Depression Counseling in Orange County, California

Depression can present differently for different people. The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Some people feel deep sadness. Others feel numb, irritable, or emotionally shut down. If any of the following feels familiar, you're not alone, and support can help.

• Low mood, hopelessness, or feeling emotionally heavy
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Low motivation, procrastination, or feeling “stuck”
• Fatigue, low energy, or feeling drained no matter how much you rest
• Changes in sleep (insomnia, oversleeping) or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mental fog
• Irritability, anger, or feeling easily overwhelmed
• Feeling disconnected, lonely, or like a burden
• Shame, self-criticism, or harsh inner dialogue
• Anxiety alongside depression (see Anxiety Therapy)

Sometimes depression is connected to unresolved trauma, chronic stress, or relational wounds. If your symptoms align with post-traumatic stress, trauma-specific care may be helpful: Trauma & PTSD Therapy.

When someone is depressed, the nervous system is often in a protective state: shut down, collapsed, or conserving energy after too much stress for too long. That’s why “just think positive” rarely helps. We focus on what is realistic, supportive, and regulating.

I integrate somatic work to support regulation and embodiment, Internal Family Systems (IFS) to work with inner parts that feel hopeless, critical, or exhausted, and CBT strategies to challenge depressive thought loops and strengthen daily functioning.

Therapy is collaborative. We move in small, meaningful steps, because depression often responds best to consistent traction rather than big, forced change.

Depression often impacts the basics: sleep, appetite, motivation, relationships, and the ability to feel connected to your own life. Counseling can help you stabilize, understand patterns, and build practical and emotional supports.

• More consistent energy and daily structure that doesn’t feel punishing
• Tools to interrupt spirals of shame, numbness, or hopelessness
• Healthier boundaries and reduced over-functioning (see Life Transitions)
• A kinder inner narrative and less self-criticism
• Improved connection in relationships (see Attachment Therapy)
• Support during grief, major changes, or relational ruptures
• A clearer sense of values and direction (see Intentional Living Coaching)

I provide depression counseling for adults and teens. Some clients come in experiencing long-term depression. Others are dealing with situational depression tied to transitions, burnout, grief, relationship stress, or trauma history.

If depression is affecting your relationship, couples support may also help: Couples Counseling. If the family system is impacted, family work may be appropriate: Family Therapy.

Sessions are 50–60 minutes. We’ll start by understanding how depression is showing up for you: emotionally, cognitively, relationally, and physically. From there, we’ll identify goals that are small enough to be doable and meaningful enough to matter.

Some sessions focus on skills and structure: sleep support, behavioral activation, boundaries, and coping tools. Other sessions focus on deeper patterns: grief, trauma, attachment wounds, and the internal parts that hold hopelessness or self-blame. Most are both.

Depression counseling is available in-person in Mission Viejo. Clients also come from Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo.

Online sessions are available across California through secure telehealth, which can be especially helpful when depression makes leaving home feel difficult: Online Therapy.

• Private pay practice
• Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement
• Free 15-minute phone consultation

A free 15-minute phone consultation is available if you’d like to explore fit. We’ll talk briefly about what you’ve been experiencing, what you’ve tried so far, and what support could look like moving forward.

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you need crisis support, you can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.