Depression Counseling in Colorado Springs

Depressive disorders constitute one of the most common and severe complications seen in therapy. It is often called the common cold within mental health. People who are feeling “down” or “blue” may not be experiencing clinical depression; instead, it is a normal response to life circumstances. Depression becomes a pathology (illness) when it occurs over a sustained period with more intrusive symptoms that may include a sense of hopelessness, appetite and sleep disturbances, increased irritability, or decreased ability to concentrate. When this occurs, it is time to seek help.

Often people will seek their primary care physician who might prescribe an anti-depressant. Available research indicates that treatment outcome for psychotherapy is equal to that of drug therapy in moderate and severe depression and superior in reducing subsequent relapse. The most successful intervention is a both/and approaches both medication and treatment.

Depression can be very debilitating and often misunderstood by clients and their families. People suffering from depression live with the stigma of perceived as weak or defective in some way. Many believe they can overcome depression on their own that prevents people from seeking help in the early stages exacerbating the symptoms. People's thoughts and beliefs about certain stressful events create a sense of hopelessness. In counseling, I implement a Cognitive Behavioral approach while validating a person’s experience helping them discover ways to re-frame negative thoughts and perceptions. Being heard and understood by another person helps the depressed individual connect and not feel alone in the darkness of their mood.

Anxiety Counseling in Colorado Springs

People experience occasional anxiety as a normal part of life. People with anxiety disorders frequently have severe, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of severe anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).

These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time. When anxiety is triggered, the part of the brain called the sympathetic autonomic nervous system, which regulates the flight and fight system engages. People become dysregulated and emotionally flooded. Therapy will help clients recognize and learn to manage anxiety through self-soothing and mindfulness interventions. I employ a CBT and EMDR model to address issues of anxiety.