Depression Therapy
There are many different reasons a person can become depressed and there are many different ways the symptoms show up. What is really important is that if you are feeling these things, it is time to get help. At Shift Counseling, PC, all of our therapists are experienced with providing depression treatment and we can help you find the path to recovery that works for you.
Our depression counseling specialists accept several types of insurance, provide in person and telehealth services, and have convenient appointment times available. Often, we can have your first appointment with a depression therapist scheduled within a week of the day you reach out. You can use the link below to view our schedule and request open appointments. It's that easy to get started!
If you have been struggling with depression and you are looking for an experienced depression therapist who can help, you are in the right place. Maybe you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning. You might notice that you are spending nearly all of your time off from work either sleeping, or "vegging out." You might also be feeling irritable, lashing out at others, or having difficulty sleeping.
Sometimes depression physically hurts. You may notice headaches, body aches, stomach problems, or just a general sense of feeling heavy and drained. Crying spells and thoughts of hopelessness are not uncommon with major depression. Maybe this is the first time you have felt like this, or maybe you have had depression before and you know it is time to find a depression counselor.
How do I know if I need counseling for depression?
Common symptoms of depression include:
Crying spells
Feelings of hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts
Lack of interest in things that the person used to enjoy
Isolating from family and friends
Sabotaging relationships
Appetite disturbances (lack of appetite or increased appetite, sometimes with significant change in weight)
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Early morning awakening or difficulty getting out of bed
Fatigue during the day
Feeling down on themselves
Not showering or keeping home clean
Feeling too tired to follow up on self-care
Over use of substances
Irritability
Rumination (going over negative subjects in their mind over and over)
Feeling overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating
Procrastination
Negative thinking about themselves and others
To meet criteria for a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. If you recognize these symptoms, our major depressive disorder treatments can provide the support and tools you need to get back on track.
How does therapy help with depression?
Talking to someone who is genuinely interested in understanding you and helping you can actually do a lot to help you feel unburdened. After a good first session with a depression therapist, people often say they feel "lighter." It feels good to get things off your chest, but that is just the beginning of how things can change.
After you have a chance to let it all out and feel understood by your depression counselor, they will help you figure out what parts of the problem you have control over, and start working on a plan of action. This can mean learning coping skills, learning to reframe negative thoughts, setting limits, learning better ways to be kind to yourself, etc. As you start to apply the things you learn in therapy in your life outside of session, you will start to see changes and you will feel less hopeless. Over time, if you keep working at it, you will get better and better at making the changes that really make a difference in your life.
What types of treatment for depression are available?
Evidence-Based Depression Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
At Shift Counseling, PC, all of our depression therapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective approaches for depression treatment. CBT is particularly helpful for major depression therapy because it focuses on identifying and changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. Through clinical depression therapy using CBT techniques, you'll learn to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and how changing one can positively impact the others.
CBT for depression is structured and goal-oriented, making it an excellent choice for both short-term depression counseling and longer-term chronic depression treatment. Your depression counselor will work with you to challenge negative thinking patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and create behavioral changes that support your recovery. This approach has been extensively researched and proven effective for major depressive disorder therapy, helping clients develop practical skills they can use long after therapy ends.
PolyVagal-Informed Therapy for Depression
Our depression therapists also incorporate PolyVagal-informed approaches into depression treatment, recognizing that depression often affects the nervous system's ability to regulate itself. PolyVagal theory helps us understand how your autonomic nervous system responds to stress and safety, which is particularly relevant for therapy for severe depression and chronic depression treatment. When you're experiencing depression, your nervous system may be stuck in states of shutdown or hypervigilance, making it difficult to feel safe, connected, or motivated.
Through PolyVagal-informed clinical depression therapy, your depression counselor will help you learn to recognize your nervous system states and develop tools to support nervous system regulation. This might include breathing techniques, grounding exercises, movement, and other body-based interventions that complement traditional talk therapy. This approach is especially beneficial for major depression therapy when depression symptoms include feeling disconnected from your body, experiencing chronic fatigue, or having difficulty with emotional regulation. By addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of depression, PolyVagal-informed therapy can enhance your overall recovery and help you build resilience.
EMDR Therapy for Depression
When depression is connected to unresolved trauma or distressing life experiences, our depression therapists may recommend Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as part of your depression treatment plan. EMDR is particularly effective for major depressive disorder therapy when depression symptoms stem from specific traumatic events, childhood experiences, or what we call "little t" traumas - ongoing stressful experiences that may not seem traumatic but have accumulated over time.
During EMDR sessions, your depression counselor will help you process these underlying experiences that may be contributing to your depression. This targeted approach can be especially powerful for therapy for severe depression or chronic depression treatment when traditional talk therapy alone hasn't provided the relief you're seeking. EMDR works by helping your brain process and integrate difficult memories in a new way, often leading to significant reductions in depression symptoms. Our EMDR-trained therapists can help you determine if this approach would be beneficial as part of your clinical depression therapy. EMDR can be used alongside other treatments like CBT, creating a comprehensive approach to major depression treatment that addresses both current symptoms and their underlying roots.
What is different about the depression therapists at Shift Counseling, PC?
Our therapists and workplace are healthy! We do not believe in burnout culture at Shift Counseling, PC. The last thing you should have to worry about when you are seeking depression treatment is if your therapist is OK. As caretakers, we also take care of ourselves by having boundaries and not seeing excessive numbers of clients. Our depression therapists have the time and emotional energy available to be present with you. You are not "bothering them" and you are not "wasting their time." These are often fears that we hear from people who are seeking help but also struggling with the fear that they don't deserve it.
When seeking depression counseling, you don't have to justify to us that you "deserve" help. Yes, there are others out there who may have it worse. But if you are not feeling like yourself and we are happy to get help to get back on track. If there is one less person in pain in this world and we see that as a wonderful thing. We also know the positive effect that healed people can have on those around them. Getting help for yourself often has a positive impact on others, as well.
What types of people get depression therapy at Shift Counseling, PC?
We specialize in providing individual depression counseling for adults, young adults, and teens. Our depression therapists are from diverse cultural backgrounds and all of our therapists work with clients from backgrounds similar to, and different than their own. We have therapists who specialize in treating women's issues and men's issues. All of our therapists are In Network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Most Aetna PPO plans (but not Aetna Better Health) and most Cigna/Evernorth plans.
How long does it take to get treatment for depression?
Usually we can get new clients scheduled with a depression therapists within a week of their contacting our office. How long it takes to start to feel better from depression therapy is a more complicated answer that can vary quite a bit due to individual differences.
Sometimes people need short term depression treatment while they work through a temporary stressor that is causing their depression. Other times, clinical depression therapy is a longer journey as people unpack family issues, learn to manage a chronic illness, or slowly work their way out of an unhealthy relationship. Whether your path to recovery involves major depression treatment for acute episodes or chronic depression treatment for ongoing support, we look forward to helping you find your way.
What if depression therapy progress stalls?
If you are feeling like you are not making the progress that you were hoping for, or feeling like you are not quite on the right path, please mention this to your depression therapist. This is actually really helpful feedback and our therapists are glad to hear how clients are feeling about their progress.
We often hear from other people in our life that they feel like they are continuing therapy due to a sense of obligation to their therapist and they are not getting much out of it anymore. If this happens to you, do not be afraid to speak up!
We are not going to be angry or frustrated with you. This is an opportunity to explore needs, fine tune our approach, or maybe it just means that your goals are achieved and you are ready to end therapy! Sometimes we might end up referring you to a different therapist whose approach might be more helpful. Although these may be difficult conversations, they are usually quite fruitful and often improve therapy outcomes. Our goal for you is to make sure you get the treatments and outcomes that are the best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions: Depression Therapy
What's the difference between a depression therapist and a depression counselor?
The terms "depression therapist" and "depression counselor" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to licensed mental health professionals who provide depression treatment. At Shift Counseling PC, all our clinicians are trained in evidence-based depression counseling approaches.
How effective is CBT for depression treatment?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and effective forms of depression treatment. Our depression therapists use CBT to help clients identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies for lasting recovery.
How does PolyVagal therapy help with depression?
PolyVagal therapy is the application of polyvagal theory to help with physical and emotional symptoms. By helping clients understand their nervous system responses, and learn coping skills to help with the physical symptoms of depression, our therapists can help improve your recovery. This holistic approach improves client awareness and empowerment.
How does EMDR therapy help with depression?
Sometimes symptoms of depression that do not improve with CBT or talk therapy are stemming from a previous trauma that has not been addressed. Also, sometimes the experience of chronic depression is traumatic. Our therapists can help if you would like to learn more about EMDR therapy as an option for treating your depression.
Do you accept insurance for depression therapy?
Yes, our depression therapists accept BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, most Aetna PPO plans, and Cigna/Evernorth insurance. We verify benefits before your first appointment and provide cost estimates for your depression treatment.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment with a depression therapist?
We typically can schedule your first appointment with one of our depression therapists within one week of your initial contact. Use our online scheduling system by clicking the link below or call us at 708-522-4009 to get started with depression counseling.
What areas do your depression counselors serve?
Our counseling center is a 15 minute or less drive from the following communities: Broadview, Brookfield, Westchester, Forest Park, La Grange Park, Berwyn, and some parts of Chicago. Online services are available throughout the state of Illinois.
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