Depression Counselling in Rockwood, ON.

Depression can bring an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, through difficulty of accepting limitations and the loss of joy in your life. My approach is rooted in compassionate understanding through the integration of somatic work and cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) to address the various aspects of depression. By recognizing the impact of a shut-down nervous system and lack of interest, we work on gradually reengaging in life through small, manageable steps toward achieving meaningful goals. The therapeutic process involves separating negative thoughts from actions and aligning them with core values, empowering clients to live authentically and with integrity despite depression.

Experiencing big emotional ups and downs is normal, but there can be times when it feels like the lows are getting longer, more frequent, and harder to deal with. Therapy should be a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing and exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who offers you empathy, authenticity, and acceptance. I work collaboratively with clients to explore how feelings of depression show up in their lives, and to strengthen and develop strategies to minimize the impact they have on living the life you want to live. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.

Depression can feel like a heavy burden, affecting your ability to find joy and motivation. However, you don't have to face these challenges on your own. I provide a secure, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore your emotions. Together, we will explore the underlying causes of your depression, develop effective strategies for symptom management, as well as reignite your sense of purpose. Utilizing evidence-based techniques and offering personalized support, I will accompany you on a path towards healing and empowerment. You deserve a satisfying and meaningful life, and I am here to support you each step of the way.

Almost all of us go through “ups and downs” in our lives. However the normal experiences of life shouldn’t be confused with the medical condition known as depression. Depression is a state of mind that can leave a person in a sad or discontented mood. At The Family Enhancement Centre, we have a team of highly experienced therapists who are adept in various therapeutic approaches for depression counselling including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and psycho-dynamic therapy. Contact us today to know how we can help you.

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.

In working with individuals who struggle with depression, I primarily use a cognitive behavioural therapeutic (CBT) approach. The principal aim of this approach is to increase awareness that thoughts and behaviours drive emotion. In addition, the goal is to increase consciousness of distorted perceptions. That is, often individuals who struggle with depression do not think accurately, and if their thoughts are not accurate, than they cannot be trusted. The purpose of CBT is to bring awareness to cognitive distortions and then teach individuals how to rebalance their thoughts to be more accurate.

Depression can be very painful, but I believe there is hope and that people do not need to stay this way. Along with medical reasons, I believe that depression is the result of certain thought patterns. I help people take a look at their automatic thought patterns, assumptions, and schemas (core beliefs about themselves), and empower them to see that they can chose to think differently. When people are able to change their negative thought patterns for more realistic ones, their emotions and behaviours begin to improve as well.

The common symptoms of depression can be crippling. Many try to be brave or stick it out and hope it will go away. Without treatment, episodes often increase in frequency and severity. Without depression treatment, episodes can last for years. Shauna works with you to create a depression recovery plan that fits your life and reflects your experience. Her depression treatment clinic uses evidence-based therapies, such as DBT and CBT, along with a holistic approach to making you well, including yoga, exercise, art therapy, and exercise walks.

Depression robs us from enjoying relationships and activities that were once fulfilling. There are many reasons people experience depression and there is no need to suffer alone. Psychotherapy can help by exploring aspects that are influencing depression as well identify strategies to manage it. It would be an honor to journey with you in managing depression.

Struggling with mood disorders can make life very challenging. The most basic tasks can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I understand this from personal experience as well as years of work with clients who are diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to explain to others in our lives what it feels like to live with depression. I will validate and support you while helping you explore your feelings and find positive coping strategies that are the right fit for you. Book a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

The combination of schema therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective approach to dealing with depression. The CBT aspect of the therapy provides insight into HOW depression affects our lives. The schema portion of the therapy addresses the question of WHY depression exists in our lives. The therapy is comprehensive and intense and I encourage you to give it a try.

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.

Living with depression can be a very lonely, isolating experience. Through counselling, the individual can find renewed hope, well-being and happiness. I incorporate cognitive approaches such as mindfulness and gratitude practices. I can also utilize psychodynamic therapy to explore the source of the depression. Sometimes, merely identifying the root cause can provide improvement in mood, and can enhance the treatment process.