Depression Counseling in El Sobrante, CA.

Depression, just the very word feels hopeless and limited, there is a sense of internal and external collapse of the world. Yet it can also be used as a tremendous starting point to examine one's life, goals, expectations and longings, both current and historical. Depression can actually function to suppress emotional pain that has been cut off, denied and stuffed away. Depression is treatable today.

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.

In treating depression, I take care to understand the circumstances which have led to you feeling the way you do. Then, we work together to help you develop new coping strategies that will help you manage your difficult emotions as well as take steps towards meaningful actions in your life. I use tools drawn from several different evidence-based therapies, which are therapies have proven effective in research studies.

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.

I believe there are at least two kinds of depression. One is more biological or "hard-wired" and may need a biological-level intervention. Therefore, I may refer you to be evaluated by a doctor or psychiatrist for medication. The other kind of depression often arises from injured relationships or facing obstacles in life. Sometimes, depression can be a combination of both. If your depression results from a hurt relationship or failures in life, I can help you to rise above it. As a Family Therapist, I treat problems through a relationship-oriented perspective. Therefore, I may be able to address the kinds of relational issues that often worsen depression.

Depression can limit a person from thriving. These limitations can be be various and may include experiencing life as hard to get motivated or even wanting to stop existing. Thoughts of suicide are common, but not existing and not thriving can be overcome; depression can be managed. Therapy for depression will reveal the basis for your feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and help you to manage these feelings rather than be managed by them. You don't have to let depression control you. You can, with the help of therapy, manage depression so that you can thrive. Like waking up from a bad dream, you can experience a new life where you are not ruled by depression.

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.

Many times unresolved conflict and/or anger turned inward results in cycles of depression. The feeling of "hopelessness" surrounds our everyday actions and affects our relationships with family and friends. Depression creates an inner sadness that unless treated can result in loss of joy and happiness in many cases with those we love the most. With therapy, we help resolve these unresolved conflicts and offer hope in their resolutions. Healing from depression offers the client an ability to enjoy their life to the fullest.

I use a blend of cutting-edge therapeutic techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, and object-relations psychotherapy to create a personalized healing journey. Focused on working with individuals who desire more permanent solutions to their emotional pain, my approach to depression therapy is as compassionate as it is transformative. By engaging with these specifically tailored methods, clients find themselves nurtured, understood, and empowered, unlocking new pathways to well-being and joy. This personalized care provides clients with a value-driven and life-enhancing experience that goes beyond traditional therapy.

Symptoms of depression can emerge for a variety of reasons. Grief and loss can produce feelings of depression as can chronic stress, illnesses, relationship problems, additive disorders, trauma, sleep disorders and even a poor diet! There are many possible factors that could be causing your depression and they should all be explored before making a clinical diagnosis of major depression. I will work with you to identify the causes and solutions to manage your depression. You will receive highly directive counsel and unconditional positive regard for your well being in a compassionate, supportive atmosphere. Proper treatment can help you take your life back!

Depression is often a result of unprocessed losses in life. Taking the time to work through those things that have not been properly grieved, can greatly lessen the amount of depression you feel. A trained professional can come alongside you and help you sort through what has accumulated and is now a burden that inhibits living a full and satisfying life. We often carry a 'preserved mood' from our childhood that represents a place we were left alone to process, without the ability to do so. We can visit those old, stuck places and help free you up to move forward in life.

Who or what hurt you so bad? We can explore this and ways for you to get passed this pain you're experiencing. We will custom make a plan that will fit you and get through this together. There's no more reason to suffer. Let's find out your temperament and figure this out together. Call us now and tell us what you're going through so we can help you .

Depression can be insidious and chronic causing you to feel like you can't connect, you're missing out on life or you're "going through the motions". This is no way to live! Don't settle for feeling detached and disconnected from your life, missing true joy and adventure. Tools can help you feel connected again and release buried feelings that keep you depressed. When depression becomes acute, you can't slow down, relax, can't sleep or sleep too much, feel a deep sadness, heaviness. Using tools for acute depression really helps you get back on track!