Specialty:  Depression Treatment

What does depression feel like?

“It feels like you are under water, desperately trying to find a place to break free and fill your lungs with air, but more often than not, you are pushed back under.”

Others have described depression in these ways:
  • “It’s a blackness where I have no motivation or desire for anything. I just feel numb.”
  • “I can’t stop crying. I’m not even sure what triggers it, but I can’t make it through the day without being in tears over something.”
  • “I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up.”
  • “Nothing makes me happy. Why push myself to do anything if nothing brings me joy?”
  • “I feel so guilty because I want to be there for my husband and kids and enjoy them, and I can’t even seem to do that anymore.”
  • “When I’m depressed, I can't focus or seem to remember anything. I get so frustrated with myself because I can't complete the simplest of tasks. I feel like such a failure.”

Do any of the statements above resonate with you?

Depression is scary. It can feel deep and dark and hopeless. It can be hard to imagine that things will ever get better. Being able to talk with someone who will listen deeply and compassionately, can set you on the road to healing. I want to hear your whole story. Once I begin to really understand who you are and what has led you to this place, I can work together towards healing and wholeness. Depression isn’t something you just have to live with, and you don’t have to fight it alone.

Depression is treatable.

Depression treatment involves:

  • Telling your story and having it heard with compassion
  • Connecting events in the past with feelings and beliefs in the present
  • Recognizing patterns of responding that may keep you stuck
  • Finding the courage and hope to respond differently and to reclaim your life

I will be active with you in this process to discover tangible ways to help yourself. Treatment for depression can restore your sense of hope, as well as your energy and motivation. Many people struggle with depression. When I’ve had the privilege of working with these individuals, I have seen great insight and growth emerge from those times. I have seen people empowered to make changes to find the life they desire.

I know that starting therapy for the first time can be scary. I believe my calm, accepting presence will put you at ease. I will provide a safe place to share your feelings without fear of judgment or minimizing. Don’t just keep hoping that the depression will go away on its own. With support and guidance, you can begin to live the life you want.

  FAQ about Depression Treatment

Question: How is talking to a therapist different than talking to a friend?

When you are talking with a friend, sometimes it is hard for them to really “get it”. Maybe you are afraid of letting them see how bad it really is, either because you want to protect them, or you’re afraid they will judge you, or that they just won’t know what to say or how to handle it. Often those who are depressed fear exhausting their friends by making the same complaints over and over again with no change. There can be a real relief in being able to tell everything to a therapist: someone who can understand, who won’t judge you, who can handle it, and, most importantly, who can help.

Question: What causes depression?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to depression. While each individual is different, if you are struggling with depression, you may have:

  • A biological tendency towards depression (i.e. there is probably someone in your family history who has also struggled with this)
  • Experienced an event in your life that triggered this tendency (maybe a move, a break-up, unemployment, burnout, a loss)

Those two things together have likely affected your brain chemistry, making it difficult to move on or to get yourself out of the hole you are in.

Question: If depression has to do with brain chemistry, can therapy help?

Absolutely! There are a number of things that can significantly affect brain chemistry and therapy is one of them. Therapy is also a great place to identify other actions that can positively affect brain chemistry and to process whatever life events may have led to feeling this way.

Question: Do you push or encourage clients to take medication for depression?

I support my clients in making choices that are best for them. In some situations, I will recommend that a client get evaluated to see if medication can help, but the decision is still up to each individual. Often, if clients are not currently taking medication or are averse to it, I will encourage them to see what results they can obtain from therapy alone first.

To discover how depression treatment can help you, call for a free 15 minute phone consultation (818) 397-0636. Let today be the day you begin to find relief.