Jackie A. Castro, LMFT
THERAPY WITH CARE
Sad or Down in the Dumps
Depression
Depression comes in many forms. You might notice that it's getting more and more difficult to get out of bed in the morning or that you have lost interest in things you used to love. You might feel that you are inadequate and just don't like yourself very much. Depression often expresses itself by thoughts that life is meaningless or hopeless.
While depression might be triggered by something that just happened, oftentimes it's pervasive and ever-present. Either way, therapy can help pinpoint the source of the problem so that you can understand what's going on. After that, I can share effective tools that will hopefully help you to feel better.
If you are having persistent and pervasive thoughts of hopelessness or even suicide, you probably need more help than weekly therapy sessions can provide. You might want to seek psychiatric help in the form of medication and you might also want to seek Inpatient or intensive day treatment programs. If you are feeling suicidal right now, please go to your nearest hospital emergency room or dial 911 or call National Suicide Hotline number: 1-800-273-8255
People who are depressed often have other issues such as:
• Low self esteem
• Anger or a short fuse
• Relationship issues
• Problems at work
We will address whatever is the root cause of your depression.
How I Can Help You
Talk Therapy
Depressed people are often isolated. You might feel like you have no one to talk to, or worse, no one who understands. I provide a calm, safe, relaxed environment for you to speak and be heard. When you feel sad or depressed, it feels good to be listened to, understood and be validated.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
I will teach and have you practice effective methods to help untwist your depressive thoughts. While we often think it's the circumstance that makes us unhappy, it's oftentimes how we interpret the event that dictates how we feel.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy comes from the point of view that feelings and thoughts are connected. When you are feeling down, there's always a conscious or unconscious depressive thought. More than likely you are telling yourself that you are worthless, damaged and broken. This kind of thinking is distorted and can always be proven to be incorrect. CBT teaches you how to identify and reframe your thinking to something that is ultimately more truthful and realistic.
I know when you're feeling depressed it's often hard to take in and understand new material. I am a good, patient teacher. I will present the material to you simply, build upon your knowledge and help reinforce the message. CBT is a lot about developing new habits of thinking. Like any new habit it takes a while to learn, but once you do, it will be with you for life.