Depression treatment often combines medication management with a psychiatric evaluation. Here's a breakdown:
Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatrist, or sometimes a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry, will assess your symptoms, medical history, and overall well-being. This helps diagnose depression and determine its severity.
Medication Management: Based on the evaluation, the psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants. Different types exist, and finding the right one might involve some trial and error. Regular follow-up visits ensure the medication works effectively and monitor for side effects.
It's important to remember medication is often one piece of the puzzle. Therapy or counseling is frequently recommended alongside medication for a more comprehensive approach to managing depression.
Depression can feel like acute sadness, but it can also include feelings of hopelessness, worthless, lack of energy for even the most simple daily tasks. Depression is often described as "anger turned inward". That's true, but it's more; it's a blanket covering all your feelings, positive and negative. I help clients dare to look under the blanket ... and receive renewed vitality from what they find.
Seeking therapy for depression provides clients with a safe space to express their emotions, learn their specific triggers and patterns, and create coping strategies to help you build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. We will work collaboratively to empower you to make positive changes in your life so you can experience greater emotional well-being and fulfillment.
I use a blend of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you navigate depression and build a life that feels fulfilling. My approach is centered on meeting you where you are and guiding you toward hope and positive change. I strive to create a supportive environment where humor and authenticity are key, making our sessions both effective and approachable. If you’re ready to work towards a brighter future and overcome the challenges of depression, let’s connect and start this journey.
Seeking therapy for depression provides clients with a safe space to express their emotions, learn their specific triggers and patterns, and create coping strategies to help you build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. We will work collaboratively to empower you to make positive changes in your life so you can experience greater emotional well-being and fulfillment.
Many of the individuals I work with have experienced episodes of or live with chronic depression. It can be hard to share these thoughts and I look to help people process how it affects their lives. Like anxiety, I am not looking to have someone ignore their depression, but to learn to cope with them and think about how they can reframe their thinking in a way that is more realistic.
In treating depression with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I begin by assessing the client's symptoms and understanding how depression impacts their daily functioning. Education is key, as I explain the connection between thoughts, emotions, and mood. Together, we identify negative thought patterns and work on replacing them with more realistic and positive perspectives. Behavioral activation involves setting goals for enjoyable or necessary activities, even when motivation is low. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises help manage stress and promote emotional well-being. Homework assignments reinforce new skills, like monitoring mood or practicing relaxation. Regular review ensures we adapt our approach based on progress and client feedback, aiming to empower clients in overcoming depression and improving their overall mental health.