Depression Counseling in Elmont, NY.

I have extensive experience working with depression, from mild forms to severe, cripplling depression. Sometimes depression can seem like the world around you has changed, leaving you isolated and feeling all alone. At times some may feel unable to go on with their daily life. I help you identify the root causes of depression and can provide strategies to move through and onwards with life.

Depression can range from sad to debilitating. It can come as a reaction to a trauma or painful event or creep up on you from a buildup of years of unhappiness. When given attention, depression can help you learn about what may be missing in your life, what you want to achieve, pain that needs healing, or how to become more empowered. Depression can be used for strength and positive. Experience how!

Depression often occurs when when we are only able to imagine a future governed by our past. The depression is held in place by memories, and beliefs acquired in the past that have been misfiled in projections of our future. Therapy, properly conducted, helps us place the past where it belongs leaving plenty of empty space and freedom in which to imagine invigorating possibilities for the future. Medication may or may not be needed to get the process started. When one gains the ability to imagine engagement in that which beckoned but seemed impossible, depression dissipates.

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.

I will determine the severity of depression and the need for medication. We will figure out if depression is an acute response to a crisis or situation. We will look at the causes, your experience of depression, what are triggers for depression, and ways to cope with it and give you better control of it. If it is a recurrent depression we will find ways for you to cope, and develop good support networks if you don't have them.

Research shows that the most effective treatment for depression is psychotherapy. Depression can range from feeling down to major symptoms such as having trouble even getting out of bed or contemplating suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255). Online counseling is effective for depression because it is easy to access: you can start treatment without even leaving the house.

Sadness comes in many forms, to let us know something about our lives that isn't working. We've been socialized to think there's something wrong with us, that we're imbalanced. I believe that while this has merit, it skips over the uniqueness of our situation and the way we adapted to early experiences in order to survive. We're here to help you uncover this nuance and to incorporate different stories about yourself. We can help. We're with you and we're here to help you be with you. Get in touch with us today.

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, we address negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to your feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Together, we identify distorted thinking and replace it with more realistic, balanced thoughts. Through structured exercises and homework assignments, you'll learn coping skills to manage symptoms and challenge depressive beliefs. We also focus on behavior activation, gradually reintroducing enjoyable activities and routines into your life. With CBT, you'll gain tools to break free from the cycle of depression, cultivate self-awareness, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, leading to long-lasting relief.

Depression is widespread and can also serve a function that allows one to move on in life. The catalyst such as PTSD or loss, when explored appropriately, can enliven a depressed individual. Although depressive feelings and thoughts are debilitating, the process of Working through these feelings can serve as a catalyst for personal growth.

Audrey believes deeply in approaching depression holistically. Using a "here and now" disposition, Audrey will focus more on the present as opposed to digging through your past. We will identify patterns in your thinking and actions that do not serve you and help to reframe and restructure the belief system them supports your unhealthy behaviors. This will be paired with consistent check-ins regarding your overall health such as food, sleep, sunlight, work life etc.... to maximize overall joy in your life.