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Depression

Are you struggling with low motivation and feeling empty?

Do you feel empty? Maybe you feel little sense of motivation, and it’s a struggle just to leave your bed or go to work. Or you may feel unconnected from yourself, rootless and aimless, like you’re just drifting through life with no greater purpose. And perhaps your troubles have led to relationship issues, as you struggle to keep up obligations to loved ones.

When you’re dealing with depression, it affects the full spectrum of your life. There may be changes in your sleep, appetite, energy level, and sex drive. Maybe you feel a lack of interest in your hobbies and passions. Even the relationships that were once front-and-center in your life may be deteriorating, as you find yourself increasingly withdrawn.

In the end, the most difficult part of living with depression is how it makes you feel stuck, unable to do the things you normally love. Therapy can help break the depressive cycles holding you back in life.

Depression Feels Permanent Even When It’s Not

Most people experience depression at some point in their lives. Oftentimes, it takes place in short duration and occurs as a result of circumstances—relationship issues, job stress, or the loss of a loved one, for example. When depression becomes an everyday problem and starts to affect every area of a person’s life, however, that’s a sign that it has become chronic.

There is a general attitude in our culture that it’s possible to “think” your way out of chronic depression, but this isn’t true. Depression has a way of draining the very energy that you need to address your situation. Because depression robs you of your motivation, you don’t even have the strength to try overcoming your symptoms.

What’s more, with depression, there’s a tendency to think that your present struggles are a permanent fixture. It’s as though the way you feel right now is simply the way you’ll always feel. And as a result, because you feel no hope, it’s difficult to find reasons to take care of yourself. The condition is a vicious cycle. Hopelessness leads to a lack of self-care, which only leads you further into depression.

However, the human mind is capable of profound change. Most people surprise themselves with their ability to heal. If you are ready to take this step, I am here to support you. With my help and support, you can learn how to treat depression and build resilience in ways you never dreamed.

Depression Treatment Is A Chance To Unload Your Burdens And Build Resilience

When you’re depressed, it often feels like you’re carrying an unbearable emotional weight on your shoulders. And you probably feel exhausted and drained. In depression therapy, however, you have the chance to unload your emotional burdens and share them with me. This is a chance for you to be vulnerable and think out loud without any fear of judgment or shame.

I like to keep the intake process very conversational and open-ended. Although you will fill out a small questionnaire before the first session, we won’t spend a lot of time on paperwork and other menial details. My goal is to get to know you and help you create a treatment plan for coping with your depression symptoms.

In sessions, you and I will explore the potential causes for your depression—whether it’s genetic, circumstantial, trauma-related, or a result of any other underlying issues. And since depression is often coupled with anxiety, we will examine whether or not there is any fear or stress connected to your symptoms. That said, my main goal isn’t to identify the problems in your life but to help you find solutions. With my guidance, you can broaden your perspective, develop new coping skills, and put together a stronger self-care routine. And if you’d like to make medication part of your treatment plan, I can help connect you to a psychiatric professional.

One of the treatment approaches that is central to my practice is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As the name implies, CBT looks at the connections between your behavior and your perspective on life. At its core, CBT’s goal is to identify the self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that have led to depression and replace them with positive ones. When you learn to do so, you can experience growth and transformation in every aspect of your life.

No matter how hopeless you feel at the moment, your struggles don’t have to be permanent. In my time as a therapist, I have seen many people find healing from depression in their lives. I want the same for you. Between my support and your dedication, I am confident that you can alleviate your depression symptoms and fulfill your hopes and dreams.

You may have some concerns about depression treatment…

 

Depression is just part of who I am. How could talking about it help?

When you’ve lived with depression for a long time, it begins to seem like an intrinsic part of your identity. If this is the case, then the real question is: what led you to feel that depression is part of who you are? By identifying the root causes of your symptoms, you can gain better control of them. Broadening your perspective and incorporating new insights into your life can help you understand how to keep depression from interfering with your everyday life.

Will I have to be medicated?

As a therapist, I cannot prescribe medication. However, if you are interested in someone who does, I’d be more than happy to connect you to a psychiatrist. That said, medication is not my preferred approach. It provides a complementary addition to treatment, but it isn’t always necessary. If you’re not making as much progress as you wanted to in therapy, though, pharmaceutical interventions may be a wise self-care option.

How long will depression counseling take?

There is no right or wrong answer. If your depression symptoms are a result of circumstances—such as a life-transition or recent loss—treatment may be fairly short. If you’re dealing with depression that is more chronic and long-standing, however, you may need extra time to heal. Regardless, I encourage you not to get discouraged. Everyone heals differently, and the duration of treatment is not important in the long run.

Experience Healing And Transformation In Every Aspect Of Your Life

If you feel weighed down with constant emotional pain, and it’s a burden just to go about your daily routine, I would be honored to help you. I am confident that you can rejuvenate your sense of joy, confidence, and self-fulfillment. To get started, you can call me at 609-316-6696 for a free, 10-to-15-minute phone consultation. You can also connect with me via email or the scheduling system on my website.