Our Depression Counselling Services

Step 1: Your First Connection with Turning Tides

Welcome. We're glad you're here. Taking the first step toward feeling better takes courage, and we want you to know that reaching out is exactly what you need to do right now.

What Happens in Step 1

Your journey with us begins with a conversation, not an interrogation. During your first session, we focus on getting to know you and understanding what brought you here. This is your space to share what's been happening in your life, how depression has been affecting you, and what you hope to feel different about.

Your first session lasts 50 minutes. We use this time to:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Understand how depression is showing up in your daily life
• Explore what might be contributing to how you're feeling
• Learn about your values and what matters most to you
• Answer any questions you have about how we work together
• Discuss what kind of support might help you move forward

Before Your First Session

You don't need to prepare anything special. Just show up as you are. If you're feeling anxious about your first appointment, that's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first session. We've created a space that's designed to feel safe and welcoming.

We do ask that you find a quiet, private space for your session where you can speak openly. Since we offer sessions online, you'll receive a secure link to join your appointment. All you need is a device with internet access and a comfortable place to sit.

What to Expect

Kotone, your Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, will greet you warmly and help you feel at ease. She'll ask you about what's been going on, listen carefully to what you share, and begin to understand your unique situation. You might talk about how long you've been feeling this way, what depression feels like for you, or what's been happening in your life recently.

This first conversation helps us understand whether our approach is a good fit for you. We'll also explain how we work, what you can expect from ongoing sessions, and answer any questions about confidentiality or how the process works.

By the end of your first session, you should feel heard and have a clearer sense of what support might look like moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a diagnosis of depression to book?

No. If you're struggling with low mood, feeling stuck, or experiencing what sounds like depression, that's enough. You don't need a formal diagnosis to reach out. We can explore what you're experiencing together.

What if I'm not sure what to say?

That's okay. Many people feel uncertain about how to start. You can simply tell us how you've been feeling, or we can ask questions to help you share your story. There's no 'right' way to do this.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes. What you share in your sessions is confidential and protected. The only exceptions are situations where there's risk of harm to yourself or others, or if we're legally required to disclose information. We'll be clear about these limits from the start.

What if I can't afford sessions?

We offer a sliding scale option for those who need it. We also accept coverage from major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy. We encourage you to check with your provider about what's covered.

Can I do sessions online, or do I need to come in person?

All of our sessions are conducted online, which means you can access support from wherever you are. This makes it easier to fit counselling into your life and removes barriers like travel time.

What if I'm not ready to commit to ongoing sessions?

We offer a free 20-minute consultation before your first full session. This gives you a chance to ask questions, get a feel for how we work, and decide if this is right for you. There's no pressure, and no commitment required for that initial conversation.

How often would I need to come?

That depends on what feels right for you and what we discover together in your first session. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others prefer every other week. We'll talk about what makes sense for your situation and your goals.

What if I'm in crisis right now?

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a crisis line immediately. In British Columbia, you can contact the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433 or text TALK to 741741. If you're in immediate danger, please call 911. We're here to support you through depression, and crisis support services are equipped to help in urgent moments.

How Depression Counselling Works at Turning Tides

We use approaches grounded in research and tailored to what you need. Our counsellor draws on Internal Family Systems work, somatic approaches, cognitive and behavioural strategies, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. What this means in practice is that we don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we listen to you and adapt our methods to what helps you feel better.

We also understand that depression often connects to other experiences in your life. If trauma, difficult relationships, or major life changes are part of your story, we can explore how those are connected to how you're feeling now.

Beyond Your First Session

After your first appointment, you'll have a sense of whether you want to continue. If you do, we'll talk about how often to meet and what we'll focus on together. Many people find that regular sessions help them feel more like themselves again. Others use counselling at specific times when they need extra support.

We also offer other resources that might complement your individual sessions. Our CPTSD support group and therapy book club provide community and connection with others who understand what you're going through. These can be valuable additions to your healing journey.

Ready to Take Step 1?

Booking your first session is simple. You can schedule directly through our online booking platform, or reach out to us with any questions first.

Book Your First Session: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Contact Us for Questions:

• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

Want to Learn More First? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation to discuss whether our approach is right for you. No obligation, just a conversation.

Our Commitment to You

We believe that depression is treatable, and that you deserve support that honours your whole story. Your first session is the beginning of a partnership focused on helping you feel more like yourself again. We're here to listen, to support, and to walk alongside you as you move toward healing.

You've already taken the hardest step by deciding to reach out. Let's take the next one together.

Step 2: Your First Sessions & Getting to Know Each Other

The beginning of your journey with our compassionate depression counselling serving Vancouver and communities across British Columbia is designed to feel safe, welcoming, and deeply collaborative. These initial sessions create the foundation for meaningful healing by helping us understand your unique experience with depression while you get comfortable with the therapeutic process.

What Happens in Your First Sessions

Your first few sessions are about connection and understanding. We take time to really listen. You'll share your story at your own pace, exploring what brings you to counselling and what you hope will be different in your life. There's no rush. Some clients open up quickly, while others need more time to feel comfortable. Both are completely okay.

During these early conversations, we'll gently explore:

• Your current experience with depression, including how it shows up in your daily life
• Patterns and triggers that might be contributing to how you're feeling
• Your personal history, including any past experiences with trauma or significant life transitions
• Your relationships and support systems, understanding who's in your corner
• Your strengths and resources, even the ones that might feel hidden right now
• What you've already tried and what has or hasn't been helpful
• Your hopes and goals for therapy, imagining what healing could look like for you

Our Approach to Understanding Your Depression

We don't use lengthy questionnaires or formal testing. Instead, we get to know you through meaningful conversation. Think of it as collaborative exploration rather than clinical evaluation. Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor uses her expertise in trauma informed care and depression to understand the full picture of your experience through dialogue, reflection, and gentle inquiry.

Throughout our early sessions, we might explore:

• How depression affects your energy, sleep, appetite, and daily routines
• The thoughts and beliefs that accompany your low moods
• Physical sensations you notice in your body when you're struggling
• Moments when you feel slightly better or worse, and what might influence those shifts
• Past experiences that may be connected to your current struggles
• Your natural coping strategies and what helps you feel even a little bit safer

This conversational approach, informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helps us understand not just your symptoms but you as a whole person.

Creating Your Personalized Path Forward

As we get to know each other, we'll work together to identify what matters most to you. Goal setting isn't about creating a rigid treatment plan. It's about discovering what you truly want for your life and breaking that down into manageable, meaningful steps.

Your goals might include:

• Feeling more energy and motivation in your daily life
• Reducing the intensity or frequency of depressive episodes
• Developing healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions
• Improving your relationships and communication
• Reconnecting with activities and people that bring you joy
• Understanding and healing from past trauma that contributes to depression
• Building self-compassion and challenging negative self-talk
• Creating a life that feels more aligned with your values

We'll revisit and adjust these goals as you grow and change. Healing isn't linear, and your priorities may shift. That's not just okay. It's expected and welcomed.

What to Bring to Your First Sessions

You don't need to prepare anything formal, but these suggestions might help you feel more ready:

Session Details You Should Know

Duration: Standard sessions are 50 minutes, giving us focused time together while respecting your energy levels.

Format: All sessions are conducted online via secure video platform, offering you the comfort and privacy of connecting from wherever you feel safe. Our virtual depression counselling available in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Surrey, and throughout British Columbia provides the same depth and effectiveness as traditional in-person therapy.

Frequency: Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As you progress, we might adjust to bi-weekly or monthly sessions based on your needs and goals.

Between Sessions: You'll have email access for brief check-ins or questions between our meetings. This ongoing support helps you feel connected and supported throughout your healing journey.

Common Concerns About Starting Depression Counselling

'What if I can't put my feelings into words?'Many people worry about this. You don't need to have everything figured out or perfectly articulated. We'll help you find the words, and sometimes silence speaks volumes too. Our somatic approaches also work with body sensations when words feel impossible.

'Will I have to talk about traumatic experiences right away?'Absolutely not. You're in control of what you share and when. Our trauma informed approach means we understand the importance of safety and pacing. We'll build a foundation of trust before exploring anything that feels too vulnerable.

'What if I cry or get emotional?'Tears are welcome here. Emotions are information, and expressing them is part of healing. We hold space for whatever comes up without judgment.

'How will I know if this is working?'We'll regularly reflect together on what's shifting for you. Some changes are obvious. Others are subtle. You might notice you're sleeping better, feeling slightly more hopeful, or handling a difficult situation differently than you would have before. We'll track these together through our ongoing conversations.

'What if I don't like the process or it doesn't feel right?'Your comfort and trust are essential. If something doesn't feel right, we want to know. We can adjust our approach, and if needed, help you find a better fit elsewhere. Your wellbeing comes first, always.

Building a Collaborative Relationship

The relationship between you and your counsellor is the most important factor in successful therapy. Research consistently shows this. That's why we prioritize creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and valued.

You're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active partner in your healing. We bring clinical expertise in depression, trauma, and therapeutic approaches. You bring expertise in your own life and experience. Together, we create something powerful.

Our professional depression counselling covering Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, and Northern BC communities is grounded in respect, collaboration, and the belief that you have the capacity to heal and grow, even when depression makes that hard to see.

What Comes After These Initial Sessions

Once we've established a foundation of understanding and trust, we'll move into the active work of therapy. This might include exploring thought patterns, processing difficult emotions, developing new coping strategies, healing from trauma, or building skills for managing depression long-term.

Every session builds on the last. Small shifts accumulate into meaningful change. You'll start to notice differences in how you feel, think, and navigate your world.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Starting depression counselling is a significant step toward reclaiming your life from the weight of depression. These first sessions are just the beginning of a transformative process that honours your unique experience and supports your path to healing.

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's specialized depression support serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and communities throughout British Columbia is here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support.

Book your free 20-minute consultation today to discuss your needs and take the first step toward feeling better. Visit our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

You don't have to face depression alone. We're here, ready to help you find your way back to yourself.

Step 3: Your Therapy Journey

Once we've completed our initial sessions together and developed your personalized treatment plan, we begin the heart of our work. Your therapy journey for depression is a collaborative process where you remain in the driver's seat, with support and guidance every step of the way.

What to Expect in Your Sessions

Each 50-minute session is structured to maximize your healing while honouring your unique pace and needs. Our specialized depression counselling serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and communities throughout British Columbia follows a flexible framework that adapts to where you are each week.

Opening Connection (5-10 minutes): We begin each session with a warm check-in. This is your space to share how you've been feeling since we last met, what's been challenging, and any shifts you've noticed. This isn't just small talk. It's an essential part of creating the safe, supportive environment where real healing happens.

Exploring and Processing (30-35 minutes): The core of our time together focuses on the therapeutic work itself. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's trauma informed depression support available in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, and across British Columbia integrates multiple evidence-based approaches tailored specifically to you.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Our comprehensive depression counselling covering Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, and throughout BC draws from a range of proven therapeutic methods:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed work: We explore the different parts of yourself that may be in conflict, helping you develop compassion for all aspects of your experience and find internal harmony.
• Somatic approaches: Depression lives in the body as much as the mind. We pay attention to physical sensations, tension patterns, and nervous system responses to help release stored emotional pain.
• Cognitive exploration: Together we examine thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck, not to judge them but to understand them and gently shift perspectives that no longer serve you.
• Mindfulness practices: You'll learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, creating space between stimulus and response.
• Acceptance and commitment work: We focus on clarifying your values and taking meaningful action aligned with what truly matters to you, even while difficult feelings are present.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: Practical tools for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and building a life worth living.

Integration and Planning (5-10 minutes): We close each session by reflecting on insights that emerged and collaboratively identifying practices or reflections you might explore before our next meeting. Nothing is mandatory. Everything is an invitation.

Between Session Support and Practice

Healing doesn't only happen in our sessions. The real transformation occurs in your daily life. Our ongoing depression support serving Prince George, Fort St. John, Terrace, and Northern BC communities includes resources and practices you can engage with at your own pace.

Reflective Practices You Might Explore:

Ongoing Connection

Between our sessions, you have access to email support for questions, clarifications, or when you need guidance on applying what we've discussed. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's accessible mental health services available in Nelson, Cranbrook, Revelstoke, and the Kootenays region ensures you're never truly alone in this process.

You'll also receive brief written reflections after sessions when helpful, summarizing key insights and the practices we've discussed. These serve as touchstones you can return to throughout your week.

Tracking Your Progress

We monitor your healing journey through ongoing conversations and reflections rather than rigid measurements. Every few weeks, we'll pause to discuss what's shifting for you. What feels different? What remains challenging? What new capacities are emerging?

This collaborative approach to understanding your progress honours that healing isn't linear. Some weeks you'll feel significant shifts. Others may feel stagnant. Both are normal and valuable parts of the process.

Our personalized depression counselling serving Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton, and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor adapts continuously based on what you're experiencing, ensuring the work remains relevant and responsive to your evolving needs.

Your Active Role in Healing

You are not a passive recipient of treatment. You are the expert on your own experience. Our sessions are a collaborative exploration where your insights, questions, and feedback actively shape the direction of our work together.

You decide what feels safe to explore. You set the pace. You determine what practices resonate and which don't serve you. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's client-centred approach available throughout Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and the Fraser Valley ensures your autonomy remains central to every aspect of your care.

Building Sustainable Change

Our goal isn't just symptom reduction. It's helping you develop a sustainable relationship with yourself that supports your wellbeing long after our formal work together concludes.

Through our sessions, you'll build:

• Awareness of your internal landscape and what influences your mood
• Skills for managing difficult emotions when they arise
• Compassion for yourself and your struggles
• Connection to your values and what makes life meaningful
• Confidence in your capacity to navigate challenges
• Tools you can return to whenever you need support

Our holistic depression treatment covering Penticton, Vernon, Osoyoos, and the Okanagan Valley integrates emotional healing, practical skill building, and deeper exploration of the patterns that have kept you stuck.

Flexibility and Adaptation

Your needs will evolve throughout our work together. Some phases may require more intensive focus on managing acute symptoms. Others allow for deeper exploration of underlying patterns. We adjust our approach continuously based on where you are and what serves you best.

All sessions are conducted through secure online platforms, making our professional depression counselling accessible whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or anywhere across British Columbia and beyond.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Depression can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our compassionate, evidence-based depression counselling serving all of British Columbia provides the support, tools, and partnership you need to reclaim your life.

Book your session today through our secure online booking platform and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.

Schedule Your Session

Coverage may be available through your extended health benefits based on your individual policy. We're recognized by major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross.

Step 4: Celebrating Progress & Planning Your Path Forward

As we approach the completion phase of your depression counselling journey, this is a time to honour your courage, celebrate the meaningful changes you've made, and create a sustainable plan for maintaining your wellbeing. This isn't an ending. It's a transition into a new chapter where you carry forward the insights, skills, and resilience you've built together.

Recognizing Your Growth

Throughout our work together at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, you've engaged in deep healing work. You've explored painful emotions, challenged old patterns, and developed new ways of relating to yourself and others. This final phase is about acknowledging how far you've come.

Signs you may be ready to transition from regular sessions include:

• You notice sustained improvements in your mood and energy levels over several weeks
• Difficult emotions feel more manageable, and you're using healthy coping strategies consistently
• You've reconnected with activities and relationships that bring you joy and meaning
• Setbacks feel temporary rather than overwhelming, and you recover more quickly
• You're thinking about the future with hope and curiosity instead of dread or emptiness
• You feel confident navigating daily challenges without needing weekly therapeutic support
• Your sense of self worth has strengthened, and you're treating yourself with more compassion

Reflecting on Your Journey Together

In our final sessions, we'll take time to look back on where you started and where you are now. This reflection isn't just about feeling good. It's about consolidating your learning and recognizing the specific changes that have made the biggest difference in your life.

We'll explore questions like:

• What were the most significant shifts you experienced during our work together?
• Which therapeutic approaches resonated most deeply with you, whether Internal Family Systems, somatic techniques, or cognitive strategies?
• What strengths did you discover in yourself that you didn't know you had?
• How has your relationship with yourself changed?
• What does wellbeing look like for you now, compared to when we first met?

These conversations help you internalize your progress and build confidence in your ability to maintain the gains you've made.

Creating Your Personalized Maintenance Plan

Sustainable wellbeing requires ongoing attention and care. Together, we'll develop a practical maintenance plan tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and circumstances. This isn't a rigid prescription. It's a flexible framework that supports you in continuing to thrive.

Your maintenance plan may include:

Navigating Setbacks With Compassion

It's important to acknowledge that healing isn't linear. You may experience difficult days or even temporary returns of depressive symptoms. This doesn't mean you've failed or that our work together didn't matter. It means you're human.

Part of your maintenance plan involves preparing for these moments with self compassion rather than self criticism. We'll discuss:

• How to distinguish between a temporary low mood and a pattern that needs additional support
• Strategies for riding out difficult periods without spiraling into old patterns of hopelessness
• When and how to reach out for help, whether to friends, community resources, or professional support
• Ways to remind yourself of your resilience and the progress you've made, even when things feel hard

Ongoing Support Options

Completing regular counselling sessions doesn't mean you're on your own. Our professional trauma informed counselling services serving Vancouver and all of British Columbia remain available to you in various forms, depending on what feels right for your continued growth.

Options for ongoing connection and support include:

• Periodic Check In Sessions: Many clients find value in scheduling monthly or quarterly sessions to maintain momentum, process new challenges, or simply touch base
• As Needed Support: You're always welcome to book a session when life brings unexpected difficulties or you need professional guidance through a transition
• Group Therapy Programs: Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's specialized group offerings, including our 12 Week Trauma Recovery Group Therapy, provide ongoing community support and continued learning in an affordable format
• CPTSD Support Group: If trauma has been part of your depression journey, our weekly support group offers a safe space for continued healing and connection with others who understand
• Therapy Book Club: Join our online community exploring healing through literature, meeting Wednesdays from 4 to 5 PM PDT for meaningful discussions and peer support
• Email Support: Between sessions or after completion, you can reach out via email for brief check ins or to schedule additional support when needed

These options ensure you're never alone in your journey, whether you need intensive support again or just occasional guidance.

Celebrating Your Courage and Commitment

Choosing to engage in depression counselling takes tremendous courage. Showing up week after week, doing the difficult inner work, and staying committed to your healing even when it felt hard, these are profound acts of self love and strength.

As we complete this phase of our work together, take a moment to truly acknowledge what you've accomplished. You've:

• Faced painful emotions and experiences with bravery
• Learned to treat yourself with greater compassion and understanding
• Developed practical skills for managing difficult feelings and situations
• Reconnected with parts of yourself that depression had dimmed or hidden
• Built a foundation for ongoing wellbeing that you can rely on moving forward

This growth is yours to keep. The insights you've gained, the resilience you've developed, and the healthier relationship you've built with yourself will continue to serve you long after our regular sessions end.

Looking Forward With Hope

Completing depression counselling isn't about being 'fixed' or never struggling again. It's about having the tools, awareness, and support to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and self compassion. It's about knowing that you have the capacity to heal, to grow, and to create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

As you move forward, remember that our compassionate mental health services available throughout British Columbia, from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, the Kootenays, and beyond, remain here for you. Whether you're in Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Kamloops, or any community across the province, support is accessible through our online platform.

You've done the hard work. You've shown up for yourself. Now it's time to step into this next chapter with confidence, knowing you have the resources and resilience to thrive.

Ready to Complete Your Journey or Explore Ongoing Support?

If you're approaching the completion phase of your depression counselling or would like to discuss maintenance options and ongoing support, we're here to help you plan a sustainable path forward.

Book your session or explore our group programs through our secure online platform:

Schedule Your Appointment

You deserve ongoing support that honours your growth and meets you wherever you are in your healing journey. Let's celebrate how far you've come and create a plan that keeps you moving forward with hope and resilience.