Depression: When you're lonely for your very own self

"You helped me find the courage to try a different medication, and that changed everything. I still have all my feelings, but the lows are never as low. For the first time, I have the energy to take care of myself and actually do the things you've been teaching me. I have a ways to go, but I already like myself so much better."

Depression often develops after decades of self-criticism and self-neglect. You've spent years feeling like you're never quite good enough, trying harder and harder to meet impossible standards. Your system is exhausted from carrying the weight of constant self-judgment. The voice in your head that should be your greatest ally has become your harshest critic.

In our work together, you'll learn to become the loving, supportive presence you needed all along. You'll learn to soothe yourself when you're overwhelmed and cherish yourself unconditionally. Instead of pushing yourself harder, you'll learn to treat yourself with kindness and patience.

Kindness toward yourself may sound cliche, but we have studies that confirm the positive effects. You can learn more about those effects here.

Teaching self kindness is my superpower - I think because I had to learn it myself. I know what it's like to be self-critical, to feel "blah" all the time, to wake up with dread at facing another day. It sucks. I would love to help you learn how to give yourself the care you need to start shifting your inner chemistry and building new neural pathways so that life feels brighter, better, easier, and more joyful.

At the same time, we can explore whether therapy alone or with chemical help is the right way to go. While a chemical imbalance can create depressed thoughts and feelings, those negative thoughts and feelings can act on your neurotransmitters, keeping your chemistry out of whack. I can help you think through questions to ask your doctor to help find the right medication support, if that's something you want to try.