Depression Counselling in Stoney Creek, ON.

One of my passions in life is to help guide people through the process of recovering from depression. In many cases, the ways that people try to get themselves out of depression, paradoxically end up causing more problems. I will help you sidestep these habits that can develop (ex. 'thinking' your way out of it, being overly self-critical, isolating yourself and discontinuing activities you used to enjoy). I will help you learn how to more skillfully manage the difficult/ unpleasant emotions and thoughts that are part of the 'territory of depression'. You will learn how to be less self-critical, to tap back into positive emotions, to take much better care of yourself & feel 'alive' again.

Depression can leave us feeling empty, emotionally low, and unmotivated. When we can understand our experiences of depression, we can cultivate different responses. In therapy, you can learn how to challenge depressive thought patterns, develop self-compassion, and understand the root causes of the depression you are experiencing. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit for therapy.

Are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or exhaustion weighing you down? I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in depression therapy. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of your depression and work to develop strategies that empower you to regain a sense of hope and purpose. Whether you're dealing with chronic depression or a recent emotional struggle, I’m here to support you. You don’t have to face this alone; healing is possible. With the right support, you can reclaim joy and start building a brighter, more fulfilling future. Let’s take that first step together. Book a free consultation today.

Depression is an insidious companion, and can creep its way in without us realizing for some time. Shifting a depressed mindset can be extremely difficult but neuroimaging studies have shown that by practicing mindfulness we can begin to alter those well-trodden neural pathways and shift our neurochemistry by promoting the production of neurotransmitters linked to feelings of happiness. Psychotherapy can help you identify mindfulness activities and other tools that can help to promote the production of these neurotransmitters and deliver results rooted in neuroscience. I can offer an alternative perspective and act as the catalyst you need to begin making the shift out of depression.

Depression is often a response to having experienced profound psychological pain. It is a way for us to retreat or numb ourselves from the overwhelming emotions of such stressful circumstances. It acts as a protective shield in a way. In therapy, we will work towards addressing the underlying sources that are contributing to feelings of deep sadness. This can be a difficult task and as such it can be helpful to include strategies alongside our reflective work which may include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Behavioural Activation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me to see if I’m the right fit for you.

We work with children, teens and adults dealing with depression. There may be many underlying dynamics for people coping with depressive symptoms including an unprocessed loss from the past, or difficulties processing emotions, including anger. We use a combination of approaches to support clients including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), a psychodynamic approach, and IFS (internal family systems). We often incorporate creative approaches into our work with children and teens, including play, art and music therapy.

Depression is not only about feeling sad - it can leave you feeling irritable, tired, it can affect your ability to concentrate, and small tasks can sometimes feel insurmountable. Sometimes it's a feeling of emptiness inside that can be hard to describe. Life does not have to feel like this - you CAN work through depression, and feel more like your old self again. CBT is highly effective in treating depression - best of all, there are no side effects, and the skills that you learn can last a lifetime.

It's like a dark cloud. You try to explain it to people, but most of them don't really understand, and some of them don't even believe it exists. Depression is very real, and it also has very real solutions. I've experienced it personally, and I've also helped hundreds of people over the last seven years. I know what it feels like, and I know how to help. Get modern, effective counselling that will provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your depression. Call me for a free phone consultation today, and start feeling better.

Experiencing big emotional ups and downs is normal, but there can be times when it feels like the lows are getting longer, more frequent, and harder to deal with. Therapy should be a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing and exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone who offers you empathy, authenticity, and acceptance. I work collaboratively with clients to explore how feelings of depression show up in their lives, and to strengthen and develop strategies to minimize the impact they have on living the life you want to live. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.