Understanding Depression

A compassionate approach to the parts of you that are feeling overwhelmed.

You Are Not Alone

Depression can feel like you're carrying a weight no one else can see. It might show up as exhaustion, lack of motivation, difficulty focusing, or a deep sense of disconnection—from others, from joy, and even from yourself.

You may find yourself thinking, “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why can’t I just snap out of this?” These thoughts can be painful and isolating—but they don’t define who you are. Sometimes, these thoughts become overwhelming and cause you to start feeling anxious about your experience.

What if these thoughts and feelings are just one part of your experience—not the whole story?

We’re Made of Many Layers

We all carry different emotional layers within us. Some parts of you may feel sad or hopeless. Others may be trying hard to keep everything together. Still others might criticize you, thinking it will somehow motivate you to feel better.

These inner voices, even the difficult ones, often show up for a reason. They may have learned to protect you from hurt, disappointment, or shame. Over time, though, their strategies can begin to feel more harmful than helpful.

In therapy, we gently explore these different emotional layers—without judgment. Together, we begin to understand where they come from, what they’re trying to do for you, and how you can care for yourself in a deeper, more lasting way.

A Different Way to Approach Depression

Instead of pushing away the parts of you that feel stuck, we invite curiosity. You might begin to ask:

• What is this feeling trying to protect me from?

• Is there a part of me that’s exhausted from trying to hold everything together?

• What does the quiet, discouraged part of me need right now?

By slowing down and listening to these inner experiences with compassion, we create space for healing. You don't need to force change—you can allow it to unfold naturally, with support.

You Are More Than What You’re Feeling

Even in the midst of depression, there is a grounded, resilient part of you that’s still here—quietly observing, gently hoping, wanting more for your life. Our work in therapy is about helping you reconnect with that part of yourself and begin to build a kinder relationship with the parts that are hurting.

Healing doesn’t mean getting rid of emotions—it means learning to relate to them differently.

How Therapy Can Help

In our work together, you can expect a space that is:

• Compassionate – where every part of your experience is welcome, even the ones you don’t understand yet.

• Collaborative – where we move at your pace and focus on what feels most important to you.

• Insightful – helping you better understand the patterns behind your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

• Empowering – so you can feel more connected, capable, and whole.

Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you care for yourself in new, sustainable ways.