Depression Therapy

Depression can make the world feel heavy and distant. It can affect your energy, your relationships, your work, and the way you see yourself and your future. If you have been struggling with depression, you are not alone, and there is a path forward.

Signs of Depression

Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. Changes in weight, appetite, sleep, or energy. Restlessness or slowed movement. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. Difficulty thinking. Concentrating. Or making decisions. Thoughts of death or suicide.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 right away.

Clients may describe feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, or overwhelmed, sometimes with physical or psychosomatic symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, or unexplained aches and tension. They may continue functioning outwardly while privately feeling low, unmotivated, or disconnected.

High-Functioning Depression

I often work with clients who continue to function well at work or school while privately experiencing depression. They may appear successful and capable on the outside while struggling internally with low mood, fatigue, low energy, sleep or appetite changes, headaches, body aches, digestive issues, muscle tension, unexplained physical symptoms, or feeling physically and emotionally slowed down.

I work with college students experiencing anxiety, depression, academic or social pressures, relationship challenges, and uncertainty about the future. They often want to feel more balanced, manage difficult emotions, build confidence, and develop healthier coping skills.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that depression is simply feeling sad or that someone should be able to “snap out of it.” Depression can affect people who appear to be functioning well, and its symptoms can sometimes be connected to underlying emotional or physical health factors.

Children and adolescents may show depression differently than adults, often through irritability, anger, withdrawal, changes in school performance, sleep or appetite, or physical complaints rather than openly expressing sadness. Adults are more likely to describe persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, or low motivation.

How Therapy Helps

I help clients understand their depression, explore what may be contributing to it, and envision what their life could look and feel like beyond depression.

Treatment focuses on psychotherapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and addressing the underlying emotional, relational, and life factors contributing to depression.

Rita Balakhane, LMFT, draws on evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and person-centered methods. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, because what works for one person may not work for another.

What Gets Better

Clients often experience improved mood, energy, motivation, sleep, and ability to enjoy daily activities. They may also feel more hopeful, emotionally connected, and better able to cope with stress and relationships.

What to Expect

In our work together, you can expect:

• A warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel safe to be open
• A thorough assessment of your history, current concerns, and goals
• Collaborative goal-setting so your therapy reflects what matters to you
• Practical strategies you can use between sessions
• Regular check-ins on your progress

Getting Started

You do not have to navigate depression alone. If you are ready to begin, or simply want to learn more about how therapy might help, reach out to schedule a session.