Depression

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

While most therapies can ease depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a specialized quicker approach. CBT holds that although depression may stem from many causes; depressed people generally share unrealistically negative patterns of thinking that make it far harder for them to bounce back. Through CBT people can challenge their unrealistic negative thoughts about themselves and find self-esteem, motivation, and productivity in their lives – leading to a sustained happiness.

I offer providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, low self-worth, low self-esteem, and loss of interest and pleasure in life.

Depression is deeply personal and unique to each individual. We'll discuss coping techniques and try to dig into sources of depression. We'll look into identity, self-esteem, and past traumas. We will determine while you're feeling stuck, unmotivated, tired, and irritable. We will make sure that you're putting yourself first and engaging in self-care, setting boundaries, and not engaging in people-pleasing tendencies.

Depression can feel so isolating as many individuals with depression lose their desire to do the things they normally enjoy and interact with others. Like anxiety, it can be challenging to understand how depression develops and difficult to explain it to others. I want to provide a space for clients struggling with depression where we can work together to understand it's source better and work at the client’s pace to work through it in order to live a more fulfilling life.

Depression can be linked to feelings of isolation, negative self-talk, low self-esteem or sense of self-worth, among many things. Together we can work toward addressing factors that are contributing to depression and improve overall mood and well-being.

I have traveled all the way down this rabbit hole and made my way back out of it to tell the tale. I have a gift for educating and coaching people struggling with all levels of depression. Providing knowledge about the symptoms of this disease often helps to ease some of the pain caused by the daily struggles involved in surviving depression.

I've treated adults in all stages of life who struggle with depression, whether it's a recurring experience or a single episode. I primarily use a psychodynamic approach to increase awareness around when and why depressive feelings are triggered, and mindfulness techniques to detach from stress, to notice and reduce the tendency to be swept up by negative emotions, and to be more present in relationships and feel more connected to others.

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under a dark shadow. However, even the most severe depression is treatable. So, if your depression is keeping you from living the life you want to, don’t hesitate to seek help. Of course, just as no two people are affected by depression in exactly the same way, neither is there a “one size fits all” treatment to cure depression. Therefore, I provide an individualized treatment to fit your unique needs.

I have worked with clients who have experienced various forms of depression. I find it most effectively to validate clients' feelings and work at a pace that is comfortable for the client. I will work diligently to help you regain control over the quality of your life.

I have helped many people address depression by increasing routines, exploring interests and passions, and finding internal motivation and meaning to pursue the things they want to in life.

My heart goes out to all who are experiencing depression. The darkness can feel all encompassing and as though you may never escape. Through my experience in working with depression, I know that you need someone to step along side you and walk with you as you find a way closer to the healing. Side by side I will be that person who can sit in the darkness with you as well as take on the challenge of beginning the nourishing journey to a life filled with light.

Depression is characterized by depressed mood, markedly diminished interest or pleasure, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, excessive or inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness, recurrent thoughts of death. Listening deeply to the voice of depression can help untangle self-limiting beliefs. Therapy helps you learn techniques for grounding and meaning-making, increase self-esteem, gain insight into patterns and origin of depression.

Depression can feel overwhelming, and can keep us from experiencing all that life has to offer. I can help you get to the bottom of this and figure out how to cope with and change behaviors that can lead to a more content and joyful experience of life.

Depression isn't just feeling down or sad. It can make you feel numb. You may walk around with a smile, but inside is a different story. Your family and friends want to help you, but they are not equipped. It's time to you spoke with a skilled and empathetic professional to help treat your depression. Contact me today.