Therapy for Depression

Don't Let Hopelessness Take Over Your Life! Depression Can Be Treated!

"You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on...Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you'll ever know."

- Lili Reinhart

Depression is a common mental health issue that can significantly impact your quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, over 264 million people worldwide experience depression, and the number is on the rise. Depression affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

While depression and depressive disorders are a familiar presence in today’s society, this doesn’t mean we should simply learn to live with them or, even worse, ignore them. Depression takes different forms – from the pronounced sadness we experience from time to time when seasons change and the negative thinking that often accompanies it to more severe forms of profound hopelessness and overwhelming desperation.

Regardless of the shape it takes, we need to learn to identify its triggers and symptoms to intervene promptly and find the most effective treatment to combat its potential effects on our mental health.

I Am a Licensed Therapist Trained to Provide Counseling for Depression

What Exactly Is Depression?

Are you feeling sad or down about things? Have you lost interest in daily activities? Do you find yourself feeling tired, or struggling with low energy or perhaps lost appetite? Do you find yourself feeling bad about yourself and feeling hopeless? Are you having trouble sleeping, either too much or too little? In combination, these can be signs and symptoms of a mental health condition known as depression, especially if constant and persistent.

Depression can have physical and emotional effects on individuals. Persistent sadness and depression can lead to changes in brain chemistry, causing changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. Additionally, depression can lead to negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

I understand the toll depression can take on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. Depression is a treatable condition and people with depression can access different forms of treatment to address depression symptoms.

I am a mental health professional who has the necessary experience and tools to help you rediscover hope and joy and get your life back on track. Together, we can explore and understand your emotions and your experiences. By identifying and acknowledging these emotions, we can work towards resolving underlying issues that contribute to depression.

Benefit from a Personalized Treatment Plan to Learn How to Manage Your Mental Health Condition

Learn to Identify and Manage Depressive Symptoms

One of the benefits of therapy for depression is that it provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. During our therapy sessions, we will learn more about your moods, sleep patterns, energy levels, and other behaviors to gain insight into how depression is affecting your daily life. We will collaboratively address negative thoughts and behavior patterns and identify strategies that keep depression at bay.

As a professional counselor, I can help you identify and develop healthy coping mechanisms for improved control over your depressive symptoms and overall emotional wellness. These may include techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies. Therapy will also help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness, leading to a deeper understanding of your triggers and how to manage them. Together, we can understand the cause of your feelings of sadness, address life stressors, and combat depressive symptoms.

Develop New Coping Mechanisms

Build Secure and Supportive Relationships

Depression can often lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, which can make it difficult to reach out for help. By fostering a strong therapeutic alliance with you, we will create a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable expressing your emotions and exploring ways to overcome your mental health challenges. As a licensed mental health counselor, I can help you learn how to improve communication with others and set boundaries to make sure your needs are respected.

Attachment issues are often at the core of emotional distress, including depression. I can help you identify and address attachment issues that may be contributing to your depression. Attachment issues can stem from early life experiences and affect an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships later in life. By improving emotional connections, you will feel more supported, secure, and valued, which can reduce symptoms of depression.

Address Attachment Issues and Improve Emotional Bond

Treat Symptoms of Depression with Therapy

It’s important to note that everyone experiences depression differently and that there are different types of depression; some people may not have all these symptoms while others may experience additional ones. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms lasting for more than two weeks or interfering with your ability to live your life fully, get in touch. We’ll find ways to get to the bottom of your overwhelming sadness and hopelessness and address them in a safe and judgment-free environment.

Do you experience sadness or depressive thoughts most days?
Do you feel overwhelming or persistent sadness that keeps you feeling empty?
Do you have a constant sense of guilt that you are not enough or not doing enough?
Are you overwhelmed with a sense of loss?
Do you feel like you have no purpose or direction in life?
Do you find yourself fatigued with no energy, or have trouble sleeping or eating?
Are you feeling hopeless or worthless at times?
Do you experience changes in appetite or weight?
Do you experience disturbances in sleep, either too much or too little?
Do you have difficulty concentrating?
Do you have feelings of worthlessness?
Do you have thoughts of death or suicide?

frequently asked questions

How can I tell if I am depressed or just sad?

As a therapist, I often hear this question from individuals who are struggling with their emotions. It’s normal to feel sad from time to time, but depression is a persistent and often debilitating mental health condition. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing depression, rather than just passing sadness:

Duration: Sadness is a natural emotional response to stressors or negative events in life, but it tends to be temporary. Depression, on the other hand, can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Intensity: While sadness is a normal emotional experience, depression is characterized by feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and despair that can be overwhelming.
Interference with daily life: Depression can interfere with daily life, affecting work, relationships, and other aspects of life. You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities, struggling to complete daily tasks, or experiencing difficulty concentrating.
Physical symptoms: Depression can also cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and unexplained aches and pains.
Suicidal thoughts: Individuals with depression may experience thoughts of death or suicide. If you are experiencing these thoughts, it’s essential to seek help immediately.

Is there more than one type of depression?

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can present itself in various forms. Here are some types of depression:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Major depression is the most common form of depression. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, lack of interest in activities, and other symptoms that can affect an individual’s daily life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a form of depression that lasts for at least two years. Individuals with PDD may experience fewer symptoms than those with MDD, but the symptoms can be long-lasting and affect their overall well-being.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. It can cause feelings of sadness, lack of energy, and changes in appetite.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It can cause feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety, and can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her newborn.
Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, which can include feelings of euphoria, impulsiveness, and increased energy.
Psychotic Depression: Psychotic depression is a severe form of depression that can include hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis.

What is your therapeutic approach to depression?

As a therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I have a holistic approach to treating depression. I focus on improving thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, how they relate to each other, and how changing the way you evaluate a situation can change your reaction. CBT is designed to alter the damaging negative thinking and feelings that you develop about yourself.

In therapy, we will examine your core beliefs about yourself, the assumptions that you make when interpreting your circumstances, and the negative automatic thoughts that keep you stuck. We might also introduce mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies to keep you grounded.