What is Outpatient Therapy for Depression?
Depression doesn’t discriminate against whom it impacts. Research shows that over 17 million Americans struggle with depression (including nearly 2 million children ages 3-17), and depression is highly correlated with a variety of other physical and mental health conditions. It is the leading cause of disability around the world, and it costs an estimated $44 billion each year in lost productivity.
Depression is treatable, and it can be managed. But, with all the different types of therapy and treatments available for mental health, you might be wondering, “What is outpatient therapy for depression?”.
What Is Outpatient Therapy For Depression?
In its simplest form, outpatient therapy for depression refers to ongoing psychological support with a mental health professional.
Are you confused between the differences of what outpatient therapy is for depression versus intensive outpatient therapy for depression? Outpatient typically requires less of a financial and time commitment than intensive outpatient treatment. It is usually recommended for clients who have mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Most clients receiving this treatment still attend to their daily routines of work, school, and various family obligations.
What is outpatient therapy for depression? It’s interactive, collaborative, and dynamic. You may work on a variety of goals related to your self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, self-care, and your work-life balance. You may also tackle topics related to co-occurring issues like trauma, substance use, compulsive behaviors, or other mental illness.
It’s about providing support, guidance, and a roadmap for healing. It may be about addressing pertinent crisis issues like suicidal thoughts, but it’s also about offering hope when life seems seemingly dark and bleak.
What Is Outpatient Therapy For Depression: A Typical Session
If this is your first time seeking treatment, you may feel uncertain or apprehensive about how the therapy process works. These feelings are normal. If you’re asking yourself, ”What is outpatient therapy for depression, and what should I expect?”, it’s crucial to know that the structure of each session looks different for everyone.
Your therapist will collaborate with you to design the best kind of care for your individual needs and preferences. Therapy activities for adults with depression may include:
- Increasing your awareness of how past events/patterns impact your current mood
- Free association (speaking whatever is on your mind to “work through” specific issues)
- Dream analysis
- Focusing on enhancing your sense of self-worth and self-esteem
- Identifying problematic triggers and discussing how you can change, eliminate, or redefine their role in your life
Individual therapy offers numerous advantages over group therapy when it comes to depression treatment. You’ll receive full attention and personalized guidance and support from your therapist, and you will likely progress and grow faster than if you were only attending a group.
What Is Outpatient Therapy For Depression: Final Thoughts
If you are looking for individual or depression group therapy near me, Lumos Counseling PC can help. We specialize in providing therapy focused on helping you feel better and more empowered over your life. Your depression may be frustrating and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to define your happiness.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Counseling and Couples Therapy for Infertile Couples
When a couple wants to have children but cannot conceive, they may experience a wide variety of emotions ranging from anger and confusion to sadness and jealousy and fear. These emotions can undoubtedly impact the relationship; partners may feel resentful towards one another, and they may struggle with healthy communication during this trying time.
Counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples offers a safe and supportive space to navigate these difficult experiences. Couples therapy for infertility focuses on processing painful emotions, identifying healthy ways to cope with ambiguity, loss, or other related stress, and working together to move forward.
The Unique Emotional Challenges Associated with Infertility
Infertility affects every couple differently. Some couples are aware of their struggles before they begin attempting to conceive. Others are unaware. Sometimes, it’s an issue of female infertility– other times, it’s a male issue. Some experience a series of traumatic losses. Others go on to deliver healthy babies.
Regardless of where you are in your infertility journey, it’s normal to feel many intense emotions during this time. It’s also normal to struggle with knowing what to do with these emotions. Unfortunately, many couples find themselves arguing during this time. They may compare themselves to other couples. They may have regrets about decisions made in the past, and they may have fears about future issues that could arise in the future.
Infertility can feel isolating and lonely. Loved ones may not always understand your experience. In fact, even friends and family with the best intentions may inadvertently hurt your feelings. Counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples often includes learning strategies for managing the distress or disrespect that may arise from other people’s reactions.
Counseling and Couples Therapy for Infertile Couples
Counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples addresses the unique emotional challenges you and your partner may be facing.
No topic is off-limits. Indeed, infertility couples therapy often means exploring sensitive and taboo subjects related to:
- Sex
- Resentment
- Jealousy
- Changed dreams
- Profound loss
Infertility psychological therapy is not about curing infertility. For some couples, conceiving a child may not be the viable end goal. Instead, counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples entails finding a sense of acceptance for your current circumstances. It may also include developing a roadmap for healthy communication and coping throughout this difficult time.
Counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples is crucial because you and your partner need to learn how to express and explore your feelings related to infertility.
Undoubtedly, issues associated with infertility can be connected to other relational issues like:
- Finances
- Physical health
- Trust
- Intimacy
- General sense of companionship
Infertility group therapy can be helpful in addressing some of these concerns, but individual or counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples offers you the invaluable opportunity to focus exclusively on your struggles.
Getting the Help You Need
Infertility doesn’t have to destroy your relationship. If you and your partner struggle to feel connected during this time, counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples can help you get back on track. You both need to support and lean on each other, and constant stress and conflict will take a tremendous toll on your emotional well-being.
At Lumos Counseling PC, we offer dynamic support for your unique struggles. Rather than group therapy for infertility, individual therapy provides tailored support related to your specific emotions and experiences. We are here for you during this challenging time.
Counseling and couples therapy for infertile couples can help you feel more supported and connected. Contact us today to get started.
Best Types of Therapy for Transgender Adults
Whether you are seeking emotional support for a significant life transition or you want practical tools for a specific issue, therapy provides a secure place to process your feelings and explore new ways of coping with distress. Everyone benefits from a unique therapeutic approach, and your therapist will consider several factors when developing an appropriate treatment plan for your care.
If you identify as transgender, it’s important to feel safe and supported by your therapist. Let’s explore the best types of therapy for transgender adults.
What Are The Best Types of Therapy for Transgender Adults?
When it comes to getting the most from your therapy experience, everyone has different needs. The overarching best practices for individual therapy with transgender adults typically include:
- Understanding that gender is nonbinary and does not inherently align with one’s assigned sex at birth
- Exploring how gender identity intersects with other identities
- Discussing how prejudice and stigma can inhibit one’s well-being
- Advocating for social change
- Diagnosing and treating co-occurring issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or body dysmorphia
- Discussing and referring resources for prosocial support
- Discussing the various roles and definitions of parenting and families
The best types of therapy for transgender adults may also include specific interventions related to one’s identity as being transgender. Some people may be very comfortable in their identities; others may feel more ashamed and humiliated.
Relationship Between Therapist and Client
Typically, the best types of therapy for transgender adults are inclusive, compassionate, and supportive. However, therapy can also be confrontational and assertive; it may entail difficult conversations, which can result in uncomfortable feelings.
The relationship between the therapist and client is sacred. That said, it’s common for clients to have intense reactions to their therapists. For example, a therapist may resemble an ex-partner. The therapist may be like the mother the client wishes she had. These reactions can provide useful clues into the client’s unconscious self, and processing them can tremendously improve a client’s self-awareness.
Free Association
Free association is one of the best types of therapy for transgender adults. Free association is a simple but powerful therapeutic exercise where clients lead the session with whatever material they desire. This open-ended processing sheds light on patterns of thinking and feeling, and it can reveal unconscious sources of distress.
Dream Analysis
Some clients find it helpful to share and learn more about their dreams in therapy. In doing this, therapists guide and collaborate their clients into sorting various content and themes exhibited in their dreams. This is one of the easiest but best types of therapy for transgender adults. That’s because the work isn’t about the therapist making interpretations for the client; instead, it’s more about the client finding their own meaning from their dreams. By making these meaning
Final Thoughts
The best types of therapy for transgender adults may vary from person to person, but it’s vital that you feel empowered by your process.
At Lumos Counseling PC, we pride ourselves on adhering to transgender therapy best practices with all of our clients. We believe in providing a respectful, warm space for anyone who wants to be heard and who wishes to improve their quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Outpatient Therapy for Depression
Depression affects more than 264 million people, and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression extends beyond just mere sadness; depression is a medical condition that can impact one’s mood, relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. When left untreated, depression can lead to suicide, which accounts for 129 deaths in America each day.
Fortunately, depression is treatable. Outpatient therapy for depression supports individuals to navigate, understand, and better cope with their symptoms. Additionally, therapy provides a supportive environment for people to feel safe and validated in their struggles.
What Is Outpatient Therapy For Depression?
Mental health treatment usually falls into the following categories of inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient therapy.
Inpatient therapy for depression is the highest level of mental health care. Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 structure and support. Clients live in a monitored facility, and they receive consistent supervision. A typical day of treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, and appointments with case managers, psychiatrists, and doctors. This treatment is normally recommended for individuals who are in acute distress and who may be a danger to themselves or others.
Intensive outpatient therapy for depression is not as structured as inpatient care because clients do not live on-site. Instead, they may attend treatment around their work or school schedules. That said, they still may receive several hours of clinical support each day. Clients may transition to intensive outpatient therapy after completing inpatient care.
Finally, outpatient therapy for depression is the least restrictive form of care. It may be used as a transitional treatment after completing inpatient or intensive outpatient care. However, it may also be the first method of treatment for clients with mild or moderate depression. Outpatient therapy treatment for depression usually entails meeting with a therapist once or twice a week.
Therapy Goals and Therapy Activities For Adults With Depression
Outpatient therapy for depression often starts with assessing and screening for crisis issues. If an individual is in imminent danger of harming oneself or others, these urges must be addressed immediately.
After this screening, therapists usually work with clients to understand the role depression has on the individual’s overall functioning quality of life. Therapists may collaborate with their clients to process the emotions surrounding the depression. It’s not uncommon for clients to feel immense guilt, shame, anger, sadness, or fear over their symptoms. Therapy provides a safe place for exploring and processing these feelings.
Outpatient therapy for depression may also include learning new ways to manage your distress. It may entail coming to terms with pains and traumas from your past. Finally, it may require discussing and implementing changes in the way you live your life.
While specific goals may vary from individual to individual, typical goals in outpatient therapy for depression include:
- Increasing self-awareness into unconscious patterns and defense mechanisms
- Strengthening self-esteem
- Building and using a healthy support system
- Prioritizing self-care and self-compassion
- Addressing other co-occurring issues (trauma, substance use, anxiety)
Therapy can sometimes feel worse before it feels better. Confronting your feelings and exploring your patterns can be painful. With that in mind, this insight often paves the path towards a sustainable recovery.
Final Thoughts
Depression can feel chaotic and unforgiving. It can sabotage your relationships, jeopardize your happiness, and affect your performance in all areas of life. However, outpatient therapy for depression can provide you with the relief, support, and guidance you need to cope with your mental health.
Don’t prolong getting the help you need. Seeking outpatient therapy for depression may be the best decision you make. Contact us today to get started on your journey towards wellness.
Infertility Couples Therapy
There is no doubt that infertility can create immense tension, resentment, and disappointment. Whether a couple has been trying to conceive for a few months or several years, the stress can feel insurmountable. Although research shows that 1 in 8 couples experience infertility, the topic has remained relatively taboo in modern society. As a result, many couples feel alone and isolated in their struggles.
Therapy provides a supportive and professional environment for couples to process their emotions and restore their sense of connection. Couples therapy for infertility addresses relevant issues pertaining to loss, sense of identity, sex and intimacy, and healthy communication.
Why Infertility Couples Therapy Is Beneficial
Infertility couples therapy often tackles the difficult issues associated with infertility, pregnancy, relationships, and marriage. Infertility issues vary among both males and females. Some individuals have medical conditions that they know will affect their fertility. However, up to 20 percent of couples face unexplained infertility. Any of these variables can be challenging for couples to navigate.
Couples often find that infertility impacts the quality of their relationship. Sex may feel like a chore, they might be diligently tracking ovulation, or going through cycles of IVF. Some couples experience one or more miscarriages and all losses can feel incredibly traumatic. It can be difficult to talk about these topics, but therapy helps start those challenging conversations.
Additionally, infertility and psychological therapy for couples usually entails a combination of:
- Exploring feelings related to anger, sadness, fear, loneliness, and resentment
- Addressing co-occurring mental health or substance use issues if applicable
- Strengthening communication
- Providing education and outside resources for support
- Increasing the sense of acceptance for the current reality
Rather than group therapy for infertility, infertility couples therapy offers full focus and attention on the couple. Couples have the opportunity to express exactly what’s on their minds. The treatment is specifically tailored to their unique wants and needs.
What To Expect During Infertility Couples Therapy
Counseling and couple therapy for infertile couples isn’t just about infertility. It’s also about your emotional, physical, and relational health.
In your first infertility couples therapy session, your therapist will ask relevant questions related to your relationship and each of your personal backgrounds. You will be encouraged to share the strengths and weaknesses within your dynamic. You may spend some time talking about your infertility journey, how it impacts you, and how you feel it has affected the quality of your relationship.
Infertility couples therapy is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and also proactive. While sessions may vary from couple to couple, you should expect to have free reign to talk about what’s on your mind. You and your partner will be encouraged to actively listen to one another when the other person speaks. Your therapist may highlight some of the patterns observed in your dynamic. This insight will help you both learn new ways of relating and connecting with one another.
The length of treatment for infertility couples therapy doesn’t adhere to a strict timeline. All couples have differing needs, and these needs may depend on the infertility process itself. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine the optimal treatment for you and your partner.
Closing Thoughts
Infertility group therapy can be helpful. However, infertility couples therapy addresses the unique needs and struggles existing in your relationship. You don’t have to worry about competing for time or sharing your thoughts in front of several other people.
At Lumos Counseling PC, we understand the unique struggles and fears associated with infertility. We are here for you and your partner. Contact us today to get started.
Best Practices for Individual Therapy with Transgender Adults
Research shows that there are just over 1.3 million adults (0.6 percent of the population) who identify as transgender. However, many LGBTQ+ activists argue that sample surveys are often unreliable and that this figure may be closer to 3 percent.
Potential clients seeking mental health support should know the best practices for individual therapy with transgender adults. Read on for more information on what you need to know.
Best Practices for Individual Therapy with Transgender Adults
When it comes to adhering to the transgender therapy best practices, sensitivity and cultural competence are crucial. There are a few essential considerations to keep in mind.
Understanding Fluid Gender Expression
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), mental health clinicians understand that gender is a nonbinary construct that allows for a range of gender identities that may not inherently align with the assigned birth sex. This means understanding that many people define themselves beyond the labels of “man” or “woman.”
Instead, research continues to highlight how many individuals use a broad spectrum of gender identity and expression to define themselves. Best practices for individual therapy with transgender adults encourages and embraces unique expression. Until as late as the 1990s, many healthcare professionals subscribed to binary gender models.
However, the best types of therapy for transgender individuals are inclusive and nonconforming.
Understanding Sexual Orientation vs. Gender
Clinicians who utilize best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults understand the differences between sexual orientation and gender. Sexual orientation refers to someone’s sexual or emotional attraction towards another person. Gender, on the other hand, relates to self-expression and one’s inherent sense of identity. Gender identity tends to manifest as young as early toddlerhood.
Clinicians who follow best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults are interested and cognizant of their clients’ emotional development. They do not jump to conclusions or make associations based solely on the individual’s outward expression.
Understanding Cultural Biases, Discrimination, and Violence
Transgender people have been the victims of severe brutality and fatal violence. Clinicians who follow best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults recognize the inherent risk their clients face out in the community each day. They understand the role that discrimination and prejudice can play in affecting one’s relationships, academic and occupational functioning, housing, and overall quality of life.
Therapy provides a safe place to explore the ramifications of such inequality. Best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults entails maintaining a sense of both compassion and curiosity. Likewise, these clinicians are understanding and willing to process through their own biases and opinions while working with this population.
Understanding Transgender Expression Through The Lifespan
A transgender client may have unique needs and struggles throughout life. These difficulties may first surface during adolescence when the individual begins establishing a sense of identity and forming romantic relationships. It may progress through significant milestones like marriage, pregnancy and childrearing, career development, sickness, and old age.
Best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults includes providing support throughout difficult transitions. It also may consist of offering supportive referrals for outside resources as needed.
Final Thoughts
At Lumos Counseling PC, we integrate best practices for individual therapy for transgender adults. No matter your circumstances, we believe in providing a secure and nonjudgmental environment for you to explore, grow, and thrive.
Individual therapy that focuses on exploring your innermost thoughts and feelings is one of the best types of therapy for transgender adults. With individual therapy, no topic is off-limits. Are you ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Your Guide to Female Infertility and Mental Health
About 10 percent of American females experience difficulties with infertility (getting or staying pregnant). The relationship between female infertility and mental health can be complicated. During this time, many women struggle with varying emotions related to shame, fear, sadness, and anger. Moreover, they may not know how to cope, which can exacerbate the intensity of these feelings.
Understanding the dynamic for female infertility and mental health is vital for both women and their loved ones. Read on for more information about what you need to know.
Common Infertility Mental Health Issues
Female infertility and mental health can be a tremendous strain on both individuals and couples. Women struggling with infertility can experience a variety of emotional issues.
Mental health and infertility symptoms to look out for:
- Heightened feelings of anxiety and panic
- Problems within interpersonal relationships
- Loss of interest in normal or pleasurable activities
- Lingering feelings of depression, sadness, or apathy
- Increased substance use
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in weight and/or appetite
- Increased feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Persistent feelings of anger and resentment
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Without proper treatment, female infertility and mental health symptoms can progressively worsen. For example, some people find themselves experiencing inconsolable despair at the sight of a pregnant woman or the beginning of a menstrual cycle. Others experience anger or resentment towards themselves or partners for health issues attributed to infertility.
Taking Care Of Your Mental Health
Infertility mental health professionals recognize how this struggle can impact your feelings, relationships, and self-esteem. They understand that infertility isn’t just about “getting pregnant.” Sometimes, it’s about accepting unknown answers, recreating a sense of identity and purpose, and providing a space for grief and loss.
Female infertility and mental health are different for every woman. There isn’t a right or wrong way to “feel” during this time. However, by taking care of your mental health, you honor the importance of your inherent self-worth.
Professional therapy provides you with space to process your feelings. You don’t have to worry about what you’re “supposed to say” or what “others will think.” Therapy is all about you having a space to share, discover, and learn more about your inner self.
Many therapists emphasize the importance of self-care when faced with significant life stressors. Self-care is rooted in practicing acceptance, self-kindness, and even gratitude. And when it comes to your female infertility and mental health, self-care can be an essential part of your treatment.
Seeking Infertility Mental Health Treatment
All individuals and couples respond to their infertility struggles differently. However, if you are having a hard time, you shouldn’t ignore your female infertility and mental health issues.
Regardless of what you may think, your emotions do not make you weak or broken. Likewise, taking care of yourself—and seeking the help you need—will help you feel more empowered.
If you’ve lost hope, we will work to help you restore it. Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to schedule your free consultation.
Depression and Counseling: What to Expect
Are you tired of feeling sad or hopeless? Do you feel like things aren’t getting better on their own? Are you asking yourself, will counseling help my depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, the leading cause of disability, and it impacts more than 300 million people worldwide. When left untreated, depression can impact all areas of your functioning—from the way you perceive yourself to how well you perform at work to the quality of relationships you have with others.
There is a strong link between psychotherapy and counseling benefits when treating depression. While there isn’t a cure for depression, you can learn to manage your symptoms, cope with distress, and strengthen your self-esteem. Likewise, psychotherapy and counseling for depression provide a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere for you to explore your most sensitive feelings.
Read on for more information about depression and counseling and what to expect throughout the process.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression: What You Need To Know
Are you wondering, what happens in counseling for depression? This is a normal question, and each therapist may have a slightly different approach.
If you have never been to therapy, you might be curious about the benefits of psychotherapy and counseling for depression.
In a nutshell, the primary counseling goals for depression may include:
- Reducing imminent crisis issues (suicidal thoughts, self-injury, substance use)
- Establishing a safe and supportive rapport with your therapist
- Understanding how past events impact your current mental and physical well-being
- Recognizing and addressing defense mechanisms that maintain depression
- Treating trauma-related symptoms associated with depression
- Building a positive support system
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression isn’t always easy. The depression recovery journey often requires internal self-exploration, and learning new insight about yourself can be painful. However, your therapist will work with you to help you feel supported, motivated, and grounded throughout this time.
In psychotherapy and counseling for depression, you may confront parts of yourself that you may not like. Further, you may be asked to reexamine particular relationships or habits in your daily living. Because most of us tend to be creatures of habit, you might find yourself resisting some of these changes. That said, these are the changes that are often necessary for your healing.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression: How Long Does Therapy Last?
Some people experience tremendous, immediate relief in just a few sessions of psychotherapy and counseling for depression. Other people, especially those with severe depression or complex trauma, may require more long-term work that can take several months or years.
As an overarching goal, it is imperative to have a safe and trusting relationship with your therapist, and this sense of security may take time to develop.
In your work together, you and your therapist will collaborate on reasonable goals for recovery. Throughout your treatment, you will routinely assess your progress and overall satisfaction. It is helpful to be honest and forthcoming in your sessions: if you feel like things aren’t improving, your therapist needs to know!
Final Thoughts on Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression can help you restore a sense of internal balance and confidence. Lumos Counseling offers a dynamic treatment approach that prioritizes compassion on your journey towards wellness.
Are you ready to pursue psychotherapy and counseling for depression? Support and help are available! Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to schedule your free consultation.
What Are The Best Mental Health Interventions for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss?
Are you considering seeking therapy for infertility? Are you wondering what to expect in your infertility mental health treatment? During such a fragile and frightening time, getting help can be crucial for your emotional well-being. That said, not all therapy is created equally.
Read on for the best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss.
Best Mental Health Interventions For Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
The effects of infertility on mental health can be profound. Similarly, pregnancy loss can be terrifying, devastating, and downright debilitating.
The best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss come from a place of compassion and empathy. Skilled therapists know how to balance acute listening skills with helpful feedback and suggestions in their treatment. They know that sometimes the best approach to treating infertility mental health issues is to listen, support, reflect, and validate.
Free Association
Free association is one of the best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss. With free association, you guide the session freely with whatever thoughts, words, images, or memories come to mind. There are no rules or expectations.
Part of your mental health infertility treatment entails you being honest and vulnerable with your experiences. By holding them in, you risk feeling even more distress and agony. Thus, free association allows you the safe space to let it all out without judgment or preconceived notions.
Confrontation
Even when it feels painful, confrontation is one of the most powerful and best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss. Your therapist may confront certain patterns that you have related to your infertility treatment and mental health.
This confrontation isn’t aggressive or demeaning. Instead, it’s meant to help you notice the trends about yourself. For example, your therapist may point out that you spend the first few minutes of therapy talking about the traffic or weather. This may lead to a productive conversation about how you expect other people to take the lead in addressing significant issues.
Transference
Although it may seem strange, the relationship between the client and therapist can be one of the best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss. All therapeutic relationships trigger reactions from both parties.
As a client, you may displace particular feelings onto your therapist based on people you have known in your past. You might find yourself experiencing sensations of love or deep attachment while in session. Likewise, you may find yourself experiencing frustration or rage.
These feelings and reactions are subconscious. However, by exploring them with your therapist, you can improve your insight on yourself—which can help you better understand and cope with the mental health effects of infertility.
Receive the Help You Need
Infertility and pregnancy loss both represent painful and complex issues. Infertility mental health professionals can help you navigate these uncomfortable feelings in a secure and nonjudgmental environment.
The best mental health interventions for infertility and pregnancy loss are the ones that give you a sense of hope and acceptance during your trying journey. These interventions will differ from person to person.
At Lumos Counseling PC, we customize treatment to fit your specific needs best.
Contact Lumos PC today to learn more about how therapy can help you.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression
Research shows that nearly 1 in 12 Americans has struggled with depression at some point in their lives. Depression does not discriminate who it affects. In its mildest forms, it may cause heightened feelings of insecurity, stress, and general agitation. However, severe depression can result in significant impediments in one’s overall quality of life.
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression can help you manage your condition productively and effectively. Such mental health treatment provides you with both the insight and practical tools for improving your well-being. Read on for more information about psychotherapy and counseling for depression.
Depression and Counseling: When Is It Time To Seek Help?
Are you questioning if the relationship between depression and counseling will help you?
While there isn’t a perfect time to seek help, the following depressive symptoms may suggest that treatment could be beneficial:
- Feeling sad for most or all of the day
- Feeling worthless or hopeless about the future
- Experiencing severe changes in appetite
- Having problems with sleep
- Feeling more agitated or irritable than usual
- Struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-injurious behavior
- Experiencing unexplained body aches and pains
- Feeling fatigued throughout the day
If you struggle with some or all of these symptoms, you might be struggling with clinical depression. If you’ve tried coping or treating these issues on your own but haven’t found success, it’s probably best to seek professional support.
Like most mental health conditions, depression can evolve and progress with time. You do not need to prolong your suffering. No matter how long you’ve been struggling, depression and counseling can help you find much-needed relief and comfort.
What Depression Counseling Techniques Will You Learn?
Depression and counseling isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, and therapists can approach depression treatment differently.
In therapy, you might learn more about how your past experiences impact your current self. You may confront subconscious defenses or feelings associated with your depression. In doing this work, you will invariably learn new ways of perceiving and coping with your life circumstances.
When taking depression and counseling into consideration, you should consider the following factors:
- The severity of depression (i.e., presence of suicidal thoughts)
- The presence of co-occurring issues (substance use, eating disorders, etc.)
- The impact of depression on other areas of life (relationships, work, financial situation)
- A history of trauma
- Prior experiences with depression and counseling
These factors will help your therapist create appropriate counseling goals for depression. If you are struggling with other issues, these factors will also shape your overall treatment plan.
Counseling Anxiety and Depression
Many people struggle with symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Failing to address these symptoms can lead to unnecessary suffering. It can also lead to more problems in essential areas of your life (i.e., your physical health, interpersonal relationships, career).
Lumos Counseling PC specializes in depression and counseling. Whether it’s your first therapy session or your hundredth, your depression doesn’t have to define your self-esteem or happiness anymore. You can learn how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life regardless of your condition.
Contact Lumos PC today to get started on your journey towards wellness!