Depression Counselling in Saint George, ON.

The combination of schema therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective approach to dealing with depression. The CBT aspect of the therapy provides insight into HOW depression affects our lives. The schema portion of the therapy addresses the question of WHY depression exists in our lives. The therapy is comprehensive and intense and I encourage you to give it a try.

In many cases, I view depression as an "alarm bell" that tells the individual that there is something wrong in their life. Have they turned their anger in life toward themselves? Are they not living their best, or preferred, life? Is there something that's happened in their life that is getting them down, but they don't realize how much power it truly has? Depression can also be about learned helplessness, or having a sense, through experience, that there is no point in even trying at something. Such helplessness can come from feeling defeated, feeling significant guilt about something, & even from self-defeating 'self-talk' that an individual engages in (without completely realizing it).

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.

Those who struggle with depression can face a loss of their former self, lack of motivation, even a debilitating state of being that impacts one’s functioning. The positive news is that depression is treatable, and it does not define you! At Growth Counselling Services you can establish a new relationship with your depression. We will use an evidenced-based psychotherapy known as ACT. Research shows that ACT is an effective treatment for depression. In working together through the ACT approach, I am confident that a returned sense of purpose and meaning can become your reality once again. If you’re ready to take the journey toward improved well-being, call Growth Counselling Services today

Depression can be understood as a weight or gravity which is pulling the person back into themselves. This has been made necessary because they have moved too far away from their centred and true self. My work in this area is to help the person identify and affirm this deepest centre of Self. This entails going more deeply into the feelings of depression, understanding what has been pushed down through the depression, and working to bring it into the light.