Depression Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area
+ Online in New York, Washington, & Colorado
Depression doesn't always look like sadness
Some people with depression feel sad and tearful. Many others don't. Instead, they feel flat, tired, short-tempered, or simply "off." They snap at their partner, lose patience with their kids, stop returning texts, or scroll late into the night without enjoying any of it.
If you've been telling yourself you're just stressed, burned out, or "not a sad person," it's worth taking a closer look. Depression is common, it's treatable, and it often hides behind irritability and anger — especially for people who were taught to push through rather than talk about how they feel.
Signs it may be more than a rough patch
You might be dealing with depression if, for two weeks or more, you notice several of these:
A low, empty, or numb mood most days — or a short fuse you don't recognize
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Sleeping much more or much less, or waking up tired no matter what
Changes in appetite or weight
Low energy and motivation, even for small tasks
Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden to others
Pulling away from friends, family, or work
Thoughts that life isn't worth it, or thoughts of death or suicide
Crisis note (callout box, keep visible): If you're having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
Therapy isn't a substitute for emergency care.
How therapy for depression helps
In our work together, we'll look at what's driving your depression — stress, loss, relationship strain, health changes, old patterns, or a mix — and build a plan that fits your life and pace.
Depending on what you need, that can include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to catch and change the thinking patterns that keep you stuck
Behavioral activation — small, doable steps that rebuild energy and motivation
Mindfulness and self-compassion skills for harsh self-talk and rumination
Work on anger and irritability when depression comes out sideways
Relationship and communication skills so the people closest to you aren't absorbing the fallout
Coordination with your doctor or psychiatrist when medication is part of the picture
I'm direct and engaged — I won't sit silently for 50 minutes. You'll get honest feedback, practical tools, and a clear sense of how things are changing.
FAQ’S About Depression Therapy
-
Stress usually eases when the pressure lets up. Depression tends to stick around, color most of your days, and affect sleep, energy, and how you see yourself. If symptoms have lasted a couple of weeks or are getting in the way of work or relationships, a consultation can help sort it out.
-
Yes. Many people with depression keep functioning — they're just running on empty. Getting help before things get worse usually means faster progress.
-
Very often, especially in men and in people who learned that sadness wasn't acceptable. Irritability, frustration, and blowing up over small things can be signs of depression underneath. That overlap is a big part of my work.
-
I see clients in person in Marin County and online via secure video throughout California. I'm also licensed in Washington, New York, Colorado, and Idaho.
-
Not necessarily. Many people improve with therapy alone. If medication might potentially add additional help, we can discuss it, and I can coordinate with your doctor or a psychiatrist.
-
It varies. Many clients notice some relief within the first month or two, with steadier change over three to six months of consistent work.
-
This is a common question. The answer is that the time it takes will vary and depends on a number of factors including:
Willingness to engage in the process and actively participate in therapy even when it gets difficult.
Consistency of attendance, and being present and interactive in sessions.
Your symptoms, medical history, other psychiatric diagnosis, medication, trauma, substance use, prior therapy experience, coping abilities, and your therapy goals.
Maintaining open communication with your therapist about your experiences and any concerns you might have during the treatment process.
Beyond all of these factors, most clients start to see some positive change within a month or two, more noticeable improvement in multiple domains around 3-6 months, and stability in improvements including significant reduction in the frequency, intensity and duration of anxiety and increases in their capacity to tolerate and cope with anxiety around 6-12 months—or more depending on those factors mentioned above and others.
-
In total, over 20 years. I have advanced training and certificates in Anger Management, CBT, and other specialty areas.
As featured on:
