Depression Counseling in Lake Forest, CA.

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.

Are you feeling a loss of hope or less interest in the things that used to bring you pleasure? While we all get low, persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings may be indicators of depression. When you are experiencing feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness that aren’t going away, it’s time to get help. Often when people are experiencing these emotions they feel isolated and that life will always be this way I treat people who are experiencing these feelings and help them to address the causes and symptoms associated with their depression, so that they can enjoy life again. Call me today at 949.370.4726 or email at info@southoccounseling.com.

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.

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.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

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.

Depression drains the color out of life: heaviness in the morning, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, a sense that effort no longer pays off. It can be quiet and grinding or acute and frightening, and from the inside it often feels like it will never lift. It can, and it does! I work to understand depression rather than just label it. Low mood is frequently carrying something: grief that wasn't fully felt, anger turned inward, a loss or disappointment that never found words. As we make sense of what your depression is expressing, its grip will ease, and energy and meaning will return. I've helped many people resolve depression, and I have full confidence that we can do the same!

The therapeutic process and, applying a psychodynamic foundation, will assist one through healing from difficult moods and behaviors with a treatment model especially tailored to fit your emotional needs. We will discuss moods and behaviors related to negative processing of information and positive processing. Depression can become overwhelming and is often related to memories of chilhood trauma. We will work together at healing and letting go of the painful responses of traumatic injuries.