Understanding Depression and Anxiety: How Therapy Can Help
posted: Aug. 22, 2025.
Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Pasadena, CA
By Dr. Rakel Delevi, Licensed Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health challenges individuals face today. Whether you’re a teen struggling with school pressures or an adult feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, these conditions can deeply affect your quality of life. The good news? You're not alone — and support is available.
As a therapist in Pasadena, CA, I specialize in working with both adolescents and adults dealing with depression and anxiety. Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I help clients gain clarity, build coping skills, and create real, lasting change.
What Depression Can Look Like
Depression isn’t just sadness — it's a persistent feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, or disconnection that makes daily life feel hard. You might experience:
Lack of energy or motivation
Changes in sleep or appetite
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Withdrawing from friends or activities
Many people silently live with these symptoms, believing they should "snap out of it" or “just be stronger.” But depression is not a personal failure — it’s a treatable condition.
What About Anxiety?
Anxiety often shows up as constant worry, fear, or nervousness — even when there's no clear threat. Common symptoms include:
Racing thoughts or trouble sleeping
Panic attacks or shortness of breath
Restlessness or feeling "on edge"
Avoiding situations due to fear or discomfort
When anxiety takes over, it can interfere with school, work, relationships, and your ability to feel present.
How Therapy Can Help
In therapy, we work together to explore the root causes of what you’re feeling. Using CBT, we identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to depression and anxiety. EMDR is especially helpful for clients whose symptoms are connected to past trauma or overwhelming experiences.
Therapy is not about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you understand yourself better, reconnect with your strengths, and move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Finding Support in Pasadena, CA
If you’re searching for a therapist for depression or anxiety in Pasadena, I invite you to reach out. I provide a warm, non-judgmental space where healing can happen at your own pace. Whether you're an adult managing chronic stress or a teen navigating the pressures of growing up, help is within reach.
Ready to Begin? Let’s Talk
You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to support you.
📞 Call me at 310-993-3640
💻 Or contact me online
Dr. Rakel Delevi
Licensed Therapist – Pasadena, CA
Specializing in Depression, Anxiety, CBT, and EMDR Therapy