Depression Counselling in Cranbrook, BC.

Depression isn't a character flaw. The lack of motivation and pleasure, sadness and physical fatigue that accompany depression are real and you can't just "snap out of it". Depression affects the body, thoughts, emotions and behaviours and can make you feel stuck, alone and, at times hopeless. It requires patience and non-judgmental understanding that you can find in counselling. If you experience depression, and want to feel better we can explore the factors that underlie your depression and create small goals that allow you to experience success again, help you regain motivation and experience pleasure over time. Change requires commitment and I am ready if you are.

In depression counseling, I work collaboratively with you to understand what's contributing to your depression—whether life circumstances, relationship patterns, past experiences, or feeling disconnected from what matters. Depression often involves losing touch with meaning and purpose, so together we'll explore what gives your life significance and how to reconnect with those things. We develop a practical, step-by-step plan tailored to your situation. This might involve challenging thoughts that keep you stuck, processing difficult emotions, or rediscovering activities that once brought satisfaction. Our therapeutic relationship provides steady support as you navigate this. Clients report gradually regaining energy, hope, and a sense that life feels worthwhile again

Depression is not merely a passing bout of sadness; it's a debilitating condition that affects a person's emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. Symptoms can range from feelings of emptiness, lack of motivation, and loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, to changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and even physical pain. In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It's important to recognize that depression is not a sign of weakness, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. We are here to help you through it, listen without judgement, and create a plan for reducing the impact of depression on your life.

Have you lost interest in activities that use to bring you joy? Do you feel down, sad, or depressed? Do you sleep more often than you use to or have trouble feeling motivated? Depression can be very difficult to cope with and can feel like the dark cloud will never lift. There is hope! Bettina uses empirically validated therapies to help the cloud of depression lift, so you can see the joy in your life again. EMDR and CBT are scientifically proven therapies for depression. Sometimes trauma or emotional childhood experiences can cause depression. EMDR helps heal the wounds of trauma which has a significant impact on symptoms of depression.

Therapy with me offers a grounded, compassionate space to explore your experience of depression without shame or pressure. Together, we'll gently untangle the weight you've been carrying, reconnect with your strengths and build tools for navigation daily life. Whether your depression feels like numbness, sadness, or exhaustion, you don't have to face it alone. Our work will focus on hope through relationship, creating space for change, and helping you feel more life yourself again--bit by bit.

It is important to recognize that depression "looks different" across people, and I work with clients to identify and address the unique factors that contribute to their depression. For some people the focus may be on cognitive distortions and various thinking styles, while for others a pattern of withdrawal from sustaining interactions with other people may be prominent. A common focus of my approach include helping clients increase their involvement in both meaningful and pleasurable activities, such as physical exercise, hobbies, and social opportunities. Also, over the past several years I have increasingly recognized the importance of mindfulness and incorporate this consistently.

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 is tricky. Depression causes a lowered mood, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Sometimes, Depression goes unnoticed by friends and family. It can appear like everything in your life should be fine, but inside, it's a struggle to get out of bed. I provide a non-judgmental space to explore the areas of your life impacted by depression. You will learn alternative coping mechanisms to help ease future symptoms of depression.

Depression isn’t who you are — it’s a response to pain you were never meant to carry alone. In my counselling practice, I offer a steady, compassionate space to explore the heaviness, numbness, and self-doubt that can feel overwhelming. Together, we listen for what your fatigue and sadness are trying to protect, rebuild connection, and gently re-ignite a sense of meaning. You don’t have to move through the darkness on your own. With care, patience, and support, a way forward becomes possible.