Psychotherapy Today - Nadine La Fleur, Psy.D.
Therapy for Adults, Adolescents, Geriatrics, Couples, & Families
Nadine La Fleur, Psy.D.
Therapist and Counselor
San Luis Obispo, CA
805-709-PSYD[7793]
drlafleur@psychotherapytoday.com

Providing counseling and therapy in and around:
Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles, CA | California
Depression
Depression is defined as a mood or affect manifested by subjective phenomena such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, self-critical thoughts, and diminished interest in outside activities. In addition to the mental content there may be psychomotor activities that become slow and individuals will experience general lassitude, fatigue, diminished sexual drive, anorexia, constipation and insomnia (especially in the early morning).  Somes there is an inceased need for sleep and overeating may replace anorexia.  There may also be an inability to think clearly or effectively.

What can you do about this?

First, a complete physical exam from your physician is of upmost importance to rule out any serious physical conditions that may be causing your depression.

Second,  if the above is not a concern then contacting a psychologist is the next step.  There are several different types of orientations that psychologists can specialize in.  I will name three of the most effective for depression:  psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalytic therapy and cognitive behavariol therapy.  Since each individual is unique it is hard to say which is the best type of therapy.  At times it may be one or a combination of all three.  All of these types of therapies take well grounded knowledge, study and experience in order to effectively use them to help individuals.

Third,  your psychologist should have a list of well qualified psychiatrists in case it is believed that medication is necessary.  This is not to say that it is permanent but rather to help the individual to have some relief while working through their depression.  In other words; only enough medication to take 'the edge off' so to speak.  In this way an individual can work effectively without feeling drowsy or overdosed.  It is important that your psychologist works closely with the psychiatrist to insure that the medication is condusive to allowing effective psychotherapeutic progress to take place.