Depression Counseling in Altadena, CA.

Depression causes a major disruption in the life of individuals due to constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, exhaustion and even anxiety. This mood disorder causes persistent changes in the way you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. By getting treatment you can progressively work with a supportive therapist and together embark on your journey towards healing.

Depression is a particularly cruel and insidious companion, often working in tandem with other problems to try to silence us, to steal joy and passion, and to convince us of our uselessness. Depression may try to convince us that there is one truth - our own unworthiness - to the exclusion of all others. Together we will challenge depression's version of your story.

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.

Sometimes "talk therapy" alone can relieve depression and most clients find it to be helpful. I do utilize cognitive therapy when dealing with depression because our thoughts have a great deal to do with our feelings and there is evidence that this treatment approach to depression can be quite effective. When necessary, I will provide a psychiatric referral for an evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for medication.

I wish to assist clients in exploring what underlies the depressed mood, the contributing factors as well as reconnecting and identifying inherent strengths. My aim is to collaboratively develop strategies to improve mood, motivation and an overall sense of wellbeing. I wish to instill hope, promote self understanding and self acceptance. Depression can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or as though it is difficult to see a way forward. Therapy provides a supportive and compassionate space to explore what you are experiencing, better understand the patterns that may be contributing to your depression, and develop healthier ways of coping. Together, we can work toward restoring a greater sense of hope, connection, and meaning in your life.

Depression drains the color out of life: heaviness in the morning, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, a sense that effort no longer pays off. It can be quiet and grinding or acute and frightening, and from the inside it often feels like it will never lift. It can, and it does! I work to understand depression rather than just label it. Low mood is frequently carrying something: grief that wasn't fully felt, anger turned inward, a loss or disappointment that never found words. As we make sense of what your depression is expressing, its grip will ease, and energy and meaning will return. I've helped many people resolve depression, and I have full confidence that we can do the same!

If you or your child / adolescent are suffering with symptoms of depression such as, loss of interest in activities, low self-worth, and mood changes then I would like to help. Untreated depression can negatively impact relationships, productivity, physical and mental well-being. Whether you understand the root cause of your depression or are unsure of why you are struggling, therapy can be the start you need to move towards healing.

Studies show that talk therapy along with medication are the most effective for chronic depression. Although I cannot prescribe medication, I have a vast amount of experience practicing talk therapy with depressed clients. Depression can be debilitating and can interfere with every aspect of your life. Whether your depression is situational or hereditary, through psychotherapy we'll get to the root of it.

Are you living in a cloud, where everything seems foggy and dark? Depression can be a debilitating and hopeless experience. I understand that it can be incredibly difficult to reach out for help; remaining isolated is tempting for those struggling with depression -- whether it be from grief, trauma, loss, or "just because." I have experience working with depression and can help you not only develop more effective coping skills, but also identify the core reasons behind your depression in order to provide longer-term healing and change.

Depression can develop from early attachment deficits as well as from traumatic events, losses in the form of break ups, death and divorce. How and why a person suffers from symptoms of depression can be very difficult to assess and is important, however, attending to the debilitating symptoms of depression are of the utmost importance. When depressive symptoms arise, finding and securing a safe, supportive and empathic therapeutic relationship can be very helpful, let alone life saving.

Do you feel isolated, like no one would understand your depression and you'd do anything to feel better? You're not alone. I’m here to support you. Using a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, we’ll address negative thoughts, find healthy coping strategies, and explore the deeper causes of your depression. Let's work together to get you on the path to feeling better.

Depression has many different faces. It can be triggered by sad events, like the loss of a loved one, or by seemingly happy events, like the birth of a child. Sometimes it can even be caused by influences we don’t really understand. Helping individuals identify the causes of their depression, and explore new ways to cope are at the heart of my work in this area. Often clients who begin therapy because of depression discover that what they are feeling is to past trauma, issues related to their family history or upbringing, negative thinking or limiting beliefs. With the opportunity to work through past issues in a safe, non-judgmental setting often helps people find relief from their overwhelming emotions and lift the fog of depression that has been weighing them down.

Persistent depression can steal your passion for life and make everyday feel hopeless and pointless. Sometimes it can feel as though nothing will ever change. At VOBH, our psychologists strive to help you identify the roots of your depression so that you once again be optimistic and hopeful about your life. We strive to collaborate with you on ways to alleviate you depression and manage sadness through research-proven therapeutic techniques.