Therapy for Depression

online // texas

 

Hi, my name is Stephanie.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and depression therapist in Houston, Texas.

Do you find yourself feeling sad and unable to find joy throughout the day?

Feeling disappointed with yourself because you can’t keep up with household tasks and chores?

Maybe it feels like you are living in a fog or under a dark cloud. 

The good news is you don’t have to suffer through depression alone.

Therapy for depression can help you improve your mood and become the sort of person you want to be.

I help adults drop the struggle with depression so they can live with more energy and meaning in their lives.

If you’re ready to get started with depression therapy, contact me today to schedule an appointment.

 My approach to therapy for depression.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in our society. A depressed mood is a sign telling you that something in your life is off-balance. It is also an indicator that it might be time to start working with a depression therapist in Houston. 

I work with busy adults who appear like they have it together on the outside but are feeling empty and disconnected on the inside. My clients are usually very successful in their academic and career endeavors but experience things like hopelessness, exhaustion, and loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy. 

Depression is a cycle and oftentimes pulls us towards solutions that might work in the short-term like sleeping, drinking alcohol, avoiding, and procrastinating. My approach to depression treatment focuses on teaching you to accept what is out of your control and commit to taking action to improve the things you can. Therapy for depression can help you establish routines and habits that have more long-term benefits.

We may or may not eliminate depression completely, but my hope is that you feel encouraged to make the changes that you can. My goal as a depression therapist is to help you live now and live fully despite feeling depressed.

Therapy for depression can help you feel more motivated and excited to engage in life. 

How depression therapy works:

 

step one

Get started here. During our first meeting, we’ll chat about what brings you into therapy and what you’d like to get out of the process.

step two

During the first month of therapy, we’ll get to know each other and work together to create a plan that will help you reach your goals.

step three

We’ll continue to meet weekly or biweekly to learn strategies for improving your relationship with depression.

 Greater Heights starts here.

 
 Frequently asked questions

+ What is depression? How is it different from sadness?

It is a normal part of life to feel sad or down after something bad happens. Sadness is a symptom of depression, but it’s not the only one. Sometimes people can actually experience depression without feeling sad.

A typical depressive episode, a criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, lasts longer than two weeks and causes significant impairment to your ability to function.

+ What are common symptoms of depression?

Depression looks different from person to person and each individual has a unique presentation of depression symptoms.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

  • trouble sleeping
  • changes in appetite
  • crying or tearfulness
  • changes in weight
  • slowness in movement
  • feeling sad
  • feeling empty or numb
  • feeling low
  • thoughts of death
  • inability to concentrate
  • irritability and anger
  • loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • feelings of hopelessness or meaninglessness
  • low self-esteem

Since depression is so unique, it’s important to be assessed by a depression therapist.

+ What are some common treatments or coping skills for managing depression?

Therapy is a great tool for depression treatment. Therapy interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Interpersonal Therapy (and many more) can be effective for treating depression.

I typically use an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which includes learning mindfulness and self-compassion, as well as identifying values and setting goals. ACT proposes that by increasing your acceptance of depression you develop psychological flexibility which leads to greater quality of life and wellbeing.

Lifestyle changes for managing depression include: eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.

Coping skills for managing depression include: exercise, socializing, engaging in a hobby, caring for self, gratitude and mindfulness practices, or caring for a pet.

+ Can medication help reduce the symptoms of depression?

Yes. Not all individuals with depression will require medication but there are certainly some that will benefit.

As a depression therapist, I do not prescribe medication. The first step would be getting a medication evaluation by a psychiatrist. I can assist in this process by providing you with a referral to a trusted psychiatrist.

The most common medication used to treat depressive disorders are antidepressants, but there are many different types of antidepressants and other medications used too.