You can overcome depression.

Depression Counseling for Young Adults & Teens

Struggling with Depression? I’m Here to Help You Reclaim Your Life

Depression can be overwhelming, and it often feels like it’s taking control of your life. If you’re battling persistent sadness, loss of motivation, or a sense of hopelessness, you're not alone. Depression can impact every area of your life, making it hard to engage with the activities you once enjoyed, feel connected to the people you love, or experience a sense of purpose.

It’s not uncommon for depression to make you feel disconnected from yourself—your body, your emotions, and even your sense of identity. The weight of these feelings can make even the smallest tasks seem insurmountable, and you may find yourself withdrawing from the world around you. What’s more, when anxiety is layered on top of depression, it can feel like a constant battle—one that leaves you wondering if there’s any way out.

I want you to know that there is a way out. You don’t have to face depression alone, and you don’t have to simply accept it as part of your life. Whether your depression began after a recent loss, a traumatic event, or it’s been something you’ve struggled with on and off for years, healing is possible. It’s important to remember that depression doesn’t define who you are—it’s something you’re experiencing, but it doesn’t have to last forever.

Why Depression Feels So Challenging

The effects of depression are far-reaching. You may feel emotionally numb, disconnected, or unable to find joy in anything. Your body might feel exhausted, even when you’ve had enough sleep. Or, perhaps you’ve tried therapy before but didn’t experience lasting results. That can leave you feeling discouraged, thinking that maybe nothing will ever help. But I’m here to tell you that the key to overcoming depression might not lie solely in changing your thoughts.

Research has shown that our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are all deeply interconnected. When we focus only on thoughts or emotions in isolation, we often miss a crucial part of the healing process: the body. Your nervous system, which is responsible for processing and regulating stress and emotions, plays a pivotal role in how you experience depression. That’s why traditional talk therapy alone might not be enough.

A Holistic Approach to Healing Depression

In my work with clients, I integrate traditional talk therapy with somatic and experiential approaches to help you heal on a deeper level. Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, addressing how past experiences are stored in the body and how physical sensations impact your emotional and mental states. By understanding and healing these connections, we can create lasting change and help you manage—and ultimately overcome—depression.

Together, we will work to:

  • Regulate Your Nervous System: Depression can trigger a dysregulated nervous system, leading to feelings of helplessness and overwhelm. Using techniques that soothe your nervous system, such as mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding exercises, we can help you restore a sense of calm and control over your emotional experiences.

  • Process Unresolved Emotions: Often, depression is not just about what's happening in the present moment, but how unresolved emotions or past traumas are affecting you today. I use experiential therapies, like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), to help you access and release past emotions, allowing you to process old wounds and create space for healing.

  • Reconnect with Your Body: Many people who struggle with depression feel disconnected from their bodies. Somatic practices such as body-mind psychotherapy and dance therapy allow you to tune into your body’s wisdom, release physical tension, and reestablish a sense of embodiment and presence.

The Power of Somatic and Experiential Therapies

If you've been to therapy before and felt frustrated or discouraged by a lack of progress, experiential therapies may be a better fit for you. Depression is often deeply rooted in our body’s responses to stress and unresolved emotional experiences. By working with both your mind and body, we can create more profound and lasting healing.

I offer several modalities to help you on your journey:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): This approach helps you explore different parts of yourself—the parts that may be stuck in old patterns of thought or behavior. By working with these parts, we can release emotional burdens and cultivate a healthier relationship with yourself.

  • Somatic Therapy: This modality focuses on bodily sensations and uses gentle techniques to release the effects of trauma and stress stored in the body, helping you reconnect with your physical presence and emotional well-being.

  • Dance Therapy: Movement can be a powerful tool for expressing emotions and releasing tension. Dance therapy allows you to use the body's natural movements to process feelings that may be hard to express verbally.

  • Nervous System Regulation: Using a combination of mindfulness, grounding techniques, and breathing exercises, we’ll work together to regulate your nervous system, helping you return to a more balanced state where you can manage anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms more effectively.

What You Can Expect in Therapy

Everyone’s experience with depression is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why, in our sessions, we’ll work together to develop a plan that’s tailored to your unique needs and goals. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and I’ll always check in with you to ensure you feel safe and supported as we explore different therapeutic modalities.

In therapy, you can expect:

  • A Safe, Compassionate Space: Healing starts in a space where you feel heard and understood. I create a non-judgmental environment where you can bring all parts of yourself—your struggles, fears, and hopes—and know that they are welcome.

  • Collaboration and Empowerment: Therapy is a partnership. I’ll guide you through the healing process, but ultimately, you are the expert of your own life. We’ll work together to identify patterns, build coping strategies, and empower you to create meaningful change.

  • Real Progress: Many clients come to me feeling like they’ve tried everything without seeing results. With a blend of traditional talk therapy and somatic healing techniques, we’ll address the root causes of your depression and build lasting solutions for your well-being.

Depression Shows Up Differently for Everyone

For some, depression can feel like a heavy fog that clouds every part of life. You may feel numb, disconnected, or like you’re just going through the motions. Others may experience depression through intense feelings of anxiety, racing thoughts, or irritability that debilitate them from taking action. You might feel stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk and shame, or you may lose interest in things that once brought you joy.

Regardless of how your depression manifests, what you’re going through makes sense given your life experiences. You don’t need to feel ashamed or guilty about how you’re feeling. You’re not broken, and healing is possible. Together, we can uncover what’s keeping you stuck and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling again.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Are you ready to take the first step in breaking free from the grip of depression? You don’t have to face this challenge alone. I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work to uncover the root causes of your depression, build lasting coping strategies, and help you reclaim your life.

If you're ready to start your healing journey, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can work together to bring balance back to your life. You deserve to live a life of connection, meaning, and joy—and I’ll help you get there.


Let’s Connect

Call or Text Rachael at(719) 900-2575

Or fill out the form below to get the conversation started.

Colorado Springs Counselor
  • Online & In-Person

    You can choose between meeting on telehealth, in person at the office, or a hybrid of both.

  • Whole-Person Approach

    My approach blends traditional talk therapy with the latest research in neuroscience and the mind/body connection, which supports a body and movement-based therapy style.

  • A roadmap for your journey into self

    You are in the driver’s seat of your own healing and learning. I’m here to provide maps, tools, structure, and support on your journey.