Depression Counselling in Calgary

At Alberta Forensic Psychology, we provide specific, evidence-based counselling for depression. We create a judgement-free environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to express your thoughts and emotions with a professional who can provide you with the right coping tools and strategies.

With each session, our goal is to help you refine these methods. We encourage self-reflection to help you better understand the root cause of your depression.

There is no cure for depression – it can be a lifelong condition that can impact one’s quality of life. However, with the right approach and professional counselling, there are tools available that can help you manage symptoms of depression. When you have the strategies you need, you can better navigate depression and live a fulfilled, healthy life.

No, Alberta Health Care does not cover private counselling services.

There are different types of medications that can help with symptoms of depression. It’s important to speak with your family physician about the different medication options to see which one is right for you.

A psychologist has the training and knowledge to provide evidence-based tools and coping strategies that are effective at breaking negative thought patterns associated with symptoms of depression. During counselling sessions, you’ll have a better understanding of what causes your depression so you can deal with the symptoms in a healthier manner. 

A professional psychologist provides a safe and controlled environment where you can navigate your thoughts and emotions, helping you express and feel them without judgment.

With any counselling services, the first step is to sit with you and learn about your treatment goals. We can perform assessments to properly diagnose your mental health concerns, which will help us tailor a treatment plan based on your needs. At Alberta Forensic Psychology, we take a collaborative approach that encourages you to take control of as much of the decision-making as you are comfortable with.

You can expect to speak with one of our unbiased counsellors who can help you understand your experience with depression, free from criticism or judgment. Counselling offers a secure and empathetic environment for you to openly discuss your challenges, emotions, and negative thought patterns.

The duration of depression counselling can vary greatly from person to person, depending on a number of factors, including:

• The severity of the depression
• The individual’s progress and how they respond to counselling
• The frequency of counselling services
• Personal goals 
• Whether medication is combined with counselling

Some people end their counselling sessions when they feel confident in their ability to use healthy coping tools, while others choose long-term counselling to help them navigate their battle with depression symptoms.

No, you are not required to be on medication when you receive counselling. The decision to combine medication with counselling is up to you and your family physician.

There are many different types of therapies used for treating depression. The right one depends on your treatment goals and your comfort level, which we will discuss further during your initial consultation. The effectiveness of each therapy can vary from person to person, depending on how they respond to the therapy. Sometimes, a combination of different approaches may be most effective. 

Some types of therapies for treating depression include:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy – This type of therapy focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviours and changing them by developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

• Interpersonal Therapy – This type of therapy explores how relationships and life events may contribute to depression. The goal of interpersonal therapy is to help indivudlas develop healthier ways of relating to others, improving interpersonal relationships and communication.

• Group Therapy – This can be an effective approach that can be combined with individual therapy. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, learn from others, and practice social skills. 

Occasional sadness is a normal emotion for everyone and is part of a healthy response to challenging life situations. Occasional sadness typically goes away. However, when the feeling turns into symptoms that make it difficult to live a normal life, this could be a symptom of depression. 

By definition, depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and can include suicidal thoughts. Depression significantly impacts a person’s daily life, including their physical and emotional health.