Depression Counseling in La Puente, CA.

Depression can be debilitating and sometimes just getting out of bed is a monumental effort. Sufferers just want to feel better and less overwhelmed by life and that's where I come in. I have extensive experience in this area and I think part of the reason my clients have shown improvements with their depressive symptoms is because we take small steps and tackle things one at a time. Negative thoughts and limiting beliefs can often contribute to depression and my approach is to explore where they come from and then replace them with healthier beliefs and patterns. Clients will be able to see the connections between their beliefs and behaviors and then be given tools on how to make changes.

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.

Are you experiencing any depressive symptoms such as low motivation, fogginess, sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness? Are you stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts and emotions that can feel like they are weighing you down and leading to a lack of purpose and direction? You don't have to go through this alone. There is a way to move forward, and the therapeutic relationship can be a great way to seek healing and freedom. I am here to journey alongside you if you are ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Sometimes "talk therapy" alone can relieve depression and most clients find it to be helpful. I do utilize cognitive therapy when dealing with depression because our thoughts have a great deal to do with our feelings and there is evidence that this treatment approach to depression can be quite effective. When necessary, I will provide a psychiatric referral for an evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for medication.

Untreated depression can lead to destructive and often fatal behaviors if an individual has little or no social supports or coping skills intact, as well as vary between age, gender & cultural groups. Often what many depressed people feel is empty, hopeless, helpless and completely alone, even if family or others are physical nearby. Often clients report that they cannot function with what would be considered daily simple tasks, i.e., bathing, getting out of bed, and even making meals or eating can be taxing. Feeling excessively tired and worn out has been common with chronic depression. Psychotherapy can possibly make all the difference when individuals feel life is no longer worth living.

I practice a type of therapy for depression called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which research has shown to be especially effective with depressive disorders. Using CBT, we work together to discover underlying beliefs (which we call cognitive distortions) that are causing or contributing to your depressive symptoms. Once identified, we then use a variety of techniques to help you correct those thinking patterns that are causing you difficulty. We measure progress constantly so that we can try new techniques if needed, to help you feel better.

Depression causes a major disruption in the life of individuals due to constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, exhaustion and even anxiety. This mood disorder causes persistent changes in the way you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. By getting treatment you can progressively work with a supportive therapist and together embark on your journey towards healing.

Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting all age groups, that causes intense & persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness and personal emptiness. Depression affects how you feel, think, behave and could lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, left untreated. If you are struggling with depression you don't have to be alone, seeking help is the first step to improving your symptoms. Psychotherapy has shown to improve the symptoms of depression. Together will develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your concerns, needs and symptoms to improve the quality of your life.

Depression has many different faces. It can be triggered by sad events, like the loss of a loved one, or by seemingly happy events, like the birth of a child. Sometimes it can even be caused by influences we don’t really understand. Helping individuals identify the causes of their depression, and explore new ways to cope are at the heart of my work in this area. Often clients who begin therapy because of depression discover that what they are feeling is to past trauma, issues related to their family history or upbringing, negative thinking or limiting beliefs. With the opportunity to work through past issues in a safe, non-judgmental setting often helps people find relief from their overwhelming emotions and lift the fog of depression that has been weighing them down.

Depression can be experienced at any age and comes in various degrees impacting how we feel about ourselves and others. It can change our mood, eating, sleeping, thinking, and involvement in activities. Many individuals suffer in silence but their mood and behavior reveal a deeper turmoil within themselves. Talking to a trusted person about those inner thoughts is helpful but many friends and family members may not have the knowledge and skills to help you. Seeking a professional counselor can reduce feelings of isolation and provide you with feelings of hope. “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” Proverbs 15:22.

Depression can express itself in a variety of forms. The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. While occasional depression might be considered normal, it is not normal for it to become a hinderance to enjoying and living life. If you are depressed, allow me to provide you with tools to manage the depression while we explore the roots of the depression to create a path out of it.

When you are tired of the darkness and despair, we offer hope and recovery. We work with kids, teens and adults of all ages to overcome the heavy burden of depression. Often, this healing involves processing old trauma and re-discovering the true self in a beautiful light. Whether it's through artistic therapeutic modalities, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, internal "parts work," or traditional talk therapy, we help you find your inner joy. Call today to schedule an appointment! You can learn more about us at www.HealPlayLove.org

There are several signs of depression. feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping irritability, restlessness loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex overeating or appetite loss persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call for an appointment to get help. I charge $150.00 per session . If you have insurance, I will give you a bill to submit