Depression Counselling in Athens, ON.

Depressive symptoms can be overcome with proper treatment. A combination of antidepressant and therapeutic intervention is often most beneficiary when symptoms are elevated. Proper medication can help improve your mood but does not necessary address underlying issues. It is important to personalize a good treatment plan which reflects your reality, achievable and realistic for you. This involves understanding what is really causing you to feel the way you do, better self care, some life style changes.

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.

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.

Are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or exhaustion weighing you down? I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in depression therapy. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of your depression and work to develop strategies that empower you to regain a sense of hope and purpose. Whether you're dealing with chronic depression or a recent emotional struggle, I’m here to support you. You don’t have to face this alone; healing is possible. With the right support, you can reclaim joy and start building a brighter, more fulfilling future. Let’s take that first step together. Book a free consultation today.

If you’re feeling down, having trouble enjoying things you used to, sleeping changes (sleeping too much or not enough), changes in your appetite (too much or not enough), or just feeling lethargic, you might want to see a psychotherapist and might feel depressed. Through CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy, you can see life in a better light, and get back to the life you want to. Book a free 15-minute consultation to start your healing journey.

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 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.

Can we transform emotional pain into personal growth and find hope? I can help you become aware of how certain negative automatic thoughts, beliefs and expectations contribute to feelings of anxiety and sadness. Often these automatic negative thought patterns are developed as a result of a past painful and difficult experience. They determine how we deal with loss, change, conflict and social interactions. Supporting you in identifying and understanding these thought patterns, can help resolve problems in maintaining relationships and establish a stronger sense of self-worth. Schedule a free consultation with me to see if we are a good fit for therapy.

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.