Therapy for Depression in Aspen, Colorado

Holistic Psychotherapy in Aspen and throughout Colorado for depression, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder & premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

What is Depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 17 million adult Americans suffer from depression in a given year. Depression can change how you think, feel and function in your daily activities and it can interfere with your relationships, sleep, eating habits, ability to work and study and your overall enjoyment of life.

Despite what many have seen on TV, read or even heard from their doctors, depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Biological factors such as inflammation, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and genetics have been shown to play a role as well. Additionally, environmental and social factors such as past trauma, substance abuse and lifestyle choices can also play an enormous part in the development of depression.

What are the symptoms of Depression?

Depression is generally thought of as feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiousness, helplessness or hopelessness that occur almost every day for two weeks or longer. Everyone feels sadness and hopelessness from time to time, but the feelings that come with depression are much stronger and more debilitating than the sadness that is often experienced in response to life’s daily struggles and setbacks.

There are several kinds of depression. The most common are Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Situational Depression.

Signs your Depression Might be Interfering with Daily Functioning

  • Anger or irritability towards others is impacting significant relationships
  • Inability to finish tasks or meet demands at school or at work
  • Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate or inappropriate guilt
  • Sleep changes (either too much or too little) that make it difficult to function during the day
  • Loss of interest in or withdrawal from activities that once brought you enjoyment
  • Trouble concentrating or making important decisions
  • Severe anxiety that causes feelings of panic, dread, rapid heart rate or rapid breathing
  • Significant changes in appetite (not eating enough or eating too much)
  • Unexplained aches and pains such as headaches, back and stomach pain
  • Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior
  • Suicidal thoughts

How can Holistic Mind-Body Therapy Help?

At Aspen Holistic Therapy, we take a holistic mind-body approach to your mental health and wellbeing. We believe that in order for real change and healing to occur, the mind, body, spirit and brain must all be attended to. Every person’s history and experience is unique, but a holistic approach tailored to your specific relationship struggles or attachment-related concerns would likely entail a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), traditional Talk Therapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness based practices, somatic-based therapies and nutrition and lifestyle coaching.

Together, we can work on:

  • Understanding and addressing the issues underlying depressive feelings
  • Correcting irrational thinking through cognitive behavioral techniques that might be exacerbating symptoms
  • Short-term symptom management and long-term, sustainable symptom reduction or elimination
  • Harnessing neuroplasticity to interrupt and inhibit negative thought patterns while experimenting with new ways to focus your attention
  • Exploring your relationship to your family of origin while building capacities for healthier peer and romantic relationships
  • Understanding how depression manifests in the brain and body and what purpose it may serve
  • Identifying triggers for your depressive symptoms and creating your own personalized “tool kit” of resources to balance the nervous system
  • Addressing issues of dependence, helplessness and hopelessness
  • Learning how to take a pause from the internal chatter to feel more grounded and present
  • Examining aspects of your lifestyle such as exercise and sleep that have the ability to exacerbate or reduce symptoms associated with depression
  • Examining aspects of your diet that might be exacerbating symptoms associated with depression such as caffeine, alcohol, processed and fried foods and sugar
  • Examining mood-boosting foods and nutrients that are associated with a decreased risk for depression

Schedule a Consultation

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