Depression Counseling in Tacoma, WA.

Our personal goals can be squashed by depression. Our daily happiness and hours can be clouded even on the brightest of days by depression. Although there are similarities for many, depression can be unique to each individual and detrimental to our mental health. Through defining what we want and building small successes, larger success and happiness can be found amongst the fading clouds of depression.

We examine your depression symptoms through evaluation and assessment. Its a comprehensive approach that involves many questions and hopefully honest answers. We then develop a plan that entails supportive networks, encouragement for medication, and other wraparound resources to aid you in increasing a healthy emotional state of living. The process does take time, but is beneficial if you are looking to make positive changes.

Research shows that the most effective treatment for depression is psychotherapy. Depression can range from feeling down to major symptoms such as having trouble even getting out of bed or contemplating suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255). Online counseling is effective for depression because it is easy to access: you can start treatment without even leaving the house.

Depression tends to weigh us down and prevent us from getting more joy out of life. It literally "presses down" on our natural energy and enthusiasm. What is this force that presses down? Where does it come from? How does it work? As we explore your experience of depression these questions get filled in, we get a better sense of it, and we begin to find room to maneuver, shifting the weight of depression, getting some relief. And as we do this together, you are no longer alone in the struggle. In this way, new life and new possibilities spontaneously emerge.

Depression is often a way for the body to provide safety from overwhelming emotions - feelings like sadness, loneliness and fear. My approach is to work closely with the person feeling depressed, following their lead, to uncover the feelings underlying the depression, and allow those feelings to be experienced. Once this happens, the depression loses its power and healing can begin.