When You Feel Off But Can’t Explain Why
Maybe you feel numb, flat, or like you’re moving through life in a fog. Perhaps there’s a heaviness in your body that just won’t lift, an ache in your chest, a constant tension in your shoulders, or an emptiness in your belly. You might notice yourself pulling away from people, struggling to get out of bed, or feeling like you're just going through the motions.
Underneath it all, there may be a quiet voice inside saying, Something’s wrong with me, or Why can’t I just be okay? You might even feel frustrated that nothing seems to help, or ashamed that you’re still struggling.
But the truth is, depression is not a personal failure. It’s a sign of inner overwhelm, often rooted in unprocessed pain, unmet needs, and the nervous system’s attempt to protect you from feeling too much, too fast.
Depression Is Incredibly Common
Over 16 million adults struggle with depression in America alone. Alongside anxiety, it is one of the most common mental health issues.
Depression can originate from a number of sources, including genetic factors, stress, interpersonal problems, or traumatic events. These factors can trigger depression symptoms as a cry for help. Essentially, the symptoms exist because your mind has become overwhelmed with negative emotions and is trying its best to help you cope.
Unfortunately, when depression starts to dig into its roots, it can be very hard to detangle it from yourself. Oftentimes, depression can feel more like a sense of identity than a complicated mix of feelings. This can make depression very hard to manage and get out of, leading to isolation, avoidance, and continued negative symptoms.
Coping with depression alone is often very difficult. Thankfully, there are resources available to help you learn how to manage your depression. In fact, therapy is one of the best options out there to finally gain some control over your symptoms and feel joy in your life.
Depression Lives in the Body and That’s Where We Begin
While traditional talk therapy can be helpful, it often misses the places where depression actually lives: in your nervous system, your felt sense, and in the inner parts of you that have learned to shut down in order to survive.
In Somatic Experiencing, we gently tune into what your body is holding, without pushing or forcing anything. Maybe your body feels heavy, collapsed, tense, or frozen. Through slow, attuned awareness, we begin to notice how your system is trying to protect you, and where there may be space for movement, breath, or release.
With Inner Relationship Focusing, we turn toward your inner experience with deep respect and compassion. Instead of trying to "fix" your depression, we get curious about the parts of you that feel hopeless, tired, shut down, or numb. We ask, How are these parts trying to help? What are they afraid would happen if they weren’t here? Over time, these inner parts begin to soften because they finally feel seen, understood, and not alone.
What Depression Might Be Telling You
Depression is often the body’s way of saying: I’ve been holding too much for too long. It may reflect past experiences where you had to shut down to feel safe, or where you lost connection with your needs, your voice, or your aliveness.
Rather than pushing through or trying to force change, we slow down. We listen. We create space for all parts of you to be welcomed—not judged, not analyzed, but held in presence.
You Can Feel Better With Depression Therapy
In our sessions, we’ll start wherever you are, whether that’s talking through what you’re feeling, tuning into your body, or gently noticing the parts of you that are tired, angry, ashamed, or just overwhelmed.
You don’t need to know what to say or where to begin. I’ll help you track what’s happening in your body, in your inner world, and in your nervous system, so you can start to feel more grounded and connected, not only with others but with yourself.
Some sessions might be quiet and spacious. Others might involve movement, breathwork, or following a felt sense that’s emerging in your body. All of it is guided by you, at your pace, and with deep respect for your inner process.
You May Be Wondering…
"What if I don’t know what I’m feeling?"
That’s okay. Many people with depression feel disconnected from their emotions or their bodies. We go gently, and often what needs to be felt will begin to emerge when it’s ready. There’s no rush.
"Do I have to take medication?"
Not at all. While some people find medication helpful, it’s never required. We can talk about options, and I’ll support you in making a choice that feels right for you.
"Will therapy take a long time?"
There’s no set timeline. Some people begin to feel relief quickly, while others need more time to build trust and safety within themselves. Either way, I’ll be here to walk with you, step by step.
You Are Not Broken—You’re Holding More Than You Were Meant to Carry Alone
If you feel like you’ve lost connection with yourself, your joy, or your sense of aliveness, I want you to know that there is a way forward. You don’t have to fight your depression, you can listen to it. And in doing so, begin to reconnect with the parts of you that are still very much alive, still hopeful, still longing for ease and connection.
Take the First Step: Healing at Your Own Pace
If you are interested in exploring Depression Therapy, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey. Schedule a Consultation. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation, OR if you have any questions, send a message through my Contact Form.