Depression Counselling in Barrie, ON.

At times we can feel stuck; unable to find motivation, desire, or energy to change challenging, and painful situations. Life can feel very lonely and overwhelming alone, however, you don't have to navigate it all by yourself. I believe a compassionate, empathetic and gentle therapeutic relationship and can help you to move through feelings of sadness, and despair to experience renewed sense of connection to self, relationships, and community. I have experience supporting individuals to overcome feelings of depression, loss, and suicidality. Working from an evidence based and trauma informed approach, clients are able to learn new skills and process past experiences to enhance wellbeing.

In many cases, I view depression as an "alarm bell" that tells the individual that there is something wrong in their life. Have they turned their anger in life toward themselves? Are they not living their best, or preferred, life? Is there something that's happened in their life that is getting them down, but they don't realize how much power it truly has? Depression can also be about learned helplessness, or having a sense, through experience, that there is no point in even trying at something. Such helplessness can come from feeling defeated, feeling significant guilt about something, & even from self-defeating 'self-talk' that an individual engages in (without completely realizing it).

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.

Experiencing big emotional ups and downs is normal, but there can be times when it feels like the lows are getting longer, more frequent, and harder to deal with. Therapy should be a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing and exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who offers you empathy, authenticity, and acceptance. I work collaboratively with clients to explore how feelings of depression show up in their lives, and to strengthen and develop strategies to minimize the impact they have on living the life you want to live. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.

Our team will determine a unique treatment plan that is unique to your life. There are many symptoms of depression, which can vary from mild to severe. Several factors can contribute to depression such as, biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors. Depression can be treated using different approaches. Everyone is affected by depression differently, thus, treatment plans are unique to the individual Our team of professionals will work with you in order to find treatment options that work best for you and your life.

People are often faced with moments of sadness which can sometimes lead to chronic sadness. My work with clients could involve deep reprocessing of certain memories related to depression which allow clients new insights into how to face their depression. Further to this, by guiding clients on their recovery from depression, we are able to pinpoint aspects that must be addressed to help the recovery process which may include mindfulness, thoughts, and/or behaviors.

First of all congratulations for taking the first step in healing from your depression. Many who struggle with this condition fear the stigma of doing so. You don't have to be alone with your depression. I can help you identify the sources of your depression, develop strategies that work best for you, and help you navigate any resources helpful in your achievement of relief from this condition. I also work closely with a local psychiatrist should you desire a formal assessment and medication consult.

Hope, purpose, self-respect, and connecting with those close to you are vital for a full and healthy life. Depression can often come like a wave and steal them from you. When these factors are missing from our lives it can result in feeling helpless, irritable, lonely, confused, and negatively impact your energy, sleep, appetite, and ability to concentrate. Working with strategies to help you process negative thoughts and difficult emotions, therapy can help you develop a sense of control and safety in your life, as well as work on a more positive sense-of-self and of those around you. Change is possible and joy is available, we can do it together.

I am well versed in the treatment of depression in adults, adolescents, and children aged 12+. I offer non-judgmental and compassionate therapy where you feel safe and supported in sharing your experiences. I support clients in the modification of negative thinking patterns, to promote emotional well-being and self-regulation. I empower clients to align with values, manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and attain their goals for therapy. I support clients in regaining motivation to take control and feel like themselves again. I utilize evidence-based interventions which are tailored to your unique circumstances, and hopes for your therapeutic experience.

The dark cloud of depression is all consuming. It is difficult to see anything else in our world, like the things we care about and the people we love. The cloud is there for a legitimate reason. To say, “let’s work on strategies to get rid of the cloud” invalidates all the experiences you have had that led to the cloud forming around you in the first place, but what if we could lower the cloud so it is no longer obstructing your view? What if we could lower it enough that you can start doing all the things that matter to you again? I will support you in getting back behind the wheel so that the dark cloud is no longer in the driver’s seat of your life.

Do you have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness? Do you see the future as bleak with little chance of it getting better? Are thoughts convincing you of things that may not be true? Sometimes we can find ourselves in a dark and lonely place. If you find yourself there more than you would like to be, I can help. I will work with you to explore your emotions, reflect on your experiences and bring light to what seems like a dark world. Through positive, person-centered therapy we can work through unproductive thoughts, emotions and behaviour to set you on the path to the future you want. You can enjoy life and your relationships again. Change can happen.

Our emotions work to provide us with information about a situation, environment, or relationship. When we experience depression, it is typically because we have experienced many disappointments in our life, or believe that we have let important others down. Our coping strategies become overwhelmed and we experience feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Together, we can explore the circumstances surrounding your depression symptoms to develop an understanding of them. This will assist us in identifying new ways of reducing and managing these emotions, to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Depression is problematic in several ways and can feel impossible to break out of. My goal for working with clients struggling with depression is to start imagining a better future. My interest lies in getting to know my clients specifically, because while there may be some general truths about depression treatment, the more specific we can tailor the healing, the more it will fit and sustain itself.

Living with depression can feel like a never-ending nightmare or being in a big, deep hole all alone with no light in sight. Despite what your brain might tell you on your darkest of days, there is hope for treating depression. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression is by far the best supported treatment approach for improving depressive symptoms and getting you out of that metaphorical hole. Our therapy sessions together will help you shift negative thoughts and become more engaged in life.

Have you lost all interest and pleasure in what used to bring you joy? Are you feeling hopeless and wondering if you're worthy? Instead of worrying, wouldn't you rather have energy, relief, and focus? Wouldn’t it be a relief to have someone hear your thoughts, knowing you won't be judged? Would it be appealing to have someone listen to you with compassion?