Specialties: Depression
Most everyone feels moody or sad occasionally, but when you find yourself unusually down in the dumps for several weeks with a lack of energy, changes in sleep and eating habits, or suicidal thoughts, it's time to get help.
Depression is common, affecting more than 260 million people, and can seriously impact a person's ability to function at work, school, or in daily life. It is important to recognize when you are not yourself and to reach out for help. Depression can be the lingering effect of a personal loss or a sign you are struggling to manage current difficult circumstances. Either way, depression interferes with your engagement in the world. The good news is, we can successfully treat your depression and get you back on your feet. How we approach depressionAt J&L Psychology, our clinicians are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven treatment method that explores how negative, interconnecting patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be contributing to your low mood. Because depression can be traced to a number of sources, and often accompanies other medical and mental health diagnoses, clinicians at J&L Psychology begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms to understand how to build the best course of treatment for you.
We'll work with you to identify your negative thoughts and self-talk, then help you test your perceptions and replace them with healthier, more realistic views of yourself, others, and the world. Coupled with a plan to get you motivated and out the door doing the things you enjoy, you'll learn to take small, active steps that when applied consistently begin to ease the crippling effects of depression. Life won't feel so unmanageable as you regain your energy and develop strength to face each day. If, as part of the assessment process, we determine that medication would be a helpful complement to therapy, we will introduce options and offer referrals to a trusted psychiatrist for an evaluation. Research has shown that for a number of people, combining therapy with medication to improve mood and decrease anxiety is more effective than medication or therapy alone in treating depression. A team approach to treating depression (spouses and family members are assets, too) often helps you feel less isolated as you discover a way forward. The fog of depression can lift. J&L Psychology can help you bring meaning and joy back into your life. Vertical Divider
|