Depression Counselling in Edmonton, AB.

Depression can have multiple and complex causes, but most often it can be attributed to how we think. When we examine our thoughts, we can find we are struggling with automatic negative thoughts that leave us feeling depressed. Learning how to identify these thoughts and actively speak differently to ourselves armed with statements that are more true, we can see the depression levels begin to decrease.

Many people believe that in order to be "strong," they need to bury their feelings and keep them hidden from others. Over time, this can backfire, as feelings can build and take over, leaving a person feeling down and depressed, or overwhelmed. I work with clients not only to work through feelings of anger, resentment, hurt, and sadness that have built up, but to develop new habits of self-care, assertiveness, boundaries, healthy expression of feelings, communication, and stress management so that this does not occur again in the future. By doing this, they can become a more well-rounded person, who feels free to express feelings as they arise, and no longer carries them with them.

Have you been feeling down for awhile? Have you lost interest in activities, have low energy, have difficulties making decisions? Do you find it hard to concentrate, to sleep, to get up in the morning? These are all signs of depression, and there are many strategies to deal with it. You do not need to suffer alone! Having someone to walk with you through this can be very helpful. We all have negative thoughts at times, but we can get dragged down into depression when negative thoughts are relentless and constant. It is not easy to battle these alone which is why reaching out for help is so important.

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck, with little to no motivation. We might also blame ourselves or others for how we got here. As a psychologist my role isn't to change you, rather it is to help you gain a greater understanding of what is going on. However, this isn't a stopping point. Through greater understanding we might also increase our compassion for ourselves. By giving ourselves some grace and working through the stress and challenges of our lives often we find that motivation to move forward and continue to grow and thrive!

Depression is the common cold of psychology. Like anxiety and stress, depression is quite commonly reported by consumers of psychotherapy. I am experienced, comfortable, and patient with treating depression. I am neither strongly opposed nor strongly supportive of pharmacotherapeutics. I engage an approach that is personal-growth-centered and as independent of the medical model as is possible.