Feeling stuck in a loop of sadness, worry, or hopelessness isn’t just exhausting—it’s lonely. If you’re living with depression, anxiety, or both, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this path by yourself. I’m Sara, a licensed therapist in San Francisco, and my work centers around helping people just like you find relief, connection, and meaning again.
This post is for anyone who’s curious about how therapy can support the recovery process from depression and anxiety. Whether you’ve been struggling for years or just starting to notice something feels “off,” therapy offers a safe, compassionate space to begin healing.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
Though different in many ways, depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. You might feel like your mind is constantly racing and simultaneously weighed down by sadness or fatigue. These experiences can impact sleep, relationships, productivity, and your overall sense of self-worth.
Common signs include:
- For Depression: persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep.
- For Anxiety: excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and fear that something bad might happen.
You might feel like no one understands. Or maybe you’ve even started to believe that this is just how life is going to be now. But it doesn’t have to be.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers more than coping strategies (though those are important too). It offers:
- Connection: a judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
- Clarity: a deeper understanding of the patterns and triggers affecting your mental health.
- Tools: practical strategies to manage symptoms and build emotional resilience.
- Support: someone walking beside you as you figure things out at your pace.
Different approaches can be tailored to your needs. I use several evidence-based methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that feed anxiety and depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Focuses on helping you accept your emotions and take values-driven action.
Mindfulness Therapy
Promotes calm, presence, and self-compassion through breath and awareness techniques.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
For those whose anxiety or depression may be rooted in past trauma, abuse, or complex experiences.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about reconnecting with who you are underneath the pain.
In our work together, you might:
- Discover how your early experiences shaped your current patterns
- Learn to quiet your inner critic and build self-compassion
- Explore meaningful goals and how to take small steps toward them
- Practice emotional regulation and grounding skills
Progress isn’t linear. Some days will feel easier than others. But over time, you’ll start to notice a shift: more space between your thoughts, less intensity to your emotions, and more energy for the things that matter to you.
Personalized Care for Every Story
I believe therapy should be as unique as you are. That’s why I offer a wide range of services:
- Individual Therapy
- Online Therapy for convenience and flexibility
- Group Therapy for connection and shared support
- Therapy Intensives for deep, focused work
- Care Coordination if you need support navigating medication, psychiatry, or other services
I also work with individuals navigating complex identities, life transitions, or unique needs:
Getting Started with Therapy in San Francisco
If you’re in or near San Francisco, therapy is more accessible than ever. You can explore options, schedule a free consult, or simply learn more about how I work:
A Final Note
Living with depression or anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human. And healing is possible, no matter how long you’ve been struggling. Therapy can be a turning point—a quiet, steady space where you begin to feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to talk, I’m here.
Let’s take that first step together.
Explore Services or Reach Out to learn more about working with me.