Therapy for Depression
What is Depression?
Depression affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause significant changes in how a person functions on a daily basis. While feeling down or hopeless from time to time is a normal part of life, when those feelings last for weeks (or longer), when it starts to impact us physically (eating, sleeping), when it takes a toll on our ability to function (at work, at school, in our relationships), and/or when those feelings just don’t seem to be connected to an event or circumstance (“I’m so empty all the time but I cannot tell you why”), this is a strong sign of clinical depression.
Depression often occurs when there are imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals carry messages from one nerve cell to another in the nervous system, and when they are out of balance, it can lead to depression.
Depression is incredibly common – far more common than you probably realize. Depression is a condition that affects millions of Americans each year, and hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
If you are dealing with depression, please know you are not alone. Many famous and successful people struggle with depression, including Kristen Bell, Michael Phelps, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Lady Gaga, and so do many wonderful everyday people like the ones we wave to in our community. If you’re in Pennsylvania and struggling with depression, Sanctuary Counseling is here to help. Our therapeutic team works with so many clients just like you that struggle with depression. We are here to find what is best for you and your life and work together to manage and even heal your depression.
When Should You Seek Help for Depression?
We say there is no time like the present. The biggest hurdle to getting help is often taking that first step. When we are feeling depressed, countless decisions can feel overwhelming. You will be gently welcomed and understood here, we promise. If you are reading articles similar to this one, wondering if you should get help – the answer is yes! Therapy does not exist only for severe cases of depression; it exists for everyone that may be experiencing symptoms, however mild. You may feel that if you are functioning in your day-to-day life, that depression isn’t affecting you. We encourage you to consider therapy even if you think you have mild symptoms; identifying depression early and treating it can make a demonstrable difference in your life.
How To Treat Depression
Depression can come from anywhere – our past, our present, our trauma, our relationships, our loneliness – and our therapists can help you identify the areas of your life that it is affecting and help you find ways to manage and heal it. Depression feeds itself on isolation; please don’t struggle alone: come connect authentically with us.
Techniques for Treating Depression
Two common techniques in therapy when treating depression are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). We use these techniques and other psychotherapy modalities to help you manage and heal your depression. What all this means for you is that we recognize that depression shows up in our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavioral responses. Together we will work to learn your own personal patterns (the ones that have been working as well as the ones that have NOT) and – most importantly – discover the core themes that show up in these patterns. CBT and DBT help us manage and cope with depression. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps us get to the root of depression and heal it. We work at the pace that is best for you, with techniques that are tailored to your unique story. Therapy is always a collaboration between you and your therapist.
"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't."
— John Green
How Long Does Therapy Last?
At Sanctuary Counseling, we don’t have a set number of sessions to treat depression. Every person is different and requires different things from therapy. We come up with a plan based on you and your needs – and adjust as needed. We work with clients anywhere from 6 months to years. Most visit us weekly, but then adjust to bi-weekly or monthly depending on their needs. We also have clients that take a break and come back to us when their depression recurs or if they are having a difficult time. Depression can be a lifelong journey, and we will be alongside you during that journey for as little or as long as you need us.
Find a Qualified Depression Therapist Near You
If you’re in Douglassville, Audubon, or nearby and considering therapy for depression, Sanctuary invites you to find your therapeutic home with us. Depression can affect anyone at any time, and we want you to know that you are not alone. As always we continue to offer teletherapy sessions to treat depression, among many other mental health concerns. With a full team of therapists, we match you up with a counselor that aligns well with your personality and unique needs. They endeavor to be a safe space for you to seek comfort in a time when you need it most. We specialize in anxiety, depression, and many other issues that can be found on our website. You are welcome here.
