In-Person or Virtual options available.

now accepting new Clients

(503) 841-2142

In-person or Virtual Options are Available | Now Accepting New Clients

(503) 841-2142

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”
—Benjamin Spock

Individual & Career Counseling:
$85.00–95.00/ Session
Payment is required at the beginning of each session, unless special arrangements are made in advance.

Counseling Rates

Depression often feels like being trapped in a dark cloud, unable to escape the weight of sadness and hopelessness. It can affect every part of your life—your relationships, work, and even your sense of self. Many people describe it as being stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts that feel impossible to break.

Life changes, such as losing a loved one, starting a new job, or navigating a breakup, can trigger these feelings. For some, it’s tied to chemical changes in the brain. Whatever the cause, depression counseling can help you find relief and rediscover joy in your life.

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other cognitive or narrative approaches, you’ll gain tools to:

  • Identify and challenge the intrusive thoughts that fuel your depression.
  • Develop coping strategies to manage low moods and regain motivation.
  • Build self-confidence and find purpose in everyday activities.

Depression may feel overwhelming, but with support, you can take back control and start to heal. Let’s work together to create a brighter future.

What Is Depression and How Can Counseling Help?

Breaking Free from the Weight of Depression

Depression can make every day feel like being trapped in an endless maze. Whether it’s the weight of sadness, the loss of motivation, or the overwhelming sense of isolation, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it on your own. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, Angelie guides you toward relief, understanding, and renewed hope.

Proudly Serving Tigard, Lake Oswego, and the Greater Portland Area

Find Hope and Healing with Depression Counseling

Cancellations must be made 24-48 hours in advance to avoid full charges.

Cancellation Policy

Clients wishing to use their insurance will be provided a Statement of Service so they may bill their insurance company directly. Please note the reimbursable amount is set by the insurance company.

Insurance

If you have additional questions, visit my Contact Page to learn more.

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Typical session length is 50 minutes. Pillars of Hope Counseling also offers 90 minute sessions for couples who may need longer times. Family sessions are 90 minutes.

Rates

  • Sleeping more than usual or feeling perpetually tired.
  • A lack of appetite or disinterest in food.
  • Strong feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
  • A loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once loved.
  • Crying for no reason or feeling emotionally numb.
  • Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or anger.
  • Thoughts of death or dying that feel difficult to escape.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression affects both your mind and body, but it doesn’t define who you are. With the right support, you can overcome these challenges and take steps toward healing. Let’s work together to help you rediscover hope and create the life you deserve.
Depression can stem from a variety of factors, including:
  • Difficult life events like loss or heartbreak.
  • Job loss or work-related stresses.
  • Moving to a new city or adjusting to major changes.
  • Low self-esteem or struggles with identity.
  • Serious medical challenges or chemical changes in the brain.

Causes of Depression

  • Learn to challenge false beliefs and reframe negative thoughts into empowering ones.
  • Develop practical skills to reduce sadness and create moments of joy.
  • Build self-confidence through guided activities tailored to your goals.
  • Cultivate a sense of purpose by identifying small, meaningful steps forward.

Benefits of Depression Counseling

Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, leaving you isolated and disconnected from the life you want to live. Through depression counseling, you’ll gain the tools to reduce feelings of loneliness and unworthiness, helping you rebuild confidence and find joy again.

Rediscovering Self-Worth and Joy

How Depression Counseling Can Bring Positive Change

Tailored Counseling for Your Unique Challenges

Depression isn’t the same for everyone. It takes many forms, each with its own challenges and symptoms. Understanding your specific type of depression is the first step in finding relief and creating a plan for healing. Through depression counseling, we’ll develop a personalized approach to help you move forward.

Understanding the Different Types of Depression

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Deciding to seek help for depression is a brave and empowering step. It shows your strength and commitment to finding relief and reclaiming your life. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way, offering compassionate guidance and personalized support.

Here’s how to get started:

You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s work together to create a brighter, more hopeful future.

Your Journey to Hope and Renewal Starts Here

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

MDD is the most common form of depression, characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness. It can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, or working, and often isolates individuals from family and friends.

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What It Feels Like

With depression counseling, you’ll gain tools to manage these emotions, address triggers, and reconnect with the people and activities that bring meaning to your life.

How Counseling Helps

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

PDD involves a low, dark mood that lingers for two years or more. Although symptoms might not feel as intense as MDD, the chronic nature of PDD can leave individuals feeling stuck and unable to see a way forward.

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What It Feels Like

Counseling focuses on reframing negative thoughts, creating realistic goals, activity scheduling, and developing other strategies to find moments of joy and progress, even in the face of long-term challenges.

How Counseling Helps

Postpartum Depression

This form of depression can occur one to six months after giving birth, with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and exhaustion often taking center stage. Hormonal changes and sleep deprivation exacerbate these emotions, making it difficult to care for yourself or your family.

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What It Feels Like

Through depression counseling, we’ll address these overwhelming feelings, build self-compassion, and develop strategies to navigate the challenges of motherhood with confidence and support.

How Counseling Helps

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes, often starting in the fall and continuing through the winter months. It’s common in areas with limited sunlight, like the Pacific Northwest, and symptoms include low energy, sadness, and difficulty staying motivated.

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What It Feels Like

Counseling provides tools to combat the effects of seasonal depression, such as building routines, increasing exposure to light, and developing coping strategies to maintain energy and motivation during the darker months.

How Counseling Helps

Every type of depression requires a unique approach, and together, we’ll create a personalized plan to address your needs and help you feel more like yourself again. Let’s take the first step toward healing.

In addition to depression counseling, these daily habits can help reduce symptoms and create a foundation for healing:

  1. Workout daily: Physical activity boosts mood and energy levels.
  2. Eat healthy foods: Nutrition plays a key role in emotional well-being.
  3. Engage in a favorite activity: Doing something you enjoy can help rekindle positive emotions.
  4. Create a daily schedule: Having a routine provides structure and purpose.
  5. Write out coping cards: Use these reminders to reframe thoughts in challenging moments.
  6. Set one goal per day: Focus on small, achievable steps to build confidence.
  7. Look for daily positives:  Reflecting on the good moments can shift your perspective.

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Developing Tools to Reduce Symptoms and Reclaim Joy

How Depression Counseling Brings Relief and Renewal

Depression can feel like an endless cycle, but together, we’ll create a plan to break free. Through depression counseling, Angelie will develop coping strategies tailored to your needs, helping you rediscover joy and a sense of purpose in your life.

Tips to Reduce Depression

Through these strategies and counseling support, you’ll gain the tools to reduce sadness and find a renewed sense of hope. Together, we’ll work to create meaningful changes that lead to a brighter future.
  • Building Coping Strategies: We’ll focus on small, actionable goals to create a sense of accomplishment and build momentum toward positive change.
  • Reframing Negative Thoughts: Together, we’ll identify thoughts and feelings tied to your depression and work to replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives.
  • Finding Root Causes: By exploring the underlying factors contributing to your depression, we’ll create strategies to address these concerns and build resilience.
  • Incorporating Activity Scheduling: Together, we’ll build a plan to do activities to combat feelings of sadness purposefully.

Key Steps in Depression Counseling

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Take the Brave Step Toward Hope

Choosing to seek counseling for depression is a courageous decision, and it marks the beginning of a path toward renewal and relief. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I’m here to guide you with empathy, support, and proven techniques tailored to your needs.

Here’s how to get started:

Let’s work together to overcome the challenges of depression and create a brighter, more fulfilling future for you.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

 FAQs: Depression Counseling at Pillars of Hope Counseling

Overcoming Depression and Rediscovering Joy

Depression counseling provides support and strategies to help you move forward with hope. These FAQs offer insights into what to expect and how therapy can help you work through feelings of sadness, fatigue, and disconnection.

1. Which therapy is considered the best for depression?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective therapies for depression. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I use CBT alongside Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavorial Therapy (REBT), and mindfulness techniques to help clients reframe negative thoughts, build coping skills, and foster emotional resilience.

2. What counseling theory is best for depression?

CBT is a cornerstone of depression counseling, focusing on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns. My approach also integrates mindfulness and solution-focused strategies to create a well-rounded plan for healing.

3. Is it worth going to therapy for depression?

Absolutely. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings, understand the root causes of depression, and develop tools to navigate life more effectively. Many clients at Pillars of Hope Counseling experience significant improvements in their mood and overall well-being.

4. How can I get free help with anxiety and depression?

While I offer professional counseling services at a set fee, there are free resources available, such as community support groups and crisis hotlines. However, personalized counseling provides deeper insights and tailored strategies for lasting relief.

5. What are 5 coping skills for depression?

Coping skills I often recommend include:
  1. Daily physical activity to boost mood and energy.
  2. Mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce overwhelm.
  3. Setting small, achievable goals to build momentum.
  4. Journaling to process emotions and reflect on progress.
  5. Social connection to reduce isolation and foster support.

6. What are the four main causes of depression?

Common causes of depression include:
  1. Biological factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain.
  2. Life changes, like the loss of a loved one or a major transition.
  3. Chronic stress, often related to work or personal relationships.
  4. Low self-esteem, which can develop from past experiences or trauma.

7. How to get out of depression without medication?

While medication can be helpful for some, many individuals find relief through counseling, lifestyle changes, and building coping skills. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I focus on practical strategies like CBT, DBT, and REBT, mindfulness, and setting achievable goals to help clients manage depression naturally.

8. What do most doctors prescribe for depression?

Many doctors prescribe antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs. While I do not prescribe medication, I often work alongside medical providers to ensure clients receive comprehensive care. Counseling complements medication by addressing thought patterns and emotional challenges directly.

Have more questions or ready to start your journey toward healing?
Contact Angelie today to take the first step toward healing and growth.