Depression Counseling in Lake Forest, CA.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Depression can cause experiences of lonliness, sadness, agitation, tearfulness, hopelessness, and decreased motivation. Together we can work to identify potential causes of depression symptoms and how these symptoms may be impacting your life. In most cases a core belief about ourself or the world can cause depression to persist. Some of these beliefs can include but are not limited to "I'm not good enough", "noone cares about me", "it's not safe to express my emotions", and "bad things always happen to me". Taking a collaborative approach we will incorporate both self compassion strategies and tangible skills based interventions as a way to work on improving your mood.

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.

First, it's important to me to understand what my clients mean by "depression" because how one client experiences depression can be very different than another client. This is necessary so I can customize the strategies I use for each specific client based on their unique experience of depression. Ultimately, my clients can expect to discover real-world steps they can take to feel not just "less depressed" but better about their life - and more positive and hopeful.

Depression can feel debilitating at times and wipe you clean of your motivation and overall luster for life. I use a CBT approach which is found to be an effective treatment for depression, as it addresses thinking barriers and stuck points that increase negative thoughts-commonly found in those who suffer with depression. Together we can identify triggers, barriers, process challenges and provide tools you can apply to increase the likelihood of feeling more in control over your feelings and thoughts.

Are you struggling with sadness, loss of motivation, low energy, feeling down, hopelessness or helplessness? Life these days are not easy and can bring on depression and loneliness. I want to be a support to you and help you through this part of your life. I will help you find hope and identify coping skills to manage your symptoms. It would be my pleasure to walk by your side and find a new path of hopefulness!

Are you feeling a loss of hope or less interest in the things that used to bring you pleasure? While we all get low, persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings may be indicators of depression. When you are experiencing feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness that aren’t going away, it’s time to get help. Often when people are experiencing these emotions they feel isolated and that life will always be this way I treat people who are experiencing these feelings and help them to address the causes and symptoms associated with their depression, so that they can enjoy life again. Call me today at 949.370.4726 or email at info@southoccounseling.com.

Depression is often a result of unprocessed losses in life. Taking the time to work through those things that have not been properly grieved, can greatly lessen the amount of depression you feel. A trained professional can come alongside you and help you sort through what has accumulated and is now a burden that inhibits living a full and satisfying life. We often carry a 'preserved mood' from our childhood that represents a place we were left alone to process, without the ability to do so. We can visit those old, stuck places and help free you up to move forward in life.