Depression Counselling in Markham, ON.

If you are depressed you know the cloud of “the black dog” that is always with you (World Health Organization). Having had my own past depression experience, I too understand my own journey through this challenge. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), an extension of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one of the therapies of choice for depression. Depending on your unique situation and needs, I will work alongside your doctor and any medical treatment s/he may advise, and will help you develop/enhance good self-care and support networks, as well as work on the thought patterns that may be contributing to your depression. Hope is available for you.

Depression can rob one of energy, motivation, clarity, and the ability to make decisions. Often described as a dark cloud, depression can leave people in a bad place, feeling that they do not have much to contribute in life. Therapy has been found to be one of the most effective ways to improve functioning in those who have depression. By having someone truly listen, without distraction, talking about it can make things much better.

Depression can convince you that your life lacks meaning and purpose. In a safe, compassionate space, we'll discuss how we can bring your hopes, dreams, and values back into your present-day life, while looking at how current thoughts and beliefs might be contributing to the depression. I incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy in my work and also have a certificate in trauma-informed care should this be linked to the depression.

Depression is a normal human behaviour which typically indicates the need to slow down and spend time on "refueling" yourself. Depression becomes clinical when ignored and the emotion begins to interfere with everyday functioning. In a nurturing and caring environment we begin the slow process of making that person buoyant. We set up small achievable goals decided on by the client. The goal is to teach them how to accept, listen to their emotion and take action long before clinical depression.

In a safe atmosphere we will examine and discuss historical early and current triggers, and work to resolve their effects on your mood and situation. We dismantle self-defeating ingrained beliefs that prevent inspired living, fulfillment and action. Depression can adversely effect one’s relationships with others including partners, friends, and family, making them feel pushed away. Conversely, depression can be triggered by relationships. In these depressions, we'll focus on relationships and improving them, regardless of the issues. The outcome is often experienced as a clarity of mind, a sense of liberation, confidence, love, better relationsihips, productivity, and overall happiness.

Everyone experiences sadness during their life time. However, if your sadness has bothered you for a period of time and affected your school/work performance, appetite, sleep, regular routine, and relationships with people around you, you may be struggling with depression. I use Cognitive-Behavioral approach which has proven to work effectively for depression to help people examine their thinking patterns and change their unproductive behaviors. Depression is treatable and cannot be ignored. Otherwise, the problem can become more chronic and severe which make it difficult to treat.

Depression is still so misunderstood in today's modern society. It is very commonly mis-diagnosed or too quick to be diagnosed by our traditional medical facilities, often leaving the person feeling worse off than they were before. I work with clients to find solutions out of their depression, to create goals for themselves, even small mini goals a day have an inspiring effect for the sufferer. I offer hope and light at the end of the tunnel, so the client can see a future for themselves.

Aside from bio-chemical imbalances in one's body, depression can arise from a number of situational and relational factors. We can explore how any of these can be understood, responded to, and lived with in a way which can help to alleviate depressive challenges. It can be difficult to gain awareness of what's not right, and how to get things right, when you're battling just to survive. Our work together can help to clarify what's happening, and how to put helpful coping practices to work.

I'm a relational psychotherapist. So while I know that you feel bad inside, I also see that a lot of those bad feelings - worry, low self-esteem, fear of failing, depression - exist at the boundary or interface where you meet the world. They're relational feelings as well as self-feelings. They sound like: "Am I good enough? Have I made a mistake in their eyes? Do they like me? Am I in trouble?" When you feel that the answers to these questions are negative, then you feel badly about yourself, in yourself. Relational psychotherapy helps you understand your depression, yourself and how just being bad feelings is the first step towards moving past them.

Depression is a common response to stressful life events, whether prolonged or acute. I help clients determine the possible causes, healthy copying strategies, support systems. Often my clients respond well to the offer of mindful presence and an empathic ear. I prefer to be a part of a larger team helping the client by encouraging them to speak with a spouse/partner, other family, doctor or religious community. I support responsibly the client's choice to pursue pharmaceutical treatment or not.

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.

Over the last couple of weeks, have you lost interest in things that used to interest you? Have you found yourself getting more tired than usual? Is it tough to get motivated over things you used to enjoy? Do you find yourself crying for no reason at all? These are some of the questions used to see if you are living with depression. I will help you gain insight into why you are feeling this way, and coach you on strategies to improve your mood.

I define Depression as having an "Emotional Fever." If you're running an emotional fever and find it difficult to recover. Hire me as your counselor/coach and I will help you: 1) understand the reasons of your depression, 2) learn to read your emotional thermometer, 3) track your emotional fever, 4) establish a nurse-patient self-care relationship, and 5) build a strong support system. As a bonus, I will include a thermometer (at no cost). You will be able to take your or someone's emotional temperature quickly and easily. I have helped 1000's of people (young & old) recover from short and long term depression. Give me a try. I can help.....