Depression Counseling in Chula Vista, CA.

Every person has times of sadness and discouragement, however if these feelings persist for long periods of time depression may result. Depression is like a weight that slows a person down and makes everything seem more difficult and strenuous. Depression can affect a person's ability to work, make decisions, focus, concentrate, sleep, eat and socialize. I have found that A key factor in effectively treating depression is motivation. In the first phase of treatment, I assist clients in finding small and simple ways to generate positive feelings as this provides hope that things can get better. Secondly, I assist clients in unloading or unpacking the issues that are weighing them down.

Alexandra is collaborative and integrates mindfulness, somatic therapy, family systems, solution-focused, behavioral therapy, and existential techniques. Alexandra is experienced in working with clients who are neurodivergent, and supporting with sexuality and gender identity, attachments, relationships, trauma, open and consensual non-monogamy, kink, trust and self-esteem, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress.

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.

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 can be debilitating and lonely. I understand the complexities of depression and have found that my psychodynamic, psychoanalytically-minded technique is very successful in treating depression. I have found psychotherapy to be very effective in helping individuals find a way to overcome their struggles and reclaim energy and purpose in their lives.

For clients experiencing depression, I help them explore both external and internal circumstances that are impacting their mental health and look for relationships in their lives that are impeding the healing process. Then we do relational work together to move out of a place of hopelessness and helplessness into a place of strength and empowerment.