Takeaway: It’s hard to watch your loved one struggle or experience depression yourself. Thankfully, therapy can help. Our expert NJ depression therapists are here to give you the support and guidance you and your family members need to start feeling better. Get in touch today to learn more.
Understanding depression
For some people, depression can fully take over their ability to function. For others, it can be a deep-seated experience that goes unnoticed to others.
Each person’s experience with depression is unique, which is why our highly trained therapists tailor their treatment to your specific strengths, needs, and goals. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that fits your situation.
If you’re not sure whether you or your loved one is experiencing depression, here’s a look at some common depression symptoms.
- Low mood
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- No longer enjoying activities you/they used to
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Appetite changes
- Physical health symptoms like unexplained aches and pains
These are just some of the symptoms that come along with clinical depression.
And remember, you don’t need to have “severe” depression or an existing diagnosis of major depressive disorder to benefit from therapy. Since our team is a private pay practice, we’re happy to give you the support you need without relying on approval from a doctor or insurance company.
Meet 5 top-rated depression therapists in New Jersey
Kerri Adams, LPC, RPT, MARI, EMDR
Co-Owner, Child & Family Therapist
Kerri’s background working in psychiatric hospitals has given her a unique understanding of many mental health conditions, including depression. She uses mindfulness and meditation along with other evidence-based tools to help her clients thrive.
- Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree from New Jersey City University
- Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Family Trauma, Mindfulness and Meditation, Perinatal Mental Health, Performance Anxiety, Sports-Related Anxiety
Christina Eromenok, LCSW, RPT
Co-Owner, Child & Family Therapist
Christina has a background in helping children and families navigate the special education system. She also has experience working with traumatized children. She is passionate about giving families the understanding and support they need to navigate challenges together.
- Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University
- Modalities Used: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Children with Disabilities, Navigating the Special Education Process, Trauma
Rachel Prager, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
Rachel’s experience helping families in diverse settings has solidified her passion for helping clients become their best selves. Though therapy takes work, Rachel strives to make it fun for her clients and cultivates a warm, supportive environment.
- Credentials: New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW), New York Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
Beth Mitatov, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
Beth has worked with children and teens in different school settings, and she’s passionate about using her creativity to help her clients find unique solutions. Beth enjoys helping kids and families navigate a wide range of life’s challenges.
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Specialty Areas: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Grief and Loss
Veronika Midthassel, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
Veronika’s varied professional experience has given her a unique skill set for helping children, teens, adolescents, and families. She loves helping her clients tap into their specific strengths, and she believes it’s important to work closely with families to facilitate her clients’ growth.
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
FAQs about depression therapy
What can a therapist do to help depression?
If you’re new to therapy, you may wonder what exactly a therapist does. While each therapist is different, our team at Love Play Grow takes an active, engaged approach to therapy. We won’t just sit there without saying anything like you might see therapists do in the movies or on TV.
Instead, we ask questions, engage in play, and use active listening skills to make sure you feel heard and understood. We also use evidence-based methods to help you learn more about yourself, explore and express your feelings, and find coping skills.
Which type of therapy is often used to treat depression?
Therapists use all kinds of different techniques for treating depression. Our clinicians use a combination of methods, including play therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and more.
Other therapists might use different approaches, like interpersonal therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and more.
Typically, therapists will blend treatment modalities to customize the therapy experience to each client’s specific situation and goals. We find that this tailored approach helps our clients get the most out of our time together.
Is therapy worth it for depression?
Yes! Depression is a serious mental illness that can significantly impact a person’s relationships, overall well-being, and quality of life if left untreated. Thankfully, talk therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment that helps improve symptoms for most people.
It can feel intimidating to reach out for help, especially if this is your first time seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one. Rest assured, you deserve support, and we’re here to help without judgment.
Connect with us today to start finding relief from depression.
If you or your loved one is struggling, know that you don’t need to go through this alone. Partnering with a mental health professional can give you the support and guidance you need during this tough time.
We provide professional, compassionate depression treatment for children, teens, adolescents, families, and adults of all ages, and we’d be honored to support you as well. We offer both online therapy and in-person therapy sessions at our two convenient office locations.
Reach out today to start the process and take the first steps toward feeling better.
