Depression and Mood Disorders

Therapy for Depression

Are your moods unpredictable—shaping your entire day, for better or worse? Do you find it hard just to get out of bed and face the day? Have feelings of sadness, self-doubt, or worthlessness become part of your daily life?

Depression can look very different from person to person. While some may experience classic signs like deep sadness and exhaustion, others might feel more irritable, angry, withdrawn, or emotionally overwhelmed. For some, it shows up as wanting to sleep all the time or distancing themselves from others.

If you already have a diagnosis that you’re struggling to manage, or if you're simply questioning whether something deeper is going on, it’s always worthwhile to speak with a mental health professional. I’m a firm believer in the power of early intervention and prevention—catching things early can make a big difference in how you heal and move forward.

It’s also important to remember that not all sadness equals depression. It’s natural to feel down after a loss or life change. But if you're finding it difficult to bounce back or feel stuck in those emotions for an extended time, you may be dealing with more than just situational sadness—sometimes called an adjustment disorder. In those cases, talking to someone can be incredibly helpful in processing your emotions and preventing them from becoming more serious over time.

Recognizing The Symptoms of Depression

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression

Sometimes, depression hides behind a smile. You might seem outgoing, put-together, and full of energy to those around you—while inside, you're silently struggling. Other times, depression can feel so heavy that it affects your ability to function at all. You may find yourself missing work, skipping school, or avoiding social situations simply because you don’t have the energy or motivation to show up.

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can show up in subtle ways or completely take over, depending on the individual. Still, there are several common signs many people experience when dealing with depression, including:

Feeling emotionally or physically isolated
Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Harsh self-criticism and negative self-talk
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Low energy or a constant sense of fatigue
Noticeable changes in appetite or weight
Persistent sadness or a low mood
Slowed thoughts, movements, or speech
Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
Trouble focusing or making decisions

If any of these resonate with you, know that you're not alone—and support is available. Depression is treatable, and with the right care, you can begin to feel like yourself again.

Counseling Services for Mood Disorders

You don’t have to live stuck in a pattern of negative thinking. Your mood doesn’t have to determine what kind of day you have. It is possible to regain control of your life, find balance and move toward the most important goals you’ve set for yourself. The good news is that counseling is very effective in helping resolve depression and other mood disorders.

My Therapeutic Approach to Treating Depression and Mood Disorders

When working with clients who are navigating depression or mood-related challenges, I take a personalized, compassionate approach. I’ll take time to get to know you—not just your symptoms—so we can create a treatment plan that fits your unique experiences and goals.

In our sessions, I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and skills-based coaching. We’ll explore not only the roots of your emotional struggles, but also what might be blocking your path to feeling better. Together, we’ll work to stabilize your mood, understand what truly matters to you, and uncover any patterns of negative thinking or self-talk that may be keeping you stuck.

Depression treatment often involves reconnecting with your values, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and learning new ways to respond to stress and emotional overwhelm. You’ll develop practical tools to help you reengage with life, rebuild your confidence, and start making progress toward your goals.

Getting Started

Ultimately, my goal is to support you in not only overcoming your current struggles but also in developing the emotional tools and inner strength to move forward with a renewed sense of hope and confidence. This approach is designed not only to support healing now but to reduce the risk of future depressive episodes as well. Please contact me to set up your first appointment to get started on your healing journey.

Other Counseling Services Kathleen Provides

I am happy to offer in-person and online individual therapy services for adults. I have practiced in the mental health field for 25+ years and have developed an expertise and passion for working with clients. I specialize in providing counseling for anxiety, chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, stress management, trauma and PTSD, and more. I also provide support for busy professionals. I use CBT therapy, DBT therapy and EMDR therapy with great success. If you don’t see the issue you are looking for listed, please contact me to ask if I can help you with your unique situation. I look forward to helping you live your best life possible!

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