Depression Counselling in Cloverdale, BC.

Through the process of exploring the possible causes of their feelings of depression, it is my hope that clients will discover that they do have the capability of addressing these issues. Clients will learn that they do have choices in how they view specific situations, and that they have choices in how they respond to challenges in their lives. Clients will benefit from learning communication skills that will encourage them to more effectively express needs and feelings to significant people in their lives. Moreover, it is my hope that as clients come to greater self-awareness, they will develop a kinder and more gentle acceptance of Self.

The circumstances and issues that you are dealing with are unique to you, but you don't have to face them alone. Every individual has different experiences, perceptions, feelings, thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes, cultural backgrounds and "upbringings". Counselling sessions are private and confidential, and can provide a way for you to explore your problems and really tune in to your feelings. This is an opportunity to speak freely about your circumstances and release pent up feelings, without having to worry about what others think or feel, and without receiving unwanted advise from family, friends or coworkers. At the root of the problem, there are very real, legitimate and understandable reasons for feeling the way you feel, thinking the way...(view profile to read more)

Depression can be experienced in a magnitude of ways and is often experienced differently by each individual. Symptoms may range from feeling increasingly irritable, experiencing a sense of emptiness and hopelessness, and an individual often will feel completely overwhelmed, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression may also be experienced physically. Physical symptoms may include, but are not limited to a lack of energy, problems sleeping, pronounced weight changes, and eventually, even serious illness. In cases of mild to moderate depression, there is an increasing amount of research supporting counselling as effective as medication in improving a person’s mood. Many clients have been referred to counselling by their family doctor when...(view profile to read more)

Reaching out for help may not be easy when battling depression. All new clients receive a free 50 minute session and matched with a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is committed to support you through your journey. At the Family Hope Clinic, we utilize evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness to address depression. In addition, we offer specialized services that include Art Therapy, Therapeutic Yoga, Social Support facilitation and Self-Care planning!

Depression is often associated with negative beliefs about oneself and the world, and EMDR can help to desensitize and reprocess these negative beliefs, leading to a more adaptive and positive worldview. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, EMDR can help to process the distressing memories and beliefs, reducing the intensity of the emotional response and increasing emotional resilience. By addressing the underlying negative beliefs, EMDR can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mood and well-being.

We are first interested in the context and history of the depression or sadness and what may it potentially be in response to. We understand that it is normal to feel extreme sadness in the face of trauma, violence, grief and loss, etc. We also know that clinical depression is something that deserves intentional support and intervention. We work to understand and provide the best support for each individual or family.

Depression is a nasty monster that wants to cover you up, place you in the corner, and keep from the world. It is important to understand that you are not the problem. The problem is the problem! Approaching depression as something to fight against, puts you in a position of power. Depression is not an all or nothing battle cured by a magic pill or single treatment. The secret to winning this battle is one behavior at a time. By making small changes and conscious positive choices you can gain ground in the fight against depression and will be surprised at how fast and easy it was to step out into a bright and sunny future.

Depression is approached with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Education and coping / management techniques are explored, as well as 'homework' in the form of skills practise. With children / youth often Art Therapy and / or Play therapy is integrated into the counselling. Parents of kids should expect to be involved and supported in their awareness of anxiety and stress and how to assist their children in management. Depression as an aspect of trauma (PTSD) can also be addressed.

As someone who has a history of depression personally and intergenerationally, I am well aware of the great challenges and opportunities for growth that this experience can bring. For those struggling with depression, healing can feel elusive, as if nothing will ever work. It often requires a wider lens, an eye for patterns and a deeply supportive and holistic orientation to shift this dynamic. My approach comes from my years of experience moving through and finally out of my own depression and integrating the ancestral patterns that laid the foundation for it in my life. I now come to you with a wide-reaching tool kit to support you in your journey.