Depression Counselling in Castlegar, BC.

I use a Bio-psycho-Social approach to depression, meaning the whole person is taken into account. Together we look at the client’s physical health (diet, sleep, exercise, meds) to assess how the basic functions and systems might be contributing to or protecting from depression. We also explore together their cognitive processes, such as underlying beliefs about themselves. And we look at the emotional and social supports in their lives— is there at least one person they can count on when in distress? I tend to move back and forth organically between two levels: the underlying and historical root causes of depression, and present-day coping skills.

Depression is a condition that varies greatly between each presentation. It often is a downstream effect of other dynamics and relationships that takes a serious toll on the body, the nervous system, digestion, relationships and emotional well-being. My approach to treating depression begins with respect and understanding of the individual experience, their past, present, and concept of the future. I take that understanding of past experience, and beliefs of the future, pain in the present, and to provide safety, support, and strategy to improve your well-being and cultivate resilience through life's significant challenges. Depression can also look like anger, fatigue, isolation, etc.

Using a biopsychosocial approach we strive to support depression and depressive symptoms with a holistic approach that may include, but is not limited to: destigmatizing psychotropic medication, deconstructing maladaptive beliefs using cognitive restructuring, and encouraging movement through behavioural modification. Depression can look many different ways and we will always work with you towards healing at the pace that works best for you.

Are you struggling to get out of bed, losing interest in once-loved activities or feeling helpless and hopeless? The lethargic and foggy shutdown of depression can make everything in life feel just a few inches out of reach. The good news is that depression is readily treatable. I would be glad to help you explore what is keeping your body stuck in numb disconnection. Next, we form a plan to help you back to your best self. Together we tackle here-and-now symptoms with strategies of mindfulness and CBT, while also untying old knots from the past with emotion-focused and inner-child work. The heaviness of depression is your body asking for care. Are you ready to answer its call?

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.

I know all about the deep darkness of depression and how to climb out of it. Depression can be brutal and isolating. First we need to be witnessed and understood in our pain in a safe comfortable non-judgemental space. Then we can learn tools and strategies to face the things that seem impossible to face. I will support you to take the steps necessary to improve your depression.