Depression Counseling in Watsonville, CA.

In the years that I have been treating clients with depression, I have learned that not all depressions are equal; they have different causes. The first thing I do is rule out physical causes by asking my clients to make sure they have had a recent physical exam. Many depressions are caused by illnesses such as thyroid disease. I have many tools up my sleeve to get rid of depression. Many are in- the- moment exercises and some are dredging up past experiences.

Depression can make it difficult to reach out, but in a safe and supportive space you can find ways to heal and to move out of the heavy and dark place into a richer life in which connecting with others becomes easy and enjoyable. Therapy can be the first step in connecting with another person to look at the various reasons that can cause depression and to find and practice resources that will lead out of the depression.

Working with the experience of depression is much more than changing our thoughts to change our behavior. Our brains are wired to notice the negative; it's part of our survival. I support my clients in expanding what they notice, and help them discover what works for them by creating a tool kit through experiential relational interventions in session. When I see children, I utilize play therapy as the modality, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. When working with adolescents and adults, I utilize expressive arts, DBT, CBT and Narrative Therapy.

Depression and chronic worry often go hand in hand and both leave us feeling helpless and alone. I work with people who are locked in cycles of repetitive, negative thinking to see that the wisdom of the body can be harnessed to help change the cycle. You can learn to listen to your body-mind's need for being accepted, encouraged, and loved, rather than harassed, put-down and pushed. Depression is the fear of doing things on the job, in relationship or in life less than perfectly. And yet perfection isn't possible. We can work together to release you from the bonds of skewed thinking. You can practice new skills, especially acceptance of yourself, other people and our human frailties.

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.

Depression may be hereditary, may be created by enormous stress over time, or from a recent stressor that results in an assault on one's serotonin levels. The results are symptoms of depression; poor sleep, appetite issues, bad moods or mood swings, low energy, poor focus/concentration and difficult functioning in every-day life. There are many ways to approach the problem of depression, and I usually recommend a multi-faceted approach to really solve the problem. I've helped hundreds of people with the issue in my career. People don't usually "snap out of it" and it is a serious issue. Professionals, like myself, know what to do to help you.

Depression is different from grief, sadness, or challenging transitions. If you find yourself feeling stuck in states of low energy, low motivation, and apathy, it is time to seek help. I primarily use Hakomi Experiential Therapy to help you uncover old beliefs and patterns that may have been adaptive in your family, but that aren't serving you anymore. I can teach you practices to use all your sensory awareness to bring pleasure to your life again. This discovery process can bring capacity for new choices, new feelings of energy and creative vitality.

Depression feels like walking through mud. We lose ourselves and wonder if we will ever be found again. Often depression is a result of unexpressed negative emotions (which we were never allowed to safely express in our family of origin - so we swallowed it instead). I am very comfortable with the shame and humility that the human condition sometimes hands us - and I can sit with my clients while they work through unexpressed sadnesses - and ultimately find joy in their lives.

Through the use of the automatic thought record, customized homework assignments and basic behavior modification strategies I help individuals overcome depression. Since not all depression is biochemical, I encourage clients to try and alleviate their symptoms through nutrition, exercise and activity scheduling before heading to the doctor for a prescription.

When you’re depressed it makes life feel like you’re walking through mud, everything is more difficult and tiring and you feel less motivated to do anything. This can make depression incredibly difficult to deal with because it requires taking action to overcome. I have personal and professional experience in recovery from this unpleasant disorder, which gives me an edge and helping people to heal from depression.

Depression can be a very difficult emotion to feel, to understand, to cope with and to heal from. As we work together, we begin to explore your experiences and relationships from the past to understand what might be happening in the present that may still need healing. As well as, understand your feelings in the moment to provide relief, comfort and support.

Does life seem bleak right now? Have you lost interest in the things you used to enjoy? Do you feel sad most of the time? Do you have little to look forward to, and a lot you’d prefer not to look back on? When you are convinced that things will never get better no matter what, you are depressed. I can give you tools and teach you how to use them to dig yourself out of the emotional ditch you’re in. It is possible to feel hope again when you know how.

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.