Depression Counselling in Gibbons, AB.

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.

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.

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 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.