Depression & Anxiety Counselling: Finding Clarity and Calm
Life can sometimes feel incredibly heavy. You might wake up feeling exhausted before the day has even begun, or perhaps your mind is constantly racing with worries that you just can’t turn off. It’s easy to feel stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, wondering why you can’t just “snap out of it” or feel like yourself again.
We want you to know that these feelings are not a sign of weakness, and they are not a character flaw.
Depression and anxiety are real, treatable health conditions, and you do not have to carry this weight alone.
At Cognitive Alignment, we provide evidence-based psychotherapy to help you navigate the fog of depression and the storm of anxiety. We offer a compassionate space to unpack your burden, understand your symptoms, and develop effective strategies for lasting well-being.
More Than Just "Sadness" or "Stress"
We all have bad days. But clinical depression and anxiety are different; they are persistent and can impact every part of your life—your work, your relationships, and your physical health.
You might be experiencing Depression if you feel a lingering sadness, a loss of interest in things you used to love, or a deep sense of fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix.
You might be experiencing Anxiety if you feel constant worry, physical tension, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread about the future.
It is also very common to experience both at the same time. Anxiety can make you feel wired and exhausted, leading to depression, while depression can make you feel unable to cope, fueling anxiety. We treat them together, helping you break the cycle.
How We Support You: Our Approach
We believe in using therapies that are proven to work. Our approach is practical, compassionate, and tailored to you. We don’t just listen; we give you tools to change how you feel.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is the “gold standard” for treating anxiety and depression. We help you identify the negative thought patterns (like “I’m a failure” or “Something bad will happen”) that fuel your symptoms and teach you how to reframe them.
Mindfulness-Based Strategies: Anxiety lives in the future; depression often lives in the past. We teach you mindfulness techniques to ground you in the present moment, helping to quiet a racing mind and reduce stress.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Instead of fighting your feelings, we help you accept them without judgment and take action toward the things that matter most to you (your values).
Compassion-Focused Therapy: We help you silence your inner critic and learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
Common Experiences We Support
Symptoms can look different for everyone, but there are common threads that many of our clients experience. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore:
Persistent Low Mood: Feeling sad, empty, or “numb” for weeks at a time.
Loss of Motivation: Finding it difficult to get out of bed, shower, or complete simple tasks.
Excessive Worry: A constant loop of “what if” scenarios that makes it hard to focus or relax.
Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, tight chest, racing heart, or digestive issues related to stress.
Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends and family because it feels too exhausting to engage.
Irritability: Feeling easily frustrated, angry, or on edge.
Sleep Disruption: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
Feelings of Worthlessness: A harsh inner critic that tells you that you aren’t “good enough” or that you are a burden.
What to Expect in Counselling
- A Safe, Unhurried Start: Your first session is a chance for us to get to know you. We listen to your story and your struggles without judgment. You don’t have to have all the answers; just showing up is a huge step.
- Uncovering Triggers: We work together to understand the root causes of your distress. Is it past trauma? Current life stress? deeply held beliefs? Understanding the “why” helps us address the “how.”
- Building Your Toolkit: Therapy is an active process. We will equip you with a personalized “toolkit” of coping strategies—breathing exercises, thought records, and behavioral activation techniques—that you can use in your daily life.
- Gradual Steps Forward: Healing isn’t a straight line. We support you through the ups and downs, celebrating small victories and adjusting our plan as you grow stronger.
You Can Feel Like Yourself Again
The fog won’t last forever. With the right support and the right tools, you can manage your symptoms and rediscover a life of clarity, calm, and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I just being lazy?
This is a very common thought, but the answer is no. Depression is an illness that steals your energy and motivation. It is not a choice, and it is not laziness. Therapy can help you distinguish between the illness and your true self.
Do I need medication?
As psychotherapists, we do not prescribe medication, but we often work alongside doctors who do. For many people, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective approach. We can support you in making the decision that feels right for you.
How long will it take to feel better?
There is no set timeline, but many clients begin to feel relief after just a few sessions of having a safe space to talk. Learning the tools of CBT can often bring noticeable shifts in mood and anxiety levels within 8 to 12 sessions, though everyone’s journey is unique.
Can you help if I have panic attacks?
Yes, absolutely. Panic attacks are terrifying, but they are highly treatable. We can teach you specific grounding and breathing techniques to manage panic in the moment and prevent future attacks.
Is what we talk about kept confidential?
Absolutely. As a Registered Social Worker, all sessions are strictly confidential and bound by professional ethics and privacy laws.