I feel hopeless
Depression is more than feeling sad. Debilitating thoughts of hopelessness can affect how you think, feel, and function day to day. Many people describe it as a heaviness, loss of motivation, or disconnection from the things and people they once enjoyed. While it can feel isolating, depression is treatable, and support can make a meaningful difference. The symptoms of depression range from the emotional to physical. You could experience:
- Persistent sadness or feeling of emptiness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Treatment for depression provides a safe place to explore your feelings, recognize triggering events or people, and identify strategies for healing. We will work to understand patterns that contribute to depression, develop healthier coping skills, empower women to be self-compassionate and resilient, find ways to reconnect with hope and purpose.
Depression Counseling approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness
- Grounding techniques
- Breath work
- Journaling
- Self-compassion
You don’t have to navigate this alone. With support, it’s possible to move toward greater clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of self.
About Your Therapist
Thetis Alcott, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor | Founder, Pivotal Counseling
With more than a decade of experience, I specialize in helping adult women navigate relationship stress, anxiety, and life transitions with clarity and compassion. My approach combines evidence-based methods with genuine understanding — empowering you to feel grounded, confident, and capable in your relationships and within yourself.
More About Professional Counselor Thetis Alcott
What happens in therapy sessions?
Our initial meeting, both telehealth and in person, is a casual conversation where you begin to share your unique goals for therapy. Sometimes people aren’t exactly sure why they are seeking help and this is OK too! This is your time to be seen and heard, to feel genuinely listened to and understood without judgment. In our next sessions I gather information about your history and background so that I have a full picture of the person you are. We set a plan for our path and so the growth process can begin!
Counseling Session Information:
- Session Length: 50 minutes
- Format: In-person and telehealth options available
- Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your goals
- Payment: Private pay
FAQs About Depression Counseling
What counseling approach is best for depression?
When you are stuck in the trappings of depression, it is difficult to see a healthy way out.
Our negative thoughts wrap tightly around us to a point where any positivity is suffocated.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps to unravel those thoughts that keep us isolated, hopeless and ruminating. By recognizing and understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors we begin to rebuild our way of interacting with the world. When you are depressed, you and your therapist can identify the triggers that can alter your mood and help you build healthier patterns.
How to cope with depression?
Some figure out ways to care for themselves when feeling mildly depressed. Self-care
and careful self-examination of priorities can be instrumental in coping with depression.
However, knowing where to start self-reflection can be overwhelming which is why depression counseling is helpful. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) can extract important information from you that you didn’t realize may be playing a part in how you are feeling. Processing significant events from the past can keep you present and focused. I also utilize Self-Compassion for depression therapy. It asks the question, “would you say that to a friend? Why is it ok to say that to yourself” and really leaning into those negative thoughts that lead to depression.
Some find that exercise, journaling, music, pets, staying connected with friends and
family, limiting alcohol intake, establishing a routine, getting enough rest and eating healthy are effective when dealing with depression.
Causes for depression in adult women?
There are a variety of reasons why women seek out depression counseling. They can range in their frequency and intensity. While self care can remedy some symptoms, talking with
an LPC is more effective for long term depression solutions. Depression counseling coupled with anti-depressants are the most effective way to deal with depression. Some common causes for depression in women are:
-hormonal changes while menstruating
-pregnancy and post-partum
-menopause
-relationship issues
-family history of mental illness
-social or psychological factors such as familial stress, caregiving, financial instability
-low self worth
-trauma history including sexual, domestic, verbal and emotional abuse
