Depression

Getting better from depression demands a lifelong commitment. I’ve made that commitment for my life’s sake and for the sake of those who love me.
— Susan Polis Schutz

Depression is more than occasional sadness; it’s a persistent sense of hopelessness and emptiness that affects all areas of life. Individuals with depression often experience emotional numbness, loss of interest in activities, and constant fatigue. It can also make everyday tasks, decision-making, and clear thinking difficult. Depression has no single cause but can result from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including life events, trauma, or family history.

It is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions globally, and can manifest as sadness, emotional disconnection, guilt, or hopelessness. Depression often impacts concentration, sleep, and appetite, and it can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue and unexplained aches. Many struggle with a sense of being stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions, feeling disconnected from both themselves and the world.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or something to simply “snap out of.” It is a mental health condition that takes both an emotional and physical toll. While the path to healing can be gradual, with the right support, it is possible to manage and move forward.

In our work together, I offer a space where you don’t have to pretend to be okay. I meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect for the full complexity of your experience. We will explore not only the symptoms of depression, but also the emotional, relational, and biological factors that may be contributing to how you feel. I draw from a range of approaches, including relational, humanistic, and evidence-based practices like CBT and psychodynamic therapy, always tailoring our work to what feels most relevant for you.

If your depression has felt isolating, therapy can be a place where you feel seen and supported, without judgment. Together, we’ll explore the thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck, identify what you need to feel more grounded, and gently work toward building a future that feels more possible. Whether your depression is part of a single episode, a recurring pattern, or connected to something like bipolar symptoms or chronic low mood, I’m here to walk with you through it.

I focus on helping you understand the emotions and thoughts that contribute to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. One key aspect of our work will be identifying negative thought patterns that influence your mood. By exploring these thoughts, we can work to replace them with more realistic and compassionate perspectives, helping you regain control over your emotional state.

In addition, therapy will help you reconnect with activities that bring you joy or purpose. Many people with depression lose interest in things they once enjoyed, and part of the healing process involves re-engaging with those passions, step by step. We’ll also work on developing healthy coping strategies for managing stress and emotional pain, allowing you to respond in ways that support your well-being. Lastly, therapy provides space to process unresolved issues or past trauma that may be contributing to your depression. Working through these emotional layers can help you create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Healing doesn’t mean fixing what’s broken, but instead, it’s about tending to what hurts with care and honesty. That’s the space I hold for my clients.

Struggling with depression?