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Depression Therapy

Depression and eating disorders are closely intertwined, often reinforcing one another in ways that can feel confusing, exhausting, and isolating. For many individuals, depression does not simply coexist with disordered eating; it shapes how food is used, how the body is experienced, and how worth and identity are defined. Effective treatment must therefore address both conditions together, with care that recognizes the emotional, psychological, and physiological dimensions of each. A mind–body approach is not optional in this context—it is essential.

In practice, therapy for depression is often integrative. Clinicians may combine elements from multiple modalities based on symptom severity, clinical history, and contributing psychological factors. Effective treatment depends on accurate assessment, therapeutic consistency, and alignment between the treatment approach and the underlying drivers of depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most extensively studied treatments for depression. It is based on the principle that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and that persistent negative thinking patterns can maintain depressive symptoms. CBT helps individuals identify distorted or overly rigid beliefs, challenge unhelpful assumptions, and replace them with more balanced ways of thinking. Behavioral strategies are used to reduce avoidance, increase engagement in meaningful activities, and restore daily structure, which is often diminished in depression.

Interpersonal therapy conceptualizes depression as closely tied to relationship stress and life transitions. Treatment focuses on current interpersonal difficulties rather than past experiences, targeting areas such as unresolved grief, role transitions, interpersonal conflict, and social isolation. By improving communication skills, clarifying expectations, and strengthening social supports, IPT aims to reduce depressive symptoms through healthier and more effective relationships.

Psychodynamic therapy addresses depression by exploring underlying emotional conflicts, attachment patterns, and unconscious processes that shape mood and self-esteem. This approach is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic, recurrent, or identity-related depression. Treatment involves examining early relational experiences, recurring emotional themes, and patterns in relationships that contribute to feelings of hopelessness, shame, or emptiness. Insight gained through this process supports longer-term emotional change rather than symptom reduction alone.

Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on changing the individual’s relationship to depressive thoughts and emotions rather than attempting to eliminate them. ACT emphasizes acceptance of internal experiences, mindfulness, and commitment to values-based action. Depression is viewed as intensified by experiential avoidance and rigid attempts to control emotional pain. Therapy supports psychological flexibility, helping individuals engage in meaningful activities even in the presence of difficult emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy is often used when depression co-occurs with significant emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, or chronic suicidality. DBT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Treatment emphasizes skill development in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, providing structured tools to manage intense emotional states that can worsen depressive symptoms.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines mindfulness practices with cognitive strategies to reduce depressive relapse, particularly in individuals with recurrent depression. MBCT helps individuals become more aware of automatic thought patterns and disengage from rumination before it escalates into a depressive episode. By cultivating nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts and emotions, this approach supports long-term mood stability and resilience.

Importantly, effective treatment respects the pace of the individual. Depression often limits energy, concentration, and hope. Pushing for rapid behavioral change without adequate emotional support can increase shame and resistance. A thoughtful, mind–body approach prioritizes stabilization, emotional safety, and consistency over speed. Progress may be subtle at first, but over time it leads to meaningful and lasting change.

At Heal Marin, licensed marriage and family therapist Arin Bass, MFT, works with individuals experiencing depression in the context of eating disorders and body image concerns. Care is grounded in a compassionate, insight-oriented framework that honors the complexity of each person’s experience while addressing both emotional and physical dimensions of healing. Services are provided to adults and adolescents throughout Marin County, including Greenbrae, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Kentfield, Ross, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Tiburon, Fairfax, San Rafael, and Novato.

Recovery from depression and disordered eating is not about achieving a specific body, mood, or version of “normal.” It is about restoring connection—to emotions, to the body, and to a sense of meaning and self-worth that is not defined by food or appearance. With the right therapeutic support, individuals can move toward a more stable mood, a more peaceful relationship with food, and a deeper sense of authenticity.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression alongside disordered eating, professional support can make a meaningful difference. To learn more about therapy services or to schedule a confidential consultation, contact Heal Marin and take the first step toward healing that addresses both mind and body.

At a Glance

Arin Bass, LMFT

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Marin County
  • 20 years of experience
  • IAEDP SF Bay Area Chapter Hospitality Chair
  • Eating Disorder Recovery Support (EDRS) Sponsorship Chair
  • Learn more
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