Depression Therapy in Alberta
Depression can make everything feel heavy. Getting out of bed takes effort, things you used to enjoy feel flat, and it's hard to picture feeling better. Some people feel sad; others mostly feel numb, tired or irritable.
If this sounds familiar, you're not weak and you're not alone. KP Psychological offers online therapy for depression and low mood, for adults across Alberta, including Edmonton and Calgary. Sessions are by secure video, for people who are physically in Alberta at the time of each session.
What depression is
Depression is more than feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. The World Health Organization describes it as a low mood, or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, that lasts for long periods: most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
It affects how you think, feel and function. It's also common and treatable, and there are several kinds of help with good research behind them.
Signs you might notice
Depression looks different for different people. You might notice:
- feeling sad, empty or hopeless for weeks at a time
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- feeling tired all the time, or moving and thinking more slowly
- sleeping badly, or sleeping much more than usual
- changes in appetite or weight
- trouble concentrating or making decisions
- feelings of guilt or low self-worth
- aches and pains, or low sex drive
- pulling away from people, or feeling irritable with them
- thoughts of death or suicide
If you're having thoughts of suicide, please reach out now. Call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night. It's also okay to talk about these thoughts in therapy. You won't shock us, and talking about them is a step toward safety.
What can contribute
The WHO describes depression as coming from a mix of social, psychological and biological factors. Hard life events such as losing a job, a bereavement or trauma raise the risk. Physical inactivity and alcohol use can make it worse.
Depression often travels with other struggles. It can follow trauma, long periods of stress, grief, chronic pain or illness, or big life changes. Sometimes it has no obvious cause at all, and that's okay too. You don't need a "good enough reason" to feel this way.
What the research says helps
Talking therapies. The WHO lists several psychological treatments that work for depression, including behavioural activation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy and problem-solving therapy.
Behavioural activation (BA) gently rebuilds activity and routine, step by step, so life starts to hold more of what matters to you. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on relationships and life changes.
Guideline recommendations. The UK's NICE guideline on depression in adults (2022) lists individual CBT and individual BA among the options for both less severe and more severe depression. It also recommends making a shared decision about treatment, based on your preferences.
Preventing relapse. Once you're feeling better, NICE recommends group CBT or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for people at higher risk of depression coming back.
Medication. Antidepressants can help, especially for moderate to more severe depression. That's a conversation with your family doctor or psychiatrist. We don't prescribe, but therapy and medication can work alongside each other.
EMDR. EMDR has its strongest evidence for PTSD. For depression on its own, research is still limited; a 2020 review found too little evidence to recommend EMDR for problems other than PTSD. When low mood is tied to painful memories, EMDR may still be part of your plan.
Things that can help day to day
When you're depressed, even small steps can feel big. Start with one. The WHO suggests:
- Keep doing things you used to enjoy, even in small doses, even if the enjoyment hasn't come back yet
- Stay connected with people you trust, even briefly
- Move your body regularly, even a short walk
- Keep regular sleep and eating habits as much as you can
- Limit alcohol and avoid drugs, which can make depression worse
- Talk about how you feel with someone you trust or a health professional
Sleep and mood are closely linked. In this video, Kyle shares simple sleep habits that can help.
How we can help
We start by understanding where you are now, what you have been carrying, and what you want to feel different. Then we plan together, at a pace that feels manageable.
Depending on what fits, we may draw on CBT, behavioural activation, mindfulness-based approaches, DBT skills for strong emotions, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR when depression connects to past experiences.
We'll also keep an eye on safety together. If things get harder between sessions, we'll have a plan for what to do.
Who you'd see
Both of our psychologists work with depression.
- Kyle Poon, R.Psych lists depression among his main areas, alongside trauma and PTSD. Kyle currently has a waitlist.
- Marissa Whalley, R.Psych works with depression and mood concerns, and sees individuals aged 16 and older. She currently has openings, often as soon as the following week.
What therapy looks like here
Sessions are 50 minutes, by secure video. How often we meet is up to you. We work it out together, based on what fits you best, including your finances and your coverage.
A session is $250 with Kyle and $235 with Marissa. Alberta Health Care doesn't cover psychologists, but many extended health plans do, and we can bill most insurance companies directly. See fees and insurance for details.
Common questions
How do I know if it's depression or just a rough patch?
Feeling low for a few days is part of life. Depression lasts longer, usually most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, and it gets in the way of daily life. You don't need to be sure before reaching out. We can sort it out together.
Do I need medication?
Not necessarily. Talking therapies are recommended options on their own, and some people use both. If you're curious about medication, talk with your family doctor. With your consent, we can work alongside them.
What if I don't have the energy for therapy?
That's common with depression. We start small and go at your pace. Sessions are online, so you can join from home, and the first step is just a 15-minute phone call.
How long does therapy for depression take?
It varies from person to person. It can take longer when depression is tied to trauma or long-standing stress. We'll review progress together regularly and adjust the plan as we go.
Do you bill insurance directly?
We can bill most insurance companies directly, so you only pay the part your plan doesn't cover. Tell us your plan at your free consult, and we'll confirm before your first session.
Book a free 15-minute consultation
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