Depression Counseling in Streamwood, IL.

As a mental health professional of considerable experience I've worked with individuals and couples with issues of demoralization, depressed mood and various forms of acute and long-standing depression. Depression isn't only an individual matter. as it sucks the life out of a couple and a family. In our work together clients often find hope by actively discussing their life issues, often their shame and anger at themselves and others for the predicaments they are a part of. Depression can be harmful medically and medical issues can cause depression. It can kill. I work well with the medical community, referring when necessary,

I think that my most important technique is to assist individuals in recognizing that depression is a condition and is not a form of laziness; many individuals have expressed a sense of relief as others have encouraged them to "just get over it". I utilize a combination of support and encouragement, including discussions of successes and challenges. I strongly discourage the use of the word "should" and any judgmental language. In addition, I believe that there is no specific time table for recovery, and that each individual is unique in their recovery.

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.

Depression can happen to anyone. Often times, it happens to very strong people. I am here to support you in exploring your emotions, what depression feels like for you, and learning how to cope with it. We will identify your strengths and qualities so that we can use those to help you with your challenges. We will also work on self-compassion and creating kindness towards yourself.

People may medicate their depression with TV, alcohol, food, isolation, or excessive sleep. One definition of depression is "anger turned inward." Talking with a psychologist is one of the best methods to understand your down moods, unusual thoughts, and self-defeating beliefs. Friends may say, "Get over it" about your jealousy toward your sister or your sadness over your girlfriend who texted "it's over" 3 months ago. If you are on medication for already-diagnosed depression, therapy is important to bring new ideas into your brain. If you are considering medication, start with talk therapy. Don't keep waiting for "it" to go away. What's at the bottom of your depression?

Depression can be debilitating. Dealing with loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, feeling worthless, low mood, and overall difficulty dealing with the day to day can be a symptom of depression. Through counseling I can help provide you relief from depression. I will help you identify ways your thinking is impacting your mood and offer your tools to help correct your thinking. I will also teach you new ideas/concepts that will help you make changes to your thinking and mood.

My approach will vary depending on the severity of the depression. The first importance is stability of well being. From there I will work on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors working towards short terms goals. Goals will include small behavior changes that will help to be building blocks and also cognitive work on realistic truths. Often things like sleep, nutrition, and exercise are also evaluated and improved in the process as ways to counter depression.

People suffering from depression have more negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future. Those who are depressed also tend to feel more helpless, hopeless and worthless. Research with depressed individuals suggests that treatment focusing on changing peoples’ thought (cogntive behavioral therapy) is a particularly effective treatment for depression. CBT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan is a very effective approach to treating depression.

Sometimes people feel depresed and can atribute it to stressful events that have occured, other times people can't quite put their finger on why they feel depressed, they just know they're not happy, feel unmotivated, and in some cases hopeless and helpless. What we now know about neuroscience helps us understand how and why depression occurs. I will help you determine whether your depression can be improved through talk therapy combined with some changes to your daily routine or whether a clinical depression has set in that may respond well to medication too. I have a wonderful, caring Doctor I work with who will assess clinical depression and offer recommendaitons if necessary.

Depression is an intruder. It gets in the way of personal happiness and pursuits. Depression also interferes in interpersonal relationships. So how do you deal with this intruder? Either you manage depression or it manages you. I assist my clients in developing coping strategies to manage depression so that it is less intrusive. Using modified thinking and acting strategies, individuals report improved mood and energy. I often hear my clients report, "I feel like myself again!"

People who struggle with depression often report feeling overwhelmed with life or less interested in activities. They struggle with maintaining focus and have difficulty in interpersonal relationships. While there are many types of therapy for the treatment of depression, today, most people with depression can be treated successfully with antidepressant medications, “talk” therapy (psychotherapy), or a combination of the two. Talk therapy is effective because it helps you to understand and work through the root of depression, helping you to identify patterns of thinking and behaving that underlie personal difficulties. With therapy, you will be able to live in accordance with your values.

Depression is miserable! I work to accurately diagnose the severity of depression. This leads to devising a treatment plan with my client that immediately ensures their safety and begins to address their recovery. We determine if a psychiatric referral for medication is warranted. And we start working on the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are driving the depression.

Depression can be paralyzing and make it challenging to have the motivation to take care of daily life activities. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can provide insight to your emotions and help with identify values that you want to live by. We can work together to not allow depressive symptoms to determine how you live your life. We will identify commitments that will build positive experiences and decrease depressive symptoms. The first step and often the most difficult is making an appointment and coming in for your first session, and you will begin feeling better once you do!