Depression Counseling in La Jolla, CA.

Kicking the habits of thinking, feeling, and behaving that contribute to depression can seem like a monumental task. With an estimate of 50,000 thoughts a day there is a lot of opportunity to get stuck in negatives thoughts of anger, fear, worry, and pessimism. With the possibility of a genetic component and the effects of role modeling treating depression becomes even more complex. With a combined approach of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotional release and relaxation skills training it is possible to find solutions for depression and to develop alternatives that contribute to happiness, both personal and relational. The joy of living in the present moment can be yours.

Depression can be the result of biochemistry or situations seemingly beyond one's control. I can help you determine what underlies the depression. Has there been abuse in your past? Are you unhappy about the choices in your life? Do you want to change the way you react to life's challenges? Let me assist you in finding the answers to these questions and finding your way to true happiness.

Depression is a sense of being overwhelmed by difficulties or circumstances past the point of your ability to cope. It can be a challenging place to find yourself because depression can sap the energy you need to fight back. There some ways of thinking about depression that you may find empowering and enable you to work your way through the fog and back to an active and productive life. My role is to guide you through the steps and processes to help you get your life back.

Depression and anxiety often occur together and treatment is similar from a cognitive view. However, treating depression requires some special approaches to stop the cycle of negative thinking, loss of energy, and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. My approach is to first explore if there are events or situations that might explain the depression. When there are no apparent reasons for depression, then it is likely that there is a biological or genetic underpinning. Most important is for the person suffering from depression to recognize that treatments can and do work to break the depressive cycle.

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.

Have you had more "down" days recently, felt like not engaging in your usual activities, or had difficulty with sleep, eating, concentrating? Depression ranges from just feeling stuck in life to greater suicidal thoughts and gestures, There are many degrees of depression and not all symptoms apply to everyone. Many times there are specific instances which have lead to depression, and other times it is in conjunction with a chemical, clinical depressed state of mind. I can help you sort out how to feel better and understand what is contributing to your depression and what to do about it.

Symptoms of depression can sometimes be devastating and cause an inability to function and at other times can be mild but chronic. Depression counseling with me involves talk therapy along with mind/body therapy that helps release whatever stuck patterns and negative beliefs that may be contributing to the low self-esteem, lack of motivation and energy, hopelessness, isolation, sleeping and eating problems. Using a holistic approach, it can be important to look at biological, psychological and social/external factors that may be causing the depression and make sure that each area is addressed. Depression may also be accompanied by anxiety and I have extensive experience treating both issues.

Is depression weighing you down? Are you feeling sad, hopeless, tired, irritable and discouraged? When depression takes over, it colors everything in our lives with a negative tinge. People suffering from depression need someone who is warm and caring, and who understands pros and cons of medications. I help people who are depressed to identify the areas where they feel stuck, process the underlying issues, and find a new joy in life. I would be glad to walk with you through depression and help you to come out on the other side.

All our feelings begin with thoughts, just like depression. I provide a safe non-judgmental place to therapeutically process life experiences and negative thoughts that lead us to feel depressed, unloved and unworthy. We used to think that increasing a strong self-esteem fights depression. Studies now show that self-esteem can be harmful. Instead, we are now learning that self-compassion creates a strong foundation where one can learn to become content in whatever situation they find themselves in. Through therapeutic mindfulness you can learn to let go of those things that are holding you back, and find your inner joy and contentment.

I am an Emotionally Focused therapist (EFT). Research shows that those who suffer from depression actually benefit quite well from EFT therapy. Depression can be very isolating. The pain of isolation is inherently traumatizing. We are meant to be in relationship with others. I work with indiviudals and couples who struggle with depression by strengthening their relationship so that there is a deeper felt sense that the person who is suffering from depression can experience that they do matter, that they are important, that they are cared for and loved by another. This helps create a more secure attachment to self and others which is therapeutic and needed for healing.

Depression comes from many causes, including: bio (genes, hormones..); psychological (blocked anger, wounded esteem..); social (loss of person/place/thing, loneliness..), mental (pessimism, self-criticism..); economic/career (loss of job, finances..). There are also a variety of ways to manage and lift depression, including: bio (meds, exercise..); psychological (boost esteem, harness energy/emotions..); social (develop better relationships and social skills..); mental (greater optimism/hope..); economic/career (new ways to increase success and finances). Successful counseling changes patterns and leads to greater happiness. Get started. Email or Call - Act today for a happier tomorrow!

As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience, I know how to treat depression. Depression is a very common and devastating condition. It affects your self-esteem and motivation to enjoy life, your ability to concentrate and work, and often effects your relationships. I use a variety of treatment modalities tailored to your unique needs to reduce your depressive symptoms as quickly as possible. My goal is for you to go back to fully enjoying your life as soon as possible.

Understanding that there are different types of depression, different levels of severity, and various causes, I work with each individual to assess what kind of depression they are experiencing and possible causes. Often anxiety and depression occur together. Along with providing a safe, non-judgmental place and therapeutic relationship for people to talk about their depressive feelings/emotions and experience, I also utilize research-based therapies that have proven effective for treating depression and anxiety.