Depression and Anxiety Psychologist in Sydney

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common reasons people seek support from a psychologist, and two of the most treatable. My name is Jacob, and I'm a Clinical Psychologist based in Pyrmont, Sydney. At Heart and Hound Psychology, I offer personalised, evidence-based therapy to help you understand what you're experiencing and build practical skills to feel better.

Whether you're dealing with persistent low mood, constant worry, panic, or a mix of both, you don't have to manage it alone. Sessions are available in-person at our Pyrmont clinic or via telehealth across Australia.

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Understanding Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can affect your motivation, concentration, sleep, appetite, and sense of self. Many people describe it as a heaviness that makes even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and a sense that it won't get better.

As a clinical psychologist treating depression in Sydney, I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and behavioural activation, tailored to what works best for you. Together, we'll explore what's driving your depression, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build habits that support recovery.

Common signs of depression include:

•       Persistent low mood or emptiness

•       Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

•       Low energy and fatigue

•       Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

•       Changes in sleep or appetite

•       Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If these sound familiar, speaking with a psychologist is a positive step. A clinical psychologist can assess what you're experiencing, rule out other factors, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

A woman appears distressed during therapy session with a man who is gently touching her shoulder and holding a notepad.

Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when it becomes persistent, intense, or starts interfering with your day-to-day, it may be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, physical tension, avoidance behaviours, or a constant sense of dread.

I work with people experiencing a range of anxiety conditions, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, health anxiety, phobias, and more. Using approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and exposure therapy, I can help you understand your anxiety and respond to it differently, so it no longer runs your life.

Understanding Anxiety

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Schedule a Consultation
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Common signs of anxiety include:

•      Excessive worry that's hard to control

•       Restlessness or feeling on edge

•       Physical symptoms like racing heart, tight chest, or shortness of breath

•       Avoiding situations that trigger anxious feelings

•       Difficulty sleeping due to worry

•       Irritability or difficulty concentrating

OCD, Phobias, and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can also take the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, or specific phobias. These conditions are often highly treatable with the right therapeutic approach.

OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce distress (compulsions). I use structured, evidence-based OCD treatment including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help reduce the hold OCD has on your daily life.

Social anxiety, a fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, can make work, relationships, and everyday interactions exhausting. I offer targeted therapy to help you gradually build confidence and reduce avoidance.

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Depression and Anxiety Treatment in Sydney

At Heart and Hound Psychology, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. I take the time to understand your history, your goals, and what approaches are most likely to work for you. Most people with depression and anxiety see meaningful improvement with a course of evidence-based therapy.

Sessions are available in-person at our Pyrmont, Sydney clinic or via telehealth, so you can access support from home if that's more comfortable or convenient. I currently have immediate availability for new clients.

Taking the first step is often the hardest part. If you're ready to talk, reach out to book an initial appointment. There's no pressure, we can start by simply exploring whether working together feels like the right fit.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’ve been searching for the best psychologist near me for anxiety and depression or wondering whether psychologists can help with depression, I encourage you to reach out and book a session. Therapy is not about fixing you — it’s about helping you understand yourself better and finding ways to feel more in control.

At Heart and Hound Psychology, we offer personalised, evidence-based depression and anxiety treatment in a calm and supportive environment. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and create a plan to help you move forward.

Whether you’re seeking a depression psychologist in Sydney, an Anxiety Psychologist in Sydney, or simply a psychologist in Sydney who understands your needs, I’m here to help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, or related conditions, don’t hesitate to contact Heart and Hound Psychology — your trusted space for depression counselling Sydney, anxiety treatment Sydney, and compassionate mental health advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Clinical psychologists are specifically trained to assess and treat depression and anxiety disorders using evidence-based therapies. Many people find that a relatively short course of therapy, often 8 to 12 sessions, leads to significant and lasting improvement.

  • If low mood, worry, or anxiety has been affecting your daily life, relationships, or work for more than two weeks, it's worth speaking to a professional. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy, many people come to psychology for support before things get severe.

  • You can book directly without a referral. However, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on up to 10 sessions per year. See our Fees page for more information.

  • This varies depending on the person and the severity of symptoms. Many people experience noticeable improvement within 6 to 10 sessions. More complex presentations may benefit from longer-term support. We'll discuss a realistic plan in your first session.

  • Yes, research shows telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for most people with depression and anxiety. It also offers flexibility that can make it easier to attend sessions consistently, which matters a lot for outcomes.

  • Your first session is about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's brought you in, what you're hoping to get out of therapy, and what a typical day looks like for you. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. By the end of the session, we'll have a clearer picture of how I can help and what the next steps might look like.

Get in touch.