Treatment for Depression
Amy Parks, LCPC-Therapy in Maryland
Therapy for Depression throughout Maryland
Depression Therapy in MarylandDepression is more than feeling sad. It is the exhaustion that follows you from morning to night. It is the things you used to love that no longer feel worth doing. It is the quiet voice that tells you things will not get better, that you are too far behind, that getting out of bed is more effort than it is worth. Depression distorts the way you see yourself, the world, and the future — and it is remarkably good at convincing you there is no way out. But there is. Depression is a highly treatable mental health condition, and with the right support, things can and do change. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and I work with adults who are living with depression — helping them move from surviving to genuinely feeling alive again.
Recognizing the signs of depression
Depression looks different from person to person. It is not always the tearfulness and withdrawal that most people picture. Sometimes it is numbness, irritability, or a grinding sense of emptiness. Common signs include:
- Persistent low mood or emotional numbness lasting more than two weeks
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed
- Significant fatigue and low energy — even simple tasks can feel like climbing a mountain
- Changes in sleep: either difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, or sleeping far more than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or excessive guilt
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and social situations
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Crisis resources:
If you are currently in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
My approach to treating depression
I believe treating depression requires addressing both the mind and the body. Isolation and inactivity are among the most powerful forces keeping depression in place, and therapy helps you build momentum — small step by small step — toward re-engagement with your life.
Behavioral Activation
One of the most effective early tools in depression treatment is behavioral activation: gently increasing engagement with meaningful activities, even before motivation returns. Motivation typically follows action, not the other way around. Together we identify small, realistic steps that can begin to shift your mood and energy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Depression generates a powerful negative filter through which you see everything — yourself, other people, the future. CBT helps you identify these distorted thought patterns and challenge them with more accurate, compassionate perspectives. Over time, this process loosens depression's grip on how you interpret your experience.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
DBT offers practical skills for tolerating difficult emotions, managing distress without making things worse, and improving relationships. These are particularly valuable when depression makes everything feel overwhelming.
Collaborative care
I am happy to collaborate with your psychiatrist or primary care provider to coordinate your overall treatment plan. Therapy and medication work best together for many people, and I take a team-based approach when that is relevant to your care.
What to expect in sessions
Our work together begins with a thorough intake conversation where I take time understand your history, your symptoms, and — just as importantly — your strengths and values. From there, I tailor each session to where you are. Some sessions are skills-focused — learning and practicing specific tools. Others are more exploratory, looking at the roots of your depression and the patterns that keep it going. All sessions are conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth, so you can access support from the comfort of your own home anywhere in Maryland.
Ready to get started?
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can get to know each other before you schedule your first session. Reach out today to take that first step.
