Depression Counselling in Oakville, ON.

While we all have days where we feel sad and 'depressed', if it goes on day after day so that negative thoughts make us feel exhausted, powerless, empty, discouraged and hopeless, then we need help. Leaving depression untreated can lead to several physical and mental complications and even suicide. Fortunately, trained counsellors can assist us in retraining our mind and teach us new skills to challenge depressive thinking so that we can lead a confidently depression free life.

In working with individuals who struggle with depression, I primarily use a cognitive behavioural therapeutic (CBT) approach. The principal aim of this approach is to increase awareness that thoughts and behaviours drive emotion. In addition, the goal is to increase consciousness of distorted perceptions. That is, often individuals who struggle with depression do not think accurately, and if their thoughts are not accurate, than they cannot be trusted. The purpose of CBT is to bring awareness to cognitive distortions and then teach individuals how to rebalance their thoughts to be more accurate.

Depression is among the most common and devastating health conditions a person can face. Fortunately, there are treatments that are scientifically supported to provide relief to individuals suffering from depression. In particular, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is among the most researched and proven for mild to moderate depression. At Meristem, we strive to incorporate CBT interventions into individually tailored treatment plans that are wholistic and comprehensive because research and clinical experience has shown us that this eclectic approach gives us the best results at recovery for clients of all ages.

Struggling with mood disorders can make life very challenging. The most basic tasks can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I understand this from personal experience as well as years of work with clients who are diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to explain to others in our lives what it feels like to live with depression. I will validate and support you while helping you explore your feelings and find positive coping strategies that are the right fit for you. Book a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Depression can be situational or come in waves. When it arrives, it can creep in unexpectedly leading us to feel like something is just wrong with us. It's something we can have, not something we are. And just like any other illness, we can treat depression with understanding its symptoms and where is stems from. We can learn coping skills and tools to intervene the depression and work towards new hope. It can feel defeating at times, but I want to be there to support you to keep moving forward.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling for depression and bipolar disorder, tailored to your unique needs. Using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, I integrate CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help manage depressive episodes, mania, and hypomania, build resilience, and regain stability. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. Whether you're struggling with persistent sadness, mood swings, or emotional dysregulation, I’m here to support your journey toward healing and growth.

All experience some form of depression at one point in their life or another. You are definitely not alone here. Whether the depression shows itself as constant sadness, an inability to move, or anger and frustration, it can be extremely overwhelming and difficult to deal with. It is my goal to help you overcome the depression and the painful effects of it by discovering it's roots and working through chopping it down. I will also aid in discovering or rediscovering your unique strengths, skills and ambitions in order to plant new productive, inspirational roots of joy, happiness, and freedom.

Depression - it's a word we hear often and it's a condition that many of us experience. Depression can show up in lots of ways - maybe you always feel sad, or your motivation is gone, perhaps making it through a day seems impossible sometimes. Regardless of how you experience depression, counselling can be helpful. Approaches like CBT, which is part of how I work with depression, can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and distorted thinking, and unlock new, refreshing and positive perspectives on your life. Therapy for depression is a step towards improved mental well-being and a chance to work with a professional who can guide you through the healing process.

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.

Having symptoms of depression can be devistating. People often feel low in motivation to do the things they used to love doing. I can help you examine what life circumstances may be contributing to how you are feeling. We can also uncover stressors and pressures that you may be experiencing, as well as lifestyle choices that may be contributing to your symptoms. I can help support you in your feelings of low mood, and help envision and create a life where you feel more motivated, fulfilled and more aligned with your life goals.

The fog of depression is often an isolating blackness, a heavy cloud that obscures the sunlight, casting shadows in all areas of our lives. You don’t have to endure this journey alone. In our sessions I will join you in this journey and sit with you in the darkness. Together we will navigate a safe path towards hope and healing knowing that even in the darkest moments you won’t be alone.

Depression-What it is and what it isn’t. Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. Peoples’ experiences and feelings can differ greatly from mood fluctuations to some feeling suicidal. Affected people can suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school, or in their relationships. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. We know at some point, everyone experiences problems with irritability, sadness, or self-blame. Such responses usually don’t last that long. Clinical depression occurs when these feelings, along with a set of additional symptoms, become intense or remain for several weeks.

Depression is often the result of loss. It comprises a myriad feelings of despair and isolation and loneliness and lethargy which sever us from loved ones who we feel don't understand. So we don't talk ..or don't want to talk. Only if that depression would just go away. It can be a chemical imbalance from a family history or from reactive loss, it still isolates us. My approach is to help you feel you can trust to talk and explore the source of the "disconnect". I will listen without judging and guide you to express the "hidden" feelings that congregate into "depression". Gradually you will begin to understand and learn effective ways to handle and manage the various feelings of depression.