Depression Therapists in Calgary and Virtually

Depression is a common but serious health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest that interfere with daily life. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of background, and is often fueled by life’s challenges - whether situational stressors like loss or trauma, or chronic pressures that build over time. Negative circumstances, such as financial strain, relationship issues, or health problems, can increase risk, with studies showing that stressful life events precede up to 80% of depressive episodes.

Counselling, in particular, offers tools to navigate those darker moments and build resilience. This involves exploring emotions, identifying triggers, and developing personalized strategies to manage symptoms. By addressing negative thought patterns and build coping skills your daily functioning will greatly improve, especially when combined with other treatments like medication or lifestyle changes.

Depression affects a staggering 300 million people worldwide with prevalence rates jumping 25% since Covid. Its a tough topic to talk about for many that experience it, but when we begin to speak out about truths and allow ourselves to be vulnerable; more often than not we are met with understanding and empathy. Our therapists specialize in depression and have helped numerous people just like you.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for depression, as effectiveness depends on the individual’s symptoms, severity, and circumstances. The main treatments are psychotherapy and medication or a combination of the two. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as the gold standard for psychotherapy. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Studies show it’s effective for mild to moderate depression, with response rates of 50-60% after 12-16 sessions. It’s often as effective as medication for non-severe cases and has lower relapse rates when combined with other treatments.

  • Core Emotional Symptoms

    • Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day.

    • Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Reduced enjoyment in activities once found rewarding (anhedonia), such as hobbies, socializing, or sex.

    • Irritability: More common in men, adolescents, or certain cultures; feeling easily frustrated or angry.

    Cognitive Symptoms

    • Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details.

    • Negative Thinking: Persistent feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame, often disproportionate to reality.

    • Suicidal Thoughts: Recurrent thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide (present in ~50% of severe cases).

    Physical Symptoms

    • Fatigue or Low Energy: Feeling physically drained, even after rest; affects ~90% of people with depression.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling/staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), reported in 70-80% of cases.

    • Appetite or Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain (e.g., 5% of body weight in a month) due to reduced or increased appetite.

    • Physical Aches: Unexplained headaches, back pain, or digestive issues, often resistant to treatment.

    Behavioral Symptoms

    • Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, or social activities.

    • Reduced Activity: Slowed movements or speech (psychomotor retardation) or, conversely, agitation and restlessness.

    • Neglect of Responsibilities: Difficulty maintaining work, school, or personal care routines.

  • Find out how our therapists can take your relationship to new heights. Book a complimentary consultation with our Director of Client Care, Amy. A psychologist herself, she’ll make sure she pairs with you with the best therapist(s) for your issues and personalities.

Signs and Symptoms of depression

  • Low, depressed mood.

  • Tearful and sad.

  • Apathy. Lack of motivation. Withdrawal.

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies.

  • Feelings of guilt.

  • Low self-esteem. Low self-worth. Loss of confidence.

  • Disturbed sleep.

  • Changes in appetite.

  • Low energy.

  • Poor concentration and memory.

  • Feeling of imminent anxiety.

  • Irritability.

  • Sense of hopelessness.

  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.

  • Suicidal thoughts.

“Asking for help is the first step.”
— Lili Reinhart
“Therapy is so good; I’m such a massive advocate for it.”
— Billie Eilish
“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone.”
— Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as the gold standard in depression treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, seeking professional help is essential. Our trained therapists will help you address negative thought patterns and build coping skills. Book a complimentary consultation with our Director of Client Care, Amy. A psychologist herself, she’ll make sure she pairs with you with the best therapist(s) for your issues and personalities.

Psychotherapy can be highly effective for depression, with research showing it helps 60-75% of people experience significant symptom relief, often comparable to or better than medication alone.

Depression Specialists

  • Tyler Schamehorn (he/him), Registered Provisional Psychologist

    Modalities

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
    Solution Focused Therapy

    (Accepting Waitlist)

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  • Michelle Bazin (she/her), Registered Provisional Psychologist

    Modalities

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    Dialetical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
    Eye Movement De-sensitization (EMDR)
    Solution Focused Therapy

    READ BIO