Depression therapy
What is Depression?
Depression was described by one of my clients as an overwhelming sense of doom. “It felt like a wave of sadness has come over me leaving me tired and hopeless. It’s an empty feeling, a lonely place to be.”
Another client described depression as “pushing a rock up a mountain, using all my strength just to go to work and get through the day, then feeling immobile and powerless when I get home, no energy left for anything else.”
Clinical depression can present itself differently for different people, but some common characteristics are:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in weight
- Lack of energy
- Physical aches or pains
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of pleasure
- Frequent or recurring thoughts of death or suicide
*If you experience suicidal thoughts please seek help from the National Suicide Lifeline, or call 911*
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you are not alone, there is help. Depression in the US affects over 18 million adults (1 in ten) in any given year.3
If you experience any of the above symptoms most of the day, almost every day, for a prolonged period (2 weeks of more) it may be time to consider treatment.
Depression Treatment
Depression treatment can help even if you are experiencing just some of the symptoms.
*Please note that it is important to talk to your doctor about depression to rule out any other medical causes for your symptoms.*
How Therapy Can Help Treat Depression
In treating depression we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-based intervention for depression.
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy works under the premise that our thoughts and behaviors affect our mood and emotions. CBT focuses on identifying distortions in thinking patterns as well as negative core beliefs.
Together we will work on replacing these beliefs with more adaptive ways of thinking. We will also learn problem solving skills to cope with difficult situations, and work on changing maladaptive behavioral patterns.
Throughout your therapy you will learn some effective strategies to help you cope with difficult situations when they arise.
Benefits of CBT
- Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) is a time limited form of treatment, generally taking 10 to 15 sessions on average depending on the individual client.
- In CBT we set clear goals, you will know where you are heading and how you will get there.
- CBT techniques have been well tested in research studies.
- CBT is structured, clients can see progress during treatment, get feedback, and can adjust approach.
- CBT is all about moving you towards your goals, giving you a sense of progress.
- CBT is focused on the present, you can start where you are, and practice the skills you learn.
If you are ready to find relief from depression and take control of your life reach out today to get started.
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
Abraham Lincoln
