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Symptoms of Depression:
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At the Institute for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, we treat depression by working with the individual, and in some cases, with the family and/or the couple. We use a variety of treatments derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and an integrated approach to suit each person's individual needs. Our staff works to stay on top of the latest research in the field of psychology and psychiatry.
There is help. For a free phone consultation or to set up an appointment with us, call (415) 617-5932 or click the email button below
There is help. For a free phone consultation or to set up an appointment with us, call (415) 617-5932 or click the email button below
Children
Depression in children can appear different than depression in adults. Children may be withdrawn, be fearful, shut down, or they may act out by being irritable, having blow-ups, have behavioral problems, and they might talk about not wanting to be alive in a fit of anger or sadness. When working with children, we work with the child through creative means (e.g., art, play) to help access their feelings, then have sessions with children and parents together to help the kids express those emotions to their caregivers. Research has found that when children can identify and express their emotions to a loved one, depression and anxiety decreased significantly. We also teach parents who to help identify and access their children's emotions so that they can take over the work of the therapist, and learn techniques to help their child be happy.
Teens
Adolescents (preteens and teens) can appear sad, down, tearful, just as some adults express depression. Still, they also may be irritable, easily frustrated, withdraw, and/or can be quick to anger. They may manage their depression by withdrawing and avoiding (e.g., playing video games, sleeping a lot, spending less time with friends), managing their feelings with unhealthy forms of coping (e.g., overeating, restricting their eating, cutting, using drugs or alcohol, getting in fights, engaging in risky behavior), and expressing their anger at others (e.g., parents, teachers, friends).
When working with adolescents, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help adolescents identify their negative patterns of thinking. Then we will help them to create more flexibility in thinking, that helps them see the world from a different perspective, and change depression thinking patterns. We also help adolescents to talk to their loved ones, as research has found that when adolescents can speak to their parents, depression and anxiety decrease. Additionally, helping them identify problems they're dealing with (e.g., doing bad in school, problems with friends, anger at parents), we can work with them to learn problem-solving skills to no longer feel helpless or hopeless.
When working with adolescents, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help adolescents identify their negative patterns of thinking. Then we will help them to create more flexibility in thinking, that helps them see the world from a different perspective, and change depression thinking patterns. We also help adolescents to talk to their loved ones, as research has found that when adolescents can speak to their parents, depression and anxiety decrease. Additionally, helping them identify problems they're dealing with (e.g., doing bad in school, problems with friends, anger at parents), we can work with them to learn problem-solving skills to no longer feel helpless or hopeless.
Adults
Adults face many stressors, which may turn into depression.
Whether it's:
Or any other number of stressors can lead to a depressive pattern of thinking where we might be feeling hopeless and helpless. Some people may think, "I'm not depressed. I'm not lying in bed all day, in tears, and unable to function", but depression does not equate to sadness and not functioning. It may be a lack of enjoyment in life, things that used to be enjoyable no longer do, maybe feeling tired all of the time, or even just feeling numb.
To treat depression, we provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify the patterns of thinking that are reinforcing the depression. When we're depressed, we have a mental filter, like wearing a pair of blue-tinted glasses that colors our experience and makes it hard for us to see things from a different perspective. CBT also focuses on creating a life that is worth living. In addition to changes in our patterns of thinking, we may also need to change aspects of our life to make life more meaningful, whether it means:
Many who are depressed feel stuck and might find themselves hopeless, but help is out there.
Whether it's:
- a college student struggling with school
- a young adult who can't stand their job
- a new parent who is overwhelmed
- an adult struggling with the loss of a parent
- someone going through a divorce
- Someone dealing with a medical problem
Or any other number of stressors can lead to a depressive pattern of thinking where we might be feeling hopeless and helpless. Some people may think, "I'm not depressed. I'm not lying in bed all day, in tears, and unable to function", but depression does not equate to sadness and not functioning. It may be a lack of enjoyment in life, things that used to be enjoyable no longer do, maybe feeling tired all of the time, or even just feeling numb.
To treat depression, we provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify the patterns of thinking that are reinforcing the depression. When we're depressed, we have a mental filter, like wearing a pair of blue-tinted glasses that colors our experience and makes it hard for us to see things from a different perspective. CBT also focuses on creating a life that is worth living. In addition to changes in our patterns of thinking, we may also need to change aspects of our life to make life more meaningful, whether it means:
- changing jobs
- doing couples therapy with a partner
- making lifestyle changes around alcohol and/or health
- get parenting help for our difficulty with children
Many who are depressed feel stuck and might find themselves hopeless, but help is out there.
Couples
When someone you love is depressed, it can be excruciating because you want to help them so much, but you often feel helpless because you can't reach them. When you're depressed in a relationship, you may fear that you'll lose your partner because who would want to be with you, or you might think they're better off without you. Fortunately, you don't have to be stuck, and there is help.
To treat depression in couples, we use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) to help identify the patterns that are moving you farther away from each other. Also, learn ways to be more connected, and more supportive of each other, in a way that your parent needs. Many times this work can ease depression, but sometimes, we may integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help build skills for overcoming depression and making a life that is worth living.
To treat depression in couples, we use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) to help identify the patterns that are moving you farther away from each other. Also, learn ways to be more connected, and more supportive of each other, in a way that your parent needs. Many times this work can ease depression, but sometimes, we may integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help build skills for overcoming depression and making a life that is worth living.
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