Depression Counseling in Hayward, CA.

Depression can come about slowly and often the individual in not aware aware of what is happening, but others that are close start to see signs of withdrawal. Other times, the individual is very aware and noticing how work, family, relationships are being negatively impacted. In psychotherapy, we can begin to unmask self doubt, worries, low self esteem, low self worth and ultimately negative thinking that prevents us from leading the lives we were meant to lead. The ultimate goal is to feel that you have a choice and I can help to facilitate that process to help you take charge of your life.

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.

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.

It can often seem like society expects us to be happy and positive at all times, that any admission of sadness or a loss of motivation, energy, or engagement with life is a personal failure. But Depression isn't a personal failure, and it is also more than just "feeling sad". If you find yourself down in the hole of disconnection, surrounded by a fog that is interfering with your life and relationships, you need a hand to help you climb out. A trained therapist understands the mechanics of depression and can help you understand it and find strategies to make your way up and out of it, and back into the light. Please contact me so we can begin to work on this process together.

Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting all age groups, that causes intense & persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness and personal emptiness. Depression affects how you feel, think, behave and could lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, left untreated. If you are struggling with depression you don't have to be alone, seeking help is the first step to improving your symptoms. Psychotherapy has shown to improve the symptoms of depression. Together will develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your concerns, needs and symptoms to improve the quality of your life.

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.