Depression Counselling in Devon, AB.

Depression is not feeling bad – it is not feeling. When we become depressed we try to insulate ourselves from our emotions. Treatment for depression requires a willingness to feel what we are avoiding. This requires a process of exploring the buried feelings in a safe, supportive environment. As we become friends with our emotions we can gradually come back to life.

When negative evaluations of the self start to overcome the positive, your self-esteem can erode, potentially leaving you to feel defeated and ashamed, make bad choices, and fail to live up to your full potential. I can guide you in rebuilding your confidence, increasing self-acceptance and self-love to live a more successful and accomplished life.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that can interfere with daily functioning. Reaching out for help is a step towards wellness. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but it is a very treatable condition. Therapy for depression helps you overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair and to gain control of your life.

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.

Depression is often a co-occurring concern of someone struggling with an eating disorder and/or eating related issues. We work with clients with complex presentations to help them work towards a life free from these mental health challenges. Our team is highly capable of helping clients who have multiple presenting concerns, including depression, eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, and personality issues.

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

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.

Depression can have multiple and complex causes, but most often it can be attributed to how we think. When we examine our thoughts, we can find we are struggling with automatic negative thoughts that leave us feeling depressed. Learning how to identify these thoughts and actively speak differently to ourselves armed with statements that are more true, we can see the depression levels begin to decrease.

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.

Depression comes in many forms from situational to all encompassing and familiar. You may be feeling sad, unhappy, irritable, and have a sense of hopelessness. You may be saying things to yourself such as “I’m a failure” and “Just get on with it”. Are you self critical, so much so that you lack enthusiasm, motivation and self-esteem? “What is the point?” Being depressed can lead to withdrawing from others and situations, not doing what needs to get done or substance abuse. Depression could be a natural experience as a result of a devastating life situation. Or it may be familiar to you, going back to early years as a response to uncomfortable and unbearable feelings.

Depression can feel like overwhelming sadness, or maybe like you are in a "funk" that you can not get out of. People often start to isolate themselves, and focus on negative thoughts. I offer a warm, safe place to share your feelings, examine your relationships and perceptions that may be contributing to your depression. I introduce concrete suggestions that will help you get your back on track. People frequently feel a sense of relief after sharing their burdens. In discussing experiences people are often able to view themselves differently and gain insight into how they can more effectively deal with situations and relationships.

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 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.