Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety often show up in both the body and mind. You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or motivation, alongside feelings of sadness, worry, or irritability. These conditions are common, highly treatable, and you do not have to navigate them alone.

Common Ways Depression Can Show Up

Everyone’s experience is unique, but depression often includes a combination of emotional and physical symptoms.

A

Apathy

Loss of interest or motivation, even in activities you once enjoyed.

S

Sadness

Persistent low mood, tearfulness, or feeling “numb” much of the time.

G

Guilt

Self-blame, feeling like a burden, or being overly critical of yourself.

E

Exhaustion

Low energy, fatigue, or feeling physically weighed down and slowed.

I

Irritability

Feeling easily frustrated, on edge, or “snapping” more than usual.

Depression can also involve stomach pain, headaches, sleep issues (too much or too little), and changes in movement or concentration. It can be influenced by genetics, life events, trauma, and ongoing stress.

Therapy Approaches Used for Depression & Anxiety

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Together, we look at what you are experiencing and choose an approach that fits your needs. Two of the primary modalities used in this practice are:

IFS

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems focuses on the idea that we all have different “parts” within us. Some parts carry wounds or painful emotions, while other parts work hard to protect us from those feelings.

These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and with your core Self, leading to inner tension and emotional distress. IFS helps you:

  • Identify and understand the different parts of you (such as the critic, the protector, or the hurt child).
  • Offer healing attention to the wounded parts, rather than pushing them away.
  • Build access to your core Self, which is calm, wise, and compassionate.

Over time, this work supports more balance, less internal conflict, and a greater sense of self-acceptance and emotional stability.

IPT

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy looks closely at how your mood and your relationships influence one another. It focuses on what is happening in your life now, rather than revisiting every detail of the past.

In IPT, we work together to:

  • Understand the interpersonal context in which your symptoms began or intensified.
  • Explore life changes, grief, role transitions, and relationship patterns that may be affecting your mood.
  • Improve communication, boundaries, and support in your current relationships.

The goal is to help you function more effectively day to day, feel more supported, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by strengthening your connections with others.

Taking the Next Step

If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, reaching out is a meaningful step toward relief. Therapy can help you better understand what you are experiencing and develop tools to move forward.

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