What Depression Really Looks Like

Depression isn’t always obvious. It can show up in subtle or complex ways, and often, people suffering from it don’t even realize they’re depressed. At Awakenly, we recognize the wide range of symptoms depression can bring:

• Constant fatigue or low energy

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Feeling numb, hopeless, or emotionally flat

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame

• Irritability or increased emotional sensitivity

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

Whether you’ve been struggling for years or depression is something new, you are not alone. Depression is a real, treatable condition—and therapy is one of the most effective ways to begin feeling better.

How Depression Therapy Can Help

Working with a skilled therapist can help you better understand the emotional and physical toll of depression, process what you're experiencing, and take meaningful steps toward healing. At Awakenly, depression therapy focuses on:

• Identifying emotional and behavioral patterns contributing to low mood

• Reconnecting with a sense of purpose, desire, and vitality

• Addressing internalized shame, guilt, or negative self-image

• Building coping tools for navigating low-energy days

• Reprocessing trauma that may be fueling depressive symptoms

• Strengthening your sense of self-worth and agency

Our therapists meet with clients virtually across PA, NY, and AZ, ensuring you can access care from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Our Treatment Approaches for Depression

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for treating depression. That’s why our therapists draw from a variety of evidence-based and holistic modalities to address your experience from multiple angles. We integrate Somatic Therapy, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy to support your emotional, cognitive, and physical healing.

1. Somatic Therapy for Depression: Reconnecting with the Body

Many people with depression feel cut off from their bodies—like they’re going through the motions without really “being there.” Somatic therapy focuses on helping you reconnect with your physical self and tune into the body’s signals and sensations in a safe and mindful way.

Through practices like grounding, gentle movement, breathwork, and body awareness, somatic therapy helps release emotional tension held in the body. Depression often involves a shutdown in the nervous system, and somatic approaches can help reawaken internal energy and support a felt sense of aliveness.

This approach is especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, frozen, or fatigued and are looking to heal on a deeper, more embodied level.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building Skills for Emotional Resilience

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that empowers you to handle emotional pain and build a more stable and fulfilling life. DBT is especially effective when depression is accompanied by:

• Emotional dysregulation

• Self-harm urges or suicidal ideation

• Chronic shame or self-criticism

• Relationship instability

Our DBT-informed therapists help you develop skills in four key areas:

• Mindfulness – Becoming more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment

• Distress Tolerance – Learning how to survive emotional crises without making things worse

• Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing overwhelming emotions

• Interpersonal Effectiveness – Building stronger, more balanced relationships

These skills support long-term change and create a more compassionate and empowered relationship with yourself.

3. Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring the Root Causes of Depression

Depression often has roots in our early experiences, relationship dynamics, and unconscious beliefs. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring these deeper layers of your emotional life to foster lasting healing and insight.

Through a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship, you’ll begin to:

• Uncover hidden patterns driving your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Understand the influence of past relationships or unmet emotional needs

• Examine your self-concept and internalized messages about worth or failure

• Explore unresolved grief, trauma, or loss

This process can lead to profound shifts—not just in how you feel, but in how you see yourself and move through the world.

Who We Help

Awakenly therapists work with adults and young adults experiencing all forms of depression, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Postpartum Depression

• Depression related to trauma or chronic stress

• High-functioning depression (where everything looks "fine" on the outside)

We also support clients facing co-occurring issues like anxiety, trauma, grief, burnout, and life transitions. If you’re not sure what you’re experiencing, that’s okay—we’ll help you figure it out together.

Why Choose Awakenly for Depression Therapy?

When you’re dealing with depression, taking the first step toward help can feel daunting. At Awakenly, we’re committed to making the process easier and more supportive from the very beginning.

Here’s what makes our practice different:

• Skilled, licensed therapists with expertise in depression and mood disorders

• Virtual sessions that fit your schedule and lifestyle

• Trauma-informed, inclusive care that honors your unique background and needs

• Integrated treatment using somatic, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches

• Services available in PA, NY, and AZ, so you can get help no matter where you live

• A client-centered philosophy that puts your goals and comfort first

We believe that healing is possible—and we’re here to help you find your way back to connection, meaning, and emotional freedom.

Starting Therapy for Depression: What to Expect

Taking the leap to start therapy is a powerful act of self-care. Here’s how to get started with depression therapy at Awakenly:

1. Reach Out for a Free Consultation – Our team will help you get matched with the right therapist based on your needs and preferences.

2. Attend Your First Session – Meet virtually with your therapist in a safe, judgment-free space.

3. Begin the Work of Healing – Together, you’ll explore your experience of depression and begin building tools for relief and growth.

All sessions are conducted online via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, so you can attend therapy from your home, office, or any private space. Whether you're in Pennsylvania (PA), New York (NY), or Arizona (AZ), Awakenly makes high-quality therapy accessible and convenient.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

Depression can convince you that nothing will help, but the truth is: healing is possible. With the right support, you can reconnect with your inner strength, regain your sense of purpose, and build a life that feels worth living.

At Awakenly, our compassionate therapists are here to walk alongside you—wherever you are on your journey.

Reach out today to schedule your free consultation. Our virtual depression therapy services are available in PA, NY, and AZ, and we’re ready to help you take the first step toward a more hopeful tomorrow.