Depression Counseling in Herndon, VA.

According to NIMH, Major Depression is the leading disability in the US. for those between the ages of 15 and 44. And Dysthymia, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Situational Depression and other mood disorders impact nearly 10% of the US population 18 years of age and older annually. Cognitive-behavior therapy and/or psychiatric medication are very effective in treating the different mood disorders and depression. At times, therapy or counseling alone will suffice in addressing the problem. At other times, medication is warranted in conjunction with therapy for the treatment of depression. We at Ashburn Psychological Services are here to help.

Are you feeling bad about yourself, feeling isolated, or finding that you just don’t enjoy the things you used to? Sometimes when we feel stuck, the situation can seem hopeless. But no matter what you’re facing, you can feel better. Our time together will help you recognize your worth as an individual and appreciate the things that make you uniquely you. Together, we will use evidence-based techniques to help you cope with challenges, overcome negative thoughts about yourself, and start enjoying life again.

Are you experiencing sadness and isolation? Do you feel like it is difficult to get out of the home or complete tasks on a daily basis? Do you feel hopeless or worthless from time to time? Life can get better with therapy. I would love to help you work on ways to enhance your mood and develop a more joyful lifestyle. Please consider therapy - - you are worthy of happiness. Give me a call for a free consult to discuss your concerns. Make a good day - - be well. 240.292.6127

“The Impossible Task”…if you’ve ever struggled with depression you get it. Something that ought to be so easy; sending that email, taking a shower, making the kids lunch, or walking the dog feels as if it’s insurmountable. Well-meaning friends and family aren’t very helpful when they suggest things like, “Just get dressed and exercise. It’ll make you feel better.” I get it. Calling a therapist might be the hardest thing you ever do. If you can take this one step, we’ll walk the rest of the way together.

Depression is an emotional issue where a person feels down in mood for two or more weeks. Down mood includes: feelings of worthlessness, guilt, irritability, tearfulness, lack of interest, and lack of pleasure from usually enjoyable activities. Depression often involves repetitive negative thoughts about the self and may also include the loss of or increase in appetite as well as either excessive sleep or difficulty falling and staying asleep. Therapy can help you both manage and resolve issues that may be causing depression or Dysthymia.

Depression can be so difficult to manage and come out of nowhere. When we work together, we will gently learn the core of the distress that you are experiencing. As we learn your life story, we may find that some of the distress is rooted in early childhood trauma and attachment wounding. We will embrace all parts of yourself and learn about the challenging messages you may have grown up with that manifested into the distress you feel today. Depression can be a messenger, an alarm telling you that it is time to heal experiences from earlier in life. In our work together, we'll use EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy and Expressive Arts to help you become your best self.

There are many varieties of depression, from the nearly universal experience of “blues” to soul-crushing, “can’t lift my head out of bed” depression. We help sort out the source of depression, which can include being emotionally “underfed”, to un-grieved losses, trauma experiences, biological disorders, family emotional inheritance, and a lack of connection with your inner source of guidance. After exploring the experience of depression, and the context of a client’s life, we collaboratively shape a plan of treatment, and carefully monitor progress. We coordinate with other care providers, such as physicians.

Depression can be a difficult topic to admit to, much less come to therapy for, but the courage it takes to make that call is your first step out of the darkness. Depression would like you to believe that no one can help you and that you're all alone, but it's not true - feeling that way is actually a symptom of depression itself! That's one reason why depression can be particularly insidious - it can make you feel like something is wrong with you at your core, and so make it hard for you to reach out for help. The truth is that depression is a condition that responds to proper therapy treatment, not a character flaw. Believe that and reach out for the help you deserve.

If you are feeling depressed, you are probably feeling disconnected from yourself, your relationships, your tasks and your responsibilities. You may be feeling sad, a sense of dread or a loss of hope in your future. My approach to therapy is to provide a supportive and compassionate place where you can talk about your pain, be understood and find new ways of coping with the difficulties you are facing. Sometimes simply sharing your sadness with another person can put you on the pathway to healing.

Everyone experiences sadness, but depression is a heavier and more stagnant emotion that can isolate a person from life. Talk therapy is often not enough, and I use imagery, brainspotting and biofield tuning to help move the heaviness out of the body. There are ogifts in depression, and an essential part of the work is to discover those gifts.

Depression leaves you feeling disconnected, sad, and/or worthless. It robs your life of vitality and a sense of purpose. But you do not have to be depressed alone! Therapy is very effective in reducing the symptoms of depression, and it can also not just return you to a pre-depression "normal" but help you to reach a new and different, improved place. Psychoanalytic therapy has been shown to not just reduce symptoms, but to aid you in developing a more confident approach to your life that leaves you feeling like you're living a robust life.

Depression is sometimes referred to as the "common cold" of mental health. At its root depression is about loss and loss always in some way has to do with love. In depression we lose a sense of connection to ourselves, to our relationships, to our tasks and even to God. In therapy, I provide a safe environment where you can face your sadness and loss, talk about it and reconnect in a caring place. Healing comes as deep pain is brought into loving and compassionate connection.

Taking The First Step is Always The Hardest Let us help you, and together we can defeat depression. The right approach will help you feel better and lead you to recovery. Remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression—not the reality of your situation. Getting support is critical for you to fight depression. Our depression therapists understand your situation & take steps to help you feel better.

Robyn E. Brickel, M.A., LMFT, LLC treats depression and all mood disorders in her practice. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Robyn provides a supportive environment, as well as a safe place in the clients' life to facilitate changes.

In my work with men and women with compulsive and out-of-control sexual behaviors, I have found that many of my clients have untreated or under-treated depression. Many individuals learn at an early age that sexuality can soothe uncomfortable feelings, such as depression. Over time, these behaviors can become habitual and may escalate in intensity and risk. One of themes important goals of treatment is to learn healthy ways to cope with depression.