Depression Therapy
When everything feels heavy, you do not have to carry it alone.
Has the heaviness become more than you can carry?
Maybe it started slowly. Less energy. Less interest in things you used to enjoy. A creeping sense that nothing really matters or that you are just going through the motions. Or maybe it hit all at once, after a loss, a move, a change that knocked the wind out of you.
Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. Getting out of bed. Returning a phone call. Showing up for the people who need you. And on top of that, there is often a voice telling you that you should be handling this better, that other people have it worse, that something is fundamentally wrong with you.
That voice is not telling you the truth. Depression is not a character flaw. It is not laziness. It is a real condition that affects how your brain processes emotions, motivation, and connection. And it responds to treatment.
How therapy helps with depression
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to treat depression. CBT helps you identify the negative thought patterns that depression creates and reinforces, patterns like “nothing will ever get better,” “I am a burden,” or “what is the point.” Together, we examine these thoughts and develop more accurate, compassionate ways of seeing yourself and your situation.
Mindfulness adds another layer by helping you reconnect with the present moment. Depression tends to pull you into the past (rumination) or the future (hopelessness). Mindfulness anchors you in the now, where small moments of peace and even pleasure are still possible.
I also pay close attention to the context of your depression. Living in the Pacific Northwest means dealing with long, grey winters that can worsen mood. If seasonal patterns are part of your experience, we will factor that into our approach. If your depression is connected to a life transition, a loss, or a traumatic experience, we will address those roots alongside the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone goes through difficult periods. Depression is different because it persists. If you have been feeling low, unmotivated, or disconnected for two weeks or more, and it is affecting your ability to function, it is worth talking to someone. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
For many people, yes. CBT and mindfulness-based therapies have strong evidence for treating depression without medication. For others, a combination of therapy and medication works best. I can work alongside your prescribing provider if medication is part of your plan.
It can. Seasonal Affective Disorder is common in the Portland area due to limited sunlight during winter months. If seasonal patterns are contributing to your depression, we will incorporate strategies specifically designed for SAD into your treatment plan.