Depression, Life Transitions Existential-Humanistic

Depression, Life Transitions

Depression is the most common psychological condition, and most people experience it at one point or another in their lives.

Symptoms of depression include lethargy, low self esteem, a feeling of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, dysphoric mood and even suicidal thoughts. People who are depressed usually feel a lack of energy and a lack of pleasure and they may be agitated or irritable.

Since there are so many causes to depression, which boils down to a natural response to life experiences (a defence mechanism), each situation warrants a thorough investigation into the exact catalyst. Depending on what causes a specific incidence of depression, a treatment plan can be developed to help the individual deal with his or her emotions.

Some people are predisposed to depression in that it can run in the family. In many cases, it is learned when someone is constantly exposed to it.

Counselling can help a person to adapt to life changes that are causing grief, particularly with bereavement or marital issues. Systemic therapy is helpful in family therapy, where the efforts of the whole family can help the individual. Psychodynamic therapy helps a person to find the hidden psychological defences that cause problems to manifest. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the problem at hand, providing solutions to day-to-day issues and finding ways to restructure negative thought patterns.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who has training and experience in depression counselling you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Life transitions can be rewarding, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily easy. Change usually comes with mixed emotions, challenges and stress. It's natural to feel anxious, confused, unsettled and fatigued, no matter how you have looked forward to a change. While promotions at work can be positive and exciting, there are also negative transitions that could make you feel hopeless and negative, anxious and unable to see the solutions to the inevitable problems you face.


Some of the common transitions that people face include moving house, divorce, remarriage, empty nest syndrome, concerns about aging, adjusting to a new job, illness, or death of a loved one.

During periods of transitions, it's common for emotions from some of your past experiences to be triggered, which can make the current situation feel so much worse. That's when confusion takes over, leaving you feeling out of control and confused.

Transition counselling can help you deal with your life changes and the emotions that you are feeling in a safe and effective manner. You will be able to find the root causes of your reactions and you will be able to face the changes head on. You may even be able to push past your self-imposed limits to broaden your horizons and find a strong, new you.

You will gain clarity and understanding, as well as self-confidence to help you feel more grounded and you will develop a sense of purpose in your life. Transition therapy  has helped hundreds of thousands of people to come to terms with difficult issues in life and you can too.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who addresses transitions, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Existential-Humanistic

Existential-Humanistic psychotherapies emphasize a collaborative approach to the understanding of the client's full experience rather than just the symptom, thoughts or behaviour. Psychological problems are viewed as the result of a restricted ability to make authentic, meaningful, and self-directed choices about how to live. Consequently, interventions are aimed at increasing client self-awareness and self-understanding. The key words for existential-humanistic therapy are acceptance and growth, responsibility and freedom.

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Lisa Bylsma

M.Ed., RCC
Currently accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have... Read more

Barbara Crosby

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Barbara has over 35 years of experience in the Mental health field in both the public and private sectors. Her Clinical practice started in Social Work, then changed to Counselling Psychology... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more

Amy Rappaport

M.S.W., RCC
Welcome! I work with people experiencing a variety of life transitions and life struggles.  A stressful life event, life change, or a recent loss can make it feel like your bottom has fallen out from under... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... Read more

Clover Zeng

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Clover, with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. She works with clients at where they are and walk side by side with them until they reach the happy... Read more

Virginia McConchie

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Waitlist for new clients. My name is Virginia and I am a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. I work with individuals over the age of 18 who may be struggling with trauma, anxiety, existential questions, life... Read more

Mark Ring

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology. With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you.  Whether you need a... Read more

Jason Lehmann

M.A., RCC
*NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS, CASH, CHEQUE, OR E-TRANSFER *Over 11 years of clinical practice.  Some Information about the work  Clients present a number of problem areas, or life issues. Jason... Read more

Douglas Matear

Ed.D., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.... Read more

Adrian Juric

M.A., CCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To all appearances you’ve got a great life. You’re smart, driven, & successful. But privately, you sometimes struggle under the weight of negative thoughts and beliefs about who you are, what you are... Read more

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... Read more

Mehran Seyed Emami

M.A., RCC
I am a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (No. 18736) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (No. 10007447). I'm also a Certified Practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry (a model developed by Dr. Gabor Maté), and... Read more

Paula Bude

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Paula Bude (MEd., C.C.C., R.C.C., C.Hyp.) is asking you to consider: "what if this imperfect moment is the gateway into everything I want?".  Therapy with Paula is an invitation to deepen... Read more

Begum Ozeke

MCP, RCC
Welcome! I support individuals and couples through a wide range of challenging issues and specialize in culturally-sensitive Trauma treatment. I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of... Read more

Dorota Hedzelek

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
*Offering In Person and online video Zoom sessions* *My practice is currently accepting new clients, to book please visit online booking on website or email dorota@paincounselling.com RECOVERY FROM PAIN IS... Read more

Sophia Mivasair

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking to build confidence, clarity, and calm in their lives. You might struggle to express yourself, and be understood in important relationships. You might be stuck on a treadmill of tired patterns... Read more

Susan Brook

Ph.D., RCC
You may be in pain and seeking healing, or simply have a sense that life could be better. You probably look to the world as though you are successful and coping well, but you don't feel like that inside. In holding... Read more
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... Read more

Sarah Hickinbottom

Ph.D., RCC
CURRENTLY NOT ACCPETING NEW CLIENTS Counselling for Individuals Facing Significant Personal and/or Professional Transitions Sarah's practice is focused on working collaboratively with clients facing unexpected... Read more

Sharon Jeyakumar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and unable to move forward? Are you looking for a safe space to work through your challenges? I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ clinical experience across various... Read more

Michal Regev

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Michal Regev is a Registered Psychologist and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been counselling individuals, couples, and families since 1990, and has trained psychologists and counsellors in... Read more

Elizabeth Medina

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Medina, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I am currently working at Skylark Counselling Clinic in Downtown... Read more

Colette Mrazek

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My counselling career began over 20 years ago and since then, I have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations, such as youth at risk, children who have been orphaned, young parents,... Read more

Tara Azimi

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 12 years of experience. I’m also completing a PhD where I collaborate on research projects on diabetes, domestic abuse... Read more

Leslie Stewart

M.Couns., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Thank you for choosing to read about me and the services I offer. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #16706) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have a Master of Counselling... Read more

Andrew Herfst

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I provide an Online / Telephone counselling option* I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian... Read more

Kaitlin Harvey

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Kaitlin and I’m an RCC with the BCACC with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I’m a former middle school teacher who pivoted... Read more

Kristen Bailey

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
People come to therapy for a variety if reasons, but ultimately there is something you are experiencing in your life that is causing you pain and suffering that you want to address. We all experience pain that stems... Read more

Sarah Siddiqui RCC

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
*Now Accepting Clients.  For insurance purposes: please note I am an RSW and RCC* Whether trying therapy has been an unfulfilled new year’s resolution for the past number of years, something that just... Read more