Depression Counseling in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

I view depression from existential, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, social learning, systems, and medical models. I view that shame, low self-concept, and deeper identity and existential issues often do underlie moderate and severe depression, and support SSRI or SNRI interventions for postpartum moms and clients with moderate to severe depression, with recurrence. I employ assessments and CBT homework assignments to help clients reduce their negative cognitive lens, and encourage client resilience through positive coping skills (e.g. exercise), meaning-making, and positive psychology exercises (e.g. gratitude and altruism).

Depression can leave you feeling like even the simplest tasks are impossible. Overtime you can start feeling guilt or shame about how hard life feels for you and isolate yourself. You're not alone in how you feel and you don't have to go through this by yourself! Through CBT, behavioral activation, and a huge does of empathy, you can start feeling like yourself again. Therapy is a safe space to express and feel your emotions and find accountability for moving towards your goals.

Depression has been called the "common cold" of emotional problems. Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Jesus invited depressed and discouraged individual to find healing in Him. It is possible to restore hope and joy. It is not necessary to continue to suffer in the darkness of despair- help is available.

I work with a depressed nervous system by working with the body. Often we struggle to sleep, eat, or accomplish relatively simple tasks. Our bodies are stuck with the brake on. When our body thinks it is futile, out mind follows quickly thereafter and we begin to tell ourselves how pointless things are and how worthless we are. I work with the whole body to re-regulate the body to enable you to get back to a whole integrated self.

Depression can feel like an endless weight, making even the smallest tasks seem insurmountable. My approach to depression counseling is compassionate, holistic, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll uncover the underlying patterns contributing to your depression, explore your emotions in a safe and supportive space, and develop practical tools to help you regain motivation and joy. By integrating modern therapeutic techniques with proven, time-honored methods, we’ll work toward a brighter, more balanced future at your pace.

When we uncover an experience of depression we will most certainly discover raw feelings of loss. Most often we simply want the pain to go away but our pain is actually a gift. The truth is that the way we were living before was simply not working. Counseling can serve as a tremendous catalyst for reframing our pain in order to discover the life we long to experience.

As a psychologist, depression may be the most common complaint or difficulty that my clients experience. Put simply, depression can be a result of genetic/constitutional tendencies, environmental issues such as life stressors, or both. I often employ what is known as the cognitive-behavioral approach in dealing with depression, in other words looking at the relationship between negative, self-defeating thoughts, and the resulting emotion, e.g., "Stinkin' Thinkin'." I also place a large emphasis on important daily mood issues, such as sleep, diet, activity level, and receiving adequate light levels. An attitude of gratefulness is important in reducing feelings of depression.

Depression is not your identity. First and foremost, you are a child of God. But even with faith, life can knock us down and it can be difficult to find hope. You’re not meant to go through this alone. I would be honored to help you sort out what you can control, what needs to be grieved, what needs to heal, and what in life might need to change.

If you’re feeling down, are lacking motivation, or lacking motivation, you’re not alone. The demands of work and home life can take a toll on any man. Not many understand the unique pressures you face, and this can be frustrating, lonely, and isolating. Whether you feel like things are falling apart, or you’re still hiding it pretty well, there is hope. I often use EMDR therapy and a faith-based perspective to help men uncover and heal the source of their issues, and discover their peace, hope, and motivation in life. One of the insidious parts of depression is that while you’re in the fog, it’s hard to be objective. I will help you walk through this fog until we get to the other side.