Counselling for Depression

Offering compassionate treatment for depression in Toronto. Find relief, regain a sense of hope, and reconnect with living.

Ontario Mental Health Therapy

Counselling for Depression

Offering compassionate treatment for depression in Toronto. Find relief, regain a sense of hope, and reconnect with living.

Depression feels heavy

It affects every area of your life. It can affect your relationships, your work and your sense of self. Depression can steal the joy from your life. When the world feels dark, lonely, or hopeless, and you’re not sure where to turn, we can help.

Therapy can help you:

Get more peaceful and restful sleep
Treat yourself with gentleness and grace
Reduce negative self-talk

Regain a sense of hope for the future
Develop healthy coping mechanisms
Find enjoyment in life again

Improve your quality of life

Depression can show up differently for different people

Sadness and guilt
Changes in appetite
Sleep issues
Exhaustion
Body Image concerns

Irritability
Digestive issues
Risk-taking behaviour
Workaholism
Isolation

If you find yourself feeling:

Persistently sad, even when there’s no clear reason
Exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep
Overwhelmed by normal tasks like getting out of bed, showering, or making meals
Falling apart and unable to function
A marked decrease or increase in appetite
A lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Irritable or restless more often than usual
Like you’re constantly letting people down

We can help

The different types of depression

Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. In therapy, we can help you identify your symptoms and support you while working through the symptoms that are present. Some common types of depression include:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

MDD is more than occasional sadness; it involves persistent and intense symptoms that disrupt daily life, like overwhelming feelings of sadness or hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In therapy, we can help explore the root causes of your symptoms and develop strategies to manage them.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Unlike MDD, PDD involves long-term symptoms, lasting at least two years. Therapy supports you in dealing with these ongoing feelings, helping you find ways to cope with sadness, boost your energy, and improve your overall well-being.

Bipolar Disorder (or Manic-Depressive Illness)

Bipolar disorder is similar to depression, with distinct differences.

Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder

Depression: characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can be a single episode or recur throughout a person’s life.
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder involves cycles of both depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may experience heightened energy, euphoria, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes. Between these elevated moods, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience depressive symptoms similar to those in major depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

People with SAD find themselves feeling down during certain seasons, usually winter. Therapy can help you cope with these seasonal changes, using strategies to deal with low energy and irritability.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression happens to some moms after giving birth, leading to feelings of sadness and exhaustion. Therapy provides a supportive space to explore and manage the challenges of being a new mom so you can enjoy this new season of life as much as possible.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD typically occurs in the days leading up to menstruation and involves intense mood swings, irritability, sadness, and physical symptoms such as bloating and fatigue. PMDD symptoms are more severe and debilitating than regular PMS, and they can interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities. In therapy, we can help you find treatments and coping strategies to alleviate its impact and improve your quality of life.

Atypical Depression

Atypical Depression deviates from the typical depressive symptom profile. Symptoms may include increased appetite, weight gain, excessive sleep, and heightened sensitivity to interpersonal rejection. Therapy focuses on understanding and addressing these unique symptoms, often incorporating cognitive-behavioural strategies to challenge negative thought patterns.

Situational or Reactive Depression

Situational or Reactive Depression happens after specific life events or stress. Therapy helps you navigate these tough times, providing coping strategies and helping you bounce back from life changes.

We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.

– Brené Brown

Why Work With Ontario Mental Health Therapy

When you’re going through a tough time, feeling like each day is a challenge, we’re here to help you reconnect, grow personally, and find the support you need.

Our team has over 20-years combined experience helping people find relief, work through challenges, and get tools and strategies to support their mental health.

You are deserving of that support too.

We offer a safe, culturally inclusive space to share your experiences and get the help you need.

Live with purpose, intention and joy!

Charnel Ewen-Lewis

Clinic Director & Founder

Registered psychotherapist

Therapists that treat depression

Senam Bruce-Kemevor

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)

Tanatswa Dhliwayo

Registered psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Eunice Chau

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Jennifer McDonnell

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Ukasha Malik

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Our Approach

How Depression counselling Works

An evidence-based approach to overcoming depression and finding a renewed sense of hope.

WE LEARN ABOUT YOU

We take the time to understand your strengths, challenges and your therapeutic goals.

WE CREATE A PLAN

We work together to create a personalized plan to help you develop the skills you need to meet your goals

WE PROGRESS FORWARD

We continue to assess your progress and celebrate with you as you make strides in managing your depression and finding renewed hope.

When you’re ready to take the first step toward healing.

Positive Outcomes with Depression Counselling

Feel more in control to handle life’s challenges
Feel happier and more fulfilled
Learn how to speak to yourself with compassion

Be gentle with yourself – on your path to healing

Frequently Asked Questions

How is depression treated?

While there are lots of ways to approach therapy, the most important factor is a strong, trusting relationship between you and your therapist.

In our clinic, all therapeutic approaches are not only backed by research but also proven to be effective in providing support for depression, low mood, and depressive symptoms. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to guide you through a path that feels right for you.

What will the therapy process look like?

While each therapist has a unique approach, typically, the initial 1-3 sessions serve as a chance for your therapist to understand you better and figure out the best way to support you.

Together, you and your therapist will create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences. Every session is tailored to you, ensuring it meets your specific requirements. We highly recommend scheduling a consultation with a therapist to explore how we can best approach therapy based on the support you’re seeking. Your well-being is our priority.

Can depression go away?

Depression is highly treatable and you can learn to manage it in a way that works for you. In therapy, we take the time to understand your symptoms or how it’s affecting you on a daily basis in order for us to best support you. By building awareness and identifying your needs on a deeper level, you can learn how to attend to those needs in a way that improves and supports your mental well-being.

How do I know that therapy is working?

Healing is not a linear process, but over time, you may start to notice changes in how you feel, behave, or think. If you’re handling challenges better, feeling more in control, or having better relationships, those are good signs. We invite you to keep your therapist updated about how you are feeling so that we can adjust our approach as needed. Therapy is a journey that takes time, but with persistence and open communication, you can start to feel better.

Ontario Mental Health Therapy

How To Get Started

If you’re looking for virtual therapy in Toronto, Mississauga, the GTA, and Brampton regions, Ontario Mental Health Therapy is here to support you.

Book A Free Consultation

If you are curious, uncertain, or have questions, this call will help you decide if moving forward with therapy is right for you.

Book An Appointment

If you are ready to get started with therapy, or are returning as a client to Ontario Mental Health Therapy, simply book an appointment!

When you’re ready to take the first step,

Ontario Mental Health Therapy

We can help you feel better.