Depression Counseling in Magnolia, NJ.

Depression is a mood disorder that can manifest at any stage of life, although it’s more prevalent during adulthood. It’s possible that you’ve encountered common symptoms of depression, such as irritability, fatigue, or feelings of laziness, and brushed them aside as temporary. Depression often triggers behaviors and decisions that make symptoms worse, turning into a dangerous cycle. Therapy for depression offers a potential solution for you to break out of that cycle. The therapists at The Therapy Gal use various types of modalities like CBT or SFT to help treat depression.

My philosophy of therapy and change is that change comes from within. As a therapist, I ask a great deal in asking an individual to change, as change is an incredibly difficult task for everyone. The journey of change requires both the client and myself to work collaboratively throughout this journey. It is for this reason that the rapport between the client and myself is critical. I aim to provide all my clients with the space to explore their underlying feelings, thoughts, and behaviors so that they can engage in change.

Depression can distort your view of yourself, your future and the world, leaving you feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless. If you are depressed, you know that it is impossible to "just snap out of it." Research shows that depression disrupts the optimal chemical balance in the brain and changing that is not easy, but therapy is an important part of effective treatment. It is important to recognize ways of thinking or relating to others that hold depression in place; then it is possible to grow in the freedom to think, feel and relate to others differently. These small changes lay the foundation for more growth and healing, and give you the courage to risk new ways of relating.

Depression can be so cunning because many of us don't even know we are struggling with it. The problem is Depression makes facing it seem like climbing a mountain without the will to do so. I provide understanding and motivation to clients struggling with Depression. I work with clients who may not want to use medication as part of the solution and others who may need talk therapy in addition to medication. There is hope, and you are not alone.

As a group therapist, I help clients suffering from depression to share their pain and internal dialogues which keep people feeling isolated and hopeless, with the team / group model depressed clients break out of their own internal trap of sadness, desperation as they share and work as part of a team with others who are caring for them. We help people get out of their head and into the world and for folks suffering from depression getting out of their heads is critical for moving forward and getting unstuck.

Clients can have a reduction of depression symptoms through a variety of modalities. Some modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focus on how thoughts and behaviors are interlinked. This modality works to change one so that the other can change. For example, when someone starts to challenge their negative thoughts about their inability to socially engage, they may feel better about themselves, leading to greater socialization and a decrease in depression. Other modalities, such as Narrative Therapy look at how the presenting concern of depression has developed over times and seeks to find unique outcomes, or exceptions to the negative narrative to build a position of strength.

Feeling low and downright sad, unmotivated, a lack of pleasure, a lack of energy, worthless, and hopeless are just a few words to describe depression-- that quite frankly does not give justice to what those are truly going through when they are fighting it. It takes giving yourself time as you are working through depression to find any relief from it. My approach to treating depression is to work with my client to understand how they uniquely are experiencing it, aid them in increasing their awareness of how it operates for them, and then to work collaboratively with them to identify and change the areas of their life that may be perpetuating it (i.e. thoughts, situations, beliefs, etc.)

Dr. Marty has developed his own approach to handling depression he calls Focused Short Term Therapy (FSTT)* It combines new cutting edge therapies in the field of energy psychology as well as short term focusing on the depression. When appropriate Dr. Marty uses hypnosis and self hypnosis as well. To learn more about this approach you can go to: http://drmartytashman.com/focused-short-term-therapy-fstt-2/

We are social beings. If our interactions with others are difficult or conflicted, depression can result. We may feel hopeless, isolated, sad, irritated, even worthless. In a safe, empathetic environment, I help clients to identify relationship patterns which fuel their depressive symptoms, and to change problematic ways of relating to others as well as to themselves. When our relationships are going well, we feel better about ourselves, we engage in activities, we increase our mood. We enjoy living!

Do you feel frustrated, irritable or hopeless? These are signs of depression. We will work together to identify and analyze specific aspects of your life that may be causing you to be depressed. Once these areas are identified, we work together to build coping skills to manage your symptoms. Most of the time, we have these skills with in ourselves, and we simply need a skilled therapist to point them out and help activate them.

Depression can be a lonely and isolating experience. It can also be managed successfully with coping skills and the proper supports. I focus on self esteem building and addressing the painful self talk that might be adding to the depression cycle. Depression is also different for every individual and coming to understand how and why your depression impacts your life will be a major step in learning how to manage it and live a fulfilled hopeful life.

Clinical depression is likely the most unappreciated, disrespected illness in existence. For those who have never experienced it, they can't possibly understand what it feels like. As a fellow sufferer, I know how debilitating depression can be, and I even understand how destructive it can be. Depression, if untreated, can destroy your life. Having healthy relationships with others becomes impossible, and one day, you may not be able to drag yourself out of bed to get to work, even in the face of certain termination. Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the nervous system, or by runaway, skewed thoughts that dance around our head. It can be treated, but you must ask for help.

If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms, therapy is a critical part of relief. The first step is being heard & then assessed. Is this a new experience or a familiar one? Has it been triggered by a specific situation? The next, is identifying & replacing negative coping strategies & thoughts with positive alternatives. In addition to identify negative thought patterns, it’s vital to understand where these beliefs came from & work to reframe unhealthy views of the self & others. Know that I’m not someone who immediately suggests medication to everyone. A certain level of discomfort prompts us to change. However, when medication is needed, I'll work closely with your PCP or psychiatrist.