Depression Counseling & Therapy

Is depression impacting your life?

Healing from depression is possible

It can be lonely and painful to be suffering and unable to break out of the fog. Often we don’t know what to do and feel powerless. And even when we try to find our way out, the strong emotions that surface can drain us and drive us further from the life we want.

You may be feeling numb and even lonely as the joys you once experienced now seems like a distant dream.  You may want more than anything to find your way out of pain and suffering, but, even with your best efforts, continue to feel sad and alone.

You can truly heal from depression and take your life back.  You have the capacity to return to the joy you once knew, awaken the parts of you that are asleep, restore your authenticity, and live with deep meaning and purpose.

Our survival depends on the healing power of love, intimacy and relationships. As individuals. As communities. As a country. As a culture. Perhaps even as a species.

— Dean Ornish

Therapy for depression can restore your life and your relationships

Unlike traditional counseling for depression, our approach to healing draws on the powerful strength inherent in close relationships. It offers the opportunity to expand your awareness of yourself and those you love—to restore the uniqueness and authenticity within you and your inner circle. In the process of awakening those sacred parts of your heart obscured by depression, you will be able to connect more meaningfully with your friends and family and establish deeper relationships.

 

Grief and sadness are a natural aspect of life

Everyone encounters grief or sadness at various points in their life. It’s an inevitable reality of being human. In truth, we can only know joy to the extent we’ve known sorrow. Fortunately, life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full of meaning, purpose and even joy. However, pain and sorrow can at times consume us. When it does, and we begin to forget what, who and how we love and enjoy, it is a great time to reach out for help to learn to navigate challenges differently.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues facing Americans today. It’s estimated that over 16 million US adults have suffered at least one major depressive episode. And, even if you don’t experience recurring or pervasive depression, periods of sadness can affect nearly every aspect of your life.  You may lack energy at work, struggle to connect with your loved ones, or simply feel that life is passing you by. 

Be assured, what you are going through is not your fault. Sadness and depression are not a sign of weakness, but rather just one way that many humans process life’s experiences. Depression can be caused by many factors. It can be spurred on by genetic, social, political, or personal experiences. Or it may be caused by the overwhelming loss of a loved one, major changes or transitions, such as job loss or change, a move to a new city.  It could be post-partum depression or grief and fear associated with a medical diagnosis. Many factors can cause us to go numb, withdraw and disengage.

The good news is, you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.  Despite the way your life may look right now, you can have support to gain insight and develop strategies for breathing new life into you and your relationships. With the compassionate guidance of a counselor skilled in treating depression, both within you and between you and your partner, you can find a new way of living and being together that acknowledges your pain and suffering and offers support and healing.

In a place of emotional safety and comfort, we will explore the factors contributing to your depression. We will look at how it manifests in your relationships—and in your personal life.  We’ll examine self-perceptions or narratives about you, your partner, your family or the world that are holding you back. We’ll identify those lost and forgotten true desires of your heart and how to convert these limitations into creates positive change. 

From our holistic perspective, we’ll tune into how your depression impacts your mind, your body, and your spirit. We’ll identify what helps you stay grounded, centered, and feeling whole. We’ll work on breaking down old negative relationship patterns and establishing new healthy and supportive ones.  We will help you learn both to honor and speak your authentic truth and desires from your heart. You’ll get more clear on what you want and need, how to build a community of support. Using awareness and insight garnered in our sessions, we’ll identify new solutions and practices you can adopt into your day to day living.  

Managing depression is a unique path for each individual.  We’ll design a counseling and treatment plan that resonates with you and what you really want out of your life. Our holistic approach addresses the whole person—integrating mindfulness, meditation, emotionally focused therapy, and somatic or body-based therapies.  In addition to psychotherapy, we offer mental health-focused yoga and meditation, in a private or group setting for a dynamic, holistic approach to healing.

New ways to experience life and love

Regardless of your health, therapy for depression can reveal new ways for you to experience life and love. If you have a partner with you in this journey, working together as a team and integrating this new understanding and awareness of each other into your relationship, you can restore your connection and enjoy greater security. You can heal and learn to live together in wholeness and experience love again.

I am considering therapy for depression, but I still have some concerns…

CAN DEPRESSION COUNSELING REALLY HELP?

Therapy can be immensely beneficial, not only for the person suffering from depression, but also for the relationship as a whole. EFT is an evidence-based treatment method that yields significant results both within individuals and between partners.  

However, because all therapy has limitations, we will work to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. That’s why we integrate alternate healing strategies to complement depression therapy so that you can find long-term healing.

I WORRY ABOUT THE COST.

There are very few things in life that are worth more than one’s personal health and relationships.  The investment you make in your well-being will ultimately translate into gains elsewhere in your life and throughout your lifespan. 

However, we make efforts to alleviate the financial burden of depression therapy. Please see our fees and insurance page for more information. Regardless of your situation, don’t let money or depression limit your future—you deserve to be whole and loved. 

I’M NOT SURE I HAVE THE TIME FOR THIS.

We understand that time is precious, which is why we offer flexible hours.  We are also located right off the metro to allow you to come to a session during an extended lunch break or on your way to or from work. We encourage you to take some time to make life fit around your self-care, rather than simply taking what you can get. 

Your career, the connection you have with your children, your partner’s happiness, even your physical well-being—they are all affected by your health. By engaging in depression counseling and treatment, you are investing your time in your happiness and overall quality of life for years to come.

Depression therapy can restore your life

If you or your partner are struggling with depression, Heartswell can help.

Please call 202-630-9738 or contact us to schedule an appointment or set up a free, no-obligation 15-minute pre-treatment consultation.

Ready to Get Started?

Couples & Individual Therapy - Virtually or In-person in Arlington, VA

We are glad you are taking this next step to see what Heartswell can do for you.

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation here:

We typically respond within 1-2 business days.