Depression Therapy
What is Depression Therapy?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects everyone. Additionally, more than 10% of those who are pregnant and those who have recently given birth also face depression. There are many factors that lead to depression from traumatic experiences, loss and chronic stress, to medications and underlying medical conditions, to genetic predisposition.
Everyone has periods of unhappiness in their lives, such as the loss of a loved one or job dissatisfaction. Many people become temporarily down when things don't seem to be going well. Major depression is a clinical term to define a time period that lasts more than two months in which a person feels worthless and hopeless. Depression can limit your quality of life, affect relationships, lead to lost time from work or school and contribute to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. Sometimes it can lead to dark thoughts and low moods.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for depression. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier ones. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and communication, addressing social factors contributing to depression. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines CBT with mindfulness techniques, reducing relapse risk.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of depression
Those diagnosed with major depressive disorder
People dealing with significant life stressors
Who is Depression Therapy for?
Those with co-occurring mental health conditions
Anyone seeking to improve their mental health
Common Symptoms of Depression
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Changes in appetite or weight (either loss or gain).
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
Fatigue or loss of energy.
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
Physical symptoms like unexplained aches and pains.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Get Started with Depression Therapy
How can Depression Therapy Help?
Identify and address life events: Help pinpoint life events that contribute to depression and find ways to change, accept, or adapt to those situations.
Set realistic goals: Help individuals set achievable and meaningful goals for the future.
Challenge negative thought patterns: Identify and modify distorted thought processes or unhelpful behaviours that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Develop coping skills: Provide strategies to cope with symptoms and problems, and help prevent future episodes of depression.
Improve emotional regulation: Enhance the ability to manage and regulate emotions more effectively.
Enhance relationships: Improve communication and relationship skills, which can be affected by depression.
Increase self-awareness: Foster greater self-awareness and understanding of emotions and behaviours.
Provide support and validation: A safe space to express feelings and receive support and validation from a trained professional.
We are accepting clients residing in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
Our Rates
Amelia Larson (M.S.W., R.C.S.W., Approved Clinical Supervisor)
$200 (55 min)
Amber Jerome (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
$160 (55 min)
Most insurance plans cover Amelia and Amber’s designations. Please confirm with your benefits provider. Direct billing to some insurance providers available.
Your therapy experience will be unique to who you are, your goals and needs. Drawing on various forms of therapy ensures we can tailor your experience to best suit your needs. One size does not fit all.
Therapy FAQs
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We work with emerging adults, adults and couples who are experiencing life transitions, symptoms of anxiety, depression, challenges with relationships, stress, trauma and struggles with parenting/co-parenting.
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We offer a free 15 minute consultation session for you to explore if we are the right fit for you–your goals, your needs, and your style.
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We do not work with children under the age of 15. We do not support individuals experiencing active psychosis.
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Sessions are 55 minutes in length.
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This can be directed by you if that feels right. We will often share a bit about who we are, explore your goals for therapy, answer any questions you have, and give you an opportunity to explore if we are the right fit for you.
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Yes, we bill a number of insurance providers directly. Please ensure your plan covers the designation of Provisional Psychologist or MSW, RCSW.
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Therapy can help you explore how past, current, and future experiences impact your behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. It can unpack how to show up as the best version of yourself in relationships and throughout contexts in your life. It can help you better manage how you cope with life stressors to enhance your daily functioning.
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We are client-centered which means, we take our cues and direction about how therapy unfolds from you. At times, therapy will be uncomfortable and this is where growth happens. We believe in being real and transparent, this will sometimes include some laughs and hearing the hard things.
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Your first session is an opportunity to know each other better and explore how to reach your goals, or we can dive right into why you came to therapy in the first place. It’s up to you!
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Our hope is that every therapy session will provide valuable insight, resources, and tools to help you get closer to reaching your goals in life.
Depending on the goals you have and the challenges you are navigating, some people will be in therapy regularly for a longer period of time, some may check in infrequently, and some may feel like they have what they need after a few sessions.
Our goal is never to have people in therapy every week forever, we want people to gain skills and practice them in the world without us and come back when they need support.
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We offer both virtual and in-person walk and talk sessions. We want you to be in your own safe space while working through the ‘tough’ stuff. For local clients (Calgary and Chestermere), there are options for walk and talk sessions. These sessions occur in nature (parks, walking paths, trails etc.) where we conduct a therapy session while walking together. Some people find this to be an easier way to work through their tough stuff. These sessions are weather dependent.
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You are free to contact us after hours, however, please do not expect a response outside of the business day.
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We have a limited number of sliding scale sessions available.
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We accept credit card payments, e-transfers, and NIHB funding.
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Either book your free 15-minute consult today, book yourself in for a session, or Contact Us with your questions.
Get Started Today
A therapeutic connection is an intimate and meaningful partnership. We offer a 15-minute complimentary phone consultation to determine if As You Are Therapy is the right choice for you.
