Depression Counseling in Lake Barcroft, VA.

Having worked my way through my own depression/hell on earth, with the help of a professional to 'guide' me, I have learned the importance of 'working together' in a way that combines use of: a) what I bring in the way of safety, empathy, presence, patience, curiosity, and practical tools; with b) your own ability to risk venturing into some dark & difficult territories -- dealing with demons such as: apathy, emptiness, meaninglessness, disappointment, disillusionment, hopelessness, stuckness, loneliness, shame, guilt, self-disgust, unmet expectations, unfulfilled dreams, losses, ambiguity, confusion, fallibility, fears, doubts, imperfections, insecurities and whatever others may emerge.

Through counseling for depression, you can learn to identify and change feelings that have become entrenched in thought patterns and behaviors. Even though depression may feel like a dead end street, there is always a way out and up. Through therapy, I will assist you in making optimal choices to treat your depression. You will learn how to live your life to the fullest.

Whether caused by a specific event, a series of events, or no discernible reason, depression can cause enormous suffering and negatively impact lives. My focus begins with connecting with each client, understanding their particular story and offering guidance and encouragement while fashioning tools to fight the hopelessness, helplessness, and loss of joy that come with depression. These "tools" often involve expanded problem solving and learning new ways of thinking about problems . I also help clients gain control over depression by understanding its origins and determining what must change to feel better now and in the future.

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.

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.

What if you knew that your brain has a built-in way to stop depression from dragging you down? Depression is a natural mind-state that every human knows, but sometimes depression locks onto us and won't let go. If this is happening to you, we can show you how to level the playing field in your favor, without medication. Not all counseling approaches tap into recent neurological research that shows that you can learn to separate from depressed parts of your mind and build new channels within you that are not clogged with depression static. Visit our detailed website or call to learn more about this modern approach to transform your depression and start living the life you've been missing!

My approach with clients who suffer from depression is a combination of talk therapy, lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and sleep habits), and coordination of care with other medical professionals who may prescribe medication if appropriate. We work together to process your feelings, we problem solve how depression gets in your way of wholehearted living, and heal relationships that have changed. I believe that feeling joyful again is possible, but my optimism and hope will never negate your experience of sadness.

When you experience a severely depressed mood and decreased activity level for an extended period of time, your life really changes. Hope disappears, joy drains from life, and you may feel isolated, alone, and stuck. Your efforts may fall behind in school or at work, and your relationships may feel strained. But change is possible! Although depression controls your current experience, it does not define who you most truly are. Counseling can help you break the chains of depression, and create a new experience which includes hope and a meaningful connection to life. To determine if we can work together, please contact me to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation.

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.

Depression is a very general term and to define it without clarity is a not a good thing. Like everything, we have to find the trigger points; when and how it generates the "sliding down the hill", so to speak. As commonly noted, depression is believing a string of lies, mixed in with some reality and truth. These must be separated for us to resolve each experience. WOW, I see so many lives changed, as I just listen and see what is going on.

I help clients struggling with depression using CBT, ACT, and DBT, as well as behavioral activation strategies and helping clients to reconnect to their true values, which depression may be keeping them from. Struggling with depression is exhausting and can cause people to feel incredibly trapped. There is hope! I work alongside allied health professionals such as psychiatrists to achieve the best client outcomes and ensure the highest quality of care.

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 feel like a dark cloud that hovers over you. Sometimes it can come with no warning and feel like the cloud will never go away and like you’ll never see the light of happiness. Other times, you can see it coming. It can leave us with memory problems, forgetfulness, not having energy to do anything, eating changes, procrastination issues. I provide a safe place for people to talk about their feelings, thoughts and behavior. I also draw from many different techniques to help people get relief from depression, including somatic experiencing, mindfulness, expressive therapies, movement, and others, and lead more fulfilling lives.