Depression Therapy
Is A Dark Cloud Hanging Over Your Life?
Do you often feel like it is impossible to shake a sense of sadness or low self-esteem?
Are you experiencing burnout due to an inability to find hope or motivation?
Is the idea that you should feel better or happier leading to a cycle of guilt, shame, and self-blame?
Sadness is a normal human response to life’s challenges and disappointments. But when those feelings persist or dominate our overall mood and ability to engage with life, it signals that our system is not properly managing stress.
“Depression” can be an intimidating word for some people, and there is often a misconception that depression is limited to a specific set of symptoms like excessive crying or not being able to get out of bed. In reality, depression looks different for everyone experiencing it—and for many, added pressure comes from the idea that people who are successful or have reached certain milestones do not have the option to be depressed.
If you have noticed a low mood impacting your performance, relationships, or everyday life, counselling can help you escape the cycle of depression. As you begin to challenge unhelpful narratives and behaviours, you can improve your outlook and feel more capable of managing stress.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
Depression Is A Cycle Designed To Keep Us Stuck
A variety of factors contribute to the onset of depression, and it is not uncommon for depression to co-occur with other issues like anxiety and substance use. In a world where we are regularly in information overload, receiving often conflicting messages about who we should be, our self-esteem and self-understanding can easily be compromised. Add individual stress or trauma to the mix, and the cycle of depression and anxiety is likely to worsen.
Unfortunately, when depression strikes, a pessimistic or self-critical inner monologue can keep us from getting the help we need. In a society that values quick fixes and self-reliance, it can be difficult to accept that treating depression often requires an outside perspective and the professional guidance of a therapist.
Working together in therapy, we can find new ways to understand and cope with your emotions. As we peel back the layers of your depression in a safe, empathetic counselling environment, you can begin to let go of the unhelpful thoughts and patterns keeping you stuck.
Link Counselling Offers Effective, Evidence-Based Depression Treatment Online
For many of my clients who seek therapy for depression, I know that it seems like they are living under the shadow of a big, dark cloud. Sometimes, that cloud is the only thing they can see. My job as a therapist is to affirm each person’s experience while also challenging the self-critical or unhelpful beliefs that stem from depression.
What To Expect
Therapy for depression is all about fostering self-compassion and self-awareness, so a big part of this process is using the therapeutic relationship itself to model healthy behaviours and self-talk. I will work to build rapport in a way that cultivates feelings of trust and safety, never judging what you bring to the counselling space. I am genuinely invested in your wellbeing, and I want to ensure you feel seen and heard through this process.
I also incorporate evidence-based approaches in depression treatment. Aspects of mindfulness will be used to enhance coping and stress relief. Then, individualising therapy to your needs, I am likely to incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to slow down and re-organise your emotional response. In some cases, Narrative Therapy—which includes journalling or storytelling—may be used to offer you creative outlets and an opportunity to tell a different story about your depression.
Depression can be both isolating and overwhelming, but through the process of therapy, you never have to be alone. Bolstering your skills for self-care and managing stress, you can build resilience and begin to see the big, dark cloud fade away. Healing happens one step at a time, but through counselling, you can feel less alone and weighed down by depression.
Still Have Concerns About Therapy For Depression?
My depression symptoms have been present for months or years—will therapy take a long time to make a difference?
I understand that if you have been struggling with depression for a long time, it can seem like treatment will make the recovery process even longer. The idea of starting counselling may feel overwhelming, exhausting, and flat-out impossible right now.
Yet, I know from years of experience working with clients that therapy works! It is not a quick fix, but it is not meant to take forever either. We will approach the treatment process in a way that feels gentle yet effective, offering you coping skills that are likely to yield small changes that evolve into big strides over time.
Will I need to go on depression medication as part of my treatment plan?
This is a valid concern that signals your investment in your wellbeing. While medication can certainly be helpful in treating depression, it is not for everyone, and I would never pressure you either way. We can do great work together to bolster your coping toolkit in counselling, whether or not you seek out medication.
It should be noted that as a therapist, I am not a licensed prescriber. If you are interested in working with a physician to discuss your options for medication, I would be happy to provide a referral.
I have tried therapy for depression before and did not get the results I was looking for—what makes your approach different?
It can be really discouraging to try working with a therapist only to find that your depression persists; I am sorry you did not get the outcomes you were hoping for from counselling.
That said, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and the therapist-client relationship is a really big indicator of success. I aim to offer a collaborative, solution-focused treatment process that centers your unique experience of depression, taking into account what has and has not worked for you in the past.
A Brighter Forecast Is In Your Future
Depression often casts a dark cloud over life, but therapy can help. Working together to enhance your stress and emotion regulation skills, we can increase your energy, connection, and zest for life. For more information or to get scheduled, contact me. Virtual sessions are available to clients throughout Canada.