Depression Counselling in Richmond Hill, ON.

Many years ago depression was called melancholia and was not considered so negatively as it is in our current "performance" focused culture. We are expected to be "up" continuously in today's busy life-styles, with work, children, relationships, and even in our playtime. The result of this sort of expectation can be debilitating and certainly can lead to long bouts of feeling out of control, unfulfilled, unmotivated and ultimately immobilized. Depression can certainly be dealt with through very effective therapeutic techniques. I work with clients to better understand the root cause of their sadness and help them to look at the possible meaning behind their depression and how to best cope.

Feeling sad is natural for human beings. But when sadness lasts for prolonged periods or interferes with one's life, that individual may be suffering from depression. It is important to remember that depression is a medical illness which affects the brain, mood and behaviour. The good news is that depression can be treated with a variety of methods including psychiatry, specialists, and most importantly talk therapy. I strive to give my clients a safe and comforting place to express and work together on their depression.

Sometimes, we think of depression in social terms as the sadness and aloneness we feel that doesn't significantly interfere with our daily abilities to function. At other times, depression may dramatically limit the energy or interest we have to do anything. This may require the help of your physician to rule out the biological causes of medical problems that present as depression. In both examples, therapy is necessary to increase the possibility of a good outcome. When I've met folks suffering from all forms of depression, I've relied on my education, training and experience to provide counselling and therapy. Depression is difficult, but you don't need to be alone to manage it.

Accepting new clients! Depression is a complex and challenging condition that can have a profound impact on individuals. The encouraging news is that depression is a treatable illness, and with appropriate support and treatment, it's possible to find relief and regain a sense of balance and stability. You have options, and support is available to guide you through this journey. Contact me today!

It feels like you’re stuck in this deep, dark hole and can’t seem to get yourself out. You put on a smile for your friends and family, but in reality you feel empty. You don’t remember what it’s like to be happy and don’t find joy in anything anymore. You feel alone, but also can’t find the will or energy to talk to anyone. Therapy can provide you with a safe, supportive environment so you don’t have to go through this alone. We can explore where these feelings are coming from (past, present, or future) and work towards finding your happiness again. Email me for more information or to book a free consultation today.

Studies have shown that psychotherapy for depression can be as effective as taking antidepressants. Depression can range from mild feelings of sadness and emptiness to all-encompassing, fully debilitating darkness. If you are experiencing feelings of depression, emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness and are finding it difficult to function in your day to day life, psychotherapy can be helpful in helping you to understand what is going on with you and help you to rise up from the depths to lead a more satisfying and meaningful life. It can also assist you in re-engaging in the process of living and in relationships with the people who are important to you.

Aside from bio-chemical imbalances in one's body, depression can arise from a number of situational and relational factors. We can explore how any of these can be understood, responded to, and lived with in a way which can help to alleviate depressive challenges. It can be difficult to gain awareness of what's not right, and how to get things right, when you're battling just to survive. Our work together can help to clarify what's happening, and how to put helpful coping practices to work.

Sadness is a common emotion. However, when sadness lingers in our lives, is long term, and affects our day to day life, then it is something to be addressed. I help clients to take steps towards reducing depression through related actions. Alongside this, I work with clients to understand how the depression is controlling them and what strategies we might consider to reduce this control. For example, clients often find it helpful to engage with others, challenge their thinking, consider their past positive experiences, and consider changes to their environment to begin to feel more and more positive emotions and less depressed.

Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. Working with a psychotherapist, you will learn essential skills and coping strategies that empower you to manage and alleviate depressive symptoms. Recovery from depression is a gradual process, but with the support of a skilled psychotherapist, you can regain control of your life. We help you set realistic goals, build self-esteem, and enhance your problem-solving abilities. By understanding the underlying causes of your depression and developing practical tools to cope with stress and emotional challenges, you can begin to see improvements in your mood and overall well-being.

Winnie's approach to depression draws primarily from Cognitive- Behavior Therapy. If you feel that you don't have the energy to do things, or even get up in the morning, then come in for counselling. Counselling can help you to explore what is the bothering you emotionally, understand yourself better, and learn how to see or understand the issues from a better perspective

Depression is often a response to having experienced profound psychological pain. It is a way for us to retreat or numb ourselves from the overwhelming emotions of such stressful circumstances. It acts as a protective shield in a way. In therapy, we will work towards addressing the underlying sources that are contributing to feelings of deep sadness. This can be a difficult task and as such it can be helpful to include strategies alongside our reflective work which may include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Behavioural Activation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me to see if I’m the right fit for you.

Depression is a result of non-processed grief, which itself comes from a sense of loss. It is the mechanism through which the mind tries to “take it easy” and focus on the loss. However, in today’s society, we do our best to avoid it or even deny it. Sometimes, we take the easy way of medication so that we do not face this darkness inside. A successfully therapy accompanies the client through this journey of introspection and creates supportive environment in which the client faces the loss. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

People are often faced with moments of sadness which can sometimes lead to chronic sadness. My work with clients could involve deep reprocessing of certain memories related to depression which allow clients new insights into how to face their depression. Further to this, by guiding clients on their recovery from depression, we are able to pinpoint aspects that must be addressed to help the recovery process which may include mindfulness, thoughts, and/or behaviors.

Depression is often associated with symptoms such as fatigue, loss of motivation, loss of pleasure, withdrawal, and feelings of sadness. Often, when individuals feel depressed, they stop engaging in activities they enjoy which can perpetuate depressive symptoms. There are a variety of evidence-based approaches to explore depression. Together, we will decide which approach is best for you. Please contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to determine if we are a good fit.

I use CBT to help improve depression symptoms. We explore: causes, triggers and symptoms to work on. I use behavioral activation to help make a list of enjoyable activities that you can begin with. Having someone to listen empathically is immensely useful. Helping to understand early signs of depression is also essential so that you can intervene to help yourself as early as possible.