Depression Counseling in Pollock Pines, CA.

Depression is more than having the blues. When you have depression, you may feel like getting up in the morning, brushing your teeth, or getting dressed all feel like too much. Sometimes life even feels so hard that killing yourself seems like a reasonable solution. Though medication may help, it is often not the whole story. Depression often masks other emotions that have been buried, sometimes from childhood, sometimes because a person was taught that only "positive" emotions were acceptable. Learn to uncover what is causing your depression and regain your aliveness so that you can once again, or perhaps for the first time, feel that you are living a full and productive life.

Depression can have many different signs: tearfulness, loss of motivation, loss of energy or joy in life, weight changes, inability to concentrate, sleep disturbance, irritability, loss of interest in sex, feelings of worthlesssness and hopelessnes, among other symptoms. Sometimes depression seems to come out of nowhere, and other times depression can be directly linked to a stressfull life event. I will help you identify the factors that might be causing or maintaining your depression, and also develop a plan with you to begin to feel better and to live better. Depression doesn't have to constrict your life. Our goal will be to return your life to vitality, purpose, and meaning.

Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting all age groups, that causes intense & persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness and personal emptiness. Depression affects how you feel, think, behave and could lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, left untreated. If you are struggling with depression you don't have to be alone, seeking help is the first step to improving your symptoms. Psychotherapy has shown to improve the symptoms of depression. Together will develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your concerns, needs and symptoms to improve the quality of your life.

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.

I will help you view your depressive state with curiosity and without judgment, in an effort to understand and heal the source of the depression. Simple identification of the source of depression can enhance treatment outcomes and provide some relief from depression. I can help you recognize and access your inner strength, autonomy, and capacity for change.

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!

I use several methods for helping you overcome depression. I support you in maintaining safety. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help you to identify unhelpful thoughts and learn how to restructure your thoughts. I help you identify root causes of your depression and find ways to reduce their impact by replacing them with activities and relationships that support you in increased positive mood and personal responsibility. Depression can be comorbid with other issues you may be struggling with and I take a holistic approach to help you address what is needed in order to become a more fulfilled, and satisfied individual.

When struggling with depressed moods, everything feels heavy and you lack a sense of meaning and purpose. Even the most simple tasks can feel impossible. If you find yourself turning to alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours to cope with depressed moods, there is a way out. I help clients with addictions overcome the depressed moods causing them to turn to substances or addictive behaviours to cope. Everyone is different, so I work with you to develop a plan that fits your unique situation. If you are unsure where to start, send me a message. If I'm not the right fit, I can connect you to resources that will allow you to start getting help today, without having to wait.