Depression Therapy in Hawaii

“I saw the world in black and white instead of the vibrant colors and shades I knew existed.” – Katie McGarry 

My clients with depression often share they’re feeling sad or blah, empty, hopeless, and/or lonely. Some also say they’re feeling anxious and irritable along with feeling depressed. And some also note medically unexplained problems with physical aches and pains and sexual desire/performance. Some report feeling exhausted and unmotivated, unable to take care of tasks at work, school, home and even do previously enjoyable things. And others say they’re managing to do and get things done but don’t feel satisfaction or joy from those things. Still others share that they feel better when they’re “staying busy.” However, most do say they’re experiencing negative, intrusive thoughts. This makes sense because we tend to feel what we think. The benefits for some to staying busy also makes sense because we also feel (and think) what/how we do.

Do you have thoughts like these?

• I’m worthless.
• I hate who I am.
• I feel guilty for wanting to be alone.
• I feel sad all the time. I can’t stop crying.
• I’m hurting so much, and no one understands. No one cares.
• There’s nothing I can do about it. Nothing I do matters.
• Nothing matters. I don’t care about anything anymore.
• I can’t deal with this anymore. I give up.
• What’s the point in going on? It won’t get better.
• I have thoughts of hurting myself.
• I wish I was dead. I think about killing myself.

We all feel sad, on edge, and tired or have difficulties with sleep, appetite, and focus from time to time. However, If you often have any combination of these physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that get in the way of you enjoying your life, then you may be suffering from depression.

There are different types and severities of depression, and people can be affected by depression in very different ways.

I want you to know that you are not alone, and that there are people who can help. Depression is treatable, and there are many options available to help you enjoy life once again.

Scientifically-Validated Approaches Shown to Effectively Treat Depression

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is commonly used and effective in treating depression. It helps you develop a new relationship with pain and suffering. Accepting that pain and suffering is an unavoidable part of the human experience and that attempting to control or avoid your negative thoughts and emotions actually make depression worse. By letting go of what you can not change and focusing on what you can through meaningful and valued actions, you are empowered and reduce your symptoms of depression.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Hawaii

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a very effective treatment approach for depression, focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and actions interact to create and maintain depression. You learn to identify and modify negative thinking patterns that influence your emotions and behaviors and learn to change behaviors that make create or worsen depression. CBT for depression may include the following interventions: education on depression; challenging negative thoughts; behavioral activation; assertiveness training; and problem-solving skills.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Hawaii

Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness Therapy, or Mindfulness-based Therapy or Mindfulness-based Interventions, is an approach to counseling that can be used alone or with other therapies to treat depression. It is, in fact, a major component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and often incorporated in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mindfulness is a way of being more present, more aware of yourself and your environment, and more accepting and self-compassionate. Being more aware and accepting your thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences allows you to redirect your overthinking and ruminations that negatively affect your mood.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Hawaii

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is one of the most successful and widely used treatments for depression. It is a strength-based, goal-directed, and future oriented approach that instills a sense of hope and empowerment from the very first session. Through SFBT, you clearly identify your goals (your vision when depression is gone), focus on exceptions to the problem and solutions to achieving your goals, and move forward on your path one doable step at a time in the present.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Hawaii

As a solution-focused and integrative therapist, I’m collaborative and sensitive to your unique experiences. We’ll customize our sessions to best meet your personal needs and goals for therapy, and you’ll learn new coping strategies to help you overcome depression and live a happier and more fulfilling life.

I look forward to sharing more with you about how counseling can help you. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s get connected online!

Please see additional information about my online services at Online Therapy in Hawaii