Depression therapy goes beyond managing symptoms to address why you're depressed in the first place. At Patterson Counselling Services, our Registered Psychologist explores the connections between your depression and past experiences, relationship patterns, and belief systems that may be keeping you stuck. Real healing happens when you understand the full picture.
When You Need Depression Therapy
Depression therapy is appropriate when depression has been persistent, recurring, or resistant to standard approaches. You might have tried counselling, medication, or self-help strategies that provided some relief but didn't resolve the underlying issue.
Signs that deeper work is needed include depression that comes back despite treatment, depression that seems connected to past experiences or relationship patterns, and a persistent sense of emptiness or disconnection that defies explanation.
For many people, chronic depression has roots in unresolved trauma, developmental experiences, or patterns that formed early in life. Psychotherapy provides the depth needed to address these foundations.
Our Depression Therapy Process
We begin with a comprehensive assessment that looks beyond your current symptoms to understand the full context of your depression, its history, triggers, and connections to other experiences.
Treatment may incorporate Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) when trauma is a contributing factor, along with other evidence-based approaches tailored to your situation.
Sessions are 50 minutes, typically weekly. Available in-person in Red Deer and online across Alberta.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression treatment options vary, and for milder forms, psychotherapy is often tried first, with treatment sometimes requiring trial and adjustment.
Depression Therapy Cost in Red Deer
Costs depend on session frequency and treatment duration. We discuss all fees before your first session.
Sessions with a Registered Psychologist are covered by most employer benefits plans. We accept Alberta Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, and other major providers.
Why Choose Patterson Counselling Services
Depression often has deeper roots than it appears. Our Registered Psychologist looks at the full picture, including trauma history, developmental experiences, and patterns that may be maintaining the depression.
Our practice is women-owned, wheelchair accessible, and offers online sessions across Alberta for accessibility.
Psychology Today explains how early trauma contributes to depression, noting that childhood trauma can impair prefrontal cortex development and affect emotional regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy
What's the difference between depression therapy and depression counselling?
Depression counselling focuses on support, coping skills, and understanding how depression is affecting your daily life. Depression therapy goes deeper, exploring the underlying causes, which often include past trauma, loss, or environments where your emotional needs weren't met. Therapy works to change the root patterns, not just manage the symptoms.
Can depression be caused by past trauma?
Yes. Many people experience depression that's directly connected to unresolved trauma, especially from childhood. The emotional weight of experiences that were never processed can manifest as the numbness, fatigue, and hopelessness associated with depression. Addressing the trauma often lifts the depression in ways other approaches can't.
I've been on antidepressants for years. Can therapy help me reduce my medication?
That's something to discuss with both your prescribing doctor and your therapist. Many people find that as therapy addresses the root causes of their depression, their need for medication decreases. We'd never recommend changing your medication without coordinating with your doctor.
What if I'm not sure whether it's depression or just burnout?
It's a common question, and sometimes it's both. Depression tends to be more pervasive, affecting your mood, interest in life, and sense of self beyond just work exhaustion. A first session can help us figure out what's going on and determine the best approach.
How do I start therapy when I can barely get through the day?
We make it as easy as possible. Call or email us and we'll handle the scheduling. You don't need to fill out lengthy forms or explain everything before your first session. Online sessions are available if leaving the house feels like too much. Showing up is the hardest part, and we'll take it from there.