Embodied Integrations Psychotherapy and Coaching
Dennis Guyvan, MA, LPCC. Individual Therapy and Coaching in Denver, CO and Online
Depression Therapy
Do you struggle with depression?
It isn't "just being pessimistic"!
I Understand Your Struggle
I've been there too. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through each day when every day feels like an uphill battle.
It Isn't "Just Being Pessimistic"
Depression isn't just a "negative thinking" pattern problem — it's about the very real physiological response of your nervous system. It can be incredibly invalidating to hear that depression is merely a negative thinking problem, especially when you feel it intensely in your body. This misconception can leave you feeling misunderstood and alone in your struggles.
The Real Reason
The real reason behind depression is being stuck in a "freeze" nervous system state. Our nervous system has three primary states:
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freeze
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fight and flight
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safety and connection
Depression is your nervous system's inability to shift from the "freeze" response (a natural reaction to perceived threats) to the "safety and connection" state. When you're in the freeze state, your body is in a shutdown mode, making it incredibly hard to find motivation and joy.
The Solution: Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy helps you "shift your nervous system gear" into the "safety and connection" state. Unlike cognitive approaches that focus solely on changing thoughts, somatic therapy works directly with your nervous system to bring about lasting change. Somatic therapy addresses the root cause of depression at a physiological level using a more holistic and natural way of working with depression.
How Somatic Therapy Might Look Like in Session
My style of coaching is very down-to-earth and usually includes three key elements:
1. Awareness of sensations: Recognizing the physical sensations of depression, such as heaviness in the body, fatigue, or numbness. By becoming aware of these sensations, you can begin to understand how depression manifests in your body and start to take control.
2. Nervous system shift: Processing depression and the underlying emotions to transition your nervous system into a state of "calm and connection." This involves working through the emotions and experiences that trigger your depression, allowing you to release pent-up stress and tension.
3. Mind and body integration: Integrating your thoughts and feelings after the release, leading to a harmonious balance between your mind and body. This step is crucial for maintaining the changes you've made and ensuring that you can handle future stressors with greater ease.
Your future without depression
Imagine a life without depression—a life where you feel calm, motivated, and connected. You can pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy your life without the constant shadow of depression. Picture waking up each day with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that you have the tools and resilience to handle whatever comes your way.
Take the first step!
Take the first step towards your more peaceful future. Schedule a free consultation today and discover how somatic therapy can transform your life! Together, we can unlock your potential and help you thrive in ways you never thought possible.
I am here to support you on this journey. I want to offer you a safe, compassionate, courageous, and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today to begin your journey to lasting relief from depression!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Depression be a symptom of unprocessed underlying emotions and traumas? Depression is like a signal from your body and mind, urging you to attend to areas in your life that need understanding and healing. It's not merely a blanket of sadness; it serves a purpose. Depression can manifest in various forms, from a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities to persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair. Each of these manifestations is your body's way of communicating with you. Here's where you come in: It's essential to listen to what your depression is trying to convey. Often, depression is a reaction to deeper, unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. These underlying issues are the root causes of your depression. Instead of merely managing the symptoms, it's time to address these root causes. This is where somatic therapy, the approach we employ, becomes your invaluable companion. SOMATIC THERAPY: YOUR PATH TO ROOT CAUSE RESOLUTION Somatic therapy is a transformative and effective modality that empowers you to address the root cause of your depression, rather than merely managing its symptoms. It recognizes the profound connection between your body and mind and understands that emotional experiences are not confined to your thoughts and feelings. Your body plays a significant role in processing and retaining emotions. In your journey to depression therapy in Denver, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach. It enables you to explore the intricate connection between your body, mind, and emotions. By doing so, you can access the root causes of your depression, paving the way for deep healing and lasting relief. THE INFLUENCE OF UNPROCESSED EMOTIONS Unprocessed emotions are often the driving force behind depression. These emotions may stem from past experiences, such as unresolved conflicts, childhood traumas, or significant life events. Some of these feelings may have been set aside because you lacked the tools or support to address them at the time. When you don't attend to them, they accumulate, creating an emotional burden. Your body responds to this burden by triggering depression, acting as a signal that unresolved issues require your attention. Depression is your body's way of saying, "Please pay attention, something needs your care." Somatic therapy understands that these unprocessed emotions are stored within your body, often as tension or discomfort. It provides a safe and supportive space for you to explore and release these emotions, enabling your body to let go of the emotional baggage it has been carrying. This process is not just about symptom management; it's about getting to the root causes and achieving authentic healing. THE LINGERING IMPACT OF UNRESOLVED TRAUMA Unresolved trauma can also be a significant contributor to depression. Traumatic experiences can leave profound imprints on your nervous system, influencing your emotional and physical well-being. Whether it's a single traumatic incident or a series of distressing events, trauma can cast a long shadow over your life. Your body and nervous system retain trauma in a way that your conscious mind might not fully grasp. Trauma can lead to a heightened state of alertness, hypervigilance, and intense emotional reactions, all of which can contribute to depression. Unresolved trauma is akin to an open wound, continuously impacting your sense of safety and well-being. Somatic therapy provides a specialized space to process and heal from trauma. It recognizes that trauma is not merely a story you tell; it's an experience that resides within your body. Through somatic techniques, you can access and release the stored trauma, allowing your nervous system to return to a state of balance and regulation. This profound healing process transcends symptom management and offers you the opportunity to reclaim your life. YOUR JOURNEY WITH SOMATIC THERAPY IN DENVER Envision your journey through depression therapy with somatic therapy as a voyage of self-discovery and healing. Here's what you can anticipate along the way: 1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT Your journey commences with an initial assessment. This is the opportunity for us to understand the specific challenges you face with depression, including any underlying emotions and traumas. Together, we'll craft a personalized treatment plan designed to address your unique needs and objectives. 2. BUILDING AWARENESS Somatic therapy places a strong emphasis on self-awareness. You'll learn to tune into the sensations within your body, discovering how they correspond to your emotions. This heightened awareness becomes a powerful tool for recognizing and addressing unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas. 3. EXPLORING EMOTIONS Within our therapeutic sanctuary, you'll begin to explore your emotions and their somatic manifestations. You'll identify where tension or discomfort resides within your body, and together, we'll gently navigate through these sensations. This process enables you to access and process the unprocessed emotions that underlie your depression. 4. RELEASING AND HEALING As you engage in somatic therapy, you'll find the opportunity to release and heal. Unprocessed emotions and unresolved trauma will find a pathway to expression and resolution. This process empowers you to let go of emotional burdens and transform your relationship with depression. 5. DEVELOPING COPING STRATEGIES Somatic therapy equips you with practical coping strategies to manage depression in your day-to-day life. These strategies are rooted in your newfound self-awareness and emotional regulation, enabling you to respond to depression in healthier and more effective ways. 6. ACHIEVING LASTING RELIEF The ultimate objective of somatic therapy is to assist you in achieving lasting relief from depression. By addressing the root causes and fostering genuine healing, you can experience a profound transformation. Instead of managing symptoms, you can progress towards a life where depression no longer defines your existence. YOUR DECISION TO HEAL Your decision to embark on the journey of depression therapy in Denver with somatic therapy is a powerful and transformative choice. It's an investment in your well-being, an opportunity to address the root causes of your depression, and a pathway to lasting relief. By acknowledging that depression often results from deeper, unprocessed emotions and traumas, you're taking a significant step toward healing. I am here to support you on this journey. We provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for your healing process. Together, we'll explore the depths of your emotions, release the burdens you've carried for so long, and guide you towards a life beyond depression—where joy, fulfillment, and well-being are not distant dreams but your daily reality. The path to healing is within your reach. Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us today to embark on your journey to lasting relief from depression in Denver. Your healing and transformation await.SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!
