Individual Therapy for Depression & Low Mood — In-Person & Virtual

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Depression & Low Mood Therapy in Mississauga, Ontario

You don't have to keep feeling this way.

You Deserve to Feel Better

Depression has a way of making everything feel heavier — getting out of bed, returning a text, imagining a future that feels worth moving toward. It convinces you that this is just how things are now.

It's not.

I'm Terence To, a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) with over 7 years of clinical experience providing depression therapy in Mississauga and virtually across Ontario. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — an approach that doesn't just target symptom reduction, but helps you reconnect with what makes life feel worth engaging with again.

Whether you're dealing with persistent low mood, loss of motivation, or a deeper sense of hopelessness, depression counselling can be a place where real change begins.

Serving clients in-person in Mississauga (Argentia Road, near Meadowvale) and virtually across Ontario. Direct billing available through Green Shield and Blue Cross.

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What Depression Actually Looks Like

Depression is a common yet serious mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions day to day. It's more than sadness or a rough patch — it's a persistent condition that responds well to the right treatment approach.

Common signs I work with clients on include:

  • Persistent low mood or a sense of emptiness

  • Loss of interest in things that used to matter

  • Fatigue, low motivation, or difficulty getting through basic tasks

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions

  • Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness

  • Withdrawing from relationships and routines

If several of these sound familiar and they've lasted for weeks or longer, therapy for depression can help — whether this is your first time reaching out or you've tried other approaches before.

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What You’ll Learn Working with Me:

I help individuals with depression by addressing the following areas:

  1. Acceptance of Emotional Pain: Depression often involves intense emotional pain. ACT teaches individuals to accept this pain instead of fighting against it, which can reduce the struggle and suffering associated with depression.

  2. Mindfulness and Presence: Depressive thoughts often focus on past regrets or future worries. By practicing mindfulness and staying present, individuals can reduce the impact of these thoughts and increase engagement with life.

  3. Defusing from Negative Thoughts: Depression involves pervasive negative thinking. Cognitive defusion techniques help individuals see these thoughts for what they are—just thoughts—thereby reducing their influence.

  4. Value-Driven Life: Depression can lead to a sense of hopelessness and lack of direction. ACT helps individuals clarify their values and take committed action towards them, providing a sense of purpose and direction.

  5. Behavioral Activation: By encouraging committed action, ACT promotes behavioral activation, which is a well-established method for reducing depressive symptoms by increasing engagement in meaningful activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does depression therapy take to work? Many clients notice shifts in how they relate to difficult thoughts and feelings within the first several sessions, though the pace of change depends on how long symptoms have been present and what else is going on in your life. We'll check in regularly on progress.

Do you offer virtual depression counselling in Ontario? Yes. I offer virtual sessions to clients anywhere in Ontario, as well as in-person sessions at my Mississauga office near Meadowvale.

Is depression therapy covered by insurance? Sessions with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) are covered under most extended health benefit plans. I direct bill Green Shield and Blue Cross, and can provide receipts for other insurers.

What's the difference between therapy and medication for depression? Therapy and medication can work well independently or together. I'm not able to prescribe medication, but I'm happy to work alongside your family doctor or psychiatrist if you're pursuing both.

Do I need a referral to start depression therapy? No referral is needed. You can book a free consultation directly.


Take the First Step

Depression thrives in isolation. Reaching out is one of the hardest and most important things you can do.

I offer a free 20-minute consultation — a low-stakes chance to talk about what you're going through and explore whether working together makes sense.

In-person sessions available in Mississauga. Virtual therapy available across Ontario.