Depression Counseling in Newport Beach: A New Perspective

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, December 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Licensed counselor Jennifer De Francisco, LCSW, announced today that she will be offering a psychodynamic approach to treating individuals in need of depression counseling in Orange County. In 14 years as a therapist, De Francisco has found that for many depressive patients, a combination of drug treatment and psychotherapeutic counseling is most effective for depression and the unbearable and unrelenting sadness that accompanies it.

"Clinical depression is not just a 'case of the blues' that patients can work through on their own or simply 'snap out of it' or get over it and move on," says De Francisco. "Many depressed people fundamentally believe they are bad, and often are overcome by feelings of dread, which can lead to overwhelming sense of helplessness and hopelessness."

Clinical depression, sometimes described as "anger turned inward," is marked by unremitting and extremely painful symptoms, including:

- Sadness;
- lack of energy;
- anhedonia (an inability to enjoy ordinary pleasures);
- problems eating; and
- difficulty sleeping.

Causes of depression vary greatly between individual to individual, and may the experience of premature loss, especially in childhood. Many depressed people experience early and repeated loss in childhood. Other causes of depression linked to childhood include broken family systems or being the child of a parent who is/was depressed.

"Children are profoundly affected by parental depression," says De Francisco. "They feel emotionally deprived and guilty for making normal emotional demands. Ultimately, they come to believe that they are emotionally exhausting, heavy, and overwhelming to others."

According to De Francisco, the most important condition for therapy with a depressed person is the precondition of acceptance, compassion and respect, with an effort to understand their unique experience.

"It's ironic that the holiday season is a time when many depressed people feel their symptoms most acutely," says De Francisco. "I want to make sure people know they are not alone, that there is someone to talk to who not only can empathize and understand what they are going through, but also show a way out."

Those interested in Newport Beach depression therapy or other counseling services in Orange County can call 949-251-8797 or visit www.jenniferdefrancisco.com/schedule-appointment/ for more information or to schedule an appointment.

About Jennifer De Francisco
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience, Jennifer De Francisco specializes in Orange County couples therapy, separation, and divorce therapy for individuals and couples. A graduate of the University of Southern California with degrees in Pubic Administration and Social Work, she works with a broad spectrum of clients at her private counseling practice in Newport Beach, California. De Francisco is bilingual in Spanish, and works with diverse ethnic populations. She has conducted workshops throughout the Orange County area including Divorce Recovery, Child Abuse Reporting, and Improving Relationships. Learn more at www.jenniferdefrancisco.com/about/.

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