Dr. Kevin Klassen

Dr. Kevin Klassen

25 years ago, I had my first experience with depression. I had no reference or understanding of what was happening and the smaller northern community I was living in had minimal counselling services. Instead, I tried a number of different medications over the next 7 years. These provided little relief and resulted in a diagnosis of treatment resistant depression.

Shortly after becoming depressed, I realized I needed a better understanding of human psychology if I was going to make sense of what was going on in my own life.

This led me to complete a Bachelors of Psychology degree. I was fascinated with what I learned about the human mind and the nature of suffering and realized I would have to further my studies with graduate school if I wanted to apply what I was learning to help others.

Interestingly, it wasn’t until I was in graduate school when I saw a counsellor as part of my degree requirements that I started to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of myself, not from an academic perspective, but with compassion and kindness. This really impacted me. I began to have more grace for my shortcomings (perceived or real) as well as to appreciate my strengths and accomplishments. As I was healing psychologically and the depression was lifting, I was also becoming more capable of authentic love and connection with my wife and kids.

This led to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with them, which I continue to be thankful for.

While I’m incredibly grateful (and relieved) to have come through the other side of depression, I don’t see myself as having all of the answers. But I continue to grow as a person and feel privileged and honoured to help people as they navigate their own mental health and relationship hardships. I operate by the principle that if I’ve been able to discover the strengths and resilience within myself to overcome adversity and live a more satisfying life, I know others can as well.

Since opening my practice in 2009, I completed a doctoral degree with a dissertation on treatment resistant depression. It was rewarding to come full circle on this topic. I’ve also accumulated close to 20,000 clinical hours working with individuals and couples on a wide range of issues including relationship struggles, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, men’s health and well-being, and many others. I’m honoured by the opportunity to work with you and confident I can help you explore, grow, and face your unique challenges.