Depression Counseling in Woodside, 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.

Our understanding of depression and its origins has deepened in recent years, especially with the much more nuanced knowledge we now have about the influences of both our early lives and neurobiology in shaping how we experience and respond to stress and adversity. If you are depresses, it is important to understand whether it is a response to situational, and possibly temporary circumstances, a biological tendency, a response to long-term trauma or a combination of triggers. If you wish to explore how I could help with your particular situation, please call me at 415-533-9724.

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.