I have experience in a broad range of therapeutic perspectives and years of experience. My clients receive a more integrated and holistic approach to treatment than they might with practitioners who specialize in one form of therapy, which can be limiting. I work with individuals who have depression and mood disorders and I will address the symptoms and difficulties you're experiencing. You can achieve a positive, meaningful life again. I provide a supportive environment to express sad feelings, gain new and more hopeful perspectives, and work towards long-term emotional well-being. I will work with you to help you identify specific changes in your thinking, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that can reduce your depressive symptoms and give you a greater feeling of lightness and hope.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression characterized by a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (or one year in children and adolescents). In addition to a persistently low mood, individuals must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, dysthymia is more chronic and insidious, often leading individuals to perceive their depressed state as an inherent part of their personality rather than a treatable condition. From the perspective of self-psychology, dysthymia can be understood as a disruption in the cohesion of the self, rooted in early relational experiences where empathic attunement was inconsistent or absent. Chronic depressive states are not simply biochemical imbalances but deeply embedded affective experiences shaped by the individual's relational context. Those with dysthymia may have internalized a sense of emotional isolation, misattunement, or unworthiness, leading to a persistent, background sense of emptiness, self-doubt, and a diminished capacity for joy. From a self-psychological treatment perspective, therapy focuses on creating an empathic, validating therapeutic relationship, allowing the individual to experience attunement and recognition that was previously lacking. By fostering an environment where the person’s emotions are deeply understood, therapy helps restore a sense of self-cohesion, enabling the individual to integrate positive emotional experiences and develop a more stable, valued sense of self.

Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5, occurs when depressive symptoms emerge during or shortly after the use, intoxication, or withdrawal of a substance or medication. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia), fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia), feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. These depressive symptoms cannot be better explained by an underlying depressive disorder and must be linked directly to substance use or withdrawal. Common substances implicated include alcohol, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and certain medications such as corticosteroids or hormonal treatments. Depressive symptoms induced by substances may be understood as a manifestation of underlying emotional pain and the fragmentation of the self. These individuals may use substances as a coping mechanism to manage unresolved emotional conflicts, stemming from early relational failures or trauma that compromised self-cohesion. In this view, the use of substances may temporarily numb or suppress emotional pain, but it also prevents the individual from achieving emotional integration or resolution of deep-seated feelings of emptiness, self-doubt, and disconnection. Self-psychological treatment, therefore, would aim to provide an empathic, attuned therapeutic relationship where the individual can explore the emotional roots of their substance use and depressive symptoms, while working through feelings of misattunement, isolation, or unworthiness. The therapy focuses on restoring self-cohesion and helping the individual build healthier emotional responses that no longer rely on substances as a form of emotional regulation.

Dysthymic Disorder, now known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), is characterized by a chronic low mood lasting for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents). Individuals with dysthymia often experience symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, low energy, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. Other common symptoms include poor appetite or overeating, trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and low self-esteem. These symptoms tend to be less intense than those of major depressive disorder, but they can be equally debilitating over time, causing significant disruption in daily functioning and quality of life. The chronic nature of the disorder can make it feel like a persistent underlying sadness that affects various aspects of life.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects some women after childbirth, typically within the first few weeks to months. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and extreme fatigue, often coupled with a lack of interest in the baby or difficulty bonding with the infant. Women may experience intense mood swings, irritability, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Physical symptoms can also occur, such as changes in appetite or sleep patterns (either insomnia or excessive sleeping). In severe cases, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby may emerge. Unlike the typical "baby blues," which are temporary mood swings experienced by many new mothers, postpartum depression is more prolonged and can significantly interfere with daily functioning, requiring treatment to help the parent (usually the mother) recover and care for herself and her baby effectively.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically in the fall or winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The symptoms are similar to those of Major Depressive Disorder and include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities (anhedonia), fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite (often increased craving for carbohydrates), weight gain, and sleep disturbances (such as excessive sleeping or oversleeping). Individuals may also experience low energy, irritability, and a general sense of withdrawal from social interactions. In some cases, there may be physical symptoms such as headaches or body aches. The symptoms tend to occur in a pattern, with the onset typically occurring in the fall and worsening through the winter months, and improving or disappearing as the spring and summer months bring longer daylight hours. SAD is thought to be related to disruptions in the circadian rhythm due to reduced exposure to sunlight, leading to changes in melatonin and serotonin levels in the brain, which affect mood and energy levels. Treatment often includes light therapy, where the individual is exposed to a special light box that mimics natural sunlight, typically for 20-30 minutes each morning. Psychotherapy treatment to address negative thought patterns, antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and spending time outdoors during daylight hours. For some individuals, the symptoms of SAD can be severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning, making early recognition and intervention important.

Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition is a form of depression that occurs as a direct result of a medical illness or condition, as outlined in the DSM-5. The symptoms of this disorder closely resemble those of Major Depressive Disorder, including persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities), fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping), low energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. These symptoms occur in the context of a medical condition, such as chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer), neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease), hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders), or other serious health issues. Unlike primary depressive disorders, the depressive symptoms in this case are directly linked to the medical condition and typically improve or resolve as the underlying medical condition is treated or managed. For example, depression related to thyroid dysfunction may improve once the thyroid imbalance is addressed. Treatment often involves addressing both the underlying medical condition and the depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Interpersonal Therapy) may be used to help the individual cope with the emotional challenges posed by their medical condition, while medication (such as antidepressants) may also be prescribed to alleviate depressive symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach, including close coordination between medical professionals and mental health providers, is key to effective treatment.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by a persistent depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities for at least two weeks, accompanied by a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or irritability, often leading to excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness. Cognitive symptoms involve difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Physical symptoms may include significant changes in appetite and weight (either loss or gain), sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping), fatigue, psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or slowed movements), and unexplained aches or pains. Psychotherapeutic treatment focuses on addressing these symptoms through structured therapy. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current emotions and behaviors. Mindfulness techniques and certain behavioral (CBT) techniques can help prevent relapse, particularly in recurrent depression. Therapy can be delivered in individual, group, or family settings, depending on the person’s needs. A structured and supportive psychotherapeutic approach can help individuals with MDD develop long-term resilience and improve emotional well-being.