Depression Therapy Vancouver
Welcome to our practice. We offer depression therapy for people living in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and BC-wide. Learn about depression therapy and book a consultation to discuss your options.
Meet the Therapist
Dr. Bradley Murray, Psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC, FIPA
I am a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers online therapy for individuals living in greater Vancouver and throughout BC. I also offer in-person therapy sessions in North Vancouver. I often work with clients who would like help overcoming depression, including problems such as low mood, lack of motivation, and social avoidance. I look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in starting therapy for depression.
Greater Vancouver Depression Therapy Services
A very common reason people in Vancouver seek out therapy is because of low mood and depression.
Some people experience depression as a persistent sadness that affects their daily life, making it difficult to engage in the activities that were once enjoyed.
Loss of interest, fatigue, sleep disruptions, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating are also common features of depression.
One psychological phenomenon that is often associated with depression is a tendency to form very negative judgements or appraisals about oneself. People who are depressed can sometimes feel that they have let themselves or others down, and feel hopeless about their future.
Psychodynamic, depression therapy focuses on the suppressed or hidden emotions that often underlie depressive symptoms. It considers how depression can arise in the context of relationship patterns, such as patterns associated with loss or trauma.
In therapy from a psychodynamic point of view, we take account of a person’s past experiences. This is to understand how factors from childhood and different stages of development may have led to a heightened susceptibility to feel depression.
As a longer term approach to therapy, psychodynamic therapy aims to delve into the factors leading to depression in order to help a person to address root causes and experience a stable and safe therapeutic environment in which to heal and move forward.
Common Goals and Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy for Vancouver Residents
Work to understand and address psychological symptoms
Unaddressed depression, anxiety, stress, and other types of emotional distress can reduce life and satisfaction. These have also been found to be correlated with physical health problems.
Increasing self-knowledge
Getting to know ourselves better includes reflecting on how our past influences our present lives, getting to know longstanding personality traits, becoming familiar with fears that have been holding back progress, and figuring out what we most want in our lives.
Reflecting on relationships
Many people benefit from taking some time to think about their relationships, exploring themes such as closeness, distance, trust, and communication.
Self-expression
People often find that developing the capacity to talk freely and openly over the course of a therapy process can help them gain comfort exercising creativity and self-expression in various other areas of their lives.
Client Experiences of Psychodynamic Therapy
Everyone is different, and some people will find themselves especially drawn to psychodynamic therapy. A study in the journal Psychotherapy Research found that clients who most appreciate psychodynamic therapy are drawn to several features of this approach.
Psychodynamic therapy aims to help people gain insight through exploration, so they can understand themselves better than before
It seeks to help individuals develop a more coherent life story
It aims to help people foster self-acceptance through understanding
Integrative Depression Therapy
We offer an integrative approach to therapy tailored to the needs of the individual. In addition to psychodynamic therapy, clients will sometimes benefit from approaches based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a structured approach to treating depression that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, often referred to as thinking traps.
These traps may include cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, or overgeneralization, which contribute to a person’s depressive feelings.
Therapy can help you recognize these unhelpful thoughts and work towards more balanced perspectives.
Additionally, behavioral experiments and behavioral activation play a key role by encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful or enjoyable activities, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Online and Telephone Therapy for Depression in Vancouver and BC-wide
Many people in Greater Vancouver and throughout BC are juggling busy schedules these days. This can make it difficult to attend regular weekly in-person depression therapy appointments. If in-person therapy would be a challenge for you, the flexibility of online depression therapy may be a good choice for you.
Discuss Your Options
A 10-minute consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and ways therapy may help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy
Answers to help you get started.
Depression therapy is grounded in psychotherapy effectiveness research, with a focus on providing evidence-based and scientifically supported treatments.
The practice specializes in psychodynamic therapy, a therapeutic approach that explores underlying emotional patterns and past experiences to promote healing and understanding.
Yes, an integrative approach is valued, meaning techniques from various therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), may be incorporated to meet individual needs.
Typically, therapy sessions are scheduled once per week. This regular schedule helps maintain consistency and progress in the therapeutic process.
Yes, all therapy sessions are confidential, ensuring a safe and private space for clients to express themselves openly.
No, a physician referral is not required. Clients can reach out directly to begin the therapy process.
Sessions are typically scheduled once per week, providing a consistent and supportive framework for progress.
Book a Consultation
Get started with a 10-minute consultation to discuss your concerns.