Therapy for depression in Grand Rapids
In-person near Grand Rapids, MI and online in 43 PsyPact states
With depression and sadness pervading your days, you’re exhausted.
You find it hard to get out of bed, hard to sleep, hard to control the irritability you feel toward the people around you. Tears seem always under the surface, worry seems to be in the driver’s seat.
The self-critical voice is loud, and you’re not sure how to get out of the spiral.
You feel disconnected from others and from yourself, lacking the joy that you once envisioned for yourself as you move through unexpected interruptions of grief, illness, or disconnection.
Plan A hasn’t exactly worked out - maybe B, C, or D either. You’re not sure what’s next.
Was life supposed to be this hard?
We seek treatment for our broken bones, failing eyesight, and flu symptoms. It makes sense to also seek treatment for our broken hearts, weakened emotional strength, and struggling relationships.
We are created for restoration, forever being mended and repaired as we experience the bumps, bruises, and injuries of life.
Therapy is one of those tools, similar to medicine, that is grounded in evidence-based research while being rooted in the wisdom of the ages. Therapy works!
I can help you gain clarity on what is ailing you, create a plan for healing, and then walk steadily back toward the light. As we do this sacred work together, there will be both tears and laughter because that’s what it’s like to be human, to heal, and to find your joy again.
Time after time, I have a front-row seat to the power of therapy in restoring peace, cultivating joy, and renewing relationships. Depression is treatable. Restoration is waiting.
What to Expect.
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1. Free Phone Consult
Finding a therapist for depression can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already down, so we’ll start with a brief phone call at no cost to you. I want to make sure you feel comfortable talking with me, that you’re clear on how it all works, and that I feel confident I can help you.
You can ask any questions that help you feel ready for the good work of therapy. The call typically lasts about 20 minutes.
I get it - finding the right therapist to help with depression is a big deal, and you need to know I’m the right fit before you can feel comfortable jumping in.
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2. Intake Session
Once you’re ready to begin, your first session will be an intake session (either in-person or online). Online paperwork will be emailed to you ahead of time, and it typically takes about 15 minutes to complete.
In the intake session, there will be a blend of structure and spaciousness - room for you to share your life experiences, your current concerns, and your goals for depression therapy. I’ll share initial reflections and assessment, as well as recommendations specific to you.
Most clients feel relief once they begin, and the intake session helps people have a much clearer idea of what to expect in therapy.
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3. Ongoing Sessions
Consistency is helpful, so we’ll find a weekly therapy time that will be held for you (50 minutes per session). Using talk therapy, including mindfulness-based and somatic techniques as appropriate, we’ll work together to get to the root of what is bothering you and craft new strategies for boosting your mood.
Once you’re feeling better, you can choose if you would like to decrease frequency to biweekly or less as you begin integrating your therapy skills into your life on a more independent basis. You can let me know along the way what’s working for you so I can make adjustments as needed - this time is for you!
Depression Therapy FAQs
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While seasons of sadness or feeling “down” are common to the human experience, there are times that it can start to feel unbearable. We use the term depression to describe sadness that doesn’t lift, especially when it starts to impact our ability to function in the ways we would like to. For some, sadness feels more like anger or grief. Depression is often intermingled with anxiety.
Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness or despair, irritability, low self-esteem, loss of concentration, problems with eating or sleeping, feeling physically heavy or restless, and thoughts of death.
When depressive symptoms are having a significant impact, diagnoses such as Persistent Depressive Disorder (or Dysthymic Disorder) or Major Depressive Disorder can be used to provide description of the experience, help connect you with resources (including others having similar experiences), and validate that you’re not alone.
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A mind-body-spirit approach is the most effective in responding to depression.
Mind - Journaling, talking to others, and using positive self-talk are ways to gain perspective and focus your mind on what is true and good.
Body - Movement, balanced eating, and sleep routines all give your body the fuel and energy needed to regulate your mood.
Spirit - Mindfulness meditation, prayer, and immersion in nature are ways to connect yourself to what is bigger than you, helping to release unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Therapy is a very effective tool in reducing depression, as it helps to go deeper in understanding contributing life experiences while also increasing clarity about what can brighten your mood again.
Depression is treatable!
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Thoughts about death can be distressing, serving as a type of “misery index” indicating it’s time to get help.
Consistent therapy is a key part of effective relief and support, with some choosing to add anti-depressant medication to help regain focus and joy. Crisis supports are available 24/7 in the United States by calling or texting the 988 Lifeline.
Everyone needs help getting through dark times, and talking through your concerns with qualified professionals is a great way to find your way forward when it feels like too much.
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Grief could be described as a type of depression that often impacts sleeping, eating, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and functioning. It takes a while after a loss to find your new normal.
Therapy is helpful in moving through the grieving process, along with grief support groups (such as Gilda’s Club). You don’t have to carry this on your own.
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You may have received messages that minimize your depression, such as “pray it away,” “boys don’t cry,” or “suck it up.” However, depression is not something that we just “get over” by force of will.
In fact, depression is not something that we just “get over” by force of will. No one chooses to be depressed. If you are depressed, you are experiencing a type of mental and physical suffering that is neurologically based and best treated through therapy and/or medication. Dealing with depression on your own doesn’t make any more sense than dealing with diabetes or cancer on your own.
Strength looks like owning up to your real-world challenges, using your available resources, and doing the things that can help you feel better. Therapy for depression helps you get stronger and more of the person you are made to be.
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