Depression Counseling in Rolling Hills Estates, CA.

Depression is stigmatized, leaving sufferers feeling isolated. Lack of education regarding depression causes others to assume its under the person's control; when often there are biological factors blocking healing. Callous terms like "Snap out of it" leave the sufferer feeling all the more hopeless, because they can't snap out of it any more than a diabetic can snap out of diabetes without medical attention or treatment. Depression can be the result of a depletion of significant hormones in the brain. The Word of God is a powerful tool I use with clients to stifle the negative cognitions of depression. I refer clients for medical intervention when depression is not responding to therapy.

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.

Talk therapy is incredibly beneficial for all areas of treatment, especially depression. Psychotherapy will help the depressed client to identify and understand life problems. Therapy will explore life problems and the cognitions behind the thoughts that lead to the depressed feelings. Together, in a safe and warm environment the client will be able to regain a sense of control and pleasure.

We all feel down sometimes. Real depression is when we can’t get back up. Or it’s when we do so only after great effort, and even then it’s not all the way back. If sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness get in your way, that’s depression. Even mild or periodic depression can interfere in your life. It can also increase conflicts at work and in your relationships. Therapy helps, even without medication. Some people may benefit from medication, but that’s on an individual basis, and research shows that medication works best when it’s combined with therapy. We’ll examine what causes the depression, what you’ve tried, and what else can be done. Depression doesn’t have to stop your living.

Not being alone and feeling supported when we are hurting is vital. I am a very active, encouraging, supportive therapist and I give clients homework and exercises to start seeing their power and impact from the start. There is a balance that needs to be found between expression and action. I assist clients in making certain that they are healing and growing.

When treating depression, I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy which is empirically validated in research studies to help people with depression. By modifying routines and behavior and learning how to challenge dysfunctional thoughts, clients are helped to improve mood in a relatively short time. This approach is collaborative, active, and supportive. Clients are usually asked to keep records, complete worksheets, test new behaviors, run experiments, and report back on the outcome.

If you tend to look at your past, present and future as painfully sad I can help you develop a plan to lift your mood and help you to become more hopeful. You will be able to measure your progress based on changes you can achieve and believe in, step by step. We can work together at whatever pace you need. Learn tools you can use for a lifetime. Taking the first steps by gettting expert help can make the difference.

Talk therapy, when combined with medication, can play an important role in helping clients manage depression. Working together with a professional therapist helps you gain a new perspective on any issues you may be facing at work, with family or friends or in your general life. Having the support of a therapist through a depressive episode will provide you with an ally who will see you through your depression, help you manage your medications and be able to monitor the progress should it become worse.

As a couple we bring an enhanced experience of support and collaboration in dealing with feelings of depression. If you are feeling lonely, hopeless or isolated from your partner, we strive to put you back in each other's care. When we are both in the room we bring safety to the exploration of obstacles and patterns that are keeping you from getting what you need. We make it easier to ask your partner for what you want and bring connectivity back to your life.

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 leaves people feeling powerless and helpless. The world becomes a dark and threatening place where the things that once were joyful and now dreadful. When in a state of depression, it can be hard to find the motivation to reach out and ask for help. That's because depression replaces feelings of vibrancy with an experience of deadness. Sharing one's experience from this state can be shameful and might feel that no one understands. I listen closely to all the details of this experience which helps to make the experience less lonely and less shameful. Ultimately this allows us to look at the underlying causes for the depression and start on a course of change.

Becoming and being depressed can be devastating and as significant as dealing with a serious physical illness. Depression can involve a constellation of symptoms and behavior manifestations that can be incapacitating. Therapy for depression can include a multitude of approaches including diet, exercise, and when appropriate, medications. Often, it is a combination of some or all of these, that helps the client get better. Depression for children could be precipitated by an event or trauma, a family situation or trauma, or for no apparent reason at all. It is important that it is recognized, assessed and treated.

Depression is one of the most common problems people seek out therapy services. Because I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, I am able to offer you a holistic approach to depression treatment. Sometimes depression is habitual, other times it is caused by your cicumstances, and still other times we need to work through the root causes of depression. These may be childhood abuse, traumatic events, bereavement or problems in your relationships or lack there of! I am highly trained and skilled at treating all types of depressions and can help you work through the feelings to resolve even long term depression. Call me! I can help!