In-person in San Francisco | 211 Gough St #115, San Francisco, CA 94102 | (415) 805-2848
Online therapy available throughout California & South Carolina
Depression Therapy
Do You Feel Like It’s A Struggle Just To Get Through Each Day?
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Does merely getting out of bed and leaving your house feel like climbing a mountain?
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Do you find yourself facing each day with dread rather than anticipation?
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Are fatigue and low energy hindering your ability to get things done?
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Maybe you just haven’t felt like yourself lately. You might be sleeping more, eating less, neglecting hygiene, and barely leaving the house. Perhaps the activities you normally enjoy no longer interest you. Nothing seems to lift you out of your low mood or hold your attention for very long. As a result, maybe you’re asking yourself: Do I have depression? Is this a passing phase, or something that I should seek help for?
Depression Can Feel Like A Heavy Fog That Permeates Every Part Of Your Life
Work tasks that once felt easy may seem insurmountable. Social interactions could become draining, leading to isolation from friends and loved ones. You may find yourself going through the motions of life without joy or purpose, feeling disconnected from your goals and values. Over time, this could impact your relationships, career, and overall well-being, leaving you feeling stuck and hopeless.
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If you identify with any of these experiences, I encourage you to reach out. With my compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming, and evidence-based approach to therapy, I'll support you in navigating these symptoms so that you can lead a more fulfilling life. Many of my clients have found healing, purpose, and empowerment through counseling, and I would love to support you in having the same experience.
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Depression Is Inevitable In A World Full Of Unhealthy Comparisons And Unrealistic Expectations
We live in a highly competitive culture with many intense pressures throughout our lives. Nowhere is this truer than in the San Francisco Bay Area where I practice. Burnout and overwork are glorified and the myth of the “self-made” individual reigns supreme. Social media only adds fuel to the fire, bombarding us with images and stories of people who seem better off than we are. So it’s no wonder that depression is so prevalent in our society.
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What’s more, the culture of burnout and overwork idolizes self-reliance to an unhealthy degree. Many people who struggle with depression try to push through it alone, because that’s often an attitude that’s championed in the tech industry and American culture at large. The truth is that trying to push through depression just isn’t realistic. Depression is self-sabotaging—it saps the very energy and motivation that you need to overcome it. That’s why it’s so important to seek the help of a counselor who is trained and equipped to help clients reduce their symptoms.
Depression Is Especially Prevalent In The LGBTQ+ Community
Between workplace discrimination, political oppression, and rejection from friends and family, the LGBTQ+ community is living under tremendous stress in today’s world. In fact, studies have shown that LGBTQ+ folx generally deal with depression at twice the rate of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.* Depression thrives in isolation, and many LGBTQ+ identified people suffer from isolation because they lack adequate social support. It tends to dissipate when we are surrounded by people who love and accept us for who we are.
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As a therapist who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I empathize deeply with queer folx struggling with depression, and I am passionate about providing the support often unavailable in the outside world. Everyone deserves to experience compassion, belonging, and unconditional acceptance, and that’s what I offer in my practice.
Therapy Can Empower You To Overcome Depression And Live A More Fulfilling Life
No matter how overpowering your experience of depression may feel, it does not define you. Nor does it have to hold you back in life. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to improve your mood, regain your energy, and rediscover your sense of joy. It’s also possible to cultivate healthier relationships and create a more supportive community of like-minded people. All of that starts with therapy.​
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​In my practice I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and LGBTQ+ affirming space where you and I will explore the roots of your depression and examine how it manifests in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We’ll set long-term goals based on your unique values and aspirations and look at ways to improve your relationships and deepen your self-compassion. Most importantly, we’ll look at what gives your life meaning and purpose and identify the steps you can take to create a more meaningful life.
Tailoring My Approach To Depression Treatment
I use an integrative approach that draws from a wide range of evidence-based therapies. Throughout our work together, you’ll learn mindfulness techniques for maintaining present-moment awareness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills for challenging the negative beliefs that fuel your depression, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies for clarifying your values and reconnecting with what matters most to you. You’ll also gain self-compassion practices to counter self-criticism and interpersonal skills to improve your relationships and increase your circle of support.
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Depending on your preferences, we can also integrate spirituality into your healing journey. The spiritual work I do is compatible with any belief system, religious or secular. What we’re doing is simply digging down and exploring what gives your life meaning and purpose. What do you value most in life? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with? What practices can you cultivate that would bring you closer to the life you desire? These are the types of questions that we’ll ponder in our work together.
Ultimately, I encourage you to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel—even if depression can often make that feel impossible. My role as therapist is to peel back the layers of depression such that you are able to view your life from a more empowering perspective. You don’t have to keep suffering, and you don’t have to keep navigating depression alone.
You May Have Some Questions And Concerns About Depression Therapy…
I’m worried that antidepressants are the only solution. Will I have to go on meds?
While medication can be helpful for some, it's not the only treatment for depression. As a therapist, I will focus on evidence-based talk therapies and explore various strategies so that we can find what works best for you. If you're interested in medication, I can provide referrals, but the decision is always yours. Many clients find significant relief through therapy alone, and I’m hopeful that you will, too.
I’ve felt this way for so long. Is it even possible to change?
It's understandable to feel skeptical after struggling for a long time. However, change is absolutely possible. Depression can make it hard to see potential for improvement, but that's often part of the depression itself, not reality. Many clients who've felt hopeless for years have found relief through the power of therapy. It can help you gain new perspectives and skills, leading to meaningful change and a renewed sense of joy and vitality.
Won’t talking about depression just make it worse?
This is a very common worry, but in reality the opposite is true. In fact, many people find immediate relief in sharing their struggles. I understand that taking that first step can be difficult, but we will always move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Boost Your Mood, Increase Your Mindfulness, And Live A More Value-Driven Life
If you want to get back to feeling like yourself and living in a way that’s connected to your values, I believe I can help. To learn more about how my approach to therapy can alleviate depression, I invite you to book a free 15-minute phone or video consultation with me.
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*LGBT Adults Report Anxiety, Depression During Pandemic (census.gov)