Depression Counseling in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

I work with many people with depression whether as individuals, or in the context of couples therapy. I help people to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and the experience they have in their bodies around their depression. I work cognitively and behaviorally to help them understand distorted thinking. I also work to "externalize" the feeling of depression, and help people understand that, "you are not your thoughts." Depression may be visiting you, but you are not depression. Mindfulness is a tool I use with depression to help people understand what is happening to them in the moment, and to begin to open to emotions that may be blocked.

Depression comes in differant forms, sometimes people become depressed because of situations in thier lives, be that losses or traumatic life events. Situational depression is real and can be treated very effectively through psychotherapy. Chronic depression is a more organic condition that can be a long term condition, however, good psychodynamic psychotherapy can be extremely helpful. With either situational or chronic depression, psychotherapy is an important part of part of the path to recovery.

I provide clients with a safe place to explore the root causes of their depression. Within the therapeutic relationship, we will also examine how the individual's thoughts, actions and feelings are connected to and feeding into their depression. We will work on breaking these negative cycles and start positive more adaptive ways of thinking, and acting to improve their mood.

While implementing a cognitive behavioral approach, I have extensive experience in helping clients improve their mood and quality of their life. I utilize evidence-based methods that can relieve emotional pain and aid clients’ recovery from debilitating symptoms. Treatment can bring back positive feelings, allowing you to improve your connection with yourself and others, achieve fulfillment and help you to function at your best.

My approach attacks depression by quickly focusing in on the primary cause of depression. I show people how their current beliefs about their adversities, past and present, are the primary cause of depression. I teach people how it is well within their power to adopt, without delay, alternative beliefs that help them cope with and prevail over these adversities. I also show my patient how to feel worthwhile and adequate even if she is depressed and performing poorly in life. Often self-downing goes with feelings of depression and makes for depression over being depressed. REBT tackles the rut of depression by attacking both the original and the secondary feelings of depression.

Depression can leave you feeling lonely and under motivated for change. Therapy with me can help alleviate those emotions and negative setbacks from depression. Furthermore, you will gain useful and important coping skills which will help you reengage with your friends, family, work and life. Depression can be scary but working with a skilled and empathic professional can help you live your life again.

I can help you recover from depression. We'll start with a thorough assessment to understand what level of depression you have and the treatment options you might consider. We'll look through a toolbox of depression-management strategies from mindfulness and exercise to cognitive-behavioral therapy that can unearth the negative and shame-producing beliefs you operate within. We'll work together to develop a customized depression reduction plan for you. Then comes the hard part--getting started and sustaining the things that work over time. I'll be with you every step of the way until you rebuild the joy and peace you deserve in life.

Depression leaves people feeling lethargic, unmotivated and often hopeless. It can be difficult to see your way out. It has been proven that with professional help your situation can look brighter. As your outlook begins to improve you will notice increased energy, developing enthusiasm and the return of prior interests. Finding a supportive, empathic professional you can trust is key. Don't go through it alone.