Therapy for Depression in Hamilton, Ontario

Therapy for Depression in Hamilton, Ontario

A Whole-Person Path to Feeling Like Yourself Again
Depression is more than a low mood. It affects how you think, sleep, move, eat, relate to others, and how your body feels day to day. Many people describe feeling heavy, disconnected, or unlike themselves.

At eFIT, we understand depression as a whole-person experience shaped by the nervous system, biology, relationships, and daily rhythms. That’s why our approach integrates psychotherapy, somatic regulation, physical activity, nutrition support, and community. When these pieces are addressed together, change is more likely to take hold in both mind and body, not just in insight alone.

You can book a free consultation to explore our group-based Evolve Therapy Program or individual Embark Therapy Program.

What Is Depression? The eFIT Perspective

From the eFIT perspective, depression often develops when emotional pain, chronic stress, or loss overwhelms the system’s ability to process and recover. Over time, this can affect the body as well as the mind. Sleep and circadian rhythms may become disrupted, energy drops, motivation fades, and thinking can feel slowed or foggy.

For some people, depression is also associated with low-grade inflammation, which can interact with mood, cognition, and physical energy. This is one reason we take a whole-body approach. Treating depression effectively means working across emotional, physical, and relational systems, rather than focusing on thoughts alone.

Symptoms of Depression

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness
• Loss of interest or pleasure, emotional numbness, or disconnection
• Fatigue, low energy, or a heavy or slowed-down body
• Sleep changes, including insomnia or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, or indecision
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or excessive guilt
• Irritability, anger, or social withdrawal
• Physical symptoms such as aches, tension, or digestive issues

We view these symptoms as signals. They point to areas that need care emotionally, physically, and relationally.

How the eFIT Model Supports Depression

Psychotherapy
Our psychotherapy is emotion focused and trauma informed. We help you access and make sense of the emotions that keep depression in place, such as shame, grief, fear, or self-criticism. As these emotions are worked through, many people begin to experience greater self-compassion, clarity, and a renewed sense of agency. Emotion Focused Therapy is a well-established, evidence-based approach for depression with benefits that often last beyond treatment.

Somatic Regulation
Depression often shows up in the body as low arousal, tension, or a collapsed, shut-down state. We use paced breathing, body awareness, and gentle, trauma-sensitive practices to help restore regulation and expand your capacity to feel without becoming overwhelmed.

Physical Activity
Movement is approached as medicine, not punishment. Both aerobic and resistance training have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms across ages and health backgrounds. We tailor movement carefully so it is gradual, supportive, and sustainable. We work with people of all body types and fitness levels, meeting you where you are. Slow and steady truly matters here.

Nutrition Support
Nutrition plays a meaningful role in mood, energy, and brain health. During depression, eating patterns often become irregular or depleted, which can worsen symptoms. Our nutrition support focuses on restoring consistent nourishment and balanced meals in a way that feels practical and supportive, not restrictive.

Community and Group Work
Depression thrives in isolation. Our membership model offers connection, belonging, and attuned feedback through group work. Being seen and understood by others can be a powerful part of recovery and often makes the work of individual therapy more durable.