Depression Counselling in Devon, AB.

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and changes in how you think, sleep, eat and act. Depression is treatable — usually with talk therapy, medication or both. My primary therapeutic approach is centered on several cognitive therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT for depression focuses on disrupting negative thought patterns and replacing them with more helpful ones. CBT aims to modify the unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns that impair one’s functioning. These changes can lead to healthier behaviours and improved emotion regulation.

I provide help for individuals experiencing depression and how it may be affecting multiple aspects of everyday life such as work, family, friendships, other relationships and day-to-day responsibilities. In counselling I help clients better understand multiple aspects of depression, develop the tools needed to cope more effectively, and restore feelings of hope.

When you are in the dark hole of depression, it can feel impossible to imagine functioning normally again. I know that feeling firsthand. I have been severely depressed several times in my own life, and I found my way back. In more than three decades of practice I have helped many people do the same, drawing on both the right therapeutic techniques and a solid understanding of the physical interventions that support recovery. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I can help. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

In our sessions, we will explore the factors that contribute to feelings of depression and low mood and practice skill-building. We can learn to identify and shift the thinking patterns, accept and process our emotions, and detach ourselves from any expectations that may be keeping us stuck. We can also learn new ways to relate to ourselves and support ourselves through depression.

Depression is not a journey you need to make alone. Our therapists can help you to: •Find your inner motivation and strength to live your life •Engage in activities that are proven to help alleviate symptoms of depression, such as exercise, good nutrition and meditation •Uncover and explore the life problems that contribute to your depression •Overcome isolation and reconnect with significant people in your life •Identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that lead to feeling helpless and hopeless •Control your thoughts and feelings so they no longer overwhelm you •Help you draw on your own emotional, mental and spiritual resources in the process of healing from depression.

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.

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.

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.

The modality of solution focused therapy allows clients to focus on solutions and the future making it a good fit for working through depression. You are the expert in your life; therapy simply guides you in discovering solutions. Exceptions are an important part of this type of therapy, looking for times when the problem isn’t as intense and building on these. This is a brief technique that can bring relief sooner.

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.

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.

The way you think greatly impacts how you feel, and navigating this on your own can be confusing. If you are one of the 1in 5 Canadians that experience depression at sometime in your life, there is help. Together we can take a closer look at how you think and appraise circumstances and events and explore how that impacts your overall outlook and feelings. When you change the way you think you can change how you feel and I am here to help with that.