Helping Orange County Families Heal Since 2009!

Depression Treatment


Most people struggle with depression at some point in their lives. Sometimes it is due to certain life events, such as a major loss, or a difficult relationship. Depression affects people differently. See "Behaviors of Depression" and "Symptoms" to the right or below. I tell people that it takes 5 to 10 times more effort for a depressed person to do simple tasks, such as taking a shower or doing dishes than it would a person who is not depressed.


Some people will not even realize that they are depressed unless a friend or family member points it out. Once a person acknowledges that they are depressed. It is helpful to start talking about and understand where the depressive symptoms are coming from.


Treating Low to Moderate Depression

For many people experiencing depression, "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" or CBT is very helpful. In this approach, you examine your negative thoughts and behaviors and begin to change them. For many, this is a wonderful approach that works very well. People can experience an almost immediate benefit in their mood and outlook. The weakness of this approach is that it is hard or even impossible to overcome extreme feelings with simply changing your thoughts and behaviors. (Why Insurance Companies Love this Approach and Why You Should Be Careful


How Treating Severe Depression is Different

While CBT can be very helpfuil, did you know that it's approach is not adequate for treating SEVERE depression. If your therapist only uses CBT when treating severe depression, you probably won't make much progress. On the contrary, you need to take a deeper dive and get to the roots of your problems. For example, let's say you were told your whole life by your parents that "you are nothing but a failure and a waste of my time" and "the only reason we had you is because your brother wanted a sibling". It seems to me that it is unfair for your counselor to simply advise you to reframe your negative thoughts into positive ones. Instead, you need a counselor who will allow you to take a deeper look at your past hurts and help you heal them. When your pain is met with understanding and a caring response, you begin to heal from the inside out!


How I can Help

Not only do I provide a safe and nonjudgmental place to explore your thoughts and feelings, I also can help you...
  • Reduce or eliminate those dark and heavy feelings
  • Improve your love life
  • Get better sleep
  • Improve performance at work
  • Create sharper thinking and better memory
  • Help create a healthier home life
  • Improve ties with family and friends
  • Lower your risk of future depression

Call Me Today

If you feel like you can use my help, please contact me Dan, LCSW. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation.



Symptoms of Depression:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
  • Irritability, anger
  • Feeling guilty
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Racing heart
  • Suicide attempts
  • Sleep difficulties

Contact Dan, LCSW

Behaviors of Depression

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