Depression Counselling in Port Alberni, BC.

Living with depression is challenging. Using CBT and DBT strategies, I work with you to create manageable goals that will help to cultivate positive experiences and emotions. We will work together to determine what would be most beneficial to you and where to start. Throughout the process, we will challenge negative thinking, develop emotional regulation skills, and learn how to tolerate distress. Focus is also placed on your unique strengths, abilities, and the power you have to take control of your life and enjoy it to the fullest.

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)

I know all about the deep darkness of depression and how to climb out of it. Depression can be brutal and isolating. First we need to be witnessed and understood in our pain in a safe comfortable non-judgemental space. Then we can learn tools and strategies to face the things that seem impossible to face. I will support you to take the steps necessary to improve your depression.

Depression is very common amongst a lot of people. Most of us go through various ups and downs in our life, and sometimes we need a little help getting through a down period. When a client is depressed, similar to when a client is angry, I would help them in determining the root cause of the depression as it is critical for treatment planning. Once determined, we would discuss a treatment plan together that is realistically attainable. I would empower my client to recognize their strengths and abilities to manage their depression, such as looking at similar situations from their past that they have managed successfully.

Depression is a condition that varies greatly between each presentation. It often is a downstream effect of other dynamics and relationships that takes a serious toll on the body, the nervous system, digestion, relationships and emotional well-being. My approach to treating depression begins with respect and understanding of the individual experience, their past, present, and concept of the future. I take that understanding of past experience, and beliefs of the future, pain in the present, and to provide safety, support, and strategy to improve your well-being and cultivate resilience through life's significant challenges. Depression can also look like anger, fatigue, isolation, etc.

Olivia is passionate about supporting individuals struggling with depression and the deep isolation it often brings. Using a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, she helps clients identify and understand the underlying causes of their depression, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop healthier perspectives. Olivia also provides practical, actionable steps to help clients re-engage with life, rebuild connections, and rediscover joy. With empathy and expertise, she creates a supportive space for clients to navigate their emotions, regain hope, and work toward meaningful change. Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to move forward with resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.