Depression can make everything feel heavy: getting through the day, connecting with others, or imagining that things could be different. If you’re struggling with persistent low mood, loss of interest, or feelings of hopelessness, therapy can help.
At Blue Rock Psychology, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for depression that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. While everyone experiences low moods sometimes, depression is characterized by persistent symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, connect with others, and enjoy life.
Common signs of depression include:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep difficulties (too much or too little)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Withdrawal from relationships and activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-HELP (4357) or call 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline).
How We Treat Depression
Depression often has multiple contributing factors, including biological, psychological, relational, and circumstantial. Our approach addresses the whole picture:
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
EFIT helps you access and process the emotions beneath depression. Often, depression involves “shutting down” as a way of coping with pain, fear, or hopelessness. EFIT creates space to feel these emotions safely and move through them.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps you engage with life meaningfully even when depression is present. You’ll learn to take small steps toward your values rather than waiting until you “feel better.”
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT addresses the negative thinking patterns that accompany depression. You’ll learn to recognize and challenge these patterns.
What Therapy For Depression Looks Like
Working with depression takes patience and compassion for yourself and the process. In therapy, we’ll:
- Create a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about what you’re experiencing
- Explore what may be contributing to your depression
- Develop strategies for managing symptoms day-to-day
- Address any underlying issues (relationships, grief, trauma, life circumstances)
- Rebuild a sense of meaning, connection, and hope
Our Therapists Who Work With Anxiety
- Jodie Purnell, Registered Psychologist
- Megan Stefanich, Registered Provisional Psychologist
- Carolyn Kesler, Registered Provisional Psychologist
- Adela Aguilar, Canadian Certified Counsellor