Depression Counselling in Welland, ON.

Depression can be mild moderate or severe. It need not be severe in order to ask for help. Wherever your depression is along the continuum of severity, we can work together to develop strategies to help you work toward rediscovering motivation, increase energy levels, let go of the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts and feel more connected in your life and your relationships.

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).

Experiencing depressive symptoms, low mood, low affect, low-ness is hard. Using psychodynamics and person-centered, strengths based therapies, I strive to aid clients in understanding the patterns of these symptoms so we can, collaboratively work together to process these feelings and devise ways that work for you to regulate and improve mood over time.

Depression can manifest itself in many ways and be triggered by a variety of factors. It is often accompanied by anxiety and can lead to isolation and poor coping mechanisms. We begin depression treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, and blend in interpersonal therapy, which focuses on relationships and communication. By tailoring treatment, we're able to ensure each client gets help that meets them where they're at

While we all have days where we feel sad and 'depressed', if it goes on day after day so that negative thoughts make us feel exhausted, powerless, empty, discouraged and hopeless, then we need help. Leaving depression untreated can lead to several physical and mental complications and even suicide. Fortunately, trained counsellors can assist us in retraining our mind and teach us new skills to challenge depressive thinking so that we can lead a confidently depression free life.

"Be positive!" "It could always be worse!" - If you suffer from depression, you hear these invalidating phrases often. Improving your mood takes so much more than just changing your thoughts and behaviours. Sessions with me would first provide you a space to be heard, to explore the root causes behind your feelings, and support you in making connections between your current feelings and your past experiences. We will then fill your toolbox with short-term and long-term strategies that will allow you to find relief, make lasting changes, and achieve your goals.

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.

The quagmire of depression can feel impossible to escape. Getting started is the hardest. In counselling we first explore ways you might change the situation. Initially you may not succeed. But even the effort will energize you and may lead to other actions, other arenas where you have more options. You will learn something new. Best of all you will feel more alive, more involved with other people and with daily life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & it's offshoots are well-tested approaches to changing depression by altering your actions or expanding your thoughts. Another approach, Mindfulness, can give a broader perspective. Counselling helps you explore and discover what works for you.