Depression Counseling in Red Hill, PA.

Clients can have a reduction of depression symptoms through a variety of modalities. Some modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focus on how thoughts and behaviors are interlinked. This modality works to change one so that the other can change. For example, when someone starts to challenge their negative thoughts about their inability to socially engage, they may feel better about themselves, leading to greater socialization and a decrease in depression. Other modalities, such as Narrative Therapy look at how the presenting concern of depression has developed over times and seeks to find unique outcomes, or exceptions to the negative narrative to build a position of strength.

Feeling low and downright sad, unmotivated, a lack of pleasure, a lack of energy, worthless, and hopeless are just a few words to describe depression-- that quite frankly does not give justice to what those are truly going through when they are fighting it. It takes giving yourself time as you are working through depression to find any relief from it. My approach to treating depression is to work with my client to understand how they uniquely are experiencing it, aid them in increasing their awareness of how it operates for them, and then to work collaboratively with them to identify and change the areas of their life that may be perpetuating it (i.e. thoughts, situations, beliefs, etc.)

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.

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.

Depression is the single most diagnosed problem in mental health. I believe it can be divided into two categories: situational depression and clinical depression. We all can experience sadness and changes in mood due to negative circumstances in our lives. I work with clients to examine the current issues, look into the past for previously successful solutions, and work toward implementing solutions in the future. Clinical depression is suspected of being genetically linked and found in families. It is usually triggered by a traumatic event which causes neurological changes. This is best treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication.

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.

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.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, depression, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma. I am dedicated to working with couples, and families striving to live a life of hope, resiliency, strength, and empowerment. Schedule a free telephone consultation by calling 610-944-4327. https://empoweredlifeandwellnessllc.com/

We have worked with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from depression. Focusing on positive strategies and coping skills, we find that each person suffering from depression must find alternatives to destructive thinking and behaviors. Sometimes medication may be necessary. In that case, a referral can be made to your family physician. Sometimes, individuals prefer a natural approach without medication. The decision of medication is an individual choice. We support whatever you feel is best for you.

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.

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.

If you are feeling intense sadness, numbness, irritability or just a bad case of the blahs, you may be suffering from depression. Together we will explore the underlying causes of your particular symptoms. Next, we will address these issues so that you can climb out of the black hole that you find yourself in. I have struggled with depression myself and I can tell you that with appropriate guidance from a supportive professional, you can work toward living a fuller, more satisfying life that is not defined by your symptoms. You can take back control of your life and replace self-loathing with self-love, self acceptance, and self-compassion. Enjoy your life, instead of enduring it!!

Over my thirty years of practice I’ve seen hundreds of depressed children, teenagers, and young adults. In some kids it shows up as sadness, in others as a chronic irritability or anger. Some kids just sleep a lot, or lose themselves in video games. We can blame technology, social media, the pressure kids feel to get into a “good” college, the disconnect they feel with their parents and other adults, but we can’t deny the fact that many children, teens, and young adults are unhappy. I have a long history of helping these kids work their way out of their depression—sometimes counseling them individually, sometime with their parents—and would welcome the opportunity to help yours.