Depression Therapy
in Cary, NC

Is Your Child or Teen Struggling With Depression?

Children:

Increased irritability, clinginess
Frequent crying, poor concentration
Headaches, stomach aches
More withdrawn
Oppositional defiance that may be misinterpreted as a behavior issue rather than a sign of distress
Academic challenges

Have you noticed that your child no longer seems interested in the things they once loved?

Do they spend more time alone, seem unusually irritable or withdrawn, or have trouble finding joy in everyday life?

Have you tried encouraging them only to find that their sadness, negative self-talk, or low self-esteem doesn't seem to improve?

Depression looks different in children and teens than adults. Because depression doesn’t always look the same in young people, it’s often overlooked.

Teens:

Heightened irritability
Anger and mood swings rather than classic sadness
Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches-may present as laziness
Appetite, weight changes
Insomnia
Unexplained physical complaints
Persistent boredom
Risk taking behavior
Sudden drop in academic performance
Extremely sensitive to criticism
Withdraw from family but may maintain a small group of friends or rapidly change friend groups
Non-suicidal injury including self-cutting
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Watching your child struggle with depression can leave you feeling worried, helpless, and unsure of what to do next.

The good news is that your child doesn't have to face depression alone. With the support of a compassionate therapist, they can begin to understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and rediscover hope, confidence, and joy.

Depression Can Have Many Underlying Causes

Depression in children and teens can develop for many different reasons, including

A family history of depression or other mental health concerns
Stressful life events or major changes
Bullying or difficulties with friends
Trauma, abuse, or adverse childhood experiences
Grief and loss
Academic pressure or struggles at school
Chronic medical conditions or certain medications

If you've been wondering whether what you're seeing is "just a phase," trusting your instincts is important. Early support can make a meaningful difference.

Depression Can Make It Hard To Ask For Help

One of the most difficult parts of depression is that it often convinces children and teens that nothing will ever get better. They may not have the words to explain how they're feeling, or they may worry that no one will understand.

As a parent, you may have tried everything you can think of—offering reassurance, encouraging activities they used to enjoy, or simply giving them space. When nothing seems to help, it's easy to wonder what else you should be doing.

The truth is, depression isn't something children can simply "snap out of." It's not caused by laziness, a lack of gratitude, or poor parenting.

Seeking therapy isn't a sign that you've failed your child. It's a loving step toward giving them the support they need to heal.

What You Can Expect During Counseling

Your first appointment is an opportunity to share your concerns and help me understand what your child has been experiencing.

As therapy progresses, we'll help your child build emotional awareness, healthy coping skills, confidence, and resilience. We'll also partner with you by providing guidance and practical strategies you can use to support your child at home.

Our goal is to provide your child with a safe, supportive space where they feel accepted, understood, and free to express themselves without fear of judgment.

For younger children, therapy often uses play, creative activities, and age-appropriate conversations to help them express emotions they may not yet have words for.

Depression Therapy Can Help Your Child Feel Like Themselves Again

What You Can Expect

During your first sessions, your therapist will spend time getting to know your child, learning about their unique challenges, and understanding how depression is affecting your family.

Together, you'll:

● Explore what's contributing to your child's Depression

● Identify situations that trigger depressive thoughts or behaviors

● Develop realistic goals for treatment

● Create a personalized plan that fits your child's age, personality, and needs

Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT is part of the evidence-based standard for the treatment of depression. CBT involves working with a therapist to identify thought and behavior patterns that are contributing to depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT is a similar approach that is designed to provide the individual with a set of life skills including mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Behavioral therapy is also used to encourage rewarding activities to reverse the patterns of avoidance caused by depression.

As therapy progresses, your child will begin learning healthy ways to manage depression, express difficult emotions, and face challenges with greater confidence. Many parents also notice improvements in family relationships as everyone gains a better understanding of depression and how to respond to it.

Contact Me

For teens, therapy offers a confidential space where they can talk openly about what's been weighing on them while learning healthier ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions.

Throughout the process, you'll remain an important part of your child's healing journey. We work collaboratively with parents while respecting your child's developmental needs and privacy.

Rather than simply treating symptoms, we focus on understanding what's contributing to your child's depression so we can create a treatment plan that fits their unique personality, strengths, and circumstances.

Schedule a Free Consultation