Depression Counseling in West Deptford, NJ.

No matter how long you have been suffering from depression, you can free yourself mind, body and spirit. When you identify the negative self-talk that gets you down and consistently challenge that self-talk, ultimately replacing it with positive self-talk, you feel better about yourself and your life. When you get out and begin doing things that give you pleasure, your mood improves When you connect with the unconditional love and healing power of your own inner knowing, you transform old patterns and create a life of greater peace and contentment.

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.

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!

Depression is more than feeling sad. Depression is a sustained period of feeling "down," accompanied by some or all of the following symptoms: decreased interest in activities that were previously enjoyable; decreased concentration; decreased energy; difficulty sleeping; hopelessness; thoughts and/or acts of self-harm; marked weight gain/loss; increased irritability; isolating from friends/family. Note: this list is not meant to diagnosis depression. If you feel that you may be struggling with depression, you do not need to struggle alone. Depression is treatable and you can recover. Not all depression needs to be treated with medication. Together we will chart your course to recovery.

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/

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.