Depression Counseling

In Seattle and the whole State of Washington

Are you struggling with symptoms of depression?

Are you finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Do you sleep for 12 hours and still wake up feeling drained and exhausted? The activities that once brought you joy may now feel dull and uninteresting. Life might seem uninspiring, monotonous, and overwhelming. You want to be present and engaged with your friends, family, and responsibilities, but it feels like you’re running on empty, with nothing left to give. These feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, lack of motivation, and dread may be weighing heavily on you.

It may feel as though a heavy weight is pressing down on you, making even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. You might find yourself pulling away from others, craving connection yet feeling unable to reach out. Moving through life can feel like trying to climb uphill through deep, unrelenting mud, with every step requiring more effort than you have to give. You might find yourself questioning what’s wrong with you, grappling with feelings of guilt and shame. These thoughts may leave you doubting your capabilities, your worth, and whether you are truly deserving of love and belonging.

You Are Not Alone—Lumina Counseling Is Here to Help
If any of this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to face it alone. At Lumina Counseling, we provide a compassionate space where you can explore your emotions, gain clarity, and start feeling like yourself again. Our therapists are here to support you with warmth and understanding, helping you move toward healing and renewal. Depression should never be faced alone. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation—we’re here to walk this path with you.

Depression Counseling - Relief and Healing at Lumina Counseling

  • Depression can be understood as part of your body’s natural healing response. Just as animals instinctively retreat, rest, and conserve energy when they are physically injured, your mind and body may shut down when you are emotionally or psychologically wounded. This withdrawal is your body’s way of signaling that it needs time and care to recover. If you are experiencing the weight of depression, it’s an important moment to pause, listen to what your body and mind are trying to tell you, and seek the support and help you need to begin the healing process.

  • Your experience of depression may be shaped by your cultural background, upbringing, and personal identity, making it unique to you. For some, depression manifests through physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, chronic pain, fatigue, or appetite changes. For others, it may feel like restlessness, agitation, or irritability. Depression often overlaps with other mental health concerns, such as anxiety, trauma, or disordered eating.

    Common signs of depression include:

    • A persistent sense of emptiness, sadness, numbness, hopelessness, or helplessness

    • Struggling to get out of bed

    • Losing interest in activities that once brought joy

    • Feeling a lack of motivation

    • Experiencing shame, guilt, or self-blame

    • Constant fatigue or exhaustion

    • Increased irritability or a quick temper

    • Trouble sleeping or oversleeping

    • Significant changes in appetite or weight

    • Thoughts of self-harm or believing you would be better off gone

    • A sense of restlessness or unease

    • Difficulty focusing, being productive, or completing tasks

    Depression can take many forms, and no matter how it shows up for you, it’s a signal that your mind and body need attention, care, and support.

  • Are the symptoms of depression making it difficult to get through your day-to-day life? Perhaps you’ve tried opening up to friends, leaning on healthy coping strategies, or exploring self-help resources, yet progress feels out of reach. If you’re finding it hard to move forward or sustain the strides you’ve made, it may be time to seek expert support.

    Addressing depression on your own can feel overwhelming. Many factors may contribute to your struggles, including stress, family dynamics, past trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity concerns, the sociopolitical environment, or how you relate to yourself. A skilled therapist can help you explore these layers, uncover the root causes of your depression, and create space for meaningful, lasting change.

    Beginning therapy for depression can feel daunting, even a bit scary. But with the guidance of a compassionate therapist, you can rediscover your sense of self, rebuild your strength, and find renewed purpose and hope in your life.

  • When you start therapy, your therapist will take the time to see and understand you as a whole person. This begins with exploring all aspects of your life—your current challenges, past experiences, family history, relationships, cultural background, sociopolitical context, coping strategies, and the unique strengths and resilience you bring to the table.

    Your therapist will begin by addressing the issues causing you the most distress, focusing on easing your pain and improving your quality of life. Together, you’ll navigate the obstacles holding you back, uncover what’s keeping you stuck, and work toward meaningful change. Therapy is a space where your experiences and insights are valued, allowing you to process emotions, find clarity, and reconnect with your inner wisdom to shape the life you want.

  • Every individual’s goals and measures of progress in therapy are personal and unique. However, there are common signs that depression treatment is making a difference:

    • You’ve gained new insights and perspectives about your life and experiences.

    • You show yourself kindness and compassion, even in difficult moments.

    • You feel equipped with tools to face life’s challenges with confidence.

    • You wake up with a sense of purpose and anticipation for the day ahead.

    • You feel fully present and engaged with the people you care about.

    • Your relationships are becoming more meaningful and deeply connected.

    • You have renewed energy and motivation to pursue your goals.

    • Your outlook on life and the future has shifted to one of hope and possibility.

    • You feel reconnected with yourself and the person you’ve always wanted to be.

  • To get the most out of your depression counseling, consider embracing the following practices:

    • Arrive on time to your sessions, honoring the commitment you’ve made to yourself.

    • Notify your therapist promptly if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

    • Reflect on your thoughts and experiences before each session to guide the conversation.

    • Follow through on assignments or practices suggested by your therapist.

    • Approach therapy with a readiness to make meaningful changes in your life.

    • Be open to honest, constructive feedback as a tool for growth.

    • Step outside your comfort zone and take healthy risks.

    • Experiment with new strategies and approaches to improve your well-being.

    • Integrate what you’ve learned in therapy into your daily life for lasting change.