Depression Therapy in Wellesley, MA

Absolutely. Depression doesn't always look like staying in bed or crying every day. Many people continue going to work, caring for their families, and meeting their responsibilities while privately struggling with low mood, exhaustion, loss of motivation, or a sense that they're simply going through the motions. Others describe feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from activities they used to enjoy.

Because they are still functioning, they often tell themselves they "should be able to handle it" or that they don't deserve help because someone else has it worse.

Depression exists on a spectrum, and you don't have to reach a crisis point before seeking support. If you are finding it harder to enjoy life, connect with others, or feel like yourself, therapy can help you better understand what's happening and begin moving toward feeling more engaged and hopeful again. Many people are surprised to learn that high-functioning depression, perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout often overlap, which is why treatment is always tailored to your unique experiences and goals.

Burnout and depression can look very similar, which is why many people have difficulty telling them apart. Burnout is typically related to prolonged stress. You may feel emotionally exhausted, detached, overwhelmed, and as though you have nothing left to give. Often, those feelings are closely connected to work, caregiving, or other ongoing demands.

Depression usually extends beyond one area of life. It can affect your mood, motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships, and your ability to experience pleasure, even during activities you once enjoyed.

Sometimes burnout leads to depression, and sometimes depression contributes to burnout. During therapy, we will explore your symptoms, identify the factors contributing to how you are feeling, and develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique situation rather than assuming one diagnosis explains everything.

Yes. Sadness is only one possible symptom of depression. Many people experience depression as constant fatigue, irritability, feeling emotionally flat, difficulty concentrating, or losing interest in hobbies and relationships. Others say they feel disconnected from themselves or like they're simply surviving each day instead of fully living it.

Some clients even tell me they can still laugh or enjoy occasional moments, which makes them question whether they are "depressed enough." In reality, depression can fluctuate from day to day and doesn't affect everyone in the same way.

Therapy provides space to explore what you are experiencing without judgment and to better understand whether depression, chronic stress, grief, anxiety, or another challenge may be contributing to how you feel.

Loss of motivation is one of the most frustrating symptoms of depression because it creates a difficult cycle. The less motivated you feel, the less likely you are to engage in activities that improve mood. The fewer meaningful activities you engage in, the lower your mood often becomes.

One of the approaches I frequently incorporate is behavioral activation, which focuses on taking small, intentional steps before waiting to feel motivated. Research consistently shows that action often comes before motivation, not the other way around.

Together, we will identify manageable changes that fit your current level of energy while also addressing the thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Progress doesn't happen overnight, but small, consistent changes often lead to meaningful improvements over time.

Not necessarily. For some people, therapy alone is highly effective. For others, medication, therapy, or a combination of both may provide the greatest benefit. The right approach depends on your symptoms, history, preferences, and overall goals.

If medication might be helpful, I am happy to discuss that with you and collaborate with your primary care physician or psychiatrist if appropriate. My role is never to pressure you into one particular treatment, but to help you make informed decisions based on your individual needs.

Whether or not medication is part of your treatment, therapy focuses on helping you develop practical coping skills, improve self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and reconnect with the parts of your life that feel meaningful.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, how your symptoms have been affecting your daily life, what has been helpful in the past, and what you hope will be different moving forward.

Rather than jumping straight into solving every problem, we will begin identifying the areas that feel most important to you and develop a plan together. My approach is collaborative, practical, and individualized. You don't need to have all the answers before you come in. We will work together to make sense of what you are experiencing and identify realistic next steps.

I provide depression therapy in person from my office in Wellesley, Massachusetts, as well as secure online therapy for adults throughout Massachusetts.

Whether we meet in person or virtually, my goal is to create a supportive space where you can better understand your experiences, develop practical coping strategies, and begin feeling more connected to yourself and your life again.