Depression Counseling in Culver City, CA.

In treating mood problems, the most important piece in collaborating is to find rays of hope in your life. What did you love to do before that you no longer enjoy? What are/were your interests in life? Who are the people in your life you want to feel closer to? What are your strengths? How can we interupt habitual feelings of hopelessnes, by changing the way you think about triggers that lead you to depressed feelings? How can we challenge negative or unrealistic thinking? With sensitive, open communication in sessins, we can find answers to these questions that can curtail habitual depressive thought and feelings. Coping skills can be taught and mastered.

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.

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.

We all feel down sometimes. Real depression is when we can’t get back up. Or it’s when we do so only after great effort, and even then it’s not all the way back. If sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness get in your way, that’s depression. Even mild or periodic depression can interfere in your life. It can also increase conflicts at work and in your relationships. Therapy helps, even without medication. Some people may benefit from medication, but that’s on an individual basis, and research shows that medication works best when it’s combined with therapy. We’ll examine what causes the depression, what you’ve tried, and what else can be done. Depression doesn’t have to stop your living.

As a therapist, I approach depression with compassion, collaboration, and a deep understanding that it looks different for everyone. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and supported, not just as a set of symptoms, but as a whole person. I create a safe space where we can explore the root causes of your depression, build emotional resilience, and reconnect you with a sense of meaning and purpose. Together, we’ll work at your pace to develop practical tools that support lasting change.

Depression is far more common than has been generally thought. Folks find themselves feeling hopeless, unable to concentrate, lacking initiative, having difficulty making decisions, trouble sleeping etc. Depression involves a slowing down of the entire human organism as well as lowered self-esteem. Often our dreams and images can lead us to discover the deeper meaning of the depression. Therefore sometimes depression can be a pathway to self-discovery. As we explore how you feel, I listen in a way that provides the client with clarity, offer guidance without imposing decisions, accept the client as they are, without making judgments, as they move forward in achieving

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.

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.

I practice a type of therapy for depression called Team Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which research has shown to be especially effective with depressive disorders. It was developed by Dr David Burns. Using TEAM CBT, we work together to discover underlying beliefs (which we call cognitive distortions) that are causing or contributing to your depressive symptoms. Once identified, we then use a variety of techniques to help you correct those thinking patterns that are causing you difficulty. We measure progress constantly so that we can try new techniques if needed, to help you feel better.

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 make life feel heavy and isolating, draining energy and hope. In therapy, I create a safe, supportive space to talk openly about your struggles and uncover the roots of your pain. We work together to shift patterns, identify sources of strength, and develop tools that foster motivation and connection. My approach is warm and practical, offering guidance to help you manage symptoms and move toward renewed energy, purpose, and a more fulfilling daily life.

Deep sadness is not the only symptom of depression. People experiencing depression may also feel physically fatigued, disconnected from activities they used to enjoy, struggle with sleep issues, or struggle with body weight and appetite. Other people's attempts to help or soothe can sometimes cause further distress, as there isn't always an identifiable "reason" for feeling this way. The way I work with clients experiencing depression balances validation and recognition of the immense pain they feel with exploring lifestyle factors and coping skills they can implement to increase overall wellness and satisfaction with life.

If depression is weighing you down, you don't have to go through it alone. In our sessions, we'll create a safe space to explore the roots of your depression and develop strategies to manage negative thoughts and feelings. This might involve uncovering underlying issues, building healthy coping mechanisms, or learning skills to manage daily routines. We'll work together to create a personalized plan to help you rediscover joy, motivation, and a sense of purpose in your life.