Depression Therapy in Calgary
Depression can appear in many different ways. Symptoms can include the feeling of living in slow motion, things that used to be fun or enjoyable now seem pointless, or a feeling of fatigue and tiredness even though sleep is not an issue. If this sounds even a little familiar, then this page could shed some light on depression.
What Depression Actually Is
Depression, clinically known as major depressive disorder, is more than sadness or a rough week. It is a persistent state involving low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that previously mattered, and a range of other symptoms that last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and interfere with daily functioning. Common symptoms include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, slowed thinking or movement, and, in more severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression varies considerably in severity, from mild and time-limited episodes to severe, recurrent, or treatment-resistant presentations. Often it shows up differently for different people. Two people who both meet criteria for major depressive disorder can present very differently from one another.
How Common Depression Is in Canada
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Canada, and it has become more common in the past decade. According to Statistics Canada’s Mental Health and Access to Care Survey, the 12-month prevalence of a major depressive episode among Canadians aged 15 and older increased from 4.7 percent in 2012 to 7.6 percent in 2022. The increase was particularly steep among young women aged 15 to 24, for whom the 12-month prevalence nearly doubled, rising from 9.0 percent in 2012 to 18.4 percent in 2022. If you are experiencing depression, you are dealing with something common and well understood, not something unusual or shameful.
Depression Does Not Always Look Like Sadness
One of the most important things to understand about depression is that it frequently does not present the way popular culture suggests. Many people, and particularly many men, experience depression primarily through irritability, anger, restlessness, physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues, increased substance use, or simply withdrawing and going through the motions, rather than through visible sadness or crying. This can make depression harder to both recognize in yourself, and also more difficult for some health professionals to diagnose.
If your experience does not match the stereotype of depression you may have in mind, that does not mean you are not depressed. It could mean depression is presenting in a way that is simply less familiar.
What the Research Says About Treating Depression
Helpfully, depression has one of the most established treatment evidence bases in psychology.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recommended as a first-line treatment for depression, including in clinical guidelines such as those from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Decades of randomized controlled trials and multiple meta-analyses support CBT’s effectiveness for depression, including evidence that treatment gains are often maintained well beyond the end of active treatment.
- Behavioural Activation is a more streamlined approach that focuses specifically on rebuilding engagement with meaningful and rewarding activities, on the basis that withdrawal and inactivity tend to maintain depression. A Cochrane systematic review found no meaningful difference in short-term effectiveness between behavioural activation and full CBT, while noting behavioural activation can be delivered in a simpler, more accessible format.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is also used for depression, with research supporting outcomes broadly comparable to traditional CBT. ACT’s focus on values-based action can be a useful complement to behavioural activation, since both emphasize re-engagement with meaningful activity rather than waiting to feel better before acting.
- Trauma-Informed therapy could also be incorporated into treatment for depression. Research indicates that depression and symptoms of depression can be associated with a traumatic experience. Depending on the client situation, EMDR, polyvagal and somatic approaches could be incorporated to reduce depression symptoms.
It is also important to be clear about the limits of treatment for depression. No single approach works equally well for everyone. A helpful response to a first course of treatment is not guaranteed. Some people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication rather than therapy alone, particularly for moderate to severe depression. Progress is also rarely a straight line, and a setback partway through treatment is common and does not mean therapy has failed.
Signs That Professional Support May Help
There is no single threshold that determines whether depression therapy is right for you. Common reasons people seek support include:
- Low mood or loss of interest that has persisted most days for two weeks or longer
- Noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, or energy that are not explained by another cause
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or completing everyday tasks
- Withdrawing from people, activities, or responsibilities you would normally engage with
- Persistent irritability, anger, or physical tension, particularly if sadness is not the most obvious symptom
- Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide, which always warrant prompt support (see crisis resources below)
- Simply not feeling like yourself, without being able to pinpoint exactly why
You do not need to meet every item on this list, or have a formal diagnosis, to benefit from talking to someone. Many people seek support well before depression becomes severe, and earlier support is generally associated with a smoother course of recovery.
How Depression Therapy Works at This Practice
Cognitive Behavioural Strategies
CBT-informed work focuses on identifying the specific thought patterns and behaviours that maintain depression, such as harsh self-criticism, all-or-nothing thinking, or withdrawal, and building structured, practical skills to interrupt that cycle.
Behavioural Activation
Depression often creates a cycle where low mood leads to withdrawal and inactivity, which in turn deepens low mood further. Behavioural activation works directly on this cycle by helping you gradually rebuild engagement with activities that provide a sense of mastery, connection, or pleasure, often starting with very small, manageable steps rather than waiting to feel motivated first.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on building a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings, so they have less power to dictate your choices, while clarifying what actually matters to you and taking concrete steps toward it, even while some depression is still present.
In practice, sessions draw on whichever combination of these or other approaches fit what you are experiencing, rather than applying one fixed protocol to everyone. Where depression is connected to earlier trauma or significant loss, this work may also draw on EMDR or grief-focused approaches.
What to Expect From Your First Steps
- Free 15-minute inquiry call. A low-commitment conversation to share what is going on and ask any questions before booking a first session.
- Initial assessment. Understanding the specific pattern of your depression, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to change.
- Active treatment phase. Structured sessions building the specific skills relevant to your presentation, paced according to what feels manageable.
- Consolidation. As symptoms improve, sessions often shift toward maintaining progress and preparing for situations that might trigger a relapse.
There is no fixed timeline that applies to everyone. Some people notice meaningful change within a number of weeks, particularly with a first, single episode of depression. Longstanding, recurrent, or more complex presentations typically take longer.
A Note on Medication
Depression therapy and antidepressant medication are not competing options; for many people, particularly with moderate to severe depression, a combination of both is more effective than either alone. As a psychologist, Derek does not prescribe medication, but he can discuss whether a referral to a family physician or psychiatrist for a medication consultation may be a useful complement to therapy. Derek also is available to work collaboratively alongside your medical doctor if you are already taking medication.
In-Person and Online Depression Therapy in Calgary and Across Alberta
Derek offers depression therapy both in-person at his Calgary office and virtually for clients across Alberta. Research on telehealth-delivered CBT and behavioural activation has generally found outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for most presentations of depression, which can make virtual sessions a practical option on days when leaving the house feels especially difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does depression therapy cost in Calgary?
Fees vary by practice and by the therapist’s registration status. For current rates at this practice, please contact us directly; rates are not listed on this page to ensure you always have the most accurate, up-to-date information.
Does insurance cover depression therapy in Alberta?
Many extended health benefits plans in Alberta cover psychological services, including depression treatment, when delivered by a registered provider. Coverage details vary by insurer and plan, so it is worth confirming directly with your provider, and checking that a Registered Psychologist is eligible under your specific plan before booking.
How do I know if I am depressed or just going through a hard time?
A useful distinction is duration and impact. Most difficult periods ease within days to a couple of weeks and do not significantly disrupt daily functioning. Depression tends to persist most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or longer, and noticeably interferes with work, relationships, sleep, or basic functioning. If you are unsure, that uncertainty alone is a reasonable reason to have an initial conversation with a professional.
Do I need medication, or is therapy enough?
This depends on severity and individual circumstances. Therapy alone is effective for many people, particularly with mild to moderate depression, while others, especially with more severe or recurrent depression, benefit from combining therapy with medication. This is a decision best made collaboratively with both a therapist and a prescribing physician or psychiatrist.
How long does depression therapy take to work?
This varies by individual and by the severity and history of the depression. Some people notice meaningful improvement within several weeks of consistent sessions, particularly with a first episode. Longstanding or recurrent depression typically takes longer. Your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline after the initial assessment.
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
Thoughts of suicide are a sign that you need prompt support, and they are something a therapist can help you talk through directly and without judgment. If you are in crisis right now, please see the resources listed at the end of this page, or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If you are considering therapy and have had these thoughts in the past or present, this is something to raise with your therapist early on, not something to hide; addressing it openly is part of how treatment works, not a barrier to it. You can also review additional context on the Individual Therapy page.
Can depression therapy be done online?
Yes. Research generally shows comparable outcomes to in-person therapy for most depression presentations. Derek offers virtual sessions across Alberta in addition to in-person sessions in Calgary.