Evidence-Based Therapy
Depression & Burnout
Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted, empty, or stuck — wondering if this is just how life is now. It isn't. Depression is highly treatable, and with the right support, real change is possible.
Is This You?
Depression is more than sadness. You might notice that you've lost interest in things that used to matter, feel irritable or emotionally flat, or find yourself being overly self-critical — nothing you do ever feels good enough.
Depression also affects your body. Sleep, concentration, memory, energy, and appetite are all commonly disrupted. Getting out of bed in the morning can feel like an enormous effort. Hopelessness and despair can make it hard to imagine things ever being different.
How I Treat Depression
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most researched and effective treatments for depression. CBT works by helping you understand the connections between your thoughts, behaviors, emotions, physical responses, and environment — and then making targeted changes that improve how you feel.
Typical treatment looks like this:
Most people benefit from 10–12 sessions, starting weekly and tapering to biweekly or monthly as you improve. Optional 3- and 6-month follow-up sessions can help prevent relapse.
Step 1 — Change what you do Depression often leads to isolation and inactivity, which deepens the depression itself. We identify concrete, manageable behaviors to shift — starting with physical activity and social connection, two of the most powerful mood-changers available.
Step 2 — Identify the thoughts that are hurting you Depressed thinking often sounds like: "I'm worthless," "Nothing will ever change," "No one cares." I help you slow down and notice the thoughts driving your pain — including the ones running quietly in the background that you may not even be aware of.
Step 3 — Challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs The goal isn't forced positivity — it's accuracy. Using proven CBT techniques, we examine the evidence for and against the thoughts keeping you stuck, and we test beliefs through real-life experiments. The result is a more balanced, realistic way of seeing yourself and your situation.
Step 4 — Build new patterns As therapy progresses, we identify additional changes that support your growth — whether that's becoming more assertive, communicating more openly, or learning to ask for what you need.
The Science Behind It
CBT doesn't just change how you think — it actually changes your brain. Research using MRI and other imaging technologies shows that CBT is associated with measurable biological changes in brain functioning. Click here to read more about the research.
A Note on Thoughts of Suicide
Thoughts of suicide or death are more common in depression than most people realize — and they are important to take seriously. You might find yourself thinking that death would bring relief, even if you'd never act on it. If you're holding back from telling someone because you don't want to worry them or feel like a burden, please know that this is exactly what I'm here for. I can help you navigate this conversation, assess risk, and put safety plans in place when needed.
If you are in crisis right now, please reach out immediately:
- 911 — for immediate emergencies
- Capitol Region Mental Health Center — (860) 297-0999 (Hartford area, CT)
- Behavioral Health Network — (413) 733-6661 (Western Massachusetts)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (available anywhere in the US)
- Connecticut residents: Click here to find crisis services near you