Depression Counseling in West, TX.

My approach with depressed clients involves several areas. First, I assess relevant history and the person's current life situation, in order to evaluate possible factors which may be contributing to the depressive symptoms. Specific depressive symptoms are identified, including areas such as crying spells, sleep disturbance, appetite changes, decreased motivation, etc. Although background factors are important to review, my approach to treating depression involves a major focus on the present situation. Next, I assess what changes I can recommend to the client to begin addressing right now. These could be needed relationship changes, better health habits, or to end harmful behaviors.

There are many causes for depression and many forms of depression, from reactive depressions to deep internal depressions. Sudden depressions as well as long lasting depressions are not to be ignored. They are serious emotional responses which can benefit extensively from appropriate counseling and therapeutic interventions. Having a caring and listening ear to talk to during a time of depressive despair can be extremely healing. It is often stated that a healthy listening relationship can heal beyond measure. There are depressions which will benefit from medical interventions along with talking interventions. In general, cared for depressions will greatly improve and most will pass.

Depression is an incredibly complex and painful experience. Sometimes depression is a response to traumatic events. Sometimes it is linked to a loss of meaning in life. On occasion depression springs wholly from biological changes in the brain and body. Usually, though, depression involves a combination of all of these experiences. I am convinced that depression can actually be a positive experience when we acknowledge its power to make us stop and look more thoughtfully at our lives. My goal is to help people alleviate the most painful symptoms of depression, and then to help them consider what are the deeper questions the depression is revealing.

I work with clients experiencing clinical and/or situational depression. We use a combination of CBT, EMDR and other modalities to uncover the roots of depression and to make us aware of our triggers and thought patterns. Through self-awareness and self-compassion, clients discover new ways of looking at their world which align with their values.

EMDR, Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing, has been proven effective for depression and anxiety. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy has also been proven effective for Treatment Resistant Depression for those whom traditional pharmaceutical interventions (Prozac, Wellbutrin, etc.) were not tolerated or ineffective. We offer Ketamine Assisted Therapy under medical supervision with appropriate screening and post-treatment observation by an ER physician with over 20 years of experience with Ketamine administration.

Depression is sadly common in the human experience. It is often referred to as the common cold of human emotions. It does not have to run or ruin your life however. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the many tools I utilize to help people move through their depression to a place of hope and resilience. At the core of so much depression is a private belief system, that, when transformed, can alleviate much suffering. I can help you transform that private logic that misguides you, resulting in depression. You can gain a new perspective and ditch the messages that drag you down.