Depression Therapy in Denver

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It's a complex condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. Depression can show up differently for different people, but common experiences include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden to others

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or unexplained pain

• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you're having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for immediate support by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or going to your nearest emergency room.

Types of Depression I Treat

Major Depressive Disorder: Persistent depressive symptoms that significantly impact your daily functioning and quality of life.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Chronic, long-term depression that may be less severe but lasts for years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly fall and winter.

Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth, affecting parents and their ability to bond with their baby.

Depression with Anxiety: When depression and anxiety occur together, creating complex symptoms that require specialized treatment.

Treatment-Resistant Depression: Depression that hasn't responded well to previous treatment approaches.

Depression Related to Life Transitions: Depressive symptoms that arise during major life changes, losses, or transitions.

The Many Faces of Depression

Depression doesn't always look like the stereotypical image of someone crying in bed. It can also appear as:

• Anger, irritability, or feeling constantly frustrated

• Numbness or feeling emotionally "flat"

• Perfectionism or overworking to cope with inner pain

• Social withdrawal or isolating from loved ones

• Substance use or other coping behaviors

• Physical symptoms without clear medical causes

• Difficulty experiencing pleasure or positive emotions

Your experience of depression is valid, even if it doesn't match what others expect depression to look like.

Understanding the Roots of Depression

Depression rarely develops without underlying causes. Understanding these roots is crucial for lasting healing:

Trauma and Adverse Experiences:

• Childhood abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction

• Recent traumatic events or ongoing stress

• Loss of loved ones or significant relationships

• Medical trauma or chronic illness

• Discrimination or systemic oppression

Biological and Medical Factors:

• Genetic predisposition to depression

• Hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause, thyroid issues)

• Chronic medical conditions

• Medication side effects

• Substance use or withdrawal

Social and Environmental Factors:

• Isolation or lack of social support

• Financial stress or housing instability

• Work-related stress or unemployment

• Relationship difficulties or domestic violence

• Cultural factors and societal pressures

Psychological Factors:

• Unresolved grief or loss

• Low self-esteem or negative thought patterns

• Perfectionism or harsh self-criticism

• Difficulty with emotional regulation

My Liberation-Focused Approach to Depression Therapy

Traditional depression treatment often focuses solely on symptom reduction without addressing the systemic and cultural factors that contribute to mental health struggles. My approach goes deeper:

Addressing Root Causes: We'll explore the underlying experiences and factors that contributed to your depression, including trauma, oppression, and life circumstances.

Cultural and Social Context: Depression doesn't exist in a vacuum. We'll examine how factors like discrimination, poverty, gender expectations, and cultural pressures impact your mental health.

Trauma-Informed Care: Many cases of depression have roots in traumatic experiences. I use approaches like [EMDR therapy] and somatic healing to address these underlying wounds.

Reclaiming Your Authentic Self: Depression often involves losing touch with who you really are beneath the symptoms. We'll work to rediscover your values, strengths, and authentic voice.

Therapeutic Approaches I Use

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression while building practical coping skills.

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Understanding the different parts of yourself, including the parts that carry depression and the parts that try to protect you from pain.

Somatic Approaches: Working with your body to release stored trauma and rebuild your capacity for joy and connection.

Mindfulness and Acceptance: Learning to observe difficult thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them.

EMDR for Depression: Processing traumatic experiences that contribute to depressive symptoms. Learn more about EMDR therapy.

Interpersonal Therapy: Improving relationships and communication skills that support mental health and recovery.

Narrative Therapy: Separating your identity from your depression and reclaiming your personal story.

Depression and Related Concerns

Depression often co-occurs with other mental health challenges. I have specialized experience treating depression alongside:

Anxiety: Depression and anxiety frequently occur together, creating complex symptoms that require integrated treatment. Learn more about anxiety therapy.

Trauma: Unresolved trauma is a common underlying factor in depression. Addressing trauma can lead to significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Learn more about trauma therapy.

Eating Disorders: Depression can contribute to disordered eating patterns, and eating disorders can worsen depression. Learn more about eating disorder therapy.

Grief and Loss: Complicated grief or unresolved loss can develop into depression, especially when there's been insufficient support for the grieving process.

What Depression Recovery Looks Like

Recovery from depression isn't about returning to some previous version of yourself or maintaining constant happiness. Instead, it's about:

Rebuilding Connection: To yourself, to others, and to activities and values that bring meaning to your life.

Developing Coping Skills: Building a toolkit for managing difficult emotions and thoughts when they arise.

Increasing Self-Compassion: Learning to treat yourself with the same kindness you'd show a good friend.

Processing Underlying Pain: Addressing the root causes of depression rather than just managing symptoms.

Finding Your Voice: Reconnecting with your authentic self and what matters to you.

Building Support Systems: Developing healthy relationships and community connections that sustain your wellbeing.

Creating Meaningful Life: Identifying and pursuing activities, relationships, and goals that align with your values.

Recovery is rarely linear, and it's normal to have setbacks along the way. Each person's journey looks different, and there's no timeline you need to follow.

Depression Therapy for Specific Populations

Postpartum Depression: Specialized support for new parents struggling with depression during pregnancy or after childbirth, including support for bonding and attachment.

Depression in Later Life: Addressing depression that occurs later in life, often related to health changes, loss, retirement, or other major life transitions.

LGBTQ+ Depression Support: Understanding how identity, coming out, discrimination, and community belonging impact mental health for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Depression and Marginalized Communities: Recognizing how systemic oppression, discrimination, and cultural factors contribute to depression in marginalized communities.

High-Functioning Depression: Supporting individuals who maintain their daily responsibilities while struggling internally with depressive symptoms.

Creating Hope in Depression Therapy

Depression can make it hard to believe that things can get better, but I've seen countless people find their way back to joy and connection. My Denver office provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your pain without having to pretend you're okay.

Meeting you where you are: Whether you're barely functioning or maintaining your daily life while struggling internally, I'll work with you at your current capacity.

Building on your strengths: Even in depression, you have strengths and resilience that we can build upon.

Cultural responsiveness: I understand how depression intersects with identity, culture, and social circumstances.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reaching out for help with depression takes courage, especially when everything feels overwhelming. You don't have to have it all figured out or feel "ready" for therapy - you just need to be willing to try.

You deserve support, understanding, and the chance to feel better. Depression may be part of your story right now, but it doesn't have to be the end of your story.

Schedule a consultation to discuss how depression therapy can help you find relief and rediscover hope.

Related services: Depression Therapy | Anxiety Therapy | Trauma Therapy | Body Image Therapy | EMDR Therapy | Relationship Therapy | Postpartum Therapy | Nutrition Therapy

More about my approach: My therapeutic philosophy