Depression Counselling in Lethbridge, AB.

Depression is a loss of joy in life. From a holistic perspective, we look at the aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self – and identify what can be done in each of these areas to regain a sense of balance and wholeness. There are many contributors to feelings of depression, usually stemming from the family of origin, in combination with current situational factors and internal mental processes. There are also issues of self-esteem and self-worth, values and identity, and life purpose/meaning. Through various therapeutic techniques, healing and personal empowerment can occur, and joy can be rediscovered.

If anyone has ever said to you, Just Snap Out of It, or Just Think Positively, then you know the frustration of not having people understand that if you could do these things you would have done them already! I can help you move through the fog of depression to a more functional life. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is just one of the approaches I can use to help you achieve this.

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.

Depression is finally being recognized and accepted as something that any person can experience. I do not believe that there is any one “magic cure” for depression. However, when given the option, the most productive approach seems to be a combination of medication (natural-based or not, depending on preference) and one-on-one therapy (not to exclude group therapy as an additional resource). Without being too simplistic, the root of most depressions is the presence of anger which has been turned inward. Most of my clients have responded well to therapy when they are given a safe, non-judgmental place to explore the roots of their anger (see notation on “Anger Management”).

While depression has many symptoms, it is characterized by a shift in ones moods to feeling sadness or discouragement. There are times when the mood swing is short in duration and one comes out of it naturally. There are other times when this mood swing becomes severe or lasts too long. It is at these times that counselling can support a person to address the underlying stresses and restore balance to ones life.

Treatment for depression (which is often accompanied by anxiety) includes first ruling out medical causes. An emphasis on lifestyle changes, as well as talk therapies such as cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy compliment the medical approach to depression treatment. In therapy, clients learn skills to manage their depressive symptoms and gain insight into how their life circumstances impact their emotional and mental state.

I use a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach to support a change in cognitions, emotions, behaviours and consequences. I like to describe this therapeutic approach as the "Thinking-Doing Therapy". I like to prescribe specific tools for homework and support that change through exploring stages of change, barriers to change, cognitive distortions, relapse and safety planning. Homework, exercises and discussion are key components for you accountability to change.

Depression often comes from certain styles of thinking and making meaning. It does not have to be a permanent state. Together we can explore how you think, communicate and act that gives you the blues and what you can change to be happy and find meaning in life again. Depression not only affects your health but the welfare of those around you. Why prolong a misery? Take steps to cross over this trough and reclaim your vitality!

In assisting clients to overcome depression, I help to identify negative thought patterns and challenge those that contribute to hopelessness and despair. By adding a mindful component, clients learn to increase their awareness of thoughts and feelings, accept the full range of human emotions, and approach themselves and others with greater compassion.

[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

Are you having difficulties feeling loved by those you care for? Do you feel overwhelmed with relationships that keep failing? Would you like to have someone with whom you can trust to share your feelings? My approach to depression combines a client-centered atmosphere that provides empathic listening, mirroring, validation, and acceptance without judgment. Clients can also benefit from learning and practicing cognitive techniques that heighten self-awareness so they can begin making new behavioral choices and achieve more desirable outcomes.