Depression Counseling in Merchantville, NJ.

Depression is more than feeling sad. Depression is a sustained period of feeling "down," accompanied by some or all of the following symptoms: decreased interest in activities that were previously enjoyable; decreased concentration; decreased energy; difficulty sleeping; hopelessness; thoughts and/or acts of self-harm; marked weight gain/loss; increased irritability; isolating from friends/family. Note: this list is not meant to diagnosis depression. If you feel that you may be struggling with depression, you do not need to struggle alone. Depression is treatable and you can recover. Not all depression needs to be treated with medication. Together we will chart your course to recovery.

Depression is often a symptom that your life has gotten out of balance. whther your depression issues are biological or situation, longstanding or recent, psychotherapy has been shown to be useful to get back to a life of vibrance, meaning, and peace. My employment of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT) may help you get back on track toward a life worth living.

There is a wide continuum that constitutes depression. We all have "bad days" or an occasional case of the "blues," but if you rarely experience any joy in life, if more often than not, it is shear drudgery to get up and face the day, or if your situation feels hopeless, then you may well be suffering from clinical depression. I'll help you identify the source of the depression, and we'll work together to resolve it. If medication seems appropriate (rarely my first choice), I can refer you for medication evaluation.

Do you feel frustrated, irritable or hopeless? These are signs of depression. We will work together to identify and analyze specific aspects of your life that may be causing you to be depressed. Once these areas are identified, we work together to build coping skills to manage your symptoms. Most of the time, we have these skills with in ourselves, and we simply need a skilled therapist to point them out and help activate them.

Our approach to depression counseling is centered on creating a safe, empathetic space where you can explore and address the underlying causes of your depression. Utilizing evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), we help you develop effective coping strategies and positive thought patterns. Our compassionate therapists work with you to build resilience, enhance self-awareness, and foster a sense of hope and empowerment, guiding you towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms, therapy is a critical part of relief. The first step is being heard & then assessed. Is this a new experience or a familiar one? Has it been triggered by a specific situation? The next, is identifying & replacing negative coping strategies & thoughts with positive alternatives. In addition to identify negative thought patterns, it’s vital to understand where these beliefs came from & work to reframe unhealthy views of the self & others. Know that I’m not someone who immediately suggests medication to everyone. A certain level of discomfort prompts us to change. However, when medication is needed, I'll work closely with your PCP or psychiatrist.

You did not choose to be depressed and it’s not something most people can simply “shake off.” Depression is real. It’s life altering and can trick you in to believing that you can never be happy again. I am here to help. I would be honored to walk with you as we challenge the narrative of your depression while acknowledging how incredibly hard and real it is. You are not alone, and hope can be the beginning to your own healing.

Depression can distort your view of yourself, your future and the world, leaving you feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless. If you are depressed, you know that it is impossible to "just snap out of it." Research shows that depression disrupts the optimal chemical balance in the brain and changing that is not easy, but therapy is an important part of effective treatment. It is important to recognize ways of thinking or relating to others that hold depression in place; then it is possible to grow in the freedom to think, feel and relate to others differently. These small changes lay the foundation for more growth and healing, and give you the courage to risk new ways of relating.

Dr. Marty has developed his own approach to handling depression he calls Focused Short Term Therapy (FSTT)* It combines new cutting edge therapies in the field of energy psychology as well as short term focusing on the depression. When appropriate Dr. Marty uses hypnosis and self hypnosis as well. To learn more about this approach you can go to: http://drmartytashman.com/focused-short-term-therapy-fstt-2/

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that can interfere with daily functioning. Reaching out for help is a step towards wellness. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but it is a very treatable condition. Therapy for depression helps you overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair and to gain control of your life.

In treating depression, we aim to empower you to regain control over your emotional life. We go beyond symptom alleviation, using cognitive therapy to explore and adjust the thought patterns contributing to your depression. As we go through the counseling journey, you'll understand what triggers your depressive episodes. Armed with this knowledge, we'll develop practical strategies for you to tackle these triggers head-on. We also enrich your toolkit with mindfulness and relaxation skills, further equipping you to navigate emotional challenges. Our goal is to pave the way for a happier, more balanced life.

Although there are similarities in characteristics of depression from person to person, there are unique ways depression can impact someone struggling with it. In my work, I want to understand what depression is like for my specific client sitting in front of me. As we process this, I aim to help them understand how it functions for them and what may be perpetuating it (i.e. thoughts, behaviors, situations, etc.). Once we start to understand this, I collaboratively work with my client to move toward change.

I help clients look at how past and current factors have led to their current depression. I have them change and/ or adapt their way of dealing with those issues in a way that allows them to feel better. I work with their primary physician and/or psychiatrist to determine if medication would be a helpful adjunctive therapy and if illnesses playing a role in the depression. I also teach clients ways to challenge their negative, distorted views of themselves and others to have a more positive and realistic approach to their lives.