Welcome To Love This Therapy

Depression Counselling In Surrey, BC

At Love This Therapy, we understand that depression can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. We know that seeking help may seem like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. Some of us at Love This Therapy have navigated our own battles with depression, and we are wholeheartedly committed to providing the guidance, support, treatment methods and care you need to rediscover a sense of joy and purpose in your life.

Are You Struggling With Depression?

Depression can manifest in many ways, from feelings of fatigue and lack of motivation to isolation and irritability. It can interfere with your goals, aspirations, and even your sense of self-worth. Depression can make it difficult to keep up with personal and professional responsibilities and can strain relationships, leaving you feeling disconnected or misunderstood. It can also affect you physically, altering your sleep, eating habits, and pain perception.

If you’re struggling with depression, remember that you’re not alone. Approximately 9 million people in North America seek professional help for depression every month. Our counsellors at Love This Therapy have years of experience guiding individuals out of depression’s shadows and reconnecting them with hope, ease, and motivation in their lives.

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Understanding The Types Of Depression

Depression is a complex condition with various types and subtypes, each presenting unique challenges. Our counsellors are skilled in addressing various forms of depression, including:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

People struggling with Major Depressive Disorder may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Our counsellors can provide multiple types of therapy to help with these symptoms such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Treating depression through a modality that works best for you, combined with any medication management necessary, and lifestyle alterations helps you regain a sense of emotional balance and purpose.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia, is a chronic but often less intense form of depression that can last for two years or more. While the symptoms may not be as incapacitating as those of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the prolonged nature of Dysthymia can make it equally challenging to cope with daily life and greatly affect our mental health overall. The disorder manifests through persistent senses of sadness, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and a lack of energy or motivation. Other signs may include difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and a general disinterest in social or recreational activities

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly abbreviated as SAD, is a type of depression that typically manifests during particular seasons, with the winter months being the most prevalent period for symptom onset. Although sometimes dismissed as mere “winter blues,” SAD is a recognized mental health condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Individuals with SAD may experience a range of symptoms similar to those of Major Depressive Disorder, but these symptoms are distinctly tied to a specific season. These can include persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, difficulty focusing, and changes in sleep patterns.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a depressive episode that affects some women after childbirth, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The may include mental health feelings such as persistent feelings of sadness, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty bonding with the baby, a sense of inadequacy, severe mood swings, and more. Postpartum Depression can feel isolating, but it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone and that help is available. Our team at Love This Therapy is devoted to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help you navigate this complex emotional landscape, making your transition into motherhood as smooth as possible.

Bipolar Disorder

A condition involving episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. This disorder often manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood and requires long-term management to control the symptoms. During depressive episodes, individuals may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, mirroring symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder. Manic episodes, on the other hand, can result in excessive energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, and sometimes risky behavior. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but less severe.

How We Can Help – Treating Depression

At Love This Therapy, we offer an emotionally safe, nurturing environment for you to explore your thoughts and emotions while developing the skills to overcome depression. We provide gold-standard, evidence-based mental health therapies customized to your unique needs, such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to depression. By understanding the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you can transform your perspective and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Through this form of talk therapy, we’ll help you challenge and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs, empowering you to regain control over your mood and develop healthy coping skills.

Behavioral Activation: This therapeutic approach helps you gradually reintroduce pleasurable activities and experiences into your life, fostering a sense of accomplishment and mastery. By engaging in meaningful and rewarding tasks, you can combat the negative cycle of depression and build positive momentum.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Our mindfulness techniques teach you how to bring non-judgmental, compassionate awareness to the present moment. By focusing on the here and now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, you can more effectively manage life’s challenges. We’ll guide you in developing a mindful approach to your thoughts and emotions, which can help you break free from the cycle of depression.

Self-Compassion Practices: Learning to treat yourself with kindness and understanding is an essential aspect of healing from depression. We’ll teach you techniques to develop self-compassion and foster a gentler, more, and supportive inner dialogue. By cultivating a more compassionate relationship with yourself, you can create a strong foundation for emotional well-being.

Empathic and Compassionate Support: Our experienced counsellors at Love This Therapy are dedicated to providing empathic and compassionate support as you navigate your healing journey. We understand the unique challenges that depression presents and are committed to helping you develop the tools and insights necessary to overcome them.

We offer a personalized approach tailored to your individual needs, goals, and preferences. Our treatment plans are designed to help you reduce depressive symptoms and rediscover meaning and joy in your life.

How Can I Prepare For My First Depression Counselling Session?

To prepare for your first depression counselling session, gather any relevant information about your medical history, previous mental health treatments, and a list of any medications you are taking. Consider what you hope to achieve through counselling and be prepared to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to depression openly and honestly.

Can I Attend Depression Counselling Online?

Yes, we offer online therapy sessions via secure video conferencing platforms that are compliant with Canadian and BC Legislation on security and privacy (such as FOIPPA and PIPEDA). Online counselling provides the same level of support and therapeutic intervention as in-person sessions and can be a convenient and accessible option for individuals unable to attend sessions in person. At Love This Therapy, we have both in-person and online sessions available for you.

What Books Could I Use As A Client To Help Me Get The Most Out Of Counselling For Depression?

Mind Over Mood (by Dennis Greenberger, Christine A. Padesky et al.)
“Mind Over Mood” offers practical tools and techniques based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. These strategies help clients recognize and change negative thought patterns, which can contribute to depression. In depression counselling, therapists often use worksheets and exercises from this book to:

- Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs
- Develop problem-solving skills to address real-life situations
- Improve mood and emotional well-being by changing thinking patterns

Incorporating these strategies into therapy sessions can lead to significant improvements in clients’ ability to manage their depression and foster resilience.

2. The Mindful Way Through Depression (by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, et al.)

This book highlights the importance of mindfulness in overcoming depression. By integrating mindfulness techniques into depression counselling, clients can:

Cultivate non-judgmental, present-moment awareness
Reduce rumination and negative thinking patterns
Develop emotional regulation skills by observing and accepting emotions without becoming overwhelmed

Therapists often teach clients guided meditations, body scans, and mindful movement exercises from this book to help them better manage their depressive symptoms and prevent relapse.

3. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion (by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer)

Self-compassion is a powerful tool in depression counselling, and “The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion” offers practical guidance on cultivating this essential quality. By incorporating self-compassion practices into therapy sessions, clients can:

Learn to treat themselves with kindness, understanding, and patience, even in the face of suffering
Develop a more balanced and accepting perspective on their emotions and experiences
Build resilience and improve emotional well-being by fostering self-compassion

Therapists may use guided meditations, loving-kindness practices, and journaling exercises from these books to help clients develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, which can significantly impact their ability to cope with depression.

By integrating therapeutic strategies from these influential books into depression counselling, therapists can provide clients with a comprehensive and holistic approach to overcoming depression. These evidence-based techniques, grounded in CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion, empower clients to develop the skills and resilience needed to regain control over their lives and find lasting relief from depression.

Taking The First Step

We know that taking the first step to secure support can feel daunting, but we’re here to guide and encourage you every step of the way. Our compassionate therapists are dedicated to helping you feel better and live life with greater energy, interest, pleasure, motivation, and vibrancy. Yes, a vibrant life is within your reach.

Working Together For Long-Term Change

At Love This Therapy, we believe that healing from depression is an ongoing process that requires time, patience, and perseverance. We are committed to walking beside you as you progress on your journey towards emotional well-being and. We’ll work collaboratively to identify your strengths, build new coping skills, develop resilience, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.