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Laurie Branch |
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Psychotherapist |
303-444-7256 |
Areas of Focus
Depression
Depression is one of the most common reasons that cause people to seek psychotherapy.
Cognitive-behavior therapy has been found in controlled studies to be an effective form of treatment for depression--in fact, it appears to be as effective as antidepressant medications. Cognitive-behavior therapy for depression focuses on the clinical observation that depressed mood often seems to result from negative patterns of thinking and behaving. For example, depressed people often have thoughts like, 'I'm a failure,' 'I can't do anything right,' 'I'll never accomplish my goals,' 'No one cares about me,' or similar.
These thoughts can feel powerful and compelling, but usually do not tell a balanced, reasonable story. In cognitive-behavior therapy, patient and therapist work together to determine what types of negative thinking are problematic for the depressed patient, and what types of coping or balanced thoughts can be used to provide a better perspective, to lift the depressed person's mood, and help him or her function better. The therapy also often focuses on helping the depressed person increase his or her activity level or find more gratifying, pleasurable activities.
In therapy sessions, the therapist takes an active approach to teaching here-and-now coping strategies to help patients understand and change cognitions and behaviors that contribute to depressed mood. This is an active, problem-solving to therapy. Practicing new skills outside of sessions is a central part of treatment.
A key goal of cognitive-behavior therapy is to provide you with tools that you can use to work on your depressive symptoms and to prevent future episodes. Treatment can be done in individual or group or couples format.
Please remember that no one is predestined to develop clinical depression. However, it can be very important to be aware of risk factors so that those of us who may be vulnerable can educate ourselves, be attentive to warning signs, and take steps towards recognizing and preventing this illness.
Symptoms
If you are depressed or manic, you may not experience all of the following symptoms. Some will have many symptoms, others will have just a few. The severity of the symptoms may also be different for every person and even vary over time. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or if you have questions about whether you may be depressed or manic, you should consult with your physician or a qualified mental health professional.
* Sadness, anxiety, or 'empty' feelings
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being 'slowed down'
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
* Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
* Loss of weight or appetite, or overeating and weight gain
* Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
* Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
* Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
* Chronic aches and pains or physical problems that do not respond to treatment
Depression is one of the most common reasons that cause people to seek psychotherapy.
Cognitive-behavior therapy has been found in controlled studies to be an effective form of treatment for depression--in fact, it appears to be as effective as antidepressant medications. Cognitive-behavior therapy for depression focuses on the clinical observation that depressed mood often seems to result from negative patterns of thinking and behaving. For example, depressed people often have thoughts like, 'I'm a failure,' 'I can't do anything right,' 'I'll never accomplish my goals,' 'No one cares about me,' or similar.
These thoughts can feel powerful and compelling, but usually do not tell a balanced, reasonable story. In cognitive-behavior therapy, patient and therapist work together to determine what types of negative thinking are problematic for the depressed patient, and what types of coping or balanced thoughts can be used to provide a better perspective, to lift the depressed person's mood, and help him or her function better. The therapy also often focuses on helping the depressed person increase his or her activity level or find more gratifying, pleasurable activities.
In therapy sessions, the therapist takes an active approach to teaching here-and-now coping strategies to help patients understand and change cognitions and behaviors that contribute to depressed mood. This is an active, problem-solving to therapy. Practicing new skills outside of sessions is a central part of treatment.
A key goal of cognitive-behavior therapy is to provide you with tools that you can use to work on your depressive symptoms and to prevent future episodes. Treatment can be done in individual or group or couples format.
Please remember that no one is predestined to develop clinical depression. However, it can be very important to be aware of risk factors so that those of us who may be vulnerable can educate ourselves, be attentive to warning signs, and take steps towards recognizing and preventing this illness.
Symptoms
If you are depressed or manic, you may not experience all of the following symptoms. Some will have many symptoms, others will have just a few. The severity of the symptoms may also be different for every person and even vary over time. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or if you have questions about whether you may be depressed or manic, you should consult with your physician or a qualified mental health professional.
* Sadness, anxiety, or 'empty' feelings
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being 'slowed down'
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
* Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
* Loss of weight or appetite, or overeating and weight gain
* Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
* Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
* Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
* Chronic aches and pains or physical problems that do not respond to treatment