Depression Counseling in Palo Alto, CA.

Depression manifests in many ways but the overriding symptoms in children are irritability, changes in sleeping and eating habits, low energy, not seeming to enjoy things that once were fun and isolating. Some have feelings of hopelessness. I work with my clients, to gain an understanding of what they feel. We work together to uncover the deeper reasons for the feelings, the thoughts and behavior. And then begin to learn ways to change the thoughts and feelings so they can once again feel more confident that things will work out for them.

Depression can be debilitating and lonely. I understand the complexities of depression and have found that my psychodynamic, psychoanalytically-minded technique is very successful in treating depression. I have found psychotherapy to be very effective in helping individuals find a way to overcome their struggles and reclaim energy and purpose in their lives.

Sofia University’s Community Center for Health & Wellness (CCHW) serves our community with professional counseling and spiritual guidance. CCHW selects, trains, and supervises compassionate practitioners who honor the spiritual and religious beliefs of our diverse community and empowers our clients to grow and expand their inherent health and wholeness. CCHW is not affiliated with any religious or spiritual organization.

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We work together with you to create a whole and balanced identity in a fragmented world. We serve adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.

Working with the experience of depression is much more than changing our thoughts to change our behavior. Our brains are wired to notice the negative; it's part of our survival. I support my clients in expanding what they notice, and help them discover what works for them by creating a tool kit through experiential relational interventions in session. When I see children, I utilize play therapy as the modality, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. When working with adolescents and adults, I utilize expressive arts, DBT, CBT and Narrative Therapy.

I use a blend of cutting-edge therapeutic techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, and object-relations psychotherapy to create a personalized healing journey. Focused on working with individuals who desire more permanent solutions to their emotional pain, my approach to depression therapy is as compassionate as it is transformative. By engaging with these specifically tailored methods, clients find themselves nurtured, understood, and empowered, unlocking new pathways to well-being and joy. This personalized care provides clients with a value-driven and life-enhancing experience that goes beyond traditional therapy.

Are you feeling sad? Hopeless? Worthless? Are you struggling to find motivation? How about the energy needed to connect with friends? Or are you feeling isolated? All of these (and more) are very common symptoms of depression. As your therapist, I will use CBT therapy to improve your quality of life. I love using CBT for depression because it makes common sense. We learn to notice those negative thoughts. Then we learn together which thoughts are hurting you and causing you to feel emotional pain. Lastly, we work together to change and replace those thoughts with something better. It's not a magical cure, but this is a long-standing and proven technique for depression and I find it helpful!