Depression Counselling in Gravenhurst, ON.

Effective treatment for depression is best achieved by the two-pronged approach. That is, the first step to recovery is taking anti-depressants, (as prescribed by your doctor) which are very helpful in lifting your mood. The second step is coming to talk a psychotherapist. Together we will look at your current situation as you gradually share some of the difficult feelings you are struggling with. Then we will slowly and gently examine the past to see if these feelings are familiar. Gradually you will begin to gain fresh insights and a new perspective and release from the emotional pain.

Depression is an insidious companion, and can creep its way in without us realizing for some time. Shifting a depressed mindset can be extremely difficult but neuroimaging studies have shown that by practicing mindfulness we can begin to alter those well-trodden neural pathways and shift our neurochemistry by promoting the production of neurotransmitters linked to feelings of happiness. Psychotherapy can help you identify mindfulness activities and other tools that can help to promote the production of these neurotransmitters and deliver results rooted in neuroscience. I can offer an alternative perspective and act as the catalyst you need to begin making the shift out of depression.

When life becomes too much, it’s easy to become socially withdrawn and mentally disconnected from the world around us. It can feel like you're stuck and don't know how to get out. But you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate these concerns alone. Seeking help is a strength and a great first step in the right direction to prioritizing your mental wellness and taking back control over your life.

Depression is truly debilitating, and at it's most basic means 'to push down'. I counsel clients to reach a deeper understanding of why they feel the way they do, in turn validating their own sense of self and then bring them through a process of recovery and healing where they are able to engage in emotional and physical practices to reach a higher level of emotional stability and contentment.

People struggling with depression are often battling negative thought patterns, low mood and sometimes behaviors that may include withdrawal, lack of energy and low motivation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets negative thought patterns. The premise of CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by each other. If we can reframe these negative thoughts, we can change how a person feels and hence change some of the behaviors associated with depression. All three therapies: CBT, ACT and DBT have been shown to help with mood disorders such as depression.

Depression can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. My approach to depression is client-centred, focusing on understanding your unique experience, and explore the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms, such as past experiences or life circumstances. We will work together to set achievable goals, and empower you with coping skills for long-term emotional health. Take the first step towards healing, and reach out for a free consultation today.

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.