Therapy for Depression
Healing Starts with Believing That Change Is Possible—Even When It Feels Out of Reach
When Life Feels Heavy and You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Depression can make everything feel harder—waking up, connecting with others, making decisions, or even getting through the day. You might feel numb, overwhelmed, or just going through the motions. When joy and motivation feel distant, it’s easy to start feeling like a failure or questioning your coping ability.
Whether your symptoms have lingered for a long time or showed up suddenly, you’re not alone. Depression affects people of all ages and walks of life, and it doesn't always look like sadness. For some, it’s irritability, fatigue, or a deep sense of disconnection. For others, it's a quiet emptiness or a constant state of feeling stuck in life.
As a compassionate therapist based in Walnut Creek, I provide a safe space to explore what you're going through and find your way forward, at your own pace.
What Is Depression Therapy—and How Can It Help?
All relationships face conflict. But when disagreements start to spiral into patterns of blame, withdrawal, or silence, it’s often a signal that something deeper needs attention. These recurring dynamics aren’t just about the present. They’re shaped by emotional responses rooted in early life experiences. One person might shut down to avoid discomfort, while another pushes harder to feel seen. This is an example of both people reacting to old, unhealed patterns that play out in the here and now.
It’s my goal in session to create space to slow down and examine these relational cycles, whether they’re showing up with family, friends, coworkers, or partners. Together, we’ll explore why certain behaviors arise and how to respond in more grounded, compassionate ways. Our focus isn’t just on what’s going wrong, but on understanding how you got here and building the foundation for real, lasting change.
Supporting Both Mind and Body in Depression
Depression isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Your body may feel drained, heavy, or out of sync. Simple tasks can feel overwhelming, and your usual coping tools might not work like they used to. In our work together, we’ll pay attention to how your body is responding and incorporate practices to help restore balance.
You don’t have to “snap out of it.” Healing is not about force—it’s about tuning in. We may use breathwork, grounding strategies, or body-based awareness to help regulate your nervous system. When the body begins to feel safer, the mind often follows.
Some clients find that supplementing therapy with other resources can be helpful. While I’m not a treatment center, I can guide you toward additional support and work with you to build a holistic plan that reflects your needs.
Coping with a Feeling of Failure
One of the most painful symptoms of depression is the feeling that you’ve somehow let yourself—or others—down. This often invalid feeling of failure can show up in subtle ways: comparing yourself to others, dismissing your accomplishments, or believing you’re too broken to be helped. These beliefs are incredibly common—and they’re also untrue.
As a therapist who specializes in depression, I’ll help you explore the origins of these thoughts and start to rebuild your sense of self-worth. We’ll work on shifting the lens through which you see your challenges. You are not your symptoms. You are not your lowest moments. You’re a whole, resilient human being who’s allowed to struggle—and to heal.
Flexible Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Depression can make even small tasks feel insurmountable. That’s why therapy must be accessible, consistent, and tailored to your life. I offer both in-person and online sessions, making it easier to get started, especially on the days that feel like too much.
If you’re more comfortable beginning therapy from the privacy of your home, virtual sessions are a gentle, effective way to ease into the process. Whether you choose online care or online therapy, the depth of our work and the strength of our connection will remain the same.
What to Expect in Our Work Together
Starting therapy might feel intimidating, especially when you’re running low on energy or motivation. That’s okay. In our early sessions, we’ll focus on building trust, understanding your story, and clarifying what support looks like for you. You’ll never be asked to move faster than you're ready for.
As we build our relationship, we’ll explore the habits, thought patterns, and emotional loops that are contributing to your distress. We’ll also identify your therapeutic goals for depression, which could include reestablishing a sense of purpose, improving self-care routines, or learning how to navigate intense emotions.
There are no quick fixes—but with time, you’ll likely notice a shift. You may begin to feel more connected to yourself. More present. More resilient. And you’ll have new tools to draw on when life inevitably brings new challenges.
Rediscovering Yourself Beyond the Depression
When depression is loud, it can drown out everything else—your confidence, your curiosity, even your ability to hope. Part of our work will be gently uncovering the parts of you that depression has covered up.
This might look like reconnecting with hobbies, rebuilding relationships, or simply remembering what it feels like to laugh. Our work isn’t about chasing happiness—it’s about building a relationship with yourself that includes kindness, self-trust, and room to grow.
If you’re searching for a therapist who understands what you’re going through and will meet you with warmth, presence, and practical guidance, I’d be honored to walk this path with you.