Depression Counselling in Brighton, ON.

The difference between depression and pain is often misunderstood. We get stuck in a process that should come to a natural completion. We get stuck because our environment does not encourage us to respect our feelings, to honour our process and to discover our own way to live. I believe no one would suffer depression if they could express themselves fully and be heard. Therapy can teach you how to receive this respect, then you naturally begin to give yourself the compassion and understanding you need to allow your process to reach completion. To remember or rediscover emotions, from laughter to anger to tears; To allow flow to replace the fear that fed the depression and hopelessness.

I use an integrative non-pathologizing approach that validates the human condition. We all experience low mood and may live with symptoms of depression but I work with clients to accept and understand how they can be curious about what it is that keeps them feeling stuck in that low mood when they are in need of deep rest. Learning how to regulate our emotions supports our ability to maintain a balanced life. We have the power to switch from our fight/flight/freeze state to our rest/relax/digest state. Mindfully and with compassion, we can find a way through this together. Depressive symptoms often shows up with anxious symptoms and vice versa.

All experience some form of depression at one point in their life or another. You are definitely not alone here. Whether the depression shows itself as constant sadness, an inability to move, or anger and frustration, it can be extremely overwhelming and difficult to deal with. It is my goal to help you overcome the depression and the painful effects of it by discovering it's roots and working through chopping it down. I will also aid in discovering or rediscovering your unique strengths, skills and ambitions in order to plant new productive, inspirational roots of joy, happiness, and freedom.

Depression can be treated in both long and short term therapy using a number of approaches. Among them are hypnosis, DBT, behaviour activation and CBT. CBT has a strong evidence base to support mood elevation that often persists even after the therapy is finished. In CBT the emphasis is on the here and now, and how learning new thought patterns and actions can generate an improved mood. First clients are trained in how to become experts about their current automatic thoughts and then create and practice new patterns that have meaning for them. CBT is a gentle and fascinating discipline that involves homework and commitment but which can produce remarkably effective, lasting results.

Depression presents in various forms and has many different features. When working with me, you will find that space is created to explore the experience of depression, its influence on different aspects of your life, and how you can work through these challenges as they arise. If you are hoping to find solace in your experience, I invite you to contact me for a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit.

Have you lost all interest and pleasure in what used to bring you joy? Are you feeling hopeless and wondering if you're worthy? Instead of worrying, wouldn't you rather have energy, relief, and focus? Wouldn’t it be a relief to have someone hear your thoughts, knowing you won't be judged? Would it be appealing to have someone listen to you with compassion?

Depression can make your body feel heavy and tired. You are likely unmotivated, sad most of the time, and see little hope. I want to hear your story and what led you to this point. Let's start there. Then we can start creating a path forward. There is always a path, no matter how hopeless it may seem. As a reminder, you are not broken and there is nothing wrong with you. Healing and freedom are just around the corner.