What is Depression Counselling?

Depression is a common mental illness that can significantly interfere with your day-to-day life. It is often marked by persistent sadness, a low mood, a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and other symptoms that can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Depression feels as though having to perform daily tasks is impossible.

An effective treatment plan often involves counselling, which provides a supportive environment to explore and address the underlying issues contributing to depression. By seeking professional help from a registered clinical counsellor, individuals can navigate the challenges of mental health and work towards recovery.

Our counselling services help in identifying and challenging negative patterns to improve mental well-being. You don’t have to go through it alone. Our counselling services will guide you toward healing, and our team is here to help you overcome depression and live a joyful life.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS & MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS, WE CAN HELP:

Persistent stress
Anxiety
Fatigue
Constant sadness
Regular loss of energy
Changes in appetite
Thoughts of death or suicide
Despair and emptiness

Loss of interest in otherwise regular activities
Feeling worried and anxious
Experiencing low self-esteem
Withdrawal from social settings
Hopelessness
Reclusiveness
Panic attacks

Therapeutic Modalities for Depression

There are several therapeutic modalities that can be effective in treating depression. At Forward Mind Counselling, we utilize many modalities as treating depression is never a one size fits all approach. Some of the modalities were use includes:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a structured and evidence-based form of talk therapy. It helps individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns that can contribute to depression. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By changing unhelpful thoughts, individuals can influence their emotions and actions in a positive way. We also teach our clients coping strategies such as problem-solving, mindfulness techniques, and behavioural activation to reintroduce enjoyable or meaningful activities into their daily lives.

Traditional Talk Therapy

Through traditional talk therapy, we aim to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions, past experiences, and thought patterns. This approach focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and unresolved issues that may be contributing to symptoms of depression. Through deep reflection and guided discussion, we help our clients gain greater self-awareness and insight into their emotions and behaviours.

Dialectal Behavioural Therapy

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural strategies with mindfulness techniques. DBT has been found to be highly effective in managing emotional distress, including depression. DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. It provides structured techniques to help clients regain control over their emotions and reactions.

Family Therapy

If you are struggling with depression, having the support of family members can make a huge difference when it comes to your healing process. Family therapy involves working with the individual and their family members to improve communication and relationships, providing a supportive environment for healing.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM WORKING WITH US?

The goal of mental health counselling services is to provide a safe, validating, and judgment-free environment for you to share your experiences, so you feel empowered. We offer specialized therapy treatments geared towards healing, recovery, and working through the issues that are negatively impacting your life, so you can feel like yourself again.

During our 50-minute counselling sessions, we help you understand and process life events that may have contributed to your depression
We understand and discuss your goals
We help you track symptoms and emotional triggers
We cover a safety plan if there is any danger of self-harm
Through repeat sessions, we evaluate your progress and provide coping mechanisms and tools to help you heal—and prevent future stress
Some therapy treatments we utilize include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Talk Therapy

Different Types of Depression

The signs and symptoms someone with depression might experience will differ from person to person. When you come to see for mental health support, the registered clinical counsellor you work with will be able to provide clarity on your dperession and any other mental health conditions you might be experiencing symptoms of.

Seasonal Depression

Some people experience season depression, which is where symptoms seem to come and go depending on the time of year. This usually appears during the winter, cold, and rainy months when we are not able to enjoy spending time outside and in the sunshine.

Depressive Episodes

Some people might experience a depressive episode. This can occur once in someones life, or multiple times throughout a persons life. An episode of depression is typically when anyone experiences symptoms of depression on a daily basis for at least two weeks. However, a major depressive episode can last months and even over a year.

Moderate Depression

Moderate depression feels like a persistent low mood that makes daily tasks feel overwhelming or exhausting. People experiencing moderate depression might struggle with motivation, concentration, or finding enjoyment in activities they once loved. They may feel emotionally numb, irritable, or withdrawn from friends and family, even if they still manage to keep up with responsibilities like work or school. While moderate depression may not be as debilitating as severe depression, it can still have a significant impact on quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) lasts for two years or more and can feel like a constant, underlying sadness or emptiness. People with PDD may experience difficulty feeling hopeful about the future, struggle with self-esteem, and have trouble maintaining personal or professional relationships. Because the symptoms are long-lasting, many people with PDD don’t realize they are experiencing a mental health condition, instead believing this is simply their normal state of being in daily life. However, with proper treatment, such as therapy with a registered clinical counsellor, lifestyle changes, and other mental health support, people with chronic depression can find relief and improve their overall well-being.

Depression Counselling in Surrey