Anxiety and depression are two sides of the same coin
Treating one helps the other.
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Anxiety counselling: Our unique approach
Trauma-informed +
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
When working with anxious or panicked individuals, we take a caring and understanding approach called trauma-informed therapy. We do this because we've found that almost everyone we meet has experienced some form of trauma. It's quite common. In fact, if you lived through the pandemic, you've been part of a collective trauma – a challenging experience that affected many people.
Our therapeutic approach is akin to working together as a team to help you feel better, especially when it comes to anxiety. We use a method called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to give you practical tools for managing and easing your anxiety. This happens in a safe and supportive space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors linked to anxiety.
Additionally, with trauma-informed care, we pay special attention to any past traumas you may have had. We understand that everyone's experiences are unique, and we respect that. The goal is not just to ease immediate anxiety but also to help you heal from any underlying traumas.
As part of the process, we might use exposure techniques. This means gradually facing and managing your fears to make you more comfortable with anxiety triggers. The pace of this is entirely up to you, ensuring you feel in control and respected throughout.
So, think of anxiety therapy with us as a personalized journey, giving you the tools and support to understand and overcome your anxiety. We believe in creating a space where you can heal, especially considering the shared challenges many have faced, such as the collective trauma of the pandemic.
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety is a debilitating condition that makes us feel worried and agitated a lot of the time. We may also begin to feel really upset that we are not able to control our emotions in certain situations and scared that it might take over our lives.
There are many different types of anxieties. Some common ones include social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
When experiencing anxiety, we can often look at it from two distinct viewpoints- physical and cognitive symptoms.
Often symptoms include:
1. Nervousness, restlessness, or being tense: This refers to a constant feeling of unease, jitteriness, or tightness in your muscles. It's like that sensation when you're on edge or anticipating something.
2. Feelings of danger, panic, or dread: Experiencing intense emotions of fear or impending doom. It might feel like a heightened sense of danger or an overwhelming sense of panic.
3. Rapid breathing or hyperventilation: Breathing much faster than usual, often accompanied by a feeling of not getting enough air. This can contribute to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
4. Increased or heavy sweating: Noticing a sudden or excessive increase in perspiration, even in non-strenuous situations. This can be a physical manifestation of anxiety.
5. Trembling or muscle twitching: Involuntary shaking or muscle twitches, which can be a visible sign of the physical tension associated with anxiety.
6. Weakness or lethargy: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, possibly as a result of the mental and emotional strain that anxiety can
bring.
7. Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about:
Finding it challenging to concentrate on tasks or thoughts unrelated to the source of anxiety. Your mind may feel preoccupied with concerns.
8. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often due to racing thoughts or heightened anxiety that interferes with the ability to relax.
9. Obsessions about certain ideas: Persistent, intrusive thoughts that dominate your mind, often leading to rumination for hours.
10. Anxiety surrounding a particular life event: or experience that has occurred in the past. Usually it is because you might be having a trauma reaction.
When working from a trauma-informed approach, we usually ask the question of “what happened to you?” in order to learn the cause of the anxiety. This reduces the need to continually “fix” ourselves and blame ourselves for feeling a certain way.
Please take our anxiety questionnaire below to see your score and talk about it.
Our approach
Trauma-informed +
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Central to psychotherapy for depression is the creation of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Trauma-informed care recognizes that past traumas can significantly impact mental health, and it emphasizes a compassionate and understanding approach. Establishing trust between the therapist and the individual is crucial, allowing for the exploration of depression triggers, patterns, and any underlying traumatic experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to depression. This process aims to reshape distorted thinking, leading to more positive emotional responses and behavioral changes. It empowers individuals to develop coping mechanisms that enhance emotional well-being and resilience.
A key component of trauma-informed psychotherapy is acknowledging and addressing any underlying traumas that may contribute to depression. Therapists guide individuals through a careful exploration of past experiences, recognizing the potential impact on their current thoughts and behaviors. This trauma-informed lens ensures a sensitive and gradual approach, respecting the individual's unique experiences and sensitivities.
Research indicates the effectiveness of trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, particularly in the context of treating depression. Studies have shown that trauma-informed care can significantly improve symptoms of depression, providing individuals with valuable tools to navigate and overcome their emotional challenges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Trauma-informed approaches within psychotherapy, especially when employing CBT, have demonstrated positive outcomes in treating depression. The emphasis on understanding past traumas, coupled with empowering individuals with practical coping strategies, contributes to the effectiveness of trauma-informed care in addressing the multifaceted nature of depression.
In summary, psychotherapy for depression, enriched by trauma-informed approaches like CBT, offers a personalized and effective journey toward healing. By creating a supportive environment, addressing underlying traumas, and reshaping negative thought patterns, this therapeutic approach plays a crucial role in helping you overcome depression.
Depression Symptoms
Depression is a challenging mental health issue, and it can affect people in various ways. If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these signs consistently, it could indicate depression. It's crucial to reach out to a trusted adult, teacher, or mental health professional for support. Here are some signs to be aware of:
Symptoms include:
1. Persistent Sadness: Feeling consistently down or empty for most of the day, almost every day.
2. Loss of Interest: Losing interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable.
3. Sleep Changes: Experiencing disruptions in sleep patterns, such as trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively.
4. Appetite Changes: Significant shifts in appetite leading to noticeable weight loss or gain.
5. Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and lacking the energy to engage in daily activities.
6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Having ongoing feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame.
7. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling with focus, decision-making, and cognitive tasks.
8. Restlessness or Agitation: Feeling restless or agitated, being unable to sit still.
9. Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or having a short temper.
10. Social Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social activities, friends, and family, and isolating oneself.
11. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
12. Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Having persistent thoughts about death, dying, or suicidal ideation.
It's important to know that help is available, and talking to someone you trust is the first step toward getting
support. Mental health professionals, counselors, and teachers can provide assistance and resources to manage and overcome depression. Don't hesitate to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.