Many people will experience depression or despair in their lives. The average person will have at least one major depressive episode, meaning that depression will deeply affect their functioning for more than two weeks. They may experience a loss of appetite, loss of focus or concentration, feel very sad, lonely and at times angry. They may have difficulty sleeping or staying awake, may be overly restless, or completely shut down. They feel helpless, hopeless, and powerless. They may even wish life would end, perhaps they would fall asleep and never wake up, or perhaps there is a plan to end it all.

Depression may come as the result of change, or losses. It may be because of age, or breakups or divorce. But no matter what the cause, it is quite common for people to lack the understanding or the ability to pull themselves up alone. Counselling can help. Through caring, compassion and practical action steps, people do not need to settle for a life-long diagnosis. Medications may provide a “leg-up” but they seldom fix depression in the long term. 

Anxiety is another common feeling. Everyone experiences anxiety all of their life, often on a daily basis, but unfortunately for some,  it escalates to a level that affects an individual’s ability to function – to embrace life, build relationships and reach goals. Once again, counselling can help with understanding, tools, and practical individual plans for managing and even overcoming anxiety. 

There is no such thing as a life without stress. But stress can either push a person to grow, or can build like a wave and completely suck them under. Counselling can help sort through what can be controlled from what cannot, and assist the individual in objective, and helpful guidance to make life more manageable. 

Relationships are messy, sometimes hard, sometimes exasperating. Unfortunately, many people have few friends, support, or good mentors to help them build strong and healthy relationships. Counselling can offer practical, helpful, evidence-based tools to help one use old and new approaches to repair and rebuild what is broken. As one person says, if only one person takes dancing lessons, they will never dance the same way again. 

Finally, many people find work difficult. Change of managers, difficult co-workers, lack of clarity in job descriptions, stress and boredom can all be factors affecting one’s ability to enjoy their work. Holding a Master’s Degree in Leadership and a good understanding of people, Geri can help many people with fresh, objective perspectives and practical action steps to bring about better working conditions.

Counselling sessions are one hour. The number of sessions varies based on how long one has been struggling, how many things they are dealing with at a time, and how much outside support they can utilize. There must always be patience – with oneself, and the process. 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email Geri with the contact me form on the front page.