Larry Depow M.S.W., R.S.W.

Have you been having thoughts and feelings such as?

I just can’t seem to cope the way I used to.

When I try to talk to my partner about things that are important to me, we end up in an argument and nothing gets resolved.

I’m tired of how things are going with my partner. I wish things were better.

An important person in my life has died and I am having trouble dealing with it.

I feel stressed and overwhelmed a lot lately.

My use of alcohol/drugs has become a concern for me and for the people who care about me.

I have so much worry and anxiety that I am finding it difficult to get through the day.

I feel down a lot of the time and wonder how I can handle all the demands on me.

I know I should make changes in my life, but I can’t seem to find the motivation to do it.

Areas of focus:

Depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, concerns with alcohol/drug use (self or family), couple/relationship issues, change/transition.

My approach to counselling:

I believe that the most important step is to establish rapport and trust. People need a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental place to talk about their concerns. As you talk about your situation and what you are experiencing, we will seek a deeper understanding of events and circumstances that are impacting you. Together we will explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviour in relation to these events and circumstances.

From there we will begin to look at what is most important for you in terms of change. We will consider what life will be like for you when things are better. We can explore strategies to achieve the changes you desire.

Have you been having thoughts and feeling such as:

My partner and I have gone from intimacy, fun and affection to continuous disagreements about household responsibilities, money, socializing and our sex life.

Whenever we try to talk about our problems, we end up in an argument and nothing gets resolved.

I sometimes think if it were not for the children, I would leave my partner.

My approach to counselling:

One of my goals in couple counselling is to help you communicate with one another in a way that resolves issues rather than having ongoing arguments resulting in anger, hurt feelings, and periods of avoiding one another. It is not a matter of one person being right and the other being wrong. Couples can be caught up in entrenched patterns of hurtful and unproductive communication that are difficult to change. Improvement comes from understanding how you both are caught up in this cycle of hurt and unproductive communication. Learning to really hear one another opens the door to new behaviours and experiences. Once free of unproductive conflict, you have an opportunity to rediscover your partner’s attributes and strengths and to feel connected again. Sharing acts of kindness and love help each of you find energy and courage for the challenges you face.

About Larry:

My wife Lorraine and I have been married for 39 years. We are grateful for our family of three children and our niece who joined our family at the age of five. I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming and even a bit of jogging. We appreciate our extended family and many friendships.

I completed a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1988. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to provide individual, couple, family and group counselling for many years. I am a Registered Social Worker, BCCSW Registration # 04488.