Depression & Anxiety
Depression commonly manifests physically, through stomach pains, headaches, disrupted or excessive sleep, and motor control difficulty. While the causes of depression are unknown, a predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Depression is diagnosed more frequently in women and tends to display differently in women than in men.
People tend to suffer higher rates of depression after giving birth and in late fall. Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and conversations. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs or overeat as a way of coping, causing them to develop other medical problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for self-harm.
Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:
Apathy
Sadness
Guilt
Exhaustion
Irritability
Diagnosing depression involves a psychiatric evaluation and physical tests to determine whether a person’s symptoms are actually being caused by a different disorder. A person must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression. Every case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary ways of treating depression, including:
Talk therapy
Medication
Adopting a healthier lifestyle
Post Partum Depression
In psychotherapy sessions with my clients, I bring experience and expertise in helping new parents navigate the emotional challenges of postpartum depression. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs, creating a judgment-free space where you can openly share your experiences. I focus on building resilience and self-compassion, offering practical strategies to manage feelings of overwhelm, sadness, or disconnection. With my support, you’ll find a path toward healing and renewed confidence, knowing you’re supported every step of the way.
LGBTQ + Counseling
As a psychotherapist, I have extensive experience providing compassionate, affirming care to individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. My practice is a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their identities, relationships, and challenges with confidence. I am committed to understanding the unique experiences of each person, fostering self-acceptance, and supporting personal growth. Whether navigating coming out, gender transition, family dynamics, or societal pressures, I am here to listen and guide with empathy and respect, ensuring you feel valued and understood.
Grief and Loss
Throughout the course of our years, we all experience a loss at some point in our lives. In fact, statistics show that 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them before 18 years of age. Feelings of grief and loss are not always associated with death, however, but commonly surface after a loss of some kind – whether it is the loss of a loved one, a severed relationship, a pregnancy, a pet, or a job.
When a person loses something or someone valuable to them, feelings of grief can be overbearing. Grief can leave a person feeling sad, hopeless, isolated, irritable, and numb by affecting them mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s important to understand that healing from grief is a process and everyone copes with this emotion differently.
Many people don’t know what to say or do when a person is grieving, but be sure to have patience with the individual (including yourself) throughout the entire process.
An alternative treatment method includes psychotherapy. Through psychotherapy, a patient may:
Improve coping skills
Reduce feelings of blame and guilt
Explore and process emotions
Consider seeking professional support if feelings of grief do not ease over time.
Couples Counseling
Factors of everyday life can put an abundant strain on a relationship. Severe stressors may include resentment, infidelity, intimacy issues, lack of trust, and miscommunication. When problems go unresolved, or a partner is suffering from mental illness or health complications, one can feel helpless or have feelings of guilt or shame. Communicating effectively on both parts can alleviate emotional anxiety from subjects of all kind.
Couples often seek couples or marriage counseling when the relationship is at a standstill, or if they are unsure whether or not the relationship is worth salvaging. This type of therapy can benefit families with children who have been affected by relationship issues such as divorce, and confront the source of the conflict.
Treatment techniques may include the following depending on the therapist:
Gottman Method
Narrative Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Positive Psychology
Imago Relationship Therapy
Analyzing Your Communication
Getting to the root of the problem
Enhancing Intimacy
Individual Counseling
Couple Retreat
When a relationship is showing signs of addiction, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and/or severe depression, seek guidance from a counselor immediately, for your safety and your partner.