Therapy for Depression in Chicago
Identity-affirming and neuro-affirming care in an inclusive environment in Logan Square and Avondale
Depression can make you feel alone, even when you’re surrounded by people.
Common symptoms of depression include:
persistent low mood or emptiness
loss of interest in things once enjoyed
fatigue
changes in sleep or appetite
difficulty concentrating
feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Depression can be triggered by a specific event (loss, major life change, trauma) or can emerge gradually without an obvious cause.
It can be challenging and vulnerable to accept that you struggle with depression and need help; therapists at Common Thread Counseling Chicago can offer support.
Our Approach to Therapy for Depression
We can provide a consistent, structured space to work through depression.
Through individual therapy, we can help identify contributing factors to how you’re feeling - whether it's a specific stressor, a thinking pattern, a relational dynamic, or something from your past - and work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets you where you’re at.
In our sessions, we will work on:
identifying and challenging distorted or negative thought patterns
strategies to rebuild engagement with life even when motivation is low
self-compassion to counter negative self-talk
sleep and routine stabilization
distress tolerance for difficult emotional periods
communication skills for expressing needs to others rather than withdrawing
Some approaches we might use include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - one of the most researched approaches for depression, focused on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns and their connection to mood and behavior.
Behavioral activation - directly targets the withdrawal and inactivity common in depression by gradually reintroducing meaningful or pleasurable activities.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) - focuses on how relationships and role transitions (grief, conflict, life changes) contribute to depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - helps build psychological flexibility, making room for difficult emotions while still moving toward valued actions.
Psychodynamic therapy - explores earlier life experiences and relational patterns that may underlie current depressive symptoms.
