Depression Counseling in La Palma, CA.

Depression hurts--it hurts you and those who care about you. I have worked in the field of counseling and with depression and sadness for 30 years. My clients come from a variety of backgrounds and ages but have one thing in common--they are depressed. It can leave you feeling helpless and alone. If you have felt this way for some time, it is imperative that you get professional help soon. I have an article on depression on my actual website: www.therapyhelp4you.com . I hope you will read it and give me a call so that I might help you find a way out of this "stuck" feeling and help you regain your life and hope for a different future.

Research shows that the most effective treatment for depression is psychotherapy. Depression can range from feeling down to major symptoms such as having trouble even getting out of bed or contemplating suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255). Online counseling is effective for depression because it is easy to access: you can start treatment without even leaving the house.

Abby offers individualized, compassionate care for those experiencing depression, whether it's related to life transitions, trauma, grief, or chronic emotional patterns. Using a blend of psychodynamic insight and evidence-based approaches like CBT and EMDR, she helps clients identify underlying causes, shift negative thought patterns, and reconnect with meaning and motivation. Her supportive, nonjudgmental environment empowers clients to navigate their depression, build coping skills, and move toward a greater sense of balance and well-being.

Depression can express itself in a variety of forms. The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. While occasional depression might be considered normal, it is not normal for it to become a hinderance to enjoying and living life. If you are depressed, allow me to provide you with tools to manage the depression while we explore the roots of the depression to create a path out of it.

In our life journey we inevitably come across a period of darkness, depression or lack of motivation. Sometimes it is triggered by an event or failed relationship and sometimes we come to the realization that much of our lives has already been lived in this gloominess. Through the counseling process you can share what you've truly been experiencing and explore the depths of your depression in a private, safe environment all while coming to an understanding of what it means to be good to yourself. And in turn others.

Depression can be debilitating and sometimes just getting out of bed is a monumental effort. Sufferers just want to feel better and less overwhelmed by life and that's where I come in. I have extensive experience in this area and I think part of the reason my clients have shown improvements with their depressive symptoms is because we take small steps and tackle things one at a time. Negative thoughts and limiting beliefs can often contribute to depression and my approach is to explore where they come from and then replace them with healthier beliefs and patterns. Clients will be able to see the connections between their beliefs and behaviors and then be given tools on how to make changes.

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.

Life can be very stressful these days. Cell phones, I Pads, smart phones, e mail, social networks all are fun and wonderful but they also bring with them higher expectations from work, family, friends and even ourselves. Our world keeps speeding up and the pressures can be great. Depression as an outgrowth of the stresses and pressures that surround us is becoming increasing common and a part of each of our lives. Most of us will experience depression at one or more points in our lives. Medication can help but is usually not the long term answer. We will work to identify the problems, find solutions, set goals and work toward minimizing the causes and find more peace and calm.

Depression can be mild to severe and can impact every aspect of life - from sleep, to appetite, to relationships, to work, even to the will to live another day. Depression can feel so heavy, as if under too much weight that there's no way out. I work with people to help them find that the way out is possible and attainable. I teach skills in mindfulness and help to create a plan that does not feel too overwhelming. My aim is to help unfold the strength and confidence that gets lost to depression.

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.

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.

Depression can develop from early attachment deficits as well as from traumatic events, losses in the form of break ups, death and divorce. How and why a person suffers from symptoms of depression can be very difficult to assess and is important, however, attending to the debilitating symptoms of depression are of the utmost importance. When depressive symptoms arise, finding and securing a safe, supportive and empathic therapeutic relationship can be very helpful, let alone life saving.

I work with a depressed nervous system by working with the body. Often we struggle to sleep, eat, or accomplish relatively simple tasks. Our bodies are stuck with the brake on. When our body thinks it is futile, out mind follows quickly thereafter and we begin to tell ourselves how pointless things are and how worthless we are. I work with the whole body to re-regulate the body to enable you to get back to a whole integrated self.

Depression presents itself uniquely in each individual. Further, in working with children and young adults, they can too often be misdiagnoses as their behavioral presentation is labeled as disruptive and oppositional. Having a clear understanding of depression impacts the behavioral outlook of the individual is pivotal on developing an effective plan in addressing these concerns. By working with my clients and families in understanding the depression we are often able to shape the environment in which the depression exists. Joining this with cognitive behavioral and evidenced based interventions, we are then able to more effectively address these symptoms in our pursuit of long term goals.

Depression is not something that exists "in" you. It is something you experience in a context. When we are out of connection with others we can become depressed. My approach to healing depression is not to simple help people get "over" their depression but by helping people move in and through it. That means, feeling into the pain and potential danger of feeling the feelings that are in you. When we are not alone in our feelings they can change.

I have witnessed countless clients struggle from the weight of depression. I have also seen how quickly therapy can work to dismantle depression. Therapy, under my guidance, is extremely effective in diminishing many of the symptoms of depression. The benefits of therapy for treating depression are tremendous and multifarious. You do not need to live a life of sadness and depression.

Depression is more than a situation that causes you to feel down for a period of time. It is a debilitating state that affects all aspects of your life. Learning how to increase coping skills and learn the negative self thoughts that are underlying the depressed feelings will help you to understand the mind and body connection. I offer support and a whole person approach to treating depression.

There are many types of depression. If you believe that you, or someone you care about, is struggling with this common disorder, please reach out for help with us or another qualified mental health professional. Treatments vary, depending upon the type, severity, and duration of the problem. Please know that depression is treatable and that there is hope.

Sometimes "talk therapy" alone can relieve depression and most clients find it to be helpful. I do utilize cognitive therapy when dealing with depression because our thoughts have a great deal to do with our feelings and there is evidence that this treatment approach to depression can be quite effective. When necessary, I will provide a psychiatric referral for an evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for medication.

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.

There are several signs of depression. feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping irritability, restlessness loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex overeating or appetite loss persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call for an appointment to get help. I charge $150.00 per session . If you have insurance, I will give you a bill to submit

Are you feeling helpless & hopeless? Is sadness interfering with your ability to work, eat, sleep, or have fun? If so, you may be struggling with depression. I’d like to show you some ways to overcome your sadness, so you can live the happy, productive life you deserve. There’s a lot we can do to change how you feel: We can explore the thoughts & behaviors that cause your sadness & change them to improve your mood. We can also identify the underlying causes of your sadness & develop a plan to eliminate their negative impact. I’ll create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe being open & honest, so you can tap into your personal strengths to achieve your goals.

Depression is a particularly cruel and insidious companion, often working in tandem with other problems to try to silence us, to steal joy and passion, and to convince us of our uselessness. Depression may try to convince us that there is one truth - our own unworthiness - to the exclusion of all others. Together we will challenge depression's version of your story.

Using the narrative therapy approach, clients will feel dignified by using their values as a compass. A lot of times self-worth is heavily influenced by the world around us and the expectations of it. Part of the work is learning to filter out the static from society and find your authentic self. I notice a lot of clients will come in with doubt as part of the depression but will later learn what feels true to them.

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.