Why Depression Therapy Matters

Living in Washington, DC can feel relentless. Between demanding careers, family responsibilities, and the constant pace of city life, most people feel stretched thin at times. But depression is not the same as ordinary stress. It’s more than having a bad week or a rough patch that you eventually shake. Depression changes how you see yourself, how your body feels, and even how possible or impossible the future looks.

If you’re here, you may already know that depression isn’t something you can just “snap out of.” It takes hold of your thoughts and makes the ordinary parts of life feel exhausting or joyless. The good news is that depression is treatable. With depression therapy you don’t have to go through this alone. Together we can create space for hope, even if it feels distant right now and you’re feeling lost.

Recognizing The Signs Of Depression

One of the hardest parts of depression is that it convinces you nothing will help. But recognizing what you’re experiencing is the first step toward relief. You might notice:

  • A persistent sadness that lingers day after day, leaving you hopeless or flat.
  • Thoughts of guilt or worthlessness that loop endlessly, making you feel like a burden.
  • Struggling to enjoy things you once loved.
  • Changes in appetite or sleep like perhaps, eating too much or too little, tossing all night, or sleeping the day away.
  • Constant fatigue and difficulty concentrating, even on simple tasks.
  • Withdrawing from people who care about you
  • In some cases, thoughts of not wanting to live.

Every person’s depression looks a little different, but the common thread is how overwhelming and isolating it feels. That’s why it can be helpful to understand the different forms depression can take and how they might be showing up in your life.

Different Forms Of Depression

Different Forms Of Depression

Depression doesn’t always look the same, and it doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. For some people, it shows up as major depressive episodes that make it hard to get out of bed. For others, it lingers quietly in the background for years, making it hard to feel joy or happiness.

Specific types of depression: 

  • New parents may experience Postpartum Depression, where exhaustion and guilt make it hard to connect with their baby. 
  • Some notice their mood dips with the seasons, especially in the dark winter months, when Seasonal Affective Disorder can set in. 
  • Others live with Bipolar Depression, where episodes of deep sadness alternate with periods of elevated energy or irritability.
  • And still others can feel persistent low levels of sadness or bouts of sadness that feel cyclical or repetitive.

What matters most isn’t the label but how it shows up for you. Each person’s story and symptoms are different, and part of our work together is honoring those differences rather than forcing them into a category. When we work together, we create a unique treatment plan that matches your depressive symptoms and goals. We also look at why depression happens in the first place and what factors can come together to create or intensify it.

What Brings Depression On?

There isn’t a single cause of depression. For most people, it’s the result of many influences coming together:

  • Biological: Genetics, family history, brain chemistry, or medical conditions that affect your mood.
  • Psychological: Negative thought patterns, perfectionism, unresolved trauma, or recurrent invalidating experiences such as chronic mistreatment by caregivers, supervisors, or significant others can all intensify depressive symptoms.
  • Environmental: Stress at work, financial struggles, divorce, the end of a relationship, or ongoing loneliness all have a big impact on your mood. Major life transitions such as moving, job loss, or coping with medical issues can also trigger or intensify depression.
  • Discrimination and Social Stressors: Being repeatedly targeted for aspects of your identity (e.g., race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion etc.) or living with persistent bullying and harassment can leave deep emotional scars that bring on sadness and depression.

Whatever combination of factors you’re facing, getting therapy for depression offers you a much-needed safe space to make sense of these experiences, reduce shame, and foster hope.

How Depression Therapy With Me Can Help

Depression often convinces you that nothing will ever change, that this heaviness is simply who you are. Therapy challenges that hopelessness by helping you take small, manageable steps forward. 

In our sessions we might:  

  • Notice and gently challenge self-critical thoughts.
  • Break down daily goals into steps that restore rhythm and momentum.
  • Practice self-compassion, even when depression insists you don’t deserve it.
  • Explore how your relationships and life experiences shape what you’re feeling.
  • Delve into past unresolved trauma or events that have left a mark on your feelings and self-esteem.

Sometimes progress is as simple as making one phone call, getting out of bed earlier, or reconnecting with a friend. Each small step matters and builds momentum toward feeling better. Sometimes, antidepressant medication can help too.

My Approach To Depression Treatment In Washington, DC

There’s no single roadmap for healing from depression, which is why I don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. I take time to learn what you’re going through so the approach feels personal, grounded, and relevant to your life. 

I draw from evidence-based therapies but adapt them to fit you:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps shift the negative thinking loops that keep your depression alive.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) strengthens connections and helps you navigate life transitions.
  • Insight-Oriented Therapy explores deeper beliefs and patterns shaping your experience.
  • EMDR Therapy: EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge of memories rooted in unresolved painful experiences.

Techniques are only part of the story; what matters most is how we work together.

Why Work With Me As Your Depression Therapist In Washington, DC

I consider it a privilege to sit with people as they face depression. Living and practicing here, I see how the culture of Washington, DC (the long hours, the constant striving, FOMO and the comparison between your life and your peers) can deepen feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness. 

When clients share what they value most, they often mention my presence and how I’m engaged in therapy. I see my role as active, I’m not just here to list which means I will ask questions, and help you develop skills that support you in creating change outside of the therapy session.

Begin Your Depression Therapy Journey

fountainDepression makes it feel like nothing can change, but with the right support, change is possible. If you’re feeling unsure but know you don’t want to keep living the same way, therapy offers another path. With time, patience, and support, change is possible. You can feel lighter, more present, and more like yourself again. If you’re ready, even just a little, reach out today. Let’s talk about how therapy for depression can help you reclaim your life.

Contact: 571-882-1648 | dralexafram@gmail.com
Office: 1701 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
(Above Farragut North at K & 17th ST NW)

Depression Therapy In Washington DC FAQs:

How do I know if I need depression therapy in DC?

If sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness is interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life, therapy may be the right next step. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable.

Does depression treatment always involve medication?

Not always. Many people benefit from therapy alone. If medication could help, I’ll collaborate with a prescriber to make sure you get the support that’s right for you.

What kind of therapy is best for depression?

There’s no single answer. CBT, IPT, and insight-oriented therapy are all effective. The best therapy is the one that matches your needs and feels like a good fit.

How long does therapy for depression take?

Everyone’s journey is different. Some clients feel better in a few months, while others continue longer to address deeper roots of depression.

Can therapy still help if I’ve tried it before?

Yes. A new therapist, new approach, or stronger connection can make a big difference. Starting again means you’re still fighting for yourself.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Sessions are private and confidential within legal and ethical limits. My office is a safe space to share openly.

What if my depression is tied to work stress or a major life change?

Therapy can help you process these events, develop coping strategies, and find steadier ground. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Will you do EMDR for depression?

For some clients, particularly when depression is rooted in unresolved painful experiences, I may integrate EMDR therapy in Washington, DC alongside other approaches. EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge of those memories so they no longer fuel hopelessness or self-criticism.

Is online depression counseling available in DC?

Yes. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions for clients in DC and PSYPACT states, so you can access therapy in the way that works best for you.

How do I choose the right depression therapist in Washington, DC?

Look for someone experienced, compassionate, and genuine. The therapeutic relationship itself is often the most healing part of the process.

What if I don’t feel ready for therapy?

That’s okay. Sometimes the first step is simply reaching out to explore your options. We’ll go at a pace that feels manageable.

 

“The journey of discovery comes not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” - Marcel Proust

Many different emotional difficulties can contribute to depression. When anxiety interferes with our ability to pursue what’s important to us, depression often ensues. Trauma can radically alter our worldview in ways that fuel depression. Depression often coexists with low self-esteem and body image issues that make it hard to see ourselves in a positive light. People who are depressed may sometimes feel irritable and struggle to control their anger. Complicated and unresolved grief can lead to symptoms of depression.