Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center (408) 384-8404
Depression Therapy and Counseling in San Jose
Laura L.C. Johnson, MBA, MA, LMFT, Cognitive Behavior Therapist • (408) 384-8404
Depression Therapy & Counseling in San Jose
What is Depression?
Most people feel sad or low at some point in their lives. Clinical depression is characterized by pervasive low mood, low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. When people experience depression, they often feel lethargic, unmotivated, overwhelmed, nervous, easily annoyed, and/or irritable. Depression may be accompanied with difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, increased or decreased eating, and sleeping too much or too little. Feeling hopeless, trapped, and worried are common when depressed. There are several types of depression. I offer therapy and counseling for the following types of depression:
- Major Depression - With major depression, you may have symptoms that make it hard to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy friends and activities. Symptoms may include fatigue or loss of energy every day, feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost everyday, impaired concentration or indecisiveness, sleeping more or less than usual, significant weight loss or gain, a feeling of restlessness or of being slowed down, and recurring thoughts of suicide. Not everyone has every symptom. Therapy for depression can help you get your life back.
- Dysthymia - Some people experience a low-level of depression on most days which feels like a chronic form of unhappiness. The symptoms of dysthymia tend to be similar to depression, but they are less intense and more long-lasting. You may feel indecisive, pessimistic and have a negative self-image. A negative thinking style often accompanies dysthymia. Sometimes, people who are dysthymic also experience bout of major depression. This is called "double depression." Therapy for dysthymia focuses on helping you develop a more realistic thinking style so you can feel more hopeful in spite of life's challenges.
Common Goals of Depression Therapy and Counseling
Reduce depression
- Identify the cycles of depression
- Skillfully manage daily stressors
- Learn skills to manage emotions and remain more balanced
- Challenge negative thinking and increase more balanced thinking
- Decrease negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, anger, chronic unhappiness, mood swings and low self esteem
- Learn tools to ward off future depression
Increase sense of well-being
- Increase positive emotions such as joy, satisfaction, peace, and love, to name just a few
- Increase resiliency and improve ability to respond to adversity
- Gain an increased sense of meaning and purpose
- Increase self-confidence, enjoyment of activities, energy and motivation
Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy