Depression Counseling in Hermosa Beach, CA.

I believe that as we grow up we are shaped by our relationships; this starts from the time we are little and continues for the rest of our lives. Through these relationships we are also shaped by society. In being shaped we create various meaning from our experiences as well as receiving and giving instructions on how to live. When we form new relationships of any kind, this gets challenged; coming together and finding a path forward that celebrates all involved is the key to success. Sometimes this gets stalled through unspoken expectations and anticipated or unanticipated pressure related to sadness. Lets explore this!

Depression affects every area of our lives and is extremely common. It is estimated that more than 19 million Americans deal with depression, but the good news is that it is very treatable. The first thing I like to do is tap into and build on existing strengths and skills. The tools we already have can easily be forgotten when depression comes over us. At the same time, we work on adding new skills and tools that can be used to boost mood and improve other symptoms of depression. Because the roots of depression have a variety of factors, the most important part of treatment for long term results is exploring and working through the underlying cause.

First, it's important to me to understand what my clients mean by "depression" because how one client experiences depression can be very different than another client. This is necessary so I can customize the strategies I use for each specific client based on their unique experience of depression. Ultimately, my clients can expect to discover real-world steps they can take to feel not just "less depressed" but better about their life - and more positive and hopeful.

You can fight depression by exploring how your present emotions relate to past experiences. These insights, gained under the guidance of a caring professional, can deliver release, increase your understanding, build self-esteem and lead to healing. In parallel, you can learn ways to examine your thoughts regarding negativity, distortions etc. This helps you create more positive and realistic thoughts, moving away from having no control towards taking control. In addition, relaxation/meditation techniques can bring you a sense of balance and peace. If poor exercise, nutrition, sleep and social support contribute to your depression, I'll guide you to make changes and keep track of them

Depression is a condition that can be insidious in that the symptoms are frequently physically and emotionally debilitating. Friends and relatives often suggest as a cure to merely "take a walk" or "think positively" in order to combat those symptoms which usually only increase feelings of shame and encourage patients to further isolate. I don't offer such simple suggestions but construct a treatment plan that includes supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral techniques and integrating an evaluation for medication if indicated and desired by the patient.

My therapeutic approach in treating depression is to assist my clients in gaining insight and awareness as to the origin and cause of their depressed mood and unhappiness. I conduct an evaluation to determine the severity of the depression and create a treatment plan for therapy. I assist clients in understanding the causes for their depression, help clients develop coping mechanisms and increase awareness of behaviors that perpetuate the client's depression. My work mainly consists of teaching emotional intelligence, mindfulness, DBT, and CBT skills to learn to manage and overcome the depression.

Depression can be a heavy and overwhelming burden to bear, but with my evidence-based approach and compassionate guidance, we can work together to lift that weight and shed light on a brighter future. My use of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques can help you understand and challenge negative thought patterns, leading to an improvement in mood and overall outlook on life. I will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore the root causes of your depression, and work towards building healthy coping skills to manage symptoms. You are not alone in this journey and I am here to support you every step of the way.

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.

CBT is a particularly effective treatment for depression, both as a combined approach with medication and as a stand alone treatment. Participating in CBT therapy for depression can help you restructure negative thought patterns and get out of negative cycles of thinking. Changing the way you think can help you interpret your environment and interactions with others in a more effective and positive way, improving the way you feel about yourself and helping improve your relationships with others. It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you start doing things that lead to a reduction of symptoms and feelings of meaningful happiness.

Wouldn't it be great if we could take a pill to fix all our problems? While medication can be an important tool in fighting depression, psychotherapy and medication is normally the "gold standard." Forming a relationship with a therapist in a confidential and safe environment is an essential step on the road to recovery. Your therapist may end up knowing you better than anyone else in your life. Finding a "good fit" is vital. I seek to provide such an environment to facilitate self-discovery and to make change for the better.

You're here for a reason. Something inside you knows things should be better, but how? Depression has a way of sneaking up on people. Like a frog in boiling water, maybe it started with fatigue, then there was a lack of interest in things you once loved (time with family, your career, athletics), then the negative self talk came in and made you believe "this" is the way you are now. Whatever the experience is, it's not too late. Together, we will work to get you back to feeling passionate, peaceful and in control. If you're ready to "feel like yourself again"--let's connect. I'd love to see how I can help.

Depression takes away your ability to feel joy in life. But with the right help you can overcome it. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help you understand your emotions and take concrete actions to change how you feel. It's not easy, but it is an evidenced based therapy that can offer you a chance to feel joy. Understanding how you can change your mood in positive ways can help you find joy again. I can help you do that.

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.