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Depression Therapy

Do you need depression therapy from a trained and experienced therapist? You may want to consider this if you have persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

Self-assessment for Depression Therapy

If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you might want to consider depression therapy. It can help you deal with physical, emotional, and social symptoms:

  • Have you been feeling sad or blue for two or more weeks?
  • Do you find that you have lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
  • Are you avoiding friends or having trouble interacting with colleagues?
  • Are you tossing and turning at night or waking up at 4 a.m., unable to get back to sleep?
  • Or are you sleeping too much and struggling to get out of bed?
  • Have you gained or lost weight without intending to?
  • Are you experiencing a variety of aches and pains, including headaches, cramps, or digestive problems?
  • Do you wish you could find pleasure in:
    • being with your family,
    • enjoying an evening with friends,
    • taking a walk with your dog,
    • laughing at a funny movie,
    • looking forward to a promotion at work,
    • feeling engaged with anything in your life?

Beyond This Self-Assessment for Depression Therapy

Maybe you feel helpless and hopeless, but don’t know why. Also you may find it difficult to get up and be involved in anything, including basic self-care, from brushing your teeth to going to the grocery store. These ordinary activities might feel impossible or perhaps you feel worthless, purposeless, and alone.  This can be especially painful when friends and family seem unable to comprehend your behavior and what you are going through and, as a consequence, you may feel defeated, exhausted, and unsure how to shake off this gloom.

Depression Overview

You Are Not Alone

Many people struggle with depression; according to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 17 million adult Americans suffer from depression in any given year.

Depression can affect anyone and is poorly understood. It’s more than just feeling sad, and brain scans show depression-related changes that can’t be wished away.

What Is Depression?

Symptoms vary and include persistent low mood, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes physical conditions too. Depression also causes relationship problems, family suffering, and loss of work productivity.

What Causes Depression?

A combination of factors can contribute to depression, including genetics, neurobiological makeup, gut bacteria, family history, personality and psychological factors, environment, and social factors from growing up.

Is There Help for Depression?

Depression is highly treatable with therapy which may include counseling to explore underlying issues and help you make positive lifestyle changes. Medication such as SSRIs, prescribed by a primary doctor or psychiatrist, may also be required.

Working together, I can help you navigate this difficult time and restore balance and pleasure to your life. Please be reassured that research and clinical practice show that depression therapy benefits individuals with feelings that interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, and cause prolonged distress.

Depression Therapy Can Help You Clear Away the Gray

As a counselor, I am here to help you understand that your feelings are valid and that your pain and numbness can gradually fade away, allowing a new zest for life to take their place. As I said above, depression counseling often consists of medication and talk therapy. For some people, this combination works best, while others with milder depression can benefit from individualized treatment to alleviate symptoms and offer a clear route to new enjoyment and success in life.

You will find that my approach is tailored to each individual. In my sessions, I offer support and guidance as you work on dismantling limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that can maintain depressed thoughts. Together, we will identify healthy behaviors related to nutrition, exercise, and activities for enjoyment, nurturing you as a complete person—mind, body, and emotions.

During the depression therapy journey, I encourage positive activities outside our sessions such as keeping a journal of feelings, behaviors, or activities you’ve undertaken and perhaps enjoyed.  Doing so  can help track progress with healthier habits and provide optimism that progress is being made, albeit slowly. You will learn what is helpful and what might trigger depressed thoughts and feelings, and “journaling” can help you practice changing negative thoughts to more realistic, positive ones.

The light in the darkness of the dark tunnel of depression is that people do recover, find medications that work, and rebuild their lives. I know that it is possible to engage in a full, satisfying life.

My Approach to Depression Therapy

CEBT & REBT 

I tailor my depression therapy and methods to each client. I use a comprehensive combination of therapeutic approaches to address depression effectively. One primary method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). These therapies help you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that fuel depression, promoting healthier patterns of thinking and action.

Mindfulness-based CBT

In addition to CBT and REBT, I incorporate Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Unlike traditional cognitive therapies that focus on altering thoughts, MBCT emphasizes awareness of feelings and body sensations. This mindfulness approach allows you to gently accept and feel your experiences without becoming overwhelmed, fostering a more balanced emotional state.

You will learn about depression and how to benefit from depression therapy

I place significant importance on educating you about how depression functions. Understanding the mechanisms behind depression, coupled with exploring your individual cognitive patterns, is highly effective for long-term depression relief. This holistic approach ensures you are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and reduce depression sustainably.

And Find Lasting Ease and Relief…

When you receive depression therapy from me, you will gain a better understanding of the roots of your depression symptoms, learn methods to emerge from your depression-filled world, discover new resiliency, and alleviate fears limiting your life. It is possible to find lasting ease and relief. With help, you can find color in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does for Depression Therapy Work?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and other techniques, we will identify negative and limiting beliefs you hold about yourself and the world and replace them with healthy, positive ones. We will address issues and situations that contribute to your depression, helping you develop greater resiliency and confidence in navigating life’s ups and downs. Over time, all areas of your life, including your career and relationships, can show significant positive change.

Will My Depression Return following Depression Therapy?

In some cases, yes. However, after seeking help, you will have skills to improve your mood more quickly. You can learn to identify and shift negative thoughts before they become overwhelming. Adopting healthy practices, including attention to fitness and nutrition, developing relationships with positive people, and practicing self-compassion, can help.

I Am Concerned About the Cost of Depression Therapy

I understand financial concerns and the need to make choices within your budget. However, a well-trained and empathetic counselor can help you overcome your depression. Left untreated, depression symptoms will continue to negatively affect your enjoyment of life and your ability to live up to your true potential. Depression therapy is an investment in your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Personal Experience

I have experienced depression myself and know that the hopelessness and despair feel as if they will never go away. Speaking from my own experience, I assure you that the negative, critical thoughts that you are not good enough are part of the illness and not representative of your healthy self. You are worth it, and therapy can help you see that you do matter, just as you are.

Final Thoughts

Taking the first step towards seeking help for depression is a courageous and significant decision. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle, and there is no shame in asking for support. Depression can make everything seem bleak, but with the right therapy and guidance, you can reclaim your life and find joy again.

Through our work together, you can develop the tools and resilience needed to manage your symptoms and navigate the challenges of life. It is possible to break free from the grip of depression and experience lasting relief. Your journey towards healing is a testament to your strength and determination.

If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more fulfilling future. Reach out today and begin your path to recovery and well-being. You deserve to live a life full of color and joy.

If and when you are ready…

If you want guidance to make changes in your life arising from depression.  I invite you to call me today to set up an appointment held on Zoom by either phoning me at (941) 306 1235 or emailing me at [email protected].

I offer a complimentary 15 minute by phone if you have questions you would like answered before beginning counseling.