Know the Signs of Depression
Persistent Sadness
Loss of Interest
Appetite or Sleep Changes
Chronic Fatigue/Low Energy
Feelings of Worthlessness
Feeling Hopeless
Helping You Find Light & Reconnect with Life
Lift the Heaviness
Gently work through the exhaustion and numbness so you can feel lighter and more present.
Quiet Your Inner Critic
Change the voice of self-blame into one of self-compassion and understanding.
Rediscover Hope & Joy
Reconnect with the parts of you that hold joy, purpose, and a sense of hope for the future.
Build Authentic Self-Worth
Heal the underlying wounds that fuel depression and uncover your inherent worthiness and strength.
The feeling of depression is like an impenetrable blanket, depleting one of energy and creating a sense of disconnection from the surrounding environment. It is more than just sadness; it is deep, crushing emptiness and hopelessness. This state of being, viewed from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, is not evidence proving you are broken; rather, it can be the work of protective parts of you that feel they have to keep you safe by numbing your feelings in order to spare you pain. I know, as a Certified IFS Therapist, that trying to eliminate that numbness or sadness is working against it; instead, we will approach it with gentle curiosity to heal underlying wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
My approach to therapy is grounded in a compassionate and respectful perspective called Internal Family Systems (IFS). I don’t believe that you are sick or broken. Instead, I see the challenges you face, like the weight of depression, as the work of protective parts of you trying their best to keep you safe.
Got questions about how I help you find your way back to the light? Find all the answers here.
I barely have the energy to do anything. How can I start therapy?
I understand completely. The first step is often the hardest. Our initial sessions will be gentle, and we will move at a pace that honors your energy levels. Just showing up is a courageous first step, and I am here to meet you where you are.
I feel more numb than sad. Is that still depression?
Yes. Numbness is a very common feature of depression. It’s often a protective part’s way of preventing you from feeling emotions that seem too overwhelming. We can work to understand this part and help you safely reconnect with your full range of feelings.
How is this different from just talking about how bad I feel?
Being heard is very important, but going deeper is what we want to do. Instead of just talking about the feelings, we will get to know the parts of you holding them. This allows us to heal the root causes of the pain, not just manage the symptoms.
What if a part of me doesn't want to get better?
That is a pretty insightful question indeed. There are parts of us are usually considered to be frightened of changes, even if they’re positive ones. In IFS, we honor that resistance. We would listen to the part that is hesitant and understand its fears, ensuring all of you feel safe as you heal.
My inner critic is so loud. Can that really change?
For sure. In truth, such criticism within yourself is attempting to intervene on your behalf-invariably with its skewed notion of right and wrong, usually to prevent mistakes or hurt. Our work involves understanding its wanting-to-protect-me intention in an attempt to tone down its critical scheme and acquire a motivational approach.
An Approach to Gently Lift the Weight
Understand the Protective Parts
I help you see that numbness or self-criticism are parts of you trying to manage deep pain, not a reflection of your true self.
Connect with Your Core Self
Using IFS, I guide you in accessing your compassionate core, which has the strength and warmth to heal your burdened parts.
Unburden Old Pain
We work together as a team to gently release the underlying sadness, grief, or loneliness that fuels the depression.
Meet Your Compassionate Therapist
Dr Arlene Brewster
Licensed Certified ISF Therapist
Stories of Hope and Rediscovering Life
Here are some heartfelt words from people who have walked this path. I hope their stories of reconnection and growth bring you comfort and inspiration for your own journey ahead.
For years, I felt like I was living behind a thick wall of glass, numb and disconnected from everyone. Dr. Brewster helped me understand that this numbness was a part of me trying to protect me from more pain. By gently getting to know it, the wall started to come down, and I’m feeling things again, good things.”
– Michael P
Client
My inner critic was relentless, telling me I was a failure. I thought that was just me. In therapy, I learned it was a part of me that was terrified of rejection. Dr. Brewster helped me show that part compassion, and the voice has become so much quieter. It’s been life-changing.”
Laura B
Client
Depression had stolen all my motivation. I just felt hopeless. The IFS approach helped me find the wounded younger part of me that had given up. By offering it the care it never got, I’ve slowly felt my own energy and sense of purpose returning.
Steven C
Client
I didn’t think I could ever feel truly happy again. Therapy with Dr. Brewster wasn’t about forcing positivity; it was about making space for my sadness. Paradoxically, by accepting it, the sadness began to lift, making room for joy to naturally re-enter my life.
Emily R
Client
Ready to Reconnect with Your Life?
It’s possible to find your way through the darkness and feel hopeful again.
Let’s explore how therapy can help.