Depression Counselling in Chatham, ON.

When struggling with depressed moods, everything feels heavy and you lack a sense of meaning and purpose. Even the most simple tasks can feel impossible. If you find yourself turning to alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours to cope with depressed moods, there is a way out. I help clients with addictions overcome the depressed moods causing them to turn to substances or addictive behaviours to cope. Everyone is different, so I work with you to develop a plan that fits your unique situation. If you are unsure where to start, send me a message. If I'm not the right fit, I can connect you to resources that will allow you to start getting help today, without having to wait.

We provide a safe and supportive space to explore and address the underlying causes of depression. We can help individuals develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and learn healthy ways to manage symptoms. We also offer a non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their emotions, gain insights, and work towards personal growth. Additionally, therapy can provide valuable support, validation, and guidance throughout the recovery process. Remember, seeking professional help is an important step towards improving mental well-being.

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).

Having experienced and moved through clinical depression early in my own life, I know how, at times, depression can make life seem too hard face. For many people, depression is the result of early life events that have never been truly resolved. And while many people benefit from the use of medications and/or alternative approaches - it has been shown time and time again that adding therapy greatly increases the chances for an even better outcome.

In addressing depression, I emphasize the importance of vocalizing the pain and struggles that come with it. By openly discussing these feelings, we can begin to identify and align actions and behaviours with the client's values and needs. This alignment is crucial for crafting a life that is not only sustainable but also nourishing. Through this therapeutic approach, clients are encouraged to make meaningful changes that enhance their well-being and lead to a more fulfilling 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?

There are times in our lives where we may feel depressed. However, there are times when we may feel stuck and at a point when it is necessary to seek support. Working with a compassionate professional who understands depression and cares about your healing and well-being may help you to feel hope and to find your spark again. Together we will work at the clients pace as a team using a variety of client-centered modalities. Some people find that Expressive Art allows them to express emotions that there are no words for. As well, EMDR is helpful in working through prior events that keep us stuck by desensitizing the client from past trauma.

Depression hurts and is becoming epidemic in our society. However, depression is a treatable condition and there are effective approaches that can help you break the cycle of chronic unhappiness so you can keep moving forward, learn how to face life’s challenges with greater resilience and regain a sense of well-being. I work from the best evidence- based therapies for depression: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Solution Focused Therapy and Art Therapy to help you overcome the mental habits leading to despair, rumination, and self-blame so you can repossess the sense of hope, joy and life balance.