Depression Counselling
Depression counselling provides a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space to unpack heavy emotional fatigue, gentle behavioural activation to rebuild connection, and cognitive reframing to challenge harsh self-criticism. Virtual sessions across British Columbia.
Is This Support Right for You?
You might resonate with this counselling focus if you are navigating:
- You wake up with persistent heaviness, emotional numbness, or an unshakeable sense of exhaustion.
- Activities, hobbies, and social connections you once enjoyed now feel draining or meaningless.
- You carry a harsh internal critic telling you that you are falling behind, failing, or a burden.
- Basic daily tasks — answering messages, cooking, hygiene — require immense willpower.
- You feel isolated, but the thought of reaching out feels overwhelming.
Moving Beyond "Just Snapping Out of It"
Clinical depression is not simple sadness or laziness; it is a profound neurochemical and emotional state where the mind and body enter a protective shutdown. When you are depressed, everyday tasks that other people seem to do effortlessly — responding to an email, stepping outside, preparing a meal — can feel like climbing a mountain.
Often, the suffering of depression is magnified by secondary shame: guilt for feeling unmotivated, fear of burdening loved ones, and an internal voice that insists things will never change.
How Rimsha Works With Depression
Rimsha Qureshi, MACP, RCC utilizes evidence-informed therapies that meet you where you are today:
- Behavioural Activation: Identifying small, restorative micro-actions that re-introduce pleasure and a sense of mastery without triggering overwhelm.
- Cognitive Restructuring (CBT): Gently identifying and challenging depressive cognitive distortions — such as all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and excessive self-blame.
- Compassion-Focused Practices: Cultivating a supportive, warm inner dialogue to replace harsh self-punishing narratives.
- Narrative Reflection: Exploring life transitions, unmet expectations, and cultural or familial burdens that may be feeding emotional exhaustion.
What to Expect in Virtual Sessions
Virtual therapy eliminates the exhausting hurdle of commuting across town when your energy is at its lowest. In our 50-minute sessions, there are no expectations to perform or put on a brave face. You can show up wrapped in a blanket with a warm cup of tea, speak honestly about how hard things feel, and work collaboratively on small, realistic steps toward relief.
Fees, Extended Health & Direct Billing
Clinical sessions are $160 / 50 min. Most British Columbia extended health insurance plans cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
We provide direct billing for participating extended health plans via TELUS eClaims and Provider Connect (e.g. Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife), as well as direct billing for eligible ICBC Enhanced Care claims. Official receipts containing Rimsha Qureshi's BCACC registration (#29320) are issued immediately following every session for seamless submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does therapy help when I have zero energy to do anything?
We never ask you to overhaul your entire life overnight. We practice micro-steps — tiny, manageable actions designed to work with your energy reserves rather than demanding heroic effort. Our sessions are unhurried, gentle, and paced according to your current capacity.
Is depression counselling covered by BC extended health plans?
Yes. Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) are covered under most employer extended health insurance benefits in British Columbia. Direct billing is available for select participating insurers.
Can therapy replace antidepressant medication?
Clinical counselling and medical interventions are complementary approaches. Counselling addresses cognitive habits, emotional processing, and life stressors. We encourage collaborating with your family physician or nurse practitioner to explore comprehensive care.
What if I feel like I'm wasting the therapist's time because my problems aren't bad enough?
Harsh comparison is one of the classic symptoms of depression. You do not need to be in acute crisis to deserve compassionate clinical care. If heaviness is clouding your days, that is more than reason enough to reach out.
Related Clinical Services
Immediate Crisis Support (24/7): If you are experiencing an acute mental health emergency or immediate thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
- • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (Call or Text)
- • BC Crisis Centre: Call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
- • BC Mental Health Support Line: Call
Individual experiences with counselling vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.