Are you stuck?

Do you not enjoy things that once made you happy?

Do you feel numb, like you’re just “going through the motions?”

Do you feel like you have limited options?

Do you keep repeating patterns that hold you back?

Depression is the single most common concern people bring to therapy. Statistics from The National Institute of Mental Health indicate that 16.2 million people in the US over the age of 18 had a major depressive episode in 2016, and many more were diagnosed with a type of situational depression called an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This is a milder form of depression that happens in response to personal stress.  These statistics indicate that the experience of depression, whether it significantly interferes with your life or simply causes you to feel sad or blue, is very common. Fortunately, treatment for depression can be successful. Therapy, coupled with medication, for some people, can bring back their vitality.

Treatment for depression is an opportunity to intentionally take the time to explore and identify what is going well, what might benefit from change, and learn new skills to improve mood and functioning. I provide a warm, welcoming environment to help you broaden your perspective, consider new skills, consider the benefits of change, and also support and reinforce the many personal strengths you bring to the collaborative process.

I tend to treat both behavioral and emotional components of depression. In our work together, I will help you find ways to get back on track and encourage you to listen closely to what informatoin your mood and emotions may have regarding your current experience. Maybe stress is wearing your down. Maybe you are dealing with the needs of many people and finding little time for yourself. Maybe you need a change in your current circumstances. Maybe something from the past is weighing heavy.

Integrating interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal therapy interventions we can:

• Use a problem-solving approach to identify and address your stressors
• Address what works and doesn’t work for you in managing your mood
• Identify practical and manageable steps you can use to improve your outlook on life
• Think about the effectiveness of your current coping skills and those you would like to develop
• Consider the underlying meaning of your mood as it relates to other aspects of your life

Together, we can work to find purposeful direction and relief from depressive symptoms.