Depression Counselling in Calmar, AB.

It is so hard to understand depression. However, once you do understand it, it becomes a highly treatable state. I hope that we will together pinpoint the life problems that contribute to your depression and find which aspects of those problems can be solved or improved. Identify negative or distorted thought patterns you might have, and develop your skills that will help you fight the depression.

Depression can be so overwhelming. It can have you barely able or even unable to leave our bedroom. It can have you feeling like no one truly sees, understands, or cares about you. I approach this area with compassion, empathy, understanding, and encouragement. We work progressively at a pace that works for you, towards hope for your future, towards a better outlook on life.

Depression is the common cold of psychology. Like anxiety and stress, depression is quite commonly reported by consumers of psychotherapy. I am experienced, comfortable, and patient with treating depression. I am neither strongly opposed nor strongly supportive of pharmacotherapeutics. I engage an approach that is personal-growth-centered and as independent of the medical model as is possible.

Living with sadness or a dark feeling can be really hard, and getting out of it may seem impossible at times. In our sessions, I aim to create a warm, caring space where you feel truly heard and understood. I understand how overwhelming and isolating depression can be, and I want to support you in navigating these emotions. We can explore the thoughts and feelings behind your depression and develop practical tools to help you feel better, day by day. I will guide you in building healthier coping strategies and finding ways to bring more balance and joy into your life. My hope is that you leave each session feeling lighter, with a sense of empowerment and clarity about how to move forward.

I help clients to challenge problematic thoughts, capitalize on positive coping skills, and teach new ways of coping in order to help them manage feelings of despair, hopelessness, and helplessness. Together, we develop a plan for how to combat fatigue, problems with appetite and sleep, low motivation, a negative focus, and suicidal ideations. I support my clients in implementing, evaluating, and adjusting these plans as they work their way through depressive episodes. Additionally, creating a plan for relapse is essential for long-term success.

Are you struggling with the constant influence of depression in your life? Please know that there is hope for you, for your life, and for relief from the burden of depression. You may be in need of the support that you will find by coming to see me in therapy. Depression can tear a whole in the normal activities of life, and keeps you feeling lost, alone, and without hope. You are not alone, and together we will work through your experience of depression and help you to move towards the things that you love and care for. I am confident that together we will find a way through pain to joy and peace.

Do you find yourself frequently overwhelmed by sadness, anxiety, or sleep disturbances? Depression goes beyond occasional low moods. When these feelings disrupt your daily life, seeking support is crucial. I'm here to guide you in recognizing the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, offering support as you learn to cope with and seek treatment for your condition

Many people think depression is about not doing enough or being uncommitted to their goals, however, people who struggle with depression are facing the problem of being over-committed to their goals and failing. When I work with clients dealing with depression the goal is to manage goals and expectations and work on creating small changes that build momentum to larger changes.

Sometimes life can seem dark and hopeless, leading you to question where you are heading, while feeling lost or helpless. Together we can create a safe and trusting space to explore your feelings and thoughts, without judgement. We can work towards gaining deeper insight into your thought and behaviour patterns, leading to better understanding, perspective, and hope for the future.

The main approach for depression is cognitive. Firstly always I empathize and listen carefully to what is happening with the client and how they are coping. The main strategy is to explain the process of cognition, emotions and behavior. I give written homework to help the client change unrealistic and negitive thoughts into positive thinking, which then in turn changes their emotion and behavior.

In working with clients who are experiencing depression I tend to avoid recommending medication (except when necessary). For clients who are currently on medication, many come looking to work towards healthy functioning without medication. One of the most difficult parts about healing from depression is how difficult it can be to feel motivated to take action to care for yourself. I understand that, and I won't push you to do anything you aren't ready for. Making an appointment and attending the session is one of the most difficult steps. When you make it in, we will be able to develop an understanding of the underlying issues that lead to your depression and a plan to overcome it.

Being depressed can often make you feel helpless. You're not -there's a lot you can do to fight back. Most people feel sad or depressed at times and those feelings are a normal reaction to loss or life's struggles...but when intense feelings of being sad, helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks or months, it may be something more than sadness. Be kind to yourself - reach out and I will help you find an approach that will work for you.

Everyone's depression is different - uncovering the root causes of a client's depression is critical and determines which form of therapy is best. I integrate multiple therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to hep clients improve. I also have experience working with Bipolar disorder.