Depression Counselling in Athens, ON.

Depression is a normal response to a lack of joy or purpose in our lives or to a disappointing or tragic event. If we have been the victims of trauma, thoughts of that event(s) and associated thoughts such as shame, guilt, low self-worth, etc. can trigger depression. As with most emotional response, understanding the origins of our depression is crucial to reducing it. Changing our perceptions and thoughts around events, persons and our own worth and purpose can lead to increased joy and reduced depression.

Getting to the root of one's depression, why it occurs, and how it presents itself is imperative in understanding how one can remedy it. By working with clients to explore and comprehensively understand their depression, we will be able to better manage, mitigate, or eliminate the cognitions, behaviours, and feelings tied to our depression. How we became depressed is only the first step in ones work on depression; figuring out how to create change, support, and maintain change is the bulk of it.

Depression can leave us feeling hopeless and sometimes even the way our loved ones respond can actually increase our sense of isolation. In my work with clients experiencing depression, I focus first on understanding and appreciating each person’s unique story. Fostering a trusting and collaborative relationship creates an environment that feels safe to explore our emotions and paths to healing. Contact me today to book a free consultation to start your healing journey.

Depression is a sadness that accompanies us wherever we go stealing our experience of happiness and joy. Others often do not understand that depression has changed our vision of a colorful, vibrant world to one of varying shades of gray. Depression can make tasks that were once completed without much thought like taking a shower, brushing one's teeth, or even getting out of bed, feel like an overwhelming challenge. Activities and people that we once enjoyed, no longer bring pleasure. "Why can't I just snap out of it?!" I use an integrative approach to therapy providing an empathetic, supportive dynamic to empower you to change your emotional experience of life.

I can offers a safe space to explore and understand the underlying causes, negative thought patterns, and emotional challenges of the depression you are going through. Through various therapeutic approaches, I can help you gain effective coping strategies, develop healthier thought patterns, and build resilience. I have 12 years of experience helping clients manage and thrive through depression.

Depression hurts and is becoming epidemic in our society. However, depression is a treatable condition and there are effective approaches that can help you break the cycle of chronic unhappiness so you can keep moving forward, learn how to face life’s challenges with greater resilience and regain a sense of well-being. I work from the best evidence- based therapies for depression: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Solution Focused Therapy and Art Therapy to help you overcome the mental habits leading to despair, rumination, and self-blame so you can repossess the sense of hope, joy and life balance.

Life today is very stressful and symptoms of depression often accompany ongoing stress. Depression can interfere with your relationships, your work life and seriously interferes with your life satisfaction. Depression is often best treated with the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which Sarah uses to assist you in identifying the causes of your depression and the ways in which negative thought processes feed your depression. Sarah will help you to resolve your depression by helping you to change how you think and respond to depression triggers. Medication is sometimes necessary as part of depression treatment. The role of medication in your depression management can always be discussed.

In any given year, depression will be present in 4 – 5 % of the Canadian population, and between 7.9 and 8.6% will experience depression during their lifetimes. (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002) Despite its prevalence, there remains a stigma around depression. Untreated, depression can wreak havoc in a person's life, but with the right supports, (medication, if needed, and psychotherapy) depression can be managed and people can lived productive and meaningful lives. I provide a safe place for my clients factors which may be affecting their mood , and work with my clients to bring about necessary lifestyle changes and to move greater emotional health.