Understanding Depression
Everyone feels sad or flat sometimes. When these feelings last for weeks or months and make daily life hard to manage, it may be a sign of depression. Around one in fifteen Australians experiences a depressive episode each year.
Depression can affect how you think, feel, and act. It may make everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and some people notice changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation.
At The Hummingbird Centre, our clinicians offer gentle, evidence-based depression therapy in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. We work together to understand your experiences and build strategies that support wellbeing, connection, and purpose.
Common Signs of Depression
Depression can show up in many ways. Common experiences may include:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness
Hopeless or self-critical thoughts
Loss of interest or motivation
Changes in sleep or appetite
Fatigue or low energy
Irritability or anger
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawal from family or friends
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Everything feeling like an effort
Recognising these signs and seeking support can be the first step toward recovery.
How Therapy Can Help
There are a number of effective, evidence-based treatments for depression.
At The Hummingbird Centre, our clinicians draw on a range of therapies that can help you understand your experiences, manage symptoms, and work toward personal goals.
Therapies may include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – building awareness, acceptance, and actions that align with your values.
Schema Therapy – exploring long-standing patterns and beliefs that may contribute to low mood.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy – helping the brain safely process distressing or unresolved experiences that may influence depression.
Therapy may also include skills such as:
Understanding how depression works
Improving sleep and daily routines
Relaxation and breathing techniques
Setting achievable goals
Increasing meaningful or enjoyable activities
Problem-solving and stress management
Strengthening relationships and confidence
Each person’s experience is unique. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings and develop new ways to cope.
Our Locations & Telehealth
The Hummingbird Centre provides trauma-informed depression counselling, EMDR, and psychological therapy across Newcastle, Maitland, Broadmeadow, Warners Bay, and Lake Macquarie, with telehealth sessions available across NSW.
Whether you meet with us in person or online, you’ll receive the same compassionate, confidential care. Our therapy spaces are calm and welcoming, designed to support comfort and safety.
Getting Started & Referrals
You can contact The Hummingbird Centre directly to book your first appointment.
If you see your GP, they can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan, which may give you access to Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.
We also provide therapy under several referral and funding options, including:
NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed)
Work Cover / SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) referrals
Private health insurance, including BUPA and other major funds
Our admin team can help explain fees, rebates, and payment options before you start.
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact 000 or your local emergency service.
FAQs about Depression Therapy
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions. It can involve persistent sadness, loss of interest, or changes in sleep, energy, or focus.
Who provides depression therapy at The Hummingbird Centre?
Therapy is provided by qualified psychologists and mental health clinicians who use trauma-informed and neuroaffirming approaches.
What therapies are used to treat depression?
We use evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR. Your clinician will tailor your plan to your needs and preferences.
How can EMDR help with depression?
EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing or unresolved experiences that may contribute to ongoing low mood or self-esteem. It can support emotional regulation and self-understanding.
Do you offer online therapy for depression?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth depression therapy NSW, as well as in-person sessions in Newcastle, Maitland, Broadmeadow, Warners Bay, and Lake Macquarie.
Do I need a referral?
You can contact us directly, or your GP can provide a referral and Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare rebates.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential and follow Australian privacy laws and professional ethics. Your clinician will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly.
Do you work with children and adults?
Yes. We provide depression therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, involving families or carers when appropriate and with consent.
