Therapy for Depression

Effective Treatment and Meaningful Support

Serving clients in Bozeman and via telehealth across Montana

When feelings of sadness last for weeks or months, it can disrupt how we feel and function in everyday life.

We often think of depression as feeling “down,” but how you might experience depression can be different than someone else’s experience. Regardless of how it feels for you, therapy can be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and getting you back to living life on your terms.

If you are experiencing depression, Advanced Counseling Bozeman is here to help.

Understanding Depression

There are several different types of depression, such as Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Postpartum Depression, (Major Depression with peripartum onset). Depression can cause symptoms that include:

  • A constant feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

  • Fatigue or a lack of energy

  • Changes in appetite, such as eating too little or too much, that are brought on by changes in mood

  • Changes in sleeping, such as insomnia or sleeping too much

  • The loss of interest in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy

  • Difficulting concentrating or remembering things

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness

  • Feeling irritable or overwhelmed, even by small challenges

  • Frequent or recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm

  • Physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach or back pain, or chronic pain

Depression can impact people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is never your fault.

It can be caused by a wide number of factors and experiences, including:

  • Biology — how the brain produces and absorbs dopamine, serotonin, and other chemicals and hormones

  • Genetics — having parents or siblings with a history of depression

  • Isolation or rejection from families, friends, and communities

  • Childhood trauma — growing up in an unstable environment, or experiencing challenging and traumatic events before the age of 18

  • Difficult experiences

How We Can Help

“Talk therapy” is the first step in helping with mild to moderate depression. Together, we can work through the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be impacting how you experience everyday life.

We may work through past life events that contribute to how you’re feeling now, and develop skills and your personal toolkit to help you manage symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Whether you’re seeking a particular therapy style, or a supportive therapist that you can connect with, Advanced Counseling Bozeman can help.

Our diverse team of compassionate therapists draw from different modalities — as well as our personal life experiences — to give you support and guidance in working through depression and finding a brighter way forward.