Depression Counseling in Merchantville, NJ.

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.

In treating depression, we aim to empower you to regain control over your emotional life. We go beyond symptom alleviation, using cognitive therapy to explore and adjust the thought patterns contributing to your depression. As we go through the counseling journey, you'll understand what triggers your depressive episodes. Armed with this knowledge, we'll develop practical strategies for you to tackle these triggers head-on. We also enrich your toolkit with mindfulness and relaxation skills, further equipping you to navigate emotional challenges. Our goal is to pave the way for a happier, more balanced life.

I create a safe, warm, caring atmosphere so that you can share your painful, feelings of depression, sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. You may also be experiencing guilt, anger, fear, shame or grief that often accompany depression. I can help you shift from this state of emotional and mental darkness to the experience of emotional and mental light. I can help you let go of “shoulding” on yourself, unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, self attack thoughts, loss and the sense you are defective or deficient in some way. In the process you will learn to be more forgiving and compassionate to your self; more hopeful and optimistic; and to be more resourceful, resilient, self-aware a

Depression is the single most diagnosed problem in mental health. I believe it can be divided into two categories: situational depression and clinical depression. We all can experience sadness and changes in mood due to negative circumstances in our lives. I work with clients to examine the current issues, look into the past for previously successful solutions, and work toward implementing solutions in the future. Clinical depression is suspected of being genetically linked and found in families. It is usually triggered by a traumatic event which causes neurological changes. This is best treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, depression, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma. I am dedicated to working with couples, and families striving to live a life of hope, resiliency, strength, and empowerment. Schedule a free telephone consultation by calling 610-944-4327. https://empoweredlifeandwellnessllc.com/

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.

Although there are similarities in characteristics of depression from person to person, there are unique ways depression can impact someone struggling with it. In my work, I want to understand what depression is like for my specific client sitting in front of me. As we process this, I aim to help them understand how it functions for them and what may be perpetuating it (i.e. thoughts, behaviors, situations, etc.). Once we start to understand this, I collaboratively work with my client to move toward change.

My approach to treatment of depression is to help recognize negative styles of thinking and behaving. Once these negative thoughts are identified, we can begin to re-frame these thoughts with healthier and more realistic thoughts. Focus is on what my client feels and thinks, identify triggers and work to change reactions to these triggers. Treatment goals will be broken down in to small and manageable steps with the goal of living a more rewarding life.

Depression is often a symptom that your life has gotten out of balance. whther your depression issues are biological or situation, longstanding or recent, psychotherapy has been shown to be useful to get back to a life of vibrance, meaning, and peace. My employment of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT) may help you get back on track toward a life worth living.

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!

I help clients look at how past and current factors have led to their current depression. I have them change and/ or adapt their way of dealing with those issues in a way that allows them to feel better. I work with their primary physician and/or psychiatrist to determine if medication would be a helpful adjunctive therapy and if illnesses playing a role in the depression. I also teach clients ways to challenge their negative, distorted views of themselves and others to have a more positive and realistic approach to their lives.

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.

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.