Utilizing Evidence-Based therapeutic approaches, we aim to provide effective psychotherapy interventions. We practice and draw upon various therapeutic modalities to help you with the challenges that you may be facing.
We offer virtual therapy across Ontario and in-person appointments at Scarborough & Mississauga.
Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians report experiencing mental health struggles. That is an astonishing 7.65 Million Canadians per year! At some point in life, we all need a support system there for us. Therapy can be an outlet for you to safely explore your feelings as well as develop healthy coping skills to navigate your life.
Major Depression, often referred to as clinical depression, involves intense feelings of sadness that last for two weeks or more. You might also lose interest in things you used to enjoy, feel tired all the time, or notice changes in your appetite. This condition can make you feel like you're carrying a heavy burden, but therapy can help cope with the situation more effectively. By joining therapy sessions, you may develop better insights into your condition, how to manage difficult or negative feelings and ways to find pleasure in life again. A supportive environment during the therapy sessions may help you overcome some of the challenges and support your journey toward a healthier future.
Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia, means you have a low mood that lasts for a long time - usually two years or more. It can make you feel unhappy, have low self-esteem, and you may struggle to find the energy to do things. You may be able to carry out basic tasks like managing work (with difficulty), but everything starts feeling like a chore. But remember, there's help available. In therapy sessions, you may explore what triggers your low moods and find strategies to manage them effectively. This way, you may understand your condition better and find ways to break the cycle of persistent sadness so you can rediscover the joy in your life.
Manic Depression, or Bipolar Disorder, is marked by extreme mood swings. You might experience periods of high energy and excitement (mania) followed by bouts of depression. These shifts can make it hard to carry out daily tasks. But with therapy, you can learn to manage these changes and keep a more balanced mood. Help is available to understand what triggers your mood swings, how to manage your symptoms, and how to maintain a more stable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs mostly during the fall and winter months when there's less sunlight. It can make you feel down and low in energy or cause you to sleep more than usual. Therapy can be a powerful tool for managing SAD. We'll teach you how to handle these feelings and maintain a positive mindset all year round. Our supportive team is here to help you adapt to the changing seasons and maintain a positive outlook, even during the darker months.
Every individual is unique and the same issue may present differently with different individuals. Therefore, the intervention has to be tailored to your own unique needs. We have experience in numerous evidence based modalities. Whether to use a particular modality or not, can be mutually decided during the sessions. We believe in providing culturally sensitive, person centered, recovery oriented, and trauma informed services.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT for short, is a type of therapy that has helped many people who are feeling depressed. It helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour affect each other. The goal is to identify and challenge automatic negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones, which can help you feel better. You may learn how to replace unhealthy/unhelpful habits with healthy/helpful ones. Therapy can guide you on this journey, giving you the tools you need to manage your feelings of depression and improve your life.
Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is another effective form of treatment for depression. It combines standard cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices to help you better understand and manage your emotions. DBT promotes acceptance and change, offering practical skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which can be particularly useful when managing depression. Therapy sessions can support you in fostering a safe and supportive environment to learn, grow, and navigate your emotional experiences.
Psychodynamic Therapy allows individuals to delve into patterns they might not be fully aware of, often originating from past experiences. It promotes self-awareness and understanding of the influence of past experiences on present behaviour, which is particularly useful when addressing depression. This therapy seeks to uncover the root causes of depression, providing a deeper understanding of oneself, enhancing personal growth, and promoting positive change. Therapy can help you in this insightful journey, providing you with the support you need to move forward in a healthy, constructive way.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Depression can present itself in many ways. This includes persistent sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Physical symptoms may include changes in appetite, weight, sleep, and experiencing constant fatigue. It may also result in difficulties in concentration, decision-making, or thoughts of suicide. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out for support. It can be a beneficial first step toward understanding and managing your mental health.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for depression, as everyone's experience with the condition is unique. However, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy are among the well-established therapeutic approaches often used to treat depression. These treatments focus on different aspects, such as changing negative thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, or understanding the influence of past experiences. It's crucial to work with a professional therapist to determine the best course of therapy for you, tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
The duration of treatment varies per individual. It depends on the severity of symptoms, response to treatment, and specific needs. Some people might experience significant improvement within a few weeks, while others might need longer-term interventions. Remember, therapy is a journey rather than a race. The aim is to work at a comfortable pace, ensuring the best possible outcome for your mental health.