Melissa W Cooper
California # 141326
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Find Your Path to Healing From Depression
A path forward from depression in Culver City, Playa Vista, Westminster, El Segundo, and Manhattan Beach
What Is Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects your thoughts, behaviors, and daily life. Symptoms can include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of motivation
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Sleep or appetite changes
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please reach out. I know how it can interfere with normal life and have a great deal of experience and training helping people find their path forward. Seeking professional support is a courageous first step.
How Therapy can Help
As a licensed therapist specializing in depression, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions and uncover the root causes of your distress.
My Approach to Depression Therapy
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I create a safe space where you will be seen and your story will be heard. It is important because everyone’s experience with depression is unique and your story is important.
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Once I know your story, we will co-create goals and I will introduce some basic skills to help you manage emotions. Some tools that I found helpful include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Practices
Somatic Practices
Healthy Life Style Practices
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Once you have a basic understanding of the tools available to manage your emotions, we explore the underlying reasons for your depression. These could be existential, trauma-related, inherited in your DNA, or something else. Helpful tools include:
Depth (Jungian) Practices
Somatic Practices
Dream Work
Art
Mythology
Who Can Experience Depression?
Depression impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It can be caused by a combination of factors, and each person's experience with it can be unique because the causes are often complex and can involve a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
On the Blog
“Standing alone today demands even more courage and strength than it did in former cultures. From infancy, children have been programmed to perform. Rather than living from their own needs and feelings, they learn to assess situations in order to please others. ”
FAQs
Your Questions About Depression Answered Here:
What causes depression?
Depression is a complex condition stemming from genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences. Life events such as trauma or chronic stress can also trigger or worsen symptoms. That is why understanding the origins is crucial for effective treatment.
How do I know if need therapy for depression?
If you feel persistently sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or withdrawn for more than two weeks, therapy could help. Other signs include changes in sleep or appetite, trouble concentrating, or loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.
Does therapy really help with Depression?
Yes. Research consistently shows that therapy — especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches — is effective for treating depression. Many people experience significant improvement, especially when therapy is combined with other treatments like medication or lifestyle changes.
How long does therapy for depression usually take?
It depends on the person and the severity of depression. Some improve in as few as 6–12 sessions; others may need several months or more. It’s not always a quick fix — but with consistency, it often helps.
Can I do therapy and take medication at the same time?
Yes, and this combination is often the most effective for moderate to severe depression. I often work alongside psychiatrists or primary care doctors.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out for personalized support