Depression Counseling in Hinckley, IL.

Are you struggling with depression? Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost interest in things you have liked to do in the past? Are you feeling down most of the time? Research shows that talk therapy can help get you back to living your life again. Together, we can work to come up with a plan to help you get back on the right track. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been identified as the treatment of choice for depression. Whether you are on medication or not, CBT strategies can offer relief from the heavy weight of depressive symptoms. Kari's clients gain an understanding of what makes someone vulnerable to depression, how to increase motivation, energy, and positive mood. They will learn how to react to difficult situations with control and composure and better combat depressive tendencies in the future. Because teens display depression differently than adults, parents are often unsure about their son/daughter. Kari will provide an assessment and if necessary, a plan for effective treatment.

I use traditional cognitive behavioral (CBT) approaches and third-wave mindfulness based CBT approaches in the treatment of Depression. These are considered evidence-based treatments. Importantly, I conduct a thorough assessment of depression symptoms as part of my intake procedures to determine the best course of treatment. I then collaborate closely with my clients to develop their treatment plan.

People may medicate their depression with TV, alcohol, food, isolation, or excessive sleep. One definition of depression is "anger turned inward." Talking with a psychologist is one of the best methods to understand your down moods, unusual thoughts, and self-defeating beliefs. Friends may say, "Get over it" about your jealousy toward your sister or your sadness over your girlfriend who texted "it's over" 3 months ago. If you are on medication for already-diagnosed depression, therapy is important to bring new ideas into your brain. If you are considering medication, start with talk therapy. Don't keep waiting for "it" to go away. What's at the bottom of your depression?

Isolation feeds depression and then also becomes a breeding ground for negative thought patterns. In session, we challenge those thought processes and take baby steps towards leaving isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness. As your therapist, we do not want you to be alone; we will work to develop skills and techniques that benefit you and that challenge the fog that you may feel that you are stuck in. These skills and techniques are practiced in session and often suggested that it be continued to be practiced outside of session. Then, we regroup, process, and re-strategize as needed.

In my psychotherapy practice, I support patients with chronic, mild, and severe depression by creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space. I use an integrative approach, combining cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques to address negative thought patterns and behaviors. My goal is to help patients develop coping strategies, build resilience, and find a renewed sense of purpose and hope, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

Making sure that if the depression is chemical in nature is very important to get a medical/psychiatric evaluation. Many of symptoms of depression stem from unresolved self esteem issues and early childhood issues. Changing the way we self talk and how we view self and who we operate in the world can change our mood state. Being more aware of the cognitive nature of ones perceptions allow the individual make significant changes in how they feel.

Depression can leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. It can be hard to complete simple tasks, go to work or care for ourselves; being overloaded with thoughts has zapped your energy. But, there's hope for a way out through therapy. I utilize Cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and person centered therapy to help you overcome the internal battle that keeps you from getting better.