Depression Counselling in Gibbons, AB.

Depression impacts people on many levels and can greatly impact relationships and work performance. Emma explores biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to both the development and the treatment of depression. She uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help people understand how depression affects the way they think, feel, and behave and the impact it has on the body. Emma focuses on improving mood, coping, and resilience, which includes developing more balance and positive thinking patterns, changing negative core beliefs, learning healthy coping strategies, expressing thoughts and feelings in positive ways, and enhancing boundaries, self-esteem and support systems.

Johnny was referred by his doctor and his frustrated parents because he was sad and distressed for prolonged periods of time. He had frequent absences and poor grades. He would have angry outbursts and crying episodes. He struggled making friends, would end up in fights and was often in trouble with his teachers. I met with Johnny’s parents, visited his school and observed him in class. I met with him in my playroom and used non-directive play to show I was listening and I cared. Eventually, he opened up and began to talk about his sad feelings behind the anger. He learned how to identify problems and found tools for dealing with them.

The depression of our feelings can make things feel better for the moment and can even be a healthy way to manage in the short-term. The problem arises when we push these feelings down over time. What makes it worse is that others may even promote the depression of our feelings. But our feelings do not go away and we begin to feel depressed. Learning to reengage with our feelings helps us rediscover our strength in managing them. I have successfully worked with people from a variety of backgrounds to treat depression and look forward to working with you. Visit my website at www.prairieowlpsychology.ca from more details.

Research has clearly demonstrated that mindfulness-based approaches to depression are so powerful that they can reduce the chances of having a relapse by 50%! That's a big deal. A depressed mind is busy creating all kinds of negative thoughts. Mindfulness-based therapy will teach you a new way to relate to your thoughts. You don't have to believe everything you think! Especially the bad stuff, becuse it's often not true.

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.

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.

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.

Many people believe that in order to be "strong," they need to bury their feelings and keep them hidden from others. Over time, this can backfire, as feelings can build and take over, leaving a person feeling down and depressed, or overwhelmed. I work with clients not only to work through feelings of anger, resentment, hurt, and sadness that have built up, but to develop new habits of self-care, assertiveness, boundaries, healthy expression of feelings, communication, and stress management so that this does not occur again in the future. By doing this, they can become a more well-rounded person, who feels free to express feelings as they arise, and no longer carries them with them.

[NOTE: MY OFFICE IS IN CALGARY -- I DO VIDEO SESSIONS ELSEWHERE IN ALBERTA]. I have been severely clinically depressed several times in my life. I know how it feels to be in a dark hole yet be unable to rise above and function normally again. But I can help. I know all of the techniques and I have a good understanding of the right physical interventions to help you as well. Book a session today by simply going to https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Depression can become a heavy weight, dragging down our energy and coloring our perception of our entire world. Life can even seem pointless, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Counselling can help provide essential therapeutic support to heal symptoms of depression. I provide an open and honest space in which to express your thoughts and feelings, understand the roots of the depression, learn effective coping skills to manage and heal symptoms, and regain feelings of hope and pleasure in living.

My extensive work with depression will help you explore and discover the roots of depression in your life, why it continues, and how to reduce and manage depression. I work with clients to map out a customized Depression Management strategy designed to: Identify their depression cycle, The effects of depression in their lives, Zone in on key depression triggers, and Personalize strategies to interrupt their depression cycle. Since each person's learning and change process differs, I integrate various resources, tools, reading materials, and screening kits -- depending on the preferences of my clients. Depression takes a collaborative, supportive, and ongoing partnership to combat it.

Depression is a whole body experience. I support clients in making change through creating a holistic plan. By exploring the thoughts, feelings and physical aspects of the depression that is experienced, we look for the most effective place to intervene. I rely heavily on cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, gentle movement, and narrative therapy techniques to support change.

Depression is a debilitating experience. You may find you are extremely self critical, so much so that you lack enthusiasm, motivation and self-esteem. You have probably internalized anger against yourself, possibly because as a child, you felt you had no one to whom you could express these feelings. Were you told you were too sensitive? You are not. You need a strong therapist on whom you can rely while you are reorganizing your internal world. I will help you make the necessary changes in your life.