Depression Counselling in Strong, ON.

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.

People struggling with depression are often battling negative thought patterns, low mood and sometimes behaviors that may include withdrawal, lack of energy and low motivation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets negative thought patterns. The premise of CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by each other. If we can reframe these negative thoughts, we can change how a person feels and hence change some of the behaviors associated with depression. All three therapies: CBT, ACT and DBT have been shown to help with mood disorders such as depression.

Getting to the root of one's depression, why it occurs, and how it presents itself is imperative in understanding how one can remedy it. By working with clients to explore and comprehensively understand their depression, we will be able to better manage, mitigate, or eliminate the cognitions, behaviours, and feelings tied to our depression. How we became depressed is only the first step in ones work on depression; figuring out how to create change, support, and maintain change is the bulk of it.

Depression is truly debilitating, and at it's most basic means 'to push down'. I counsel clients to reach a deeper understanding of why they feel the way they do, in turn validating their own sense of self and then bring them through a process of recovery and healing where they are able to engage in emotional and physical practices to reach a higher level of emotional stability and contentment.

When it comes to depression, I believe that small change leads to bigger change. In my work with clients who experience feelings of depression, I take a more concrete, solution-focused approach and aid clients in taking small steps towards a greater goal, all while soliciting strengths and resources and moving at the client’s pace. In doing so, my hope is to help clients see how capable they are and transfer this knowledge into other domains of their lives. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

We provide a safe and supportive space to explore and address the underlying causes of depression. We can help individuals develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and learn healthy ways to manage symptoms. We also offer a non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their emotions, gain insights, and work towards personal growth. Additionally, therapy can provide valuable support, validation, and guidance throughout the recovery process. Remember, seeking professional help is an important step towards improving mental well-being.

I take an integrative approach which allows clients to gain insight into the underlying causes of their depression, regulate their emotions, address attachment-related issues, and challenge negative beliefs and coping patterns. Through this comprehensive therapeutic process, clients can experience increased self-awareness, improved emotional well-being, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and the development of effective coping strategies, leading to meaningful and lasting change.

Therapy for depression, especially trauma-informed approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), offers tailored support. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, fostering healthier perspectives and coping strategies. EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic experiences, reducing their impact on mental well-being. These therapies create a safe environment for exploring emotions, understanding triggers, and developing resilience, empowering individuals to manage depression while addressing underlying trauma.

Struggling with mood disorders can make life very challenging. The most basic tasks can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I understand this from personal experience as well as years of work with clients who are diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to explain to others in our lives what it feels like to live with depression. I will validate and support you while helping you explore your feelings and find positive coping strategies that are the right fit for you. Book a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.