Depression Counseling in Campbell, CA.

In the years that I have been treating clients with depression, I have learned that not all depressions are equal; they have different causes. The first thing I do is rule out physical causes by asking my clients to make sure they have had a recent physical exam. Many depressions are caused by illnesses such as thyroid disease. I have many tools up my sleeve to get rid of depression. Many are in- the- moment exercises and some are dredging up past experiences.

Working with the experience of depression is much more than changing our thoughts to change our behavior. Our brains are wired to notice the negative; it's part of our survival. I support my clients in expanding what they notice, and help them discover what works for them by creating a tool kit through experiential relational interventions in session. When I see children, I utilize play therapy as the modality, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. When working with adolescents and adults, I utilize expressive arts, DBT, CBT and Narrative Therapy.

I use a blend of cutting-edge therapeutic techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, and object-relations psychotherapy to create a personalized healing journey. Focused on working with individuals who desire more permanent solutions to their emotional pain, my approach to depression therapy is as compassionate as it is transformative. By engaging with these specifically tailored methods, clients find themselves nurtured, understood, and empowered, unlocking new pathways to well-being and joy. This personalized care provides clients with a value-driven and life-enhancing experience that goes beyond traditional therapy.

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.

When you’re depressed it makes life feel like you’re walking through mud, everything is more difficult and tiring and you feel less motivated to do anything. This can make depression incredibly difficult to deal with because it requires taking action to overcome. I have personal and professional experience in recovery from this unpleasant disorder, which gives me an edge and helping people to heal from depression.

It can often seem like society expects us to be happy and positive at all times, that any admission of sadness or a loss of motivation, energy, or engagement with life is a personal failure. But Depression isn't a personal failure, and it is also more than just "feeling sad". If you find yourself down in the hole of disconnection, surrounded by a fog that is interfering with your life and relationships, you need a hand to help you climb out. A trained therapist understands the mechanics of depression and can help you understand it and find strategies to make your way up and out of it, and back into the light. Please contact me so we can begin to work on this process together.

Depression and chronic worry often go hand in hand and both leave us feeling helpless and alone. I work with people who are locked in cycles of repetitive, negative thinking to see that the wisdom of the body can be harnessed to help change the cycle. You can learn to listen to your body-mind's need for being accepted, encouraged, and loved, rather than harassed, put-down and pushed. Depression is the fear of doing things on the job, in relationship or in life less than perfectly. And yet perfection isn't possible. We can work together to release you from the bonds of skewed thinking. You can practice new skills, especially acceptance of yourself, other people and our human frailties.

Does life seem bleak right now? Have you lost interest in the things you used to enjoy? Do you feel sad most of the time? Do you have little to look forward to, and a lot you’d prefer not to look back on? When you are convinced that things will never get better no matter what, you are depressed. I can give you tools and teach you how to use them to dig yourself out of the emotional ditch you’re in. It is possible to feel hope again when you know how.

I help clients explore the root causes of their depression, which can often be complex and multifaceted. By uncovering underlying issues, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and behaviors. Clients learn strategies to manage and regulate intense emotions associated with depression. These skills empower clients to navigate emotional challenges more effectively. I offer tools to cope with stress and life challenges, reducing the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms. I use CBT, acceptance & commitment therapy to help break negative patterns for my clients who are dealing with depression. When depression is tied to past trauma, I also use EMDR.

Depression can be painful for the person suffering from it as well as those closest to them. When we are depressed, previously enjoyable activities can appear meaningless. We lose interest in connecting with others (often exacerbating symptoms). Furthermore, it can feel as though there is "no point" to life. We all have periods of time when we feel less than ideal, but depression is severe and enduring. Counseling provides an atmosphere where it is safe to discuss these feelings.