Depression Counselling in Markham, ON.

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).

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.....

Depression has the ability to severely impact our daily lives, often making small everyday tasks difficult. Those who are affected by depression may be left with lack of motivation, low self-esteem and disinterest in the things they used to enjoy the most. What they could once do effortlessly may become one of the greatest challenges. Navigating depression can feel really lonely and scary, but I am here to walk that journey with you and to help you reconnect with your passions and joys. Contact me today to book a free consultation.

Can we transform emotional pain into personal growth and find hope? I can help you become aware of how certain negative automatic thoughts, beliefs and expectations contribute to feelings of anxiety and sadness. Often these automatic negative thought patterns are developed as a result of a past painful and difficult experience. They determine how we deal with loss, change, conflict and social interactions. Supporting you in identifying and understanding these thought patterns, can help resolve problems in maintaining relationships and establish a stronger sense of self-worth. Schedule a free consultation with me to see if we are a good fit for therapy.

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?

I often describe depression as 20lb weights around your ankles as you try to tread water. Being available and supportive in a client's experience of depression is a meaningful experience. I feel at times that it's like tossing a lifesaver out to someone who is drowning and maybe overwhelmed for too long. Being present, encouraging small steps forward, in a compassionate way is a privilege every time.

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.

If you are reading this profile, you are probably concerned about yourself to the point that you want to seek help. You may feel depressed, hopeless and helpless. You are frustrated that you cannot do or enjoy things you used to be. You may want to be heard and get supported but do not want to be around with people etc... You probably even know that you are experiencing symptoms of depression but not sure if how to feel better, like your normal self again. With over 12 years of clinical experiences, I humbly and wholeheartedly want to support you to get better. There are evident-based and effective approaches. Please don't hesitate to reach out and start to get the help you need now.

Depression is like falling into a deep hole and you can't seem to get out. Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy, I can help you manage your depression so that it won't negatively impact your relationships, jobs, and health. Even as little as a few sessions, you will see that you are not as stuck and able to make movement in life. You will gain a sense of control and joy into 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.

Winnie's approach to depression draws primarily from Cognitive- Behavior Therapy. If you feel that you don't have the energy to do things, or even get up in the morning, then come in for counselling. Counselling can help you to explore what is the bothering you emotionally, understand yourself better, and learn how to see or understand the issues from a better perspective

Many years ago depression was called melancholia and was not considered so negatively as it is in our current "performance" focused culture. We are expected to be "up" continuously in today's busy life-styles, with work, children, relationships, and even in our playtime. The result of this sort of expectation can be debilitating and certainly can lead to long bouts of feeling out of control, unfulfilled, unmotivated and ultimately immobilized. Depression can certainly be dealt with through very effective therapeutic techniques. I work with clients to better understand the root cause of their sadness and help them to look at the possible meaning behind their depression and how to best cope.

The good news on this dark subject is that there is hope! Depression is very treatable and you can and will feel better with a multifaceted approach. First, you will need to discuss this with your doctor and/or psychiatrist for the possible medical aspects but then, combined with the right therapeutic techniques and a safe, supportive therapist (like me! :) you will learn to regulate your mood, find new ways of managing stress and difficult emotions, make needed changes in your life, and begin to recover from underlying pain and past trauma. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment so don't hesitate to call me!

Life is challenging and it is easy to begin to feel overwhelmed by situations, relationships, life events and world events that just seem (or sometimes truly are) out of our control. Finding hope again is possible! ​ As a Psychotherapist, my goal is to walk with you for a period of time. I will help you navigate through some of those difficult situations, life changes and events. Together we can find new strategies that will help you to face the challenges and begin to move forward to live life with meaning, purpose and hope.

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.

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.