Depression Therapy

Is Depression Weighing You Down?

Are you having persistent feelings of discouragement, emptiness, sadness or lethargy?

Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy?

Are you spending less time with friends and family and more time alone?

Are you having difficulty motivating yourself because life feels hopeless and draining?

If you relate to any of the above questions, you may be struggling with clinical depression. Prolonged sensations like these can fuel despondent feelings and dispiriting thoughts that interfere with your ability to function, concentrate, engage socially and see positive possibilities for the future. Getting out of bed, being around others or even brushing your teeth may have become daunting tasks. As motivation becomes a distant memory, things you once enjoyed may lose their appeal. And when your pain becomes unbearable, you may experience suicidal thoughts or feel completely hopeless.  

You Are Not Alone in Your Struggle with Depression

If you are experiencing these issues, you are not alone. Depression is a common mental health condition that impacts all types of people. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 3 to 5 percent of adults battle major depressive symptoms at any given moment.  Typical symptoms can include: insomnia or over-sleeping, decreased or increased appetite, inability to concentrate, loss of interest in work or other activities, loneliness, irritability, low self-esteem, crying spells, critical thoughts about self and others, hopelessness, isolative behaviors, difficulty making decisions, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, fatigue, inescapable guilt/shame and loss of motivation.

There is no single cause for depression and even the most optimistic person can endure its pain. Universal factors such as, genetic predisposition, seasonal changes, medical issues, environmental stressors, postpartum depression, recent losses, and traumatic events can adversely impact any individual’s well-being. Understandably, it is normal to respond to these situations with feelings of sadness, anger, grief or sorrow. However, when these feelings become omnipresent, interfering with your daily life and ability to function, this is a sign of clinical depression.    

Because depression is wide spread, there is ample scientific research that supports the effectiveness of therapy on your ability to heal.  The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) shares that up to 80% of people who actively engage in therapy show improvement in their symptoms.

Depression Therapy Can Help You Rebuild Your Life

Clinical depression can drain your emotional and physical energy; however, counseling with a well-trained, experienced therapist can help you heal and get back to your life.

My depression therapy uses evidenced-based approaches that are tailored to your specific needs. I have worked extensively with individuals dealing with depression and provide a safe, welcoming environment for you to process life difficulties comfortably. In this, you will learn to cope effectively with hardships, and transform pessimistic thoughts and feelings into opportunities for profound growth and empowerment.

During our work together, my overall goal is to help you discover and pursue the life you want and deserve. First, we will address your current situation and symptoms. You will gain a clear understanding of how these feelings impact you as well as a variety of methods to help you cope and lessen their influence. It’s common for people to believe that without happiness life is not worth living. However, when we struggle with our feelings, we cause ourselves more strife. As you learn to notice, name and show compassion to your painful emotions, your suffering will ease.

Through our sessions you will also gain a better understanding of your values. Values are the ways in which we want to interact with our internal and external worlds. Often when people are dealing with depression they lose contact with these innate principles. Perhaps you want to be a loving parent, a responsible employee, a supportive friend or a caring partner but depression tells you it’s impossible. Or maybe you want to be more self-compassionate, self-accepting or self-forgiving but you are clouded by self-criticism. In therapy we will help you reconnect to your values and learn how to put energy in to life-enriching actions.

Although healing may seem impossible right now, you are capable of living a deeply satisfying life. With your willingness to commit to the counseling process, the results can be profound. Your mind, body and heart will heal. Values will create a firm foundation for your future actions and a fulfilling life will be restored.

While you want to heal these devastating feelings, you may still have questions and reservations.

Shouldn’t I be able to handle this on my own?

It’s common for people to believe they shouldn’t have to ask for help, even when they need it most. In a society that applauds independence, asking for assistance is unfortunately stigmatized. However, seeking out help when you need it is not a sign of weakness, but one of strength and courage.

Depression is a very common mental health concern. The more visible this issue becomes, the more compassion and support the general population awards treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness, these sensations are not likely to subside on their own. However, hope and help are available. Depression treatment can effectively end your suffering and empower you to undergo profound growth.

My family thinks I’m just lazy. They don’t support me getting counseling.

When people are under-informed about depression, they tend to misunderstand your symptoms as laziness. If you’re having prolonged periods of insomnia or oversleeping, decreased or increased appetite, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in work or other activities or thoughts of suicide; what you’re going through is not laziness. Depression is a clinical condition that impacts both your mental and physical health. If your family remains unsupportive of your decision to seek out treatment during the course of our work, we can educate them about mental health and your well-being when the time feels right.

Will I have to take medication?

Studies show that combining medication with therapy can be beneficial; however, you do not need to take medication, and I support your decision either way. Therapy alone can still be extremely effective in treating depression. During our treatment, you will never have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. But, if you have questions or concerns about anti-depressants, I am happy to address those.

Create a Better Life

If you would like to learn more about depression therapy or my approach, please contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I serve all Virginia residents included, but not limited to Northern, VA and Richmond, VA.