Depression treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Depression is more than just feeling sad – it is a serious and treatable condition that can affect every aspect of your life. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our experienced team of clinical psychologists, counsellors, CBT therapists and hypnotherapists provides confidential, compassionate support tailored to you.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please contact your GP urgently, call 111 (option 2 for mental health) or the Samaritans on 116 123, which is free and available 24 hours a day.

On this page

1. About depression
2. Symptoms
3. Causes and risk factors
4. How we treat depression
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About depression

Depression is a common mental health condition affecting around 1 in 6 adults in the UK at some point in their lives. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can simply "snap out of". Depression involves real changes in brain chemistry and thought patterns, and responds well to evidence-based treatments.

Depression can take many forms, from mild low mood through to severe, disabling illness. It can appear on its own or alongside other conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain or long-term illness.

2. Symptoms

Depression affects how you feel, think and behave. Symptoms can include:

Emotional symptoms

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Excessive guilt
• Irritability and low tolerance
• Tearfulness

Physical symptoms

• Fatigue and low energy
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbance – insomnia or oversleeping
• Slow thinking or movements
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Reduced libido

Cognitive symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Negative thought patterns
• Memory problems
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

3. Causes and risk factors

Depression usually arises from a combination of factors:

• Genetics and family history
• Life events – bereavement, relationship breakdown, job loss
• Long-term stress
• Chronic physical illness or pain
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, postnatal, menopause, thyroid problems
• Substance use
• Loneliness and social isolation
• Childhood adversity

4. How we treat depression

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most evidence-based psychological therapy for depression and is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment. It helps you identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviours that maintain low mood.

Counselling

Counselling provides a confidential space to explore difficult feelings and experiences. Different counselling approaches are suited to different people, so we can match you with the right therapist.

Clinical psychology

Clinical psychology offers in-depth assessment and evidence-based treatment, particularly for more complex or long-standing depression.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be a useful adjunct, helping to address underlying thought patterns and promote deep relaxation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a growing evidence base for depression, particularly in combination with other treatments. It can help with associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue and anxiety.

5. Research and evidence

NICE guidelines (NG222) recommend psychological therapies including CBT, interpersonal therapy and counselling as first-line treatments for depression, either alone or combined with medication depending on severity. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of CBT for depression across mild, moderate and severe presentations. For acupuncture, a Cochrane review found that adding acupuncture to standard treatment reduced depression severity more than standard treatment alone.

6. Self-help advice

• Stay connected – reach out to friends and family even when you don't feel like it
• Engage in regular physical activity, even if only a short walk
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine
• Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
• Try to spend time outdoors each day
• Break tasks into small, manageable steps
• Consider mindfulness or meditation practices
• Speak to your GP if symptoms persist or worsen

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.