Our therapists provide depression counseling in Beverly Hills, MI

My go-to approach for treating depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I find the best benefit in CBT because it an evidence-based practice that helps depressed people learn the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Gaining insight into the connection of these things can help rewire your brain and find alternate thoughts that lead to a better quality of life. This will also include some psychoeducation about the intervention of CBT and skill building to incorporate into your everyday life.

I teach the following tools in depression therapy:

• Grounding Techniques
• Radical Acceptance
• Breathing Exercises
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation

I know that a client is making meaningful progress in depression therapy when they are able to control their depression symptoms outside of therapy. The most successful clients in therapy apply the skills talked about in each session and apply it to their lives outside. When someone learns how to live with a depression disorder you can see in the way they present themselves. They are calm, relaxed, they speak with confidence, and know that they are in control of themselves and their depression.

There are so many different ways that clients can supplement their time in depression therapy. I often suggest books, educational videos, TED talks, etc. It also can be helpful to meet with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that may be worsening your depression and to get set up with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Physical and mental wellness go hand in hand and I have found that the food we eat and the things we do have a huge impact on people's ability to cope with depression.

To prepare for your first depression therapy session, you can create a list of things you would like to discuss in your appointment. The first appointment is all about getting to know each other and obtain a full understanding of where you come from, what you've been dealing with in life that brought you to therapy. I expect my clients to show up however they are comfortable, bring your favorite tea/coffee, grab a journal if you like to take notes, etc. and just be cozy. My therapy room is a judgement-free zone and I'm here to help you reach your goals for your life. I value your input because I know that you are the expert of your life and I'm just here to help you navigate it.