Depression Therapy
Depression therapy at Hearts Aligned Therapy helps clients break free from the persistent sadness, low energy, and hopelessness that characterize depressive disorders. Steven Makulinski, LMFT uses an integrative approach combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation, and interpersonal therapy techniques to help clients challenge negative thought patterns, re-engage with meaningful activities, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a sense of purpose. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the root causes of depression and develop lasting strategies for recovery.
What to Expect
Recognizing the Signs of Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad — it is a persistent condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. Common signs of depression include prolonged sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue and low energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and thoughts of death or self-harm. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, professional depression therapy can help. Hearts Aligned Therapy in Rockwall, TX provides compassionate, effective treatment for depression.
How Depression Therapy Works
Depression therapy at Hearts Aligned Therapy uses evidence-based approaches proven to effectively treat depressive disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel depression, such as all-or-nothing thinking, self-blame, and hopelessness. Behavioral Activation focuses on gradually re-engaging with activities that bring a sense of accomplishment and pleasure, counteracting the withdrawal and inactivity that worsen depression. Steven Makulinski tailors the approach to your specific experience of depression.
The Role of Relationships in Depression Recovery
Depression often strains relationships, and relationship difficulties can worsen depression, creating a painful cycle. At Hearts Aligned Therapy, Steven Makulinski addresses the interpersonal dimension of depression by helping clients communicate their needs to loved ones, rebuild social connections, set healthy boundaries, and repair relationships affected by depressive withdrawal. Strengthening your support system is a critical component of sustainable recovery from depression.
Types of Depression We Treat
Hearts Aligned Therapy provides treatment for various forms of depression including major depressive disorder, characterized by severe symptoms that interfere with daily life; persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), involving chronic low-grade depression lasting two years or more; seasonal affective disorder, related to seasonal changes in light exposure; postpartum depression, occurring after childbirth; and situational depression, triggered by specific life events such as divorce, job loss, or bereavement. Each type is treated with an approach tailored to its specific characteristics.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
One of the most challenging aspects of depression is that the condition itself can make it feel impossible to seek help. The low motivation, hopelessness, and fatigue of depression often prevent people from reaching out for support. At Hearts Aligned Therapy, Steven Makulinski understands this barrier and strives to make the process of starting therapy as simple and welcoming as possible. A single phone call or email is all it takes to begin. You do not need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to take one small step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a session to discuss how depression therapy can help you.