rather than what is wrong with you.
What to Expect from Therapy
Therapy isn't something that is simply done to you. Although your therapist can provide understanding, guidance and practical psychological strategies, meaningful change usually develops through what you discover, practice and begin to do differently in your everyday life.
At Tranceform, we see therapy as a collaborative process. We'll work together to understand the patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviour that may be keeping the problem going, while helping you explore different ways of responding. Sometimes this involves questioning long-held assumptions, reducing avoidance or experimenting with behaviours that initially feel unfamiliar.
The aim isn't to make you dependent upon therapy or to promise a quick fix. It's to help you develop greater understanding, confidence and agency so that, over time, you become better equipped to manage difficulties for yourself.
Therapy provides the guidance. You provide the practice. We create the change together.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP