Finding Hope and Healing with a Psychotherapist for Depression

1. Finding Hope and Healing with a Psychotherapist for Depression We all go through moments in life that test our strength — moments when the light seems dim, motivation fades, and the world feels heavier than usual. For some, these moments stretch into weeks or months, making it hard to get out of bed, focus at work, or find joy in things that once brought happiness. There is nothing quite like feeling stuck in that dark place, and you are not alone feeling this way. Depression impacts millions of people in every setting, but the experience is different for everyone. You are not just “sad” when in a depression; it can be an

2. emotional, physical, and mental fight to get out of bed on any given day and slowly have your energy and hope take from you without you ever knowing why. Working with a psychotherapist for depression can be the key to finding light again. At Serenity Therapy, we help individuals uncover the root causes of their pain, learn new coping strategies, and rediscover their sense of purpose and connection. Understanding What Depression Really Feels Like Depression can manifest in many different ways, at various times in life, for different people. Some people may feel a persistent lack of energy and no desire to do anything. Others may notice feelings of emptiness, feelings of irritability, or simply feeling “stuck.” You may act along during your day — smiling at work, caring for a family member or loved one, etc. — and still feel depressed and empty inside. Common signs of depression include: • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much • Lack of energy or motivation • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions • Withdrawal from friends and family • Changes in appetite or weight • Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness • Thoughts that life isn’t worth living Depression can result from major life events, untreated trauma, chronic stress, or even extended emotional neglect. It can also

3. come up without any apparent reason — and that is okay, too. Just remember, support is available, and you can heal. How Therapy Helps with Depression It is not uncommon for individuals to pose the question: How can talking with a person (therapy or psychotherapy) help depression? Although we call it therapy, or “talk therapy”, it is more than just talking to an expert; it is about building an understanding of why you feel a certain way and when it’s appropriate to understand the thinking and feeling process within you to change your thinking and feelings appropriately. At Serenity Therapy, we use evidence based strategies to help clients deal with depression in different ways, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness strategies. Here’s how therapy can support your healing journey: 1. Awareness of Triggers and Feelings We will uncover the experiences/beliefs/relationships that contribute to your depression. This uncovering will help you with feelings and identifying ways of thinking that don’t serve you and keep you stuck. 2. Awareness of Yourself and Compassion Depression may be accompanied by significant self-judgment. In the work of therapy, you will get chances to exchange your own self-judgment and be more understanding, compassionate, and kind to yourself in order to create a safer and compassionate relationship with yourself.

4. The Role of Trauma in Depression Many individuals view depression through the lens of experiences that they never completely process. When we undergo stressful experiences that have not fully healed, these experiences become emotional wounds — pervasive feelings that have an impact on both our self-image and relational interactions with others. During your time at Serenity Therapy, we frequently introduce EMDR to clients. EMDR is trauma-informed, and evidence-based in its effectiveness to reprocess trauma-risking or distressing memories, allowing the brain to offload the emotional charge of those experiences, while still not allowing them to be in control of where your day-to-day emotional state will be each day. As it relates to trauma, we often see clients experience a reduction of depressed-like feelings, increases in self-esteem, and sense of internal peace and calm when individuals process topic focused on trauma during therapy sessions. Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future Whether you are battling depression, or a loved one is navigating their own difficulties with depression there is one thing you should know you are not alone nor do you need to walk this path alone. One of the most effective steps to begin stepping out of the darkness of depression is simply stating out loud your depression to a therapist. At  Serenity Therapy  we seek to cultivate your ability to pinpoint and discover hope, courage, and self-kindness. We will work

5. together towards living a meaningful and purposeful life, creating connection, and emotional well-being. Start today. Contact Serenity Therapy in Sherman Oaks, CA for your first confidential consultation and reconnect to your Sense of Self.