Depression Counselling in Essex, ON.

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.

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 use an integrative non-pathologizing approach that validates the human condition. We all experience low mood and may live with symptoms of depression but I work with clients to accept and understand how they can be curious about what it is that keeps them feeling stuck in that low mood when they are in need of deep rest. Learning how to regulate our emotions supports our ability to maintain a balanced life. We have the power to switch from our fight/flight/freeze state to our rest/relax/digest state. Mindfully and with compassion, we can find a way through this together. Depressive symptoms often shows up with anxious symptoms and vice versa.

At Atlas Therapy, we specialize in supporting individuals facing depression, leveraging our expertise derived from both extensive training and personal experiences. Depression can significantly affect various facets of life, including relationships, work, motivation, and overall functioning. We understand the varying degrees of depression and tailor our approach and treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client. Rest assured, effective tools, strategies, and methods are available to offer essential support and relief to those navigating through the challenges of depression.

Depression happens very commonly in various degrees of severity. Some people find that their mood dips occasionally, while others might experience more debilitating forms where their motivation and daily functioning are negatively impacted. Depending on the severity of the presenting depression, I might start with more cognitive-behavioural work to help jumpstart daily functioning and life-engagement. Once clients' activity level increases and their moods have stablized, deeper work on discovering the origins and triggers for the depression can be done.

Depression is common and pervasive in our society. I will help you explore the reasons for your depression and what keeps it going as well as provide support practical, powerful and effective tools to help you manage and move through this challenging issue. Some depressions may be based in trauma and I use a trauma-informed approach to therapy in general. You don't have to continue to suffer with depression and you don't necessarily need to rely on medication either. Effective help is here!

"Be positive!" "It could always be worse!" - If you suffer from depression, you hear these invalidating phrases often. Improving your mood takes so much more than just changing your thoughts and behaviours. Sessions with me would first provide you a space to be heard, to explore the root causes behind your feelings, and support you in making connections between your current feelings and your past experiences. We will then fill your toolbox with short-term and long-term strategies that will allow you to find relief, make lasting changes, and achieve your goals.

Depression is a common human experience. Most people will at some time in their life experience depression. The most dramatic sign of depression is a lack of pleasure in normally pleasing life activities and feeling fatigued. You may also withdraw from people, experience negative thinking, feel helplessness, and experience disruptions in appetite and sleep. Managing depression requires that you gain some sense of control over the depression. The important thing about depression is taking a first step which is coming to see a professional in order to get the help you need. Seeking professional help will enable you to get to the root cause of your depression in order for you to take action a....

Depression can make your body feel heavy and tired. You are likely unmotivated, sad most of the time, and see little hope. I want to hear your story and what led you to this point. Let's start there. Then we can start creating a path forward. There is always a path, no matter how hopeless it may seem. As a reminder, you are not broken and there is nothing wrong with you. Healing and freedom are just around the corner.

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.

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.