Depression treatment in Palmones, near Algeciras, Sotogrande and Gibraltar
Registered health psychologists for depression, low mood, apathy, emotional blockage, isolation and loss of motivation. At Ocnos Psychology Clinic, we help you understand what is happening and begin to regain life step by step.
We offer therapy in Spanish and English. Our clinic is located in the Edificio Azabache in Palmones, with easy access from Algeciras, Los Barrios, San Roque, La Línea, Gibraltar and Sotogrande.
Price of a depression therapy session
An individual psychology session costs €70 and lasts approximately 60 minutes. We offer in-person therapy in Palmones and online therapy.
Depression is not always visible from the outside
From the outside, it may look as if you are still functioning, but inside everything feels heavy. Getting up, replying to messages, showering, working, studying or meeting someone can feel like climbing a mountain.
Sometimes depression does not appear as intense sadness. It can feel more like emptiness, apathy, disconnection, irritability, guilt or the sense of living on autopilot. This is why many people take time to ask for help: they do not know whether what they feel is depression, exhaustion or simply that they cannot keep going. To understand this better, you can also read our guide on what depression is, its symptoms and its causes.
At Ocnos Psychology Clinic, we work with depression from a clinical, human and practical perspective. We do not start by demanding big changes. We start by understanding what is happening to you and building the first possible steps with you.
Key idea: depression is not laziness or lack of willpower. It is a mental health problem that can affect the body, thoughts, emotions, behaviour and the way you relate to life.
What depression is and what it is not
Depression is much more than feeling sad. It can affect how you think, feel, sleep, eat, work and relate to others. In some cases, it appears after a loss, a break-up, a period of stress or a life change. In others, there is no single obvious cause.
It does not have to look like crying all day either. Sometimes it shows up as feeling nothing, losing interest in what used to matter, withdrawing, feeling guilty or functioning on autopilot. When depression appears alongside worry, insomnia or constant tension, it may also be useful to consider anxiety treatment.
You find it difficult to start simple tasks or maintain basic routines.
You have lost interest in activities, people or projects that used to feel meaningful.
You feel exhausted, slowed down, empty or as if everything is too heavy.
Thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, failure or hopelessness appear.
You withdraw, reply less, avoid plans or feel that you cannot explain what is happening to you.
Depression can affect many areas of your life
Each person experiences depression differently. Some people feel sadness; others experience apathy, irritability, feeling stuck, guilt or exhaustion. That is why we do not work with a label, but with your specific experience. If you have questions about how recovery can happen, you may also find our guide on depression treatment and recovering emotional wellbeing helpful.
Mood
Sadness, emptiness, irritability, hopelessness, a feeling of disconnection or difficulty enjoying what used to bring wellbeing.
Energy and body
Constant tiredness, slowing down, disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, bodily heaviness or the feeling of not having the strength to start.
Thinking
Self-criticism, guilt, difficulty making decisions, concentration problems, thoughts of worthlessness or the feeling that nothing will improve.
Behaviour
Isolation, dropping routines, avoiding plans, replying late, neglecting self-care or stopping important activities.
Relationships
Feeling like a burden, pulling away from others, becoming easily irritated, not knowing how to ask for help or lacking the energy to explain what is happening.
Daily life
Difficulty working, studying, looking after the home, keeping routines, making decisions or maintaining usual responsibilities.
Ways depression can show up
Not everyone comes to therapy saying they have depression. Many people say they are exhausted, they do not recognise themselves, they have no motivation, they feel stuck or they do not know how to feel like themselves again. In some cases, families also need guidance; that is why we have prepared a guide on how to support an adult child with depression.
Low mood
Persistent sadness, emotional emptiness, lack of enthusiasm or feeling switched off.
Depression with anxiety
Constant worry, tension, insomnia, feeling stuck and the sense that you cannot stop or move forward.
Depression after grief or a break-up
Emotional pain, loss of meaning, isolation or difficulty reorganising life after a loss.
Work-related depression or burnout
Exhaustion, disconnection, irritability, low motivation and the feeling that you cannot cope with any more demands.
Depression in young people and adults
Academic, work or life blockage, loss of habits, isolation and difficulty asking for help.
Severe depression
Intense hopelessness, loss of routines, marked isolation or thoughts related to death.
If you do not know whether what you are experiencing is depression, anxiety, grief, stress or a mixture of everything, the first session can help you make sense of what is happening and decide the next steps.
How we work with depression treatment at Ocnos
With depression, we often do not start by asking for big changes. We start by making the day a little more manageable, understanding what maintains the distress and gradually recovering structure, connection and meaning. If travelling is difficult or you prefer to start from home, you can also consider online therapy.
We understand your situation
We explore symptoms, history, sleep, routines, relationships, work, life events and factors that may be maintaining the blockage.
We recover minimal structure
We work with micro-steps: self-care, routines, rest, movement, small tasks and gradual contact with the environment.
We work on guilt and self-criticism
We address thoughts of worthlessness, failure, being a burden to others, hopelessness or excessive self-demand.
We reconnect with life
The aim is to recover activity, relationships, decisions and meaningful projects, respecting each person’s real pace.
Our clinical perspective: depression is not resolved through willpower or motivational phrases. It is worked on by understanding the pattern, reducing isolation, recovering possible routines and supporting the person as they begin to feel that they can move forward again.
What the first therapy session for depression is like
You do not need to come with energy, know exactly what to say or explain perfectly what is happening to you. You can come tired, stuck, sad, irritable or even unsure whether therapy will help. If you are worried about what starting may be like, you can also read what no one tells you about starting therapy.
In the first session, we listen carefully to your situation, explore how the distress appears, how long it has been present, how it affects your life and what you have tried so far to keep going. Then we think through the first steps with you.
You do not have to tell everything on the first day.
You will not be judged for feeling apathetic, stuck or unmotivated.
Sessions usually last approximately 60 minutes.
We can work in person in Palmones or online.
If a medical or psychiatric assessment may be useful, we will explain this clearly and respectfully.
Health psychologists for depression in Campo de Gibraltar
At Ocnos Psychology Clinic, we work from a professional, human and personalised perspective. Héctor, Rocío and María Ángeles are part of the Ocnos Psychology Clinic team of psychologists and support emotional processes from complementary approaches.
Depression can take many forms. Sometimes feeling stuck is most prominent; at other times sadness, anxiety, isolation, guilt, trauma, family difficulties or life changes are central. That is why it is important for the therapeutic process to adapt to the person, not the other way round.
Héctor Lozano Jiménez
General Health Psychologist · Director · COPAO AN 11777
He works with anxiety, stress, feeling stuck, depression, self-demand and personal change processes from a practical, contextual and person-centred approach.
View Héctor’s profile
Rocío Rodríguez Boza
General Health Psychologist · COPAO AN 13748
She supports processes involving depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, relationships and psychological distress from an integrative, warm and respectful perspective.
View Rocío’s profile
María Ángeles Sanz Ruiz
General Health Psychologist · COPAO AN 12933
She works from a relational, emotional and contextual perspective, supporting people through anxiety, low mood, life difficulties and emotional distress.
View María Ángeles’ profileWhen depression appears alongside other symptoms
Depression can appear alongside anxiety, sleep problems, obsessions, relationship difficulties, grief, sexual difficulties, trauma, isolation or the feeling of not knowing where to go next. For some people, it can also be useful to consider a psychological assessment to understand the whole case better.
In some cases, it can be useful to consider other related services or resources. Not to add more labels, but to understand the whole picture of what is happening and choose an appropriate plan.
A calm space to begin, even if you do not feel strong
Ocnos Psychology Clinic is designed to offer a professional, warm and discreet environment. We know that asking for help for depression can be very difficult. That is why we take care of the welcome, clarity and sense of safety from the first contact.
Warm and private consultation room
A space designed to talk calmly, without judgement and with privacy.
First session without judgement
You do not need to come with everything sorted out. Therapy begins precisely by helping you make sense of things.
In-person and online care
We work in the clinic and also through online therapy when that is more suitable for you.
When urgent help may be needed
Psychological therapy can be very helpful in the treatment of depression, but it does not replace urgent care when there is immediate risk.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, feel that you cannot keep yourself safe, are thinking about suicide or notice that you may act in a way that is dangerous for you, seek urgent help. You can go to A&E, call emergency services or contact local healthcare services.
If you are supporting another person and you are concerned about their safety, do not leave them alone in a situation of risk and seek immediate professional help.
Ocnos Psychology Clinic reviews
We know that asking for psychological help can feel daunting at first, especially when there is depression, apathy or fear of not being understood. That is why we take care of the first welcome, clarity about the process and the sense of safety within therapy.
Depression treatment in Palmones
Ocnos Psychology Clinic is located in Edificio Azabache, First Floor, Office 10, in Palmones. Our location is easy to reach for people looking for a psychologist in Algeciras, a psychologist in Los Barrios, or psychological support in San Roque, La Línea de la Concepción, Gibraltar or Sotogrande.
We offer in-person therapy and also online therapy for people who prefer to begin the process from home or who live outside Campo de Gibraltar.
Frequently asked questions about depression treatment
These are some common questions before starting therapy for depression. If you are not sure whether your case fits, we can assess it with you in a first session.
How do I know if I need treatment for depression?
It may be advisable to ask for help if low mood, apathy, tiredness, guilt, isolation or loss of interest persist for weeks and begin to affect your daily life, work, studies, relationships or self-care.
Is depression the same as feeling sad?
No. Sadness is a normal emotion. Depression is usually more persistent and can affect energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, self-esteem, motivation and the ability to enjoy or function day to day.
What does a psychologist do in depression treatment?
The psychologist helps you understand what keeps the distress going, recover structure and possible routines, work on thoughts of guilt or hopelessness, reduce isolation and gradually move towards meaningful activities, relationships and decisions.
How long does depression take to improve?
It depends on the intensity of the symptoms, how long they have been present, the person’s context, available support and involvement in the process. Some people feel relief when they make sense of what is happening; others need more gradual and sustained work.
Can I have depression even if I still work or study?
Yes. Some people keep up their responsibilities on the outside, but inside they feel exhausted, empty, disconnected or at their limit. Continuing to function does not mean that you do not need help.
Can depression appear with anxiety?
Yes. It is common for depression to appear alongside anxiety, worry, tension, insomnia, irritability or feeling stuck. In therapy, we assess the whole pattern to adapt the work to your case.
Do I need medication to treat depression?
Not always. Many people work on depression through psychological therapy. In other cases, especially if symptoms are intense, persistent or there is risk, coordination with medicine or psychiatry may be necessary. Medication should always be prescribed by a medical professional.
What should I do if I have thoughts of harming myself?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, feel that you cannot keep yourself safe or are thinking about suicide, seek urgent help. Go to A&E, call emergency services or contact local healthcare services. In an immediate risk situation, your safety is the priority.
How much does a therapy session for depression cost?
An individual psychology session at Ocnos Psychology Clinic costs €70 and lasts approximately 60 minutes. It can take place in person in Palmones or online.
Can I have online therapy for depression?
Yes. At Ocnos Psychology Clinic we offer in-person therapy in Palmones and online therapy. Online therapy can be useful if you live far away, have difficulty travelling or prefer to start from home.
Where is Ocnos Psychology Clinic?
We are in Palmones, in Edificio Azabache, First Floor, Office 10. We see people from Palmones, Los Barrios, Algeciras, San Roque, La Línea de la Concepción, Gibraltar, Sotogrande and other areas of Campo de Gibraltar.
Start working on depression with professional support
You do not have to wait until you hit rock bottom to ask for help. If depression is affecting your rest, motivation, relationships, work or the way you live, we can help you understand what is happening and take the first steps.
Latest blogs and resources on depression
Alongside therapy, Ocnos Psychology Clinic publishes articles about depression, anxiety, grief, self-care, sleep, relationships and psychological wellbeing to offer clear, responsible and useful information.
Social anxiety or shyness: how to tell the difference and when to seek help
Do you avoid speaking, calling, meeting people or expressing an opinion because you fear being judged? Rocío Rodríguez Boza, General Health Psychologist, explains how to distinguish shyness from social anxiety, recognise the symptoms and safety behaviours involved, practise gradual exercises and decide when professional support may be helpful.
Alcohol Problems: Signs, Practical Exercises and a Self-Check to Know When to Ask for Help
Alcohol problems do not always mean drinking every day. In this guide, Héctor Lozano explains warning signs, practical exercises and an orientative self-check to help you understand your relationship with alcohol and know when to ask for psychological help.
My teenage daughter is cutting herself: a parent’s guide to self-harm
Finding out that your teenage daughter is cutting herself can be frightening. This guide explains what to do in the first 24 hours, what to avoid, how to talk, how to reduce risk, and when to seek professional help.
How psychological therapy helps with obesity: a practical guide with workbook
A clear, compassionate guide to how psychological therapy can help with obesity by working on emotional eating, cravings, body shame, sustainable habits and relapse prevention. Includes a practical downloadable workbook to help you start step by step, without guilt.
Hikikomori: how to ask for help without leaving home
Hikikomori is an intense and prolonged form of social withdrawal that can affect young people and adults. Héctor Lozano explains what it means, how to recognise it, how families can respond, and why online therapy can be a realistic first step towards asking for help without leaving home.
Postnatal depression: signs, when to ask for help and how therapy works
Postnatal depression does not mean being a bad mother or loving your baby less. It can affect mood, sleep, energy, bonding and daily life. In this article, María de los Ángeles Sanz Ruiz explains the signs, what can maintain the problem and how psychological therapy works from a functional analysis perspective.
I have friends, a partner or a job… but I still feel empty inside
Feeling empty inside does not necessarily mean that your life is wrong. Sometimes it is a sign of emotional disconnection, long-term exhaustion or a way of living that has been too focused on coping and not enough on feeling.
What to Do When Your Mind Won’t Switch Off at Night: Causes, Habits That Keep It Going and What Really Helps
What to Do When Your Mind Won’t Switch Off at Night
Depression symptoms self-check
An indicative depression symptoms self-check with an immediate result, clear explanation and a clinically responsible approach. A useful first step in deciding whether to seek psychological support.