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Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) · Virtual & phone session across Ontario · Free 15-min consultation · Direct billing for select insurance providers ·
SOUND FAMILIAR?
When everything takes more effort than it used to
Getting out of bed feels heavier than it should. Things you used to enjoy don't land the way they once did. You might be going through the motions at work and with the people around you, while quietly feeling flat, far away or just tired in a way that rest doesn't touch.
Low mood doesn't always look like sadness. For some people it feels like emptiness or numbness; for others it's irritability, or a sense that nothing much matters. Therapy offers a place to slow down, make sense of what's been weighing on you and find small, realistic ways to move toward feeling more like yourself.
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HOW IT CAN SHOW UP
How depression and low mood can show up
Depression and low mood can look quite different from one person to the next. You may recognize some of these, or your experience may look different altogether.
In your thoughts
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A heavy, hopeless or "what's the point" feeling that's hard to shake
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Harsh thoughts about yourself, or feeling like you're letting people down
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
In your energy and routines
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Feeling tired, slowed down or unmotivated much of the time
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Losing interest in hobbies, plans or things that used to bring you joy
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Changes in sleep or appetite
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Letting small tasks pile up because starting feels like too much
In your relationships
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Pulling back from friends and family, or cancelling plans
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Feeling disconnected even when you're with people you care about
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Finding it hard to explain how you feel, or not wanting to be a burden
Some people keep functioning well on the outside while struggling privately. Low mood can be real and worth attention even if your life looks fine from the outside.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATTERN
What can keep low mood going
Low mood often creates its own momentum. When energy drops, it makes sense to do less. But doing less can mean fewer moments of connection, accomplishment or enjoyment, which can deepen the low feeling over time.
Thoughts can follow a similar loop. When you're feeling down, the mind tends to notice what's gone wrong and overlook what hasn't, and self-critical thinking can make it harder to reach out or try something new. Life circumstances, losses, stress and past experiences can all play a part as well. Therapy can help you understand the particular mix that's affecting you.
HOW THERAPY HELPS
How therapy for depression can help
Therapy won't ask you to simply think positively. It offers a steady, supportive space to understand what's contributing to how you feel and to work, gradually, on what might help. Depending on what you need, therapy may help you:
Put words to what you've been experiencing, without judgment
Understand the patterns in thought, behaviour and circumstance that may be keeping low mood in place
Take small, manageable steps toward activities and connections that matter to you
Respond to self-critical thinking with more balance and compassion
Explore losses, changes or past experiences that may be connected
Notice early signs of dips so you can respond sooner
OUR APPROACH
Our Approach
We meet you where you are, including on the days when talking feels hard. Sessions balance understanding and reflection with practical, realistic steps, sized to your current energy rather than an ideal version of it. We're also happy to coordinate with your family doctor or other care providers, with your consent, if that would be helpful.
Therapy is available virtually across Ontario, which some people find easier on low-energy days.
RELATED PAGES
If stress or overwork seems to be a big part of what you're feeling, see Anxiety and Stress. If a harsh inner voice is a central piece, see Overthinking and Self-Criticism. If your mood has shifted since a big change, see Life Transitions.
Safety and Support
Atria is not a crisis service. If you're having thoughts of suicide or are worried about your safety, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time, go to your nearest emergency department, or call 911. You can also find crisis lines and other community supports in our community Resource Guide.
YOUR THERAPIST
Lilian Sakr, Registered Psychotherapist
Lilian works with depression and low mood, including when it's tied to grief, burnout or poor sleep. Her use of CBT, ACT and Mindfulness-based approaches help you notice the patterns keeping low mood in place and take small, manageable steps back toward what matters to you.
CBT · ACT · Mindfulness · Compassion-focused
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Getting started with Atria
Virtual across Ontario
Sessions take place online through Jane, our secure booking and video platform, from anywhere you have privacy in Ontario. Phone sessions are also available.
Fees
Individual sessions are $150 for a 50-minute session. Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist; check your plans for details.
Free 15-min consults.
A short, no-pressure call to talk about what's bringing you in, ask questions, and see whether working together feels like a fit.
Not a crisis service
If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department. See our crisis resources.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
Providing virtual therapy and counselling services to clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding communities.