Depression Counseling in Kankakee, IL.

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect your thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. This depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable or restless. You may have lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. Depressed mood is a feature of some psychiatric syndromes such as major depressive disorder, but it may also be a normal reaction to life events such as bereavement, a symptom of...(view profile to read more)

In my approach to depression counseling, I provide a compassionate and supportive environment where clients feel truly heard and understood. I tailor my methods to the individual, blending evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices to help clients manage symptoms and regain hope. Through collaborative goal-setting and gentle exploration of thought patterns, I empower clients to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

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.

Some of the benefits in seeking counseling for depression are: Improved mood Increase in seeking out things that make you feel good Replacing negative thought patterns Help in recognizing when the depression started and treating the root cause Help in recognizing daily stressors that can contribute to the depression Can help with motivation to achieve goals

I've been treating depression and bipolar since 1996 and it is what I do best from chronic lifelong depression to a sad mood that is based on temporary circumstances. I am a constant researcher because I write for several columns a month and keynote speaker at conferences so I am up to date on the implementation of current evidence based therapies that produce results. I am also in an office with a psychiatrist and two psychiatric nurse practitioners if medication management is needed. We all work together providing continuity of care. I am also a top referral source for several local hospitals when a patient is discharged due to depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders.