The dynamics behind depression often include a negative spiral of thought, difficulty accepting and expressing intense feelings, a sense of being trapped or heavy with few good alternatives. Depression in men looks more like anger than the sadness more commonly seen in women. Grief and Loss, while appearing similar to Depression, is often more situational and time-limited, yet no less painful.

Family Resilience therapists work to help another choice emerge – to practice self-care, to advocate for yourself, to practice moving physically and emotionally. We’ll work to expand alternatives, express anger or help decide on a more effective course of action. We can add elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you accept your life, while Somatic Experiencing principles will help you understand your body’s reactions.  Imagine life feeling lighter!

Grieving is a normal process we will all go through at some point in our lives, but if it lasts longer than 18 months after a loss or is interfering in a person’s life significantly, please consider getting support.  The system can go into shut down, losing valuable years just "surviving".  Placing a loss in its context and finding its meaning for the next part of your life can lead to significant renewal.  Physical movement can start to restore a sense of life moving on.

The most effective, proven treatments for depression are a combination of cognitive-behavioral, mind-body and other therapies along with medication. If meds are indicated, the staff from The Family Resilience Group will work with your doctors to monitor med reactions and answer questions.  Or, you may choose to free yourself from medication. Somatic Experiencing (see Blogs) treatment especially helps with this.  We have been curious and investigating the cutting edge of brain medicine, working with a variety of doctors to discover what works.  Did you know, for example, that mineral deficiencies may be worsening your depression?  Call us to start feeling different.  

To schedule an initial appointment or request additional information, click here.

“If I feel like crap when I come here, I almost always feel better when I leave!” –MA, Libertyville (Susan’s client)
“Even though I have only been seeing my therapist for a couple of months now, I feel comfortable talking. I have noticed myself feeling more positive and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” —JC, Rolling Meadows