We all go through times when we feel sad, listless and unmotivated. We wouldn't be human if we didn't. But depression goes further and deeper than this. You don't just have problems, you feel like you are the problem. You feel stuck, and your lack of energy makes accomplishing even the smallest thing feel like walking through molasses.
One of the first things I do is look underneath the depression to understand what might actually be driving it. Sometimes what presents as depression turns out to be grief — from childhood trauma, unaddressed losses, or experiences that were never fully processed. I also encourage clients to get a thorough medical checkup, since certain health conditions can mimic depressive symptoms. And when it feels appropriate, we can explore whether a psychiatric evaluation and medication might support the emotional work we're doing together.
A cornerstone of how I work with depression is Mindful Self-Compassion, developed by researcher Kristin Neff. It involves three simple but profound steps: acknowledging "this is suffering," recognizing "there are millions of people feeling this same way at this very moment," and then asking "what can I do to ease my suffering?" Think of it like sitting on the bed of someone who has the flu, holding their hand and offering comfort. It doesn't cure the flu or change its course. But it acknowledges what is, and in doing so, helps ease the suffering.
Because ultimately that's what this work is about — learning to be genuinely on your own side, especially when things are hard.
Ready to take the next step?
I'd love to hear from you. I offer a free consultation call to talk about your goals and see if we're the right fit for each other. I typically respond within one business day.