Depression Counselling in Southwold, ON.

Depression is a sadness that accompanies us wherever we go stealing our experience of happiness and joy. Others often do not understand that depression has changed our vision of a colorful, vibrant world to one of varying shades of gray. Depression can make tasks that were once completed without much thought like taking a shower, brushing one's teeth, or even getting out of bed, feel like an overwhelming challenge. Activities and people that we once enjoyed, no longer bring pleasure. "Why can't I just snap out of it?!" I use an integrative approach to therapy providing an empathetic, supportive dynamic to empower you to change your emotional experience of life.

Depression takes many forms. One can be: blue, listless, hopeless, sad, dispirited, nervous, fatigued; be defeating oneself, in a funk, etc. It can include: feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities; appetite, weight or sleep changes; anger, irritability, loss of energy, self-loathing, recklessness and so on. But it’s also unique to each of us. Help for any of this is best with you being in charge. My job as your therapist is to listen and follow as fully as I can what way you want to change. My approach will be focused on how best to address the specific symptoms and situation you face in particular. Ultimately, balanced self-assertion is the real key.

Depression is very common and leads to people being off work and loosing family and friends. It can often be a struggle for people to reach out for help and make that first call or come in to my office. Depression is a huge weight on your shoulders that interferes with all aspects of your life. It often feels like 2 steps forward ten steps back. We explore together what led up to your depression and your symptoms. I coach you to practice simple self care that helps you free yourself from depression. I am well connected in the mental health community and can offer referrals as required.

Depression is a change in mood that can lead to loss of concentration, increased reactivity, feelings of sadness, and a loss of interest in everyday activities. Depression usually develops over time, so we are unaware it is present. It will surface when we are under stress, grieving a loss, or facing life changes we did not choose, like a marital break-up, a pregnancy loss, or being laid off from work. A major depression or clinical depression can also occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. In these situations, we need medical assistance to move forward from a depressive event. However, most people find talk therapy improves their mood. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today

This title can fit many conditions that interfere with our normal energy system , including numerous medical/physical ones, hence thorough assessment is required. Much overused, often unhelpful or anti-helpful, in my experience every “depression” is unique to the individual and made of a complex of factors and aspects that need careful sorting out. A pervasively under-felt stress reaction, it has many mental components, conscious and not, and often immediate environmental/behavioral ones. Usually just the process of therapeutic exploration brings some relief over ‘baseline’: empowerment in specific areas of living is the main direction. "Oppression" seems a more fruitful concept to apply.

Depression can be something that suddenly surprises us or it may have been a lifelong companion. Either way, counselling helps the symptoms of depression to become more manageable. Together we can work on strategies that will gradually assist you to gently re-shape your life. Patience is a key ingredient to getting better. Making changes is definitely possible.

Depression is often our body/minds’ way of saying “slow down and look at things that may be negatively affecting your life.” An unfortunate side effect of this coping strategy is that it can prevent us from having the motivation or clarity to work on things that might be helpful. The work we do together will examine past and present barriers to living a more fulfilling life. This could include processing past traumas, rethinking unhelpful behaviour patterns or coping strategies. As depression subsides you may notice an increase in motivation, a desire to connect more with others, and positive mood.

When you are in the dark hole of depression, it can feel impossible to imagine functioning normally again. I know that feeling firsthand. I have been severely depressed several times in my own life, and I found my way back. In more than three decades of practice I have helped many people do the same, drawing on both the right therapeutic techniques and a solid understanding of the physical interventions that support recovery. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I can help. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

There are many reasons why people feel depressed. Through counselling, I can help you to identify and address the causes (if not medical) of your depression. Once you understand the reasons for your symptoms and successfully address the causes, you will find freedom and hope. You will not only feel better emotionally, but you will find that your energy and zest for life will increase and enable you to function better, achieve tasks, and accomplish goals that you have given up on. By practicing concepts learned through counselling, you can have your life back.

Depression leads to disconnection: disconnection from the closest people who love you, from your environment, from your own feelings and emotions and ultimately from being engaged in life. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are the earmarks for depression. I have a very high rate of success working with people with depression. My approach is eclectic.