Depression Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Depression

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.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness approaches

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy encompasses a range of six principles that aim to help clients develop greater psychological flexibility. The six principles include:

1. Cognitive defusion help to reduce tendencies to regard thoughts, memories and emotions as real and concrete events.

2. Acceptance is about allowing the thoughts to surface and pass without the need to allow them to interfere with daily life.

3.  Being present means being aware of current existence and being involved with the now.

4. Self observation helps the client to be aware of the self and the unchanging consciousness.

5. Exploring values to discover those that are most important to the person.

6. Committed action involves setting goals based on the explored values, and setting actions in place to reach those goals.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy and is commonly used in therapy, and in it's sub-forms and helpful for a range of conditions, including OCD. If you require Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, have a look at the counsellors listed below.

Mindfulness approaches help clients to be focused in the here and now. Generally rooted in Eastern meditative techniques,  Mindfulness approaches offer a non-judgmental alternative therapy for dealing with stress and other psychological issues.

By observing worrisome thoughts and learning to accept situations for what they are, people can learn to cope with issues better and make more productive choices.

Mindfulness approaches include a range of models, including dialectical behaviour therapy,  mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These approaches can be used in a wide range of settings to reduce the symptoms of a broad spectrum of psychological issues.  These therapies can be practiced effectively in individual or group therapy.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Mindfulness approaches, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Utku Ucay

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Life’s hardships can break us into pieces. We may feel like we want to throw in the towel. We might lose our confidence in ourselves. We might be oppressed, feeling depressed. We might feel lonely. We might be... Read more

Tracy Lau

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Are you ready to break free from the ordinary and sculpt a life that's EXTRAORDINARY? Raise your hand if you are tired of living today the same way as you are living yesterday, and the day before that. On the... Read more

Nicole Paley

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Drawing from the latest research on neuroscience, mindfulness and attachment theory, I'm a warm, client-centered therapist who views therapy as an opportunity to compassionately work with what's creating... Read more

Curt DeWolff

M.Ed., CCC
In counselling sessions I work to maintain a safe environment for my clients. I strive to create a space free from judgment so clients feel comfortable to share openly. As I get to know my clients, I allow... Read more

Josh Ruberg

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Stuck. Alone. Overwhelmed. Those are the words clients often connect with. Perhaps you have tried everything you can think of to change things. Maybe you've tried everything your friends and family can think of... Read more

Jeffrey Hoy

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a therapist who wants to help you, in the way that works for you, and at the pace that works for you. I seek to create a safe, calm, and open place for you to explore what is really going on. I have lived a richly... Read more

Zoe Nichele

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I’m Zoe! I work with people seeking freer self-expression, deeper authenticity, and calmer presence in life. The people I work with are often struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or life... Read more

Leah Dhahan

M.A., RCC
Welcome! Are you struggling to set boundaries and speak your truth in relationships? Are you currently experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger, or powerlessness in your life or relationships? Do you find yourself... Read more

Katie Burden

M.A., RCC
I believe that suffering can often carry with it important messages about who we are as people, what’s important to us, and what gives our life meaning. Therefore the goal of therapy in my opinion is never to... Read more

Claire deBruyn

M.A., RCC
Hi! I’m Claire deBruyn, and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).  Through my counselling practice I work to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for us to collaboratively find solutions... Read more

Suvi Teigen

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Suvi. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and am a RSW (Registered Social Worker) with the BC College of Social Workers. I am also human and at times I have been where you may find yourself now... Read more

Reza Roodi

M.Sc., RCC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor/Psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I use a client-centred, integrative approach to address the therapeutic goals of... Read more

Ira Yakubovitz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Adele Berry

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that sometimes we all need a little help to tangle with life’s dilemmas. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside clients and help in navigating the pathway to change and work towards goals in a safe... Read more

Ksenia Belova

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people desiring stronger, deeper and more fulfilling relationships with themselves, and with other people. If you're struggling to feel well and to live the life you want, you may feel cut off from your... Read more
    • Online booking
Sunny Singhawachna  (She/They) MCP, RCC. I am a registered clinical counsellor and I am currently offering virtual and in-person counselling from downtown Vancouver. I identify as a cis-gendered, queer female... Read more

Judy Zhu

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or feeling stressed out? Are you also experiencing health issues such as digestion problems, poor sleep, pain and fatigue? I am a registered clinical... Read more

Samantha Lee

M.Ed., RCC
Hey there, I’m Sam! I provide therapy from a trauma-informed, client centered perspective that is anti-oppressive. My style of counselling prioritizes warm, transparent communication. I have experience supporting... Read more

David Chang

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. David Chang is an award-winning educator and author with over twenty years of experience in youth and adult education.  Dr. Chang previously worked as a limited-term lecturer in the Faculty of... Read more

Keri Povall

M.A.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Increase your emotional well-being, decrease your anxiety and stress and increase your enjoyment of life. My counselling practice in Burnaby provides a safe, confidential and compassionate space to explore your areas of... Read more

Sarajoy David

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Audio on profile
The focus of my service is the teaching of emotional self-care skills.  I draw upon leading edge therapies in facilitating each person's journey to self-awareness, healing and empowerment. This self-exploration... Read more

Emily Thomsen

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a registered clinical counsellor providing individual and couples counselling in-person and virtually.  I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, am a certified Art Therapist, Life Coach, and... Read more

Kate McKay

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome! I'm Kate (she/her), Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Coastal Calm Therapy. Pregnancy, fertility, and the postpartum period has become infinitely more complex in our current world, and I... Read more

Christopher Cardoso

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
If you’re tired of suffering alone and feeling misunderstood, finding the right therapist is a great place to start. I have spent nearly a decade helping people face overwhelming challenges and beat the odds. You... Read more

Lynne Cowburn

M.Ed., RSW
I believe in the innate ability of every human to heal.. even when it feels too dark to do so. My goal is to help you foster insights, understanding and acceptance of the obstacles that prevent you from expanding into a... Read more

Alexa Harder

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
*Currently on mat leave until May 2024. If you wish to be placed on my waitlist please email alexa@inprocess.ca* My Approach My intention as a therapist is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental, and trusting... Read more

John Woychuk

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
I'm here to provide a safe space for you in your time of distress, crisis or loss. Safety begins with connecting with another human being and not being alone in your struggle. Whatever is happening for you will be... Read more

Jefferson Smith

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Life is really hard and often painful. We all need support to find our way through this confusing and challenging existence. Most of us think we are broken and aren’t certain how to help ourselves through... Read more

Vicki McCabe

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Are you stressed at work and can’t sleep at night? Feeling worried, stuck and overwhelmed? I understand that these experiences can lead to feelings of loss – loss of control, loss of freedom, and loss of... Read more