I provide psychotherapy for depression. I work mainly with cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as other therapeutic modalities, to help depression sufferers regain the ability to enjoy life, rebuild self-confidence, and return to productive functioning in society.
What is Depression?
Depression is far more than just feeling sad, having the blues or feeling down for a few days in a row. It is a psychological state that is marked by profound sadness, negative thinking about oneself, world and the future, fatigue and a reduced ability to enjoy life. Depression sufferers struggle to function in the present, take care of themselves, work, study and maintain relationships.
There is no one cause of depression that fits all. Sometimes exposure to trauma, abuse, neglect or bereavement can precipitate the development of depression. More often, it is just that the person’s life has been too hard, or too stressful for too long. Occasionally, there do not seem to be any obvious psychological or life-event causes.
In general, a marked relationship has been found between severe life events and the onset of depression. However, only a minority of people experiencing a negative life event develop depression; therefore, interaction with a biological vulnerability is likely.
In psychology, it is believed that depression results from a tendency to interpret life events in a negative way. Depressed individuals think negatively about themselves, their immediate world, and their future. These beliefs may comprise a negative blueprint, or an automatic and enduring cognitive bias about aspects of life.
A person who is depressed usually experiences several of the following symptoms:
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or pessimism;
Lowered self-esteem and heightened self-depreciation;
A decrease or loss of ability to take pleasure in ordinary activities;
Reduced energy and vitality;
Slowness of thought or action;
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions;
Changes in appetite and disturbed sleep;
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Psychotherapy for depression begins with talking to a therapist in a caring, warm, and non-judgmental environment. The therapist can explain what is happening to you and likely reasons why. In therapy we explore and process the possible causes: death, loss, conflict, abuse, “too much for too long”. A vital goal of depression treatment is to develop a compassionate and nurturing side in the person to counteract their self-attacking "inner critic". Together, we will identify and change the negative thinking patterns associated with depressed state. For individuals who have effectively “numbed out” their emotions, and who may feel disconnected from themselves, psychotherapy for depression helps them reconnect with emotions, so they can process them and let them go. In order to cope with depression, it is necessary to take care of yourself. In therapy for depression you will learn having a healthy lifestyle, learning to manage stress, setting limits on what you are capable of, and implementing rewarding activities in daily life.
I have been working with depression since the beginning of my practice in Montreal, since 2009. I am passionate about psychotherapy for depression, because I have seen how radically it can change someone’s life. I have experienced quite a bit of hardship at various times in my life, and my empathy is genuine: I know what you are going through. My knowledge of the brain mechanisms allows me to explain to you the latest scientific knowledge about how and why depression sets in. Understanding gives hope that there is a cause, therefore there may be an end or change to that cause. I am trained in and use several therapeutic modalities and perspectives to help me help you get better.
Therapy fee is fixed at $180 per session (tax inclusive).
If you experience depressed mood, negative thinking and reduced enjoyment of life, contact me. I will do my best to help you regain your quality of life.
I offer a free 20 min phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about the process of therapy and the way I work.
