With years of experience and training across a wide range of therapeutic approaches, I offer an integrated, personalized path to healing—one that goes beyond a single method. For those struggling with depression and mood disorders, I provide a supportive space where you can safely express painful emotions, gain new perspective, and work toward lasting emotional well-being. Together, we’ll explore the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors contributing to your distress and identify meaningful changes that can bring relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of hope.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is a chronic form of depression marked by a low mood lasting most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. Symptoms may include low energy, poor concentration, low self-esteem, sleep or appetite disturbances, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. Unlike Major Depression, dysthymia is often more subtle and long-lasting, leading many to believe their emotional state is just “who they are,” rather than something treatable. From a self-psychological perspective, dysthymia reflects disruptions in self-cohesion that often stem from early relational experiences where emotional attunement was inconsistent or absent. These individuals may carry an internalized sense of emotional disconnection, unworthiness, or chronic self-doubt—leaving them with a quiet but persistent sense of emptiness and disconnection from joy. Healing begins in an empathic, validating therapeutic relationship. In our work together, we’ll focus on restoring a deeper sense of self-cohesion and emotional vitality through attuned connection and understanding. If you’ve been living under the weight of persistent low mood, know that you don’t have to continue feeling this way.

Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder occurs when depressive symptoms—such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts—emerge during or soon after substance use, intoxication, or withdrawal. These symptoms must be directly linked to substance use rather than an independent mood disorder. Common triggers include alcohol, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and certain medications like corticosteroids or hormonal treatments. From a self-psychological perspective, substance-induced depression can reflect deeper emotional pain and a fragmented sense of self. Substances may be used to numb unresolved emotional wounds, often rooted in early experiences of misattunement or trauma. While offering short-term relief, substance use can block the emotional integration needed for long-term healing. Therapy focuses on creating a deeply empathic, attuned relationship in which you can explore the roots of both the depressive symptoms and the need for substances as emotional regulators. Through this process, we work to restore self-cohesion, build resilience, and develop more authentic, sustainable ways to manage emotional pain. If you’re struggling with depression tied to substance use, you don’t have to face it alone.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly Dysthymic Disorder) is a chronic form of depression marked by a low mood that lasts for at least two years in adults, often accompanied by fatigue, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and a general sense of dissatisfaction or hopelessness. While the symptoms may be less intense than in major depression, their persistent nature can gradually wear down a person’s emotional resilience and quality of life. This long-standing sadness often feels like a part of one’s personality—something unchangeable—rather than a treatable condition. But from a self-psychological perspective, these chronic feelings often stem from early emotional misattunement or a lack of consistent validation. Over time, this can lead to an internalized sense of unworthiness or emotional disconnection. Therapy offers the opportunity to experience a different kind of relationship—one rooted in empathy, understanding, and attunement. In this space, you can begin to reconnect with your true self and gradually build a life that feels more whole, more vital, and more your own.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that can develop in the weeks or months following childbirth. Unlike the common “baby blues,” which are short-lived and mild, PPD involves persistent sadness, hopelessness, extreme fatigue, and difficulty connecting with the baby. Many mothers also experience guilt, irritability, trouble sleeping or eating, and a sense of being overwhelmed or emotionally shut down. In some cases, women may feel detached from their baby, doubt their ability to parent, or even have intrusive thoughts of harm. These symptoms are not signs of weakness—they reflect a deeper emotional struggle that deserves care and understanding. Postpartum depression often stems from a complex interplay of hormonal changes, identity shifts, and emotional vulnerability—especially if earlier relational wounds are stirred during the transition to motherhood. Therapy offers a safe, compassionate space to explore these feelings, rebuild self-trust, and move toward healing. If you're feeling lost, numb, or overwhelmed after giving birth, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this in silence.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern—most commonly emerging in the fall or winter months when natural sunlight is limited. Symptoms mirror those of Major Depressive Disorder and may include persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite (especially for carbohydrates), weight gain, oversleeping, and social withdrawal. For some, physical symptoms like headaches or body aches may also appear. These seasonal shifts can feel like an emotional hibernation—draining motivation, disrupting routines, and leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself and others. SAD is believed to stem from disruptions in the body’s internal clock due to reduced sunlight, which affects serotonin and melatonin levels—key regulators of mood and sleep. Treatment may involve light therapy, psychotherapy to address negative thought patterns, and lifestyle changes such as increasing daylight exposure and physical activity. From a deeper therapeutic perspective, SAD may also reactivate earlier experiences of emotional isolation or disconnection, making empathic attunement in therapy especially healing. If your mood darkens with the seasons, you don’t have to simply wait it out.

Depressive Disorder is a form of depression that arises directly from a medical illness. While the symptoms closely mirror those of Major Depressive Disorder—persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep changes, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness—they are triggered by an underlying health issue such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, or thyroid dysfunction. This kind of depression can feel especially confusing or overwhelming because it’s rooted in the physical body yet deeply affects one’s emotional well-being. Even when the primary illness is being treated, the emotional impact can persist, creating a sense of isolation, helplessness, or grief for the life one once knew. In therapy, we explore not just the symptoms but the emotional meaning of living with a medical condition—how it challenges your identity, sense of agency, and hope. Healing involves both managing the medical illness and creating a space where your emotional experience is seen, heard, and supported. If you’re struggling emotionally alongside a medical diagnosis, you’re not alone—and your feelings are valid.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more than just feeling down—it’s a profound and persistent emotional state that affects how you think, feel, and move through life. People with MDD often experience deep sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or irritability for at least two weeks, along with a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed. It can feel like a heavy fog that won’t lift, making it hard to concentrate, make decisions, or find meaning in daily life. The emotional and cognitive pain may be accompanied by physical symptoms—such as changes in appetite or weight, sleep difficulties, fatigue, restlessness or slowed movements, and even unexplained physical aches. These symptoms can be debilitating, affecting work, relationships, and your sense of self. In therapy, we work to untangle the emotional roots of depression while helping you build new ways of thinking, relating, and coping. Psychodynamic work helps uncover the unconscious patterns that fuel your suffering. Mindfulness and behavioral techniques support emotional regulation and prevent relapse. If you're living with the weight of depression, you don’t have to face it alone.