Do you feel sad, apathetic, or lethargic for seemingly no reason?
Are you tired when you wake up, even if you’ve gotten plenty of sleep?
Have you lost interest in activities that you once loved?
Has your behavior affected or put a strain on your relationships?
Do you feel a deep sense of hopelessness that you just can’t seem to overcome?
Depression causes a wide array of emotional, physical, and behavioral issues that can affect every aspect of your life. Maybe you feel stuck in a funk that you can’t seem to get out of. Or you might be unhappy or dissatisfied about your job, your relationship, or your life in general. You may recognize that you aren’t operating at your best, but you aren’t sure if it is depression or you’re just going through a difficult time.
Depression symptoms can be incredibly subtle, and no two people experience depression in exactly the same way. As a result, it’s easy to overlook the issue or assume it will go away on its own. If you are having trouble sleeping, for example, you might blame a particularly stressful week at work. If you are more irritable than usual, you might assume it’s the result of a rough patch in your relationship. But in reality, depression could be causing many of the problems you are experiencing.
Even if you don’t think you have depression, it’s clear that things could be better. Unfortunately, many people suffer for months or years before seeking outside support. Do you wish you knew how to lift the cloud that’s been hanging over your head so you could find relief and foster greater joy in your life?
Depression has a way of making us feel completely alone. But the truth is that depression affects more than 17 million adults in a given year, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.* While depression is incredibly common, that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to identify or cope with on our own.
The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it hard to admit when we need help, especially if family and friends view us as a source of strength or someone who “has it all together.” Other times, we may not even realize we’re dealing with depression. So rather than ask for support, we accept our frustration or sadness as the new normal and blame ourselves for not being stronger. But depression isn’t your fault.
There are a number of reasons why someone might develop depression. We all experience grief and loss at times, but we don’t always feel comfortable expressing our emotions or needs. And unresolved issues, whether from our childhood or more recent, can get stuck in our system and affect how we view ourselves and the world around us. Depression symptoms can also develop following severe or ongoing disappointment or frustration—difficulty finding a new job, family drama, overwhelming responsibilities, or a relationship not working out, for example.
If you have been discontent or unhappy for some time, it can be hard to remember how you felt before you were depressed. And it can be hard to feel hopeful when you don’t remember what hope looks like. Thankfully, there are ways to work with depression. With the help of an experienced and compassionate depression therapist, you can find the unconditional support and concrete steps you need to heal and grow in your career, relationships, and personal life.
Many people think that depression will be with them for the rest of their lives. But that sense of hopelessness can actually be a symptom of depression. The truth is that depression is highly treatable, and there are empirically-supported treatments proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms and providing lasting relief. In my experience, the right approach can help anyone restore positivity, happiness, and hopefulness to their lives.
During our first session together, you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. You may feel some relief simply from having a safe place where you can speak freely and be truly heard and validated. My goal during this intake session is to gather as much information as I can (and that you’re willing to share), so I can determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and goals.
I utilize a few different treatment modalities—including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—to help my patients work through their depression. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I will help you make sense of the conflicting mindsets that exist within you. Too often, we tend to assume that people have one single personality or attitude that is unchangeable. IFS therapy shows that you aren’t defined by your depression: that is just one of many different mindsets jockeying for position. Instead, you can connect with your true “self”—the you that is loving, considerate, empathetic, and understanding—so you can get curious about and heal your depression and let your inner wisdom and core values come back into the forefront.
EMDR is a research-based treatment approach that helps realign and integrate both hemispheres of the brain. The brain is capable of incredible change, and you can heal what is perceived as negative or harmful thinking. EMDR essentially activates different parts of the brain in a calming way that allows you to integrate and process information more effectively. Used in conjunction with IFS, EMDR is an extremely effective way to connect with your ideal self and better understand the different mindsets that are affecting your happiness.
My ultimate goal is to provide a space that is compassionate and judgement-free. It can be hard to talk about depression at first, but it can also be a tremendous source of relief and a path to healing. Over the course of my career, I’ve helped hundreds of people understand and work through depression. And I’ve seen that no matter how difficult things might seem right now, recovery is always possible. If you’re ready to feel like yourself again—or for the first time—I can help.
It’s normal to want to fix things on your own, and you shouldn’t be forced into therapy; you need to be motivated. However, depression is a complex illness that is often out of our control. And just like any illness, it’s okay to seek help. There is no shame in wanting to better your mental health.
Therapy is an investment in your happiness and wellbeing. Like gym memberships, chiropractic visits, massages, and other forms of self-care, therapy can put you on the track toward a healthier, happier lifestyle. It’s all about allowing yourself to accept that your mental health is a priority when it comes to your self-care. Therapy isn’t a temporary quick-fix, either; it’s a path to lasting positive change.
Taking the first step can be hard, and even positive change can be scary. My goal is to help you find meaningful, lasting relief, and that can sometimes mean exploring painful thoughts or harmful self-beliefs. But I will never force you to talk about a topic you aren’t comfortable discussing. Rather, I arm you with the skills, strategies, and practical support you need to get curious about your uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and sensations and confidently address deeper issues. And if something is going to come up during treatment, what better place to work through it than therapy?
If you are ready to reawaken your happiness and focus on the positives in your life, I invite you to call 646-389-8020 for a free 15-minute consultation, or contact me online. Together, we can take the first step towards working through your depression so you can live life to its fullest potential.
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