Depression may feel all-consuming, making you feel exhausted, without energy or hope, and just not motivated. However, there is hope, and help is available. If you are struggling, psychological counselling in NW Calgary may provide coping strategies and support for your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Let us investigate how counselling works, the benefits of counselling and why it may be the next step in your recovery.
What is Psychological Counselling?
Psychological counselling allows individuals to safely reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Psychological Counselling near you can offer access to a support system and the addition of strategies to help lead to a healthier life.
Counselling may include:
- Discussing negative emotional responses and/or stressful situations.
- Learning to cope with intrusive and distressing thoughts.
- Developing coping strategies to face the challenges presented daily.
- Recognizing maladaptive behaviour patterns.
How Does Counselling Help With Depression?
Depression is not simply the state of being sad—it can also influence sleep, appetite, focus, and our ability to function in daily living. Counselling helps people by offering practical tools to manage the effects. Here’s how:
- Emotional support—The counsellor will listen without judgement to provide support and to let you know you are not alone.
- Skills development—Your counsellor will provide you with skills, like mindfulness or cognitive restructuring, which assist you in breaking the cycle of negative thinking.
- Behavioural changes—Counselling facilitates small and achievable actions that improve negative behaviours and build positive ones.
- Long-Lasting Relief—Rather than a quick fix, counselling involves making changes in the way we think and behave to build long-lasting changes.
Who Can Benefit From Psychological Counselling?
You don’t need to be in crisis to receive counseling. Many people find counseling helpful when they are experiencing emotional, mental, or situational stress.
Counselling is valuable for:
- Adults who want psychological counselling for depression.
- People who have had ongoing stress or trauma.
- Everyone who wants psychological counselling for anxiety.
- People who are going through life transitions such as divorce, a change of job, or loss.
Can Counselling Work Alongside Other Treatments?
Yes. Counselling can be combined with other types of care, such as medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. For example, some patients also work with a chiropractor in NW Calgary to deal with physical discomfort, such as headaches or back pain, which can sometimes exacerbate mood symptoms.
Seeing both mental and physical health together usually produces better results.
What Should You Expect in Counselling Sessions?
Beginning counselling can bring about hesitation, and while we understand how this feels, knowing what to expect can help alleviate hesitations. Each session usually goes something like this:
- First Session – You share concerns, history, and goals.
- Ongoing Sessions – The therapist will help teach a range of techniques to help you manage some of the issues/symptoms you face, and offer support to practice these techniques.
- Moving Through Sessions – After some time, you and the therapist will check in on progress and adjust as needed.
All the above is specific to counselling generally, and counselling is a personal experience, and therefore progress will look different from person to person.
How Do You Find Counselling Services Near You?
If you are thinking about counseling, it can be helpful to find clinics in your area that are professional and will provide a safe and welcoming environment. When you are choosing the clinic, it may be helpful to consider:
- Location and accessible for visiting.
- The style and experience of the professional.
- Services that meet your needs (such as depression, stress, and anxiety).
Many people also combine emotional health services with physical care. You may choose to see a chiropractor near you, as a complement to your counselling experience, to ensure you are tending to both your mind and body.
Synergea Family Health Centre – Take the First Step Today
It takes a lot of courage to navigate depression, but you don’t have to face it all alone. At Synergea Family Health Centre, you will find a supportive care team that can help you with all of your mental and physical health needs. This clinic is a safe space to help you on either your counselling journey, complementary care, or both.
If you’ve been thinking about counseling, the time to act is now! Call today and ask how an increased sense of support can play a role in helping you feel lighter, stronger, and more in control of your own life.