Depression Counseling in Madison, WI

We experience depression as mental self-criticism, emotional flatness, numbness, physical heaviness, pain, and slowness. Depression is caused by avoiding painful emotions related to loss and change. The avoidance results in build-up of unresolved conflict and loss; it is our body’s way of saying, “I can’t keep avoiding my emotions and my fears.” We can’t just “choose” to stop being depressed. 

When we avoid painful emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness, we become chronically anxious and lose connection with our body sensations. The more we avoid our own emotions, the more we become cut off and disconnected from the people and the world around us. At first, this distance decreases our anxiety, making us feel safer. However, this safety is only temporary. It is replaced by feelings of isolation, disconnection and loneliness. We eventually become so used to the isolation, we get stuck and forget how to return to a state of emotional connection, leading us into depression.

Therapy Can Help Ease Depression

To recover from depression, we must begin to counter the avoidance behaviors that caused us to become depressed. We must find the motivation and courage to choose to feel the painful and scary emotions we have been actively avoiding. We must decide to let another person into our world of distrust, disconnection, and numbness. If we are willing to feel some of the painful emotions within the context of a healthy and supportive therapeutic relationship, then the pain will heal our past.

As Madison therapists experienced with depression, we are not afraid to meet you in your depression, teach you how to trust, listen to your pain, and lead you back to your vibrant emotionally-connected self. Schedule a free phone call to see if we connect well with you, or request a visit to our downtown Madison counseling office.

Contact Our Madison Therapy Team

To schedule a free 20-minute consultation, click the button below to reach our contact form. We’ll schedule a time to talk, where we can answer your questions and see if we’re a good fit for each other.