Top-Rated Pasadena Depression Therapist
Highly Experienced Depression Therapist in PASADENA
Do you ever feel like you're on top of your game professionally, yet something feels off on a personal level?
You might be one of the many successful professionals and high achievers who experience depression. The constant pressure to succeed, the long hours, and the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance can take a toll, even for the most ambitious people.
I'm Dr. Sally Stephens, a licensed clinical psychologist in Pasadena with over 30 years of experience. I specialize in treating depression in professionals and high achievers, helping people like you build fulfilling lives at work, at home, and in your community. I'd be pleased to support you as well.
Understanding depression in professionals & HIGH ACHIEVERS
Maybe you second-guess whether you actually have depression if you can still get out of bed and get through your day. However, it's important to recognize that depression can show up differently in high achievers compared to the general population. You might still be meeting deadlines and achieving goals, but internally, you could be struggling with:
Constant fatigue: You drag yourself through the day despite seemingly getting enough sleep.
Irritability and frustration: You find yourself snapping at colleagues or loved ones over minor things.
Difficulty concentrating: The focus and sharpness you're known for seem to fade, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Loss of motivation: The things that once excited you now feel like burdens.
Feeling numb or emotionally distant: It's hard to connect with others or experience joy.
Chronic pain: Repressed emotional pain can manifest in physical sensations.
These symptoms can be isolating. You might feel like you "shouldn't" be depressed because you're successful on the outside. But the truth is, depression doesn't discriminate. The constant pressure to perform, the long hours, and the neglect of personal needs can all contribute to depression in high achievers.
HOW depression therapy can help
Therapy isn't about diminishing your ambition or drive. It's about helping you achieve a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. I treat depression using a combination of techniques like psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, and CBT.
Here's how therapy with me can help you.
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Discover how to be kinder to yourself, recognize your accomplishments, and build a stronger sense of self-belief, utilizing psychodynamic and psychoanalytic techniques to explore underlying beliefs.
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Learn practical tools to manage the pressure and demands of your professional life without letting it take a toll on your mental well-being.
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Through psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis, you can explore unconscious conflicts and past experiences that may be fueling your depression and hindering your personal growth. This self-exploration can empower you to make positive changes and build a more well-rounded life.
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Discover strategies to create space for activities you enjoy, nurture meaningful relationships, and achieve a sense of balance, employing CBT techniques to develop practical skills for achieving a more balanced lifestyle.
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Therapy can equip you with the tools to navigate setbacks, maintain motivation, and reach your full potential without sacrificing your well-being. CBT can help you identify negative thought patterns that contribute to depression and replace them with more adaptive ones.
By addressing the root causes of your depression and equipping you with practical skills, therapy can empower you to thrive not just professionally, but in all aspects of your life.
Credentials: Ph.D, J.D., Psy.D.
License number: California Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY26995
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Therapy
Years in practice: 38
Meet Dr. Sally Stephens
PASADENA depression therapist
Hi there, I'm Dr. Sally, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience treating major depression and other mental health disorders. My private practice is dedicated to helping high achievers regain peace and reach their full potential.
I understand firsthand the pressures faced by professionals and high achievers. I've experienced my own challenges as I juggled work and family life while navigating career shifts and unexpected turns. These personal and professional experiences have solidified my passion for helping people not just manage depression, but build lives filled with meaning and fulfillment.
Here's a bit more about me.
FAQs about depression therapy
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Yes. People often use the term "depression" as a blanket term to describe all mood disorders, but there are several distinct mood disorders, including
Persistent depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Postpartum depression
Bipolar disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
While understanding your particular form of depression is important, our work will go beyond a diagnosis. We'll work together to understand your unique experience and craft a customized treatment plan to help you find relief.
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Yes, different forms of depression can sometimes co-occur with other conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, and more.
I'm well-equipped to help people experiencing multiple mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma-related disorders. However, if you're experiencing severe depression, you may benefit from receiving more intensive care before engaging in outpatient individual therapy.
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Deciding to start therapy is a personal choice, and it's normal to have some reservations. Here are some signs that therapy could be beneficial for you:
You're struggling with symptoms of depression that are impacting your daily life.
You feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.
You're having difficulty coping with past experiences or emotional pain.
You feel stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior.
You simply want to improve your self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Ultimately, the decision to start therapy is up to you. If you're curious about how therapy could help, or if any of the signs above resonate with you, a consultation can be a great first step.
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Finding the right therapist—not just any therapist—is key. Here are some essential components to keep in mind:
Credentials: Different therapists have different credentials. A therapist might be a marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, or psychologist. Each has a different framework and may provide different services. Check to see if they specialize in what you're looking for.
Comfort & Communication: During consultations, pay attention to feeling heard and if their communication style feels like a good fit.
Treatment Options: Discuss the therapy methods they use and see if they align with your goals. I provide CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and psychoanalysis. Other therapists might use techniques like EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, or even transcranial magnetic stimulation. Consider which approaches resonate with you.
The right therapist can make a difference. Request a consultation today to see if we're the right fit for each other.
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Yes, therapy is confidential. This means that the information you share with me during our sessions will be kept private, with a few exceptions. Here's a breakdown of confidentiality in therapy:
What is confidential: The details you share about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings in therapy are confidential. This includes your personal history, relationships, and any challenges you're facing.
Exceptions to confidentiality: There are legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. These include situations where there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if a court order mandates the release of information.
Discussing confidentiality: During our first session, we'll discuss confidentiality in detail. I'll explain the exceptions and answer any questions you may have about privacy in therapy.
It's important to feel safe and comfortable when sharing personal information in therapy. By understanding the boundaries of confidentiality, you can feel confident in expressing yourself openly and honestly during your sessions.
