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Seasonal Affective Disorder Therapy (SAD) in Central London (W1W) & Online

For people who dip seasonally, experience low mood, fatigue, withdrawal, and loss of motivation

SAD often involves a predictable seasonal downturn in energy and mood, usually with fatigue, sleep changes, withdrawal, and reduced motivation. Many people blame themselves for “not coping”, which adds self-criticism to an already depleted system.

I offer SAD therapy in Central London (W1 / W1W) and online, focusing on the cycle that maintains low mood and withdrawal across winter months.

My work integrates CBT strategies, alongside ISTDP-informed and psychodynamic work for self-criticism and emotional shutdown patterns.

When SAD is affecting your life

  • sleep changes and daytime fatigue
  • reduced motivation and pleasure
  • withdrawal from people and activities
  • increased self-criticism (“I’m lazy / failing”)
  • anxiety or irritability alongside low mood

The SAD cycle

  • Reduced light/energy → less activity
  • Withdrawal → less reward/connection
  • Mood lowers → motivation drops further
  • Self-criticism increases → shutdown strengthens

How ISTDP understands seasonal shutdown

Seasonal low mood can amplify existing patterns of emotional inhibition and self-attack. Therapy helps reduce the “shutdown + self-criticism” loop and build more flexible coping.

How therapy helps

We work to:

  • stabilise routine and reduce withdrawal
  • reduce self-attack and shame
  • build manageable behavioural steps that restore reward
  • work with emotional themes that intensify in winter

What sessions look like

Early sessions:

  • map seasonal pattern + create a plan

Ongoing work:

  • maintain momentum, reduce shutdown, review progress

Related ways I work

  • CBT – behavioural activation and routine stabilisation
  • ISTDP/psychodynamic – for shame, self-attack, relational themes

You may also find these pages helpful:

Frequently asked questions

Is SAD just “winter blues”?

For some, it’s a significant seasonal pattern that warrants support.

Can online therapy help?

Yes.

W1W sessions?

Yes.

Insurance?

See Fees & Insurance.

Next steps