Blue Heron Therapy
Judi D'Agostino LCSW LCADC
A New Beginning: Honoring Your Past, Energizing Your Present, And Creating Your Future.

"There is hope even if your brain tells you otherwise" John Green
Depression: It’s more than just feeling sad
​
Have you noticed that lately you have been feeling more disinterested in life and not really connected to what you are doing? Perhaps activities that used to bring you happiness no longer provide relief and contentment. Maybe you have been isolating yourself socially or avoiding family and friends who care about you. Or do you cry more often or feel over-sensitive, irritable? Are your sleep patterns and appetite disturbed? Maybe you ruminate more in your thoughts?
Even in moments when you feel yourself drifting through daily life, disconnected from things that once mattered and searching for lost joy, hope quietly remains. While social gatherings may seem daunting and, withdrawing from others feels easier, the fact that you notice these changes shows your deep capacity for self-awareness and healing. Emotions—whether tears come more easily or you find yourself more sensitive—are not signs of weakness, but signals that your heart is reaching for relief. Disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, or spiraling thoughts can feel overwhelming, yet these are experiences you do not have to face alone. With support, compassion, and the right tools, it is possible to rediscover lightness and meaning, to gently ease despair, and to welcome hope back into your life.​
​
This is where our sessions together become invaluable: I offer a safe and nurturing space in which you can express what you’re experiencing, explore your emotions, and begin to move toward meaningful change. Together, we focus not only on relieving symptoms, but also on renewing a sense of connection, purpose, and hope.
​
Imagine the cloud of depression lifting, your ruminating thoughts are gradually easing and you are feeling lighter, more focused, with increased motivation to engage in what is most important to you.​
​

Therapy for Depression
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” Socrates​​​​​​​​​
Why Seeking Treatment for Depression Matters
Being able to recognize symptoms of depression allows you to be able to reach out faster for the help you deserve. Taking steps to address depression is not only an act of courage, but also a vital investment in your overall well-being. Professional support empowers you to navigate challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and restore a sense of purpose and vitality to your life. Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based approaches, treatment offers the opportunity to regain stability, strengthen resilience, and foster lasting emotional health.
​
Common Symptoms of Depression:
-
Loss of interest in experiences that once brought pleasure, including work and hobbies
-
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or a pervasive sense of emptiness that linger and don’t fade easily
-
Difficulties with concentration, increased indecisiveness, or trouble remembering details
-
Poor sleep—whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or rarely feeling rested
-
Noticeable changes in appetite
-
Feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, or harsh self-judgment
-
Thoughts of hopelessness, self-harm, or suicide
If you are in crises or have suicidal thoughts, it's important to reach out for help immediately. Call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.​
​
How my approach can help:
​
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression:​
-
CBT is a well-researched, highly effective form of therapy that focuses directly on identifying, challenging, and transforming negative thought patterns with more balanced thoughts and actions.
-
This approach helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
-
CBT empowers you with practical strategies to shift your mindset and improve your mood.
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation skills with CBT:
-
Mindfulness practices help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judgment.
-
This gentle awareness allows you to notice negative thoughts as they arise, giving you space to respond with greater clarity rather than feeling overwhelmed.
-
Relaxation techniques—such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery—help reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety that often accompany depression.
-
By regularly practicing these skills, you retrain your body and mind to find moments of calm, even during difficult times.
​
Imagine engaging in healthier relationships, hobbies and interests again. You are creating a healthier belief system of what will work best in your life based on creative balance.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” Wayne Dwyer
Start your journey today
Click below to schedule a consultation today