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Depression Therapy

Depression counselling is a collaborative process aimed at helping you understand and overcome the challenges of depression. Depression therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours related to depression and work towards healing and recovery.

 

In depression therapy, we'll work together to identify the specific symptoms and underlying factors contributing to your depression, whether they're related to past experiences, current stressors, or biological factors. We'll explore how depression affects various aspects of your life, such as your mood, energy levels, motivation, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. One of the primary goals of depression therapy is to help you develop coping skills and strategies to manage your symptoms effectively. 

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Throughout the therapy process, our work together will be guided by your goals, values, and strengths. We'll focus on building on your existing resources and developing practical strategies that you can implement in your daily life to manage depression more effectively and improve your overall quality of life.

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It's important to remember that depression therapy is not about simply "cheering up" or "thinking positive", but rather about understanding and addressing the underlying causes and contributing factors of depression. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of your depression journey and work towards a brighter and more hopeful future. 

1 in 5 Canadians experience depression or depressive symptoms; yet most avoid seeking treatment due to shame and societal stigma. - Stats Canada

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Common Symptoms

Persistant Sadness/Numbness

Feeling sad, empty, or numb most of the time, even when there's no clear reason for it.

Loss of Interest

Losing interest in activities that you once enjoyed. You may find it hard to get pleasure from things that used to bring you joy.

Changes in Sleep/Eating

Experiencing changes in your sleep patterns, such as insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping); Increased or decreased eating or weight changes.

Fatigue + Loss of Energy

Feeling tired, lethargic, or lacking energy, even after a full night's sleep.

Difficulty Concentrating

Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. You
may feel mentally foggy or slowed down.

Feeling of Worthlessness

Feeling worthless, guilty, or like you're a burden to others, even when there's no logical reason for it.

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't."
- John Green

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Whether you have been diagnosed with depression or you feel a general sense of sadness, loneliness, worthlessness,

hopelessness: I am here to help. 

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Book a free 30 minute appointment to learn more about how therapy can help. 

How Can Therapy Help?

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Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say "My tooth is aching" than to say "My heart is breaking"
- C.S. Lewis

It's important to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It's a medical condition that can be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Just like any other illness, depression is treatable, and there are effective therapies and interventions available to help you feel better.

 

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, it's essential to reach out for help. Therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones can all play a role in managing depression and restoring a sense of well-being.

You don't have to suffer alone, and there is hope for recovery.

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Therapists can help clients with depression in several ways, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual's needs. Here are some approaches that a therapist can use to support a client with depression:

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- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 

- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

- EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

- Mindfulness-based Approaches

- Somatic Experiencing 

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Supportive counselling provides empathy, validation, and support to clients experiencing depression. It helps clients feel understood, accepted, and less alone in their struggles, while also providing practical guidance and encouragement.

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Overall, therapy provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, develop coping skills, and work towards recovery from depression.  The therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful source of healing and support for clients experiencing depression.

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Outcomes for Depression Therapy

Improved Symptoms

Therapy aims to alleviate symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Clients may experience a decrease in the intensity and frequency of depressive symptoms over time.

Improved Coping Skills

Therapy helps clients develop adaptive coping skills for managing stressors and
regulating their emotions. Clients learn effective strategies for challenging negative thought patterns, coping with difficult emotions, and problem-solving.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Therapy helps clients develop adaptive coping skills for managing stressors and
regulating their emotions. Clients learn effective strategies for challenging negative thought patterns, coping with difficult emotions, and problem-solving.

Improved Relationships

Therapy can lead to improvements in interpersonal relationships and communication skills. Clients learn to assert their needs, set boundaries, and navigate conflicts more effectively, which can enhance the quality of their relationships and social support network.

Increased Self-Esteem

Therapy fosters self-esteem and self compassion by challenging negative self-beliefs and promoting self acceptance and self-care. Clients learn to treat themselves with kindness and compassion, which can improve their overall sense of well-being.

Better Quality of Life

Ultimately, therapy aims to improve the overall quality of life for clients with depression. Clients may experience  greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and meaning in their lives as they gain mastery over their symptoms and pursue their goals and values.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of therapy for depression may vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms, personal preferences, and readiness for change. Many clients benefit from a combination of different therapeutic approaches tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Working collaboratively with a qualified therapist can help individuals find the therapy or combination of therapies that works best for them.

Additional Resources 

Call 988 - Suicide and Crisis LifelineGet Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (988.ca)

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CAMH: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH

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CMHA: Canadian Mental Health Association - Canadian Mental Health Association - National l A Mental Health Charity (cmha.ca)

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CMHA: Understanding and Finding Help for Depression Understanding and Finding Help for Depression (cmha.ca)

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