Depression Treatment in Marietta: Finding the Right Therapist

Depression is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and also one of the most misunderstood. Many people living with depression in Marietta and Cobb County don’t realize that’s what they’re experiencing — because depression doesn’t always look like sadness.

Sometimes depression looks like exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. It looks like going through the motions at work, at home, with your kids, and feeling nothing. It looks like irritability that seems to come out of nowhere, or a slow withdrawal from the people and activities that used to matter to you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, flat, or unlike yourself for weeks or months, it may be worth exploring whether depression is part of the picture. And if it is, effective treatment exists.

What Depression Actually Looks Like

The clinical definition of major depressive disorder involves a persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities, lasting at least two weeks and accompanied by additional symptoms. But lived experience rarely maps neatly onto diagnostic criteria.

Beyond “Feeling Sad”

Depression can manifest as persistent fatigue and low energy, even after a full night’s sleep. You might notice changes in appetite — eating significantly more or less than usual without trying. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things is common. Many people experience a nagging sense of worthlessness or guilt that isn’t connected to anything specific.

Physical symptoms are also part of the picture for many people: headaches, digestive issues, and chronic aches that don’t have a clear medical explanation. Sleep disruption — either insomnia or sleeping far more than usual — is one of the most reliable indicators.

High-Functioning Depression

Some people with depression continue to perform well at work, maintain their households, and show up for their families. From the outside, everything looks fine. On the inside, everything feels heavy. This pattern — sometimes called high-functioning depression or persistent depressive disorder — can go unrecognized for years because the person doesn’t match the stereotype of what “depressed” looks like.

If you’re managing your responsibilities but feel like you’re running on empty, that experience deserves attention too. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from professional support.

How Depression Therapy Works

Therapy for depression isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Peachtree Psychology, your therapist will work with you to understand the roots of your depression and build a treatment approach that fits your specific situation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that depression tends to reinforce — beliefs like “nothing will ever get better,” “I’m a burden,” or “I don’t deserve to be happy.” By examining these thoughts and testing them against reality, CBT helps shift both your thinking and your behavior over time.

Behavioral Activation

When you’re depressed, your instinct is to withdraw. You stop doing the things that used to bring you satisfaction or connection, which makes the depression worse. Behavioral activation reverses this cycle by gradually reintroducing meaningful activities into your routine — not because you feel like it, but because doing precedes feeling.

Depth-Oriented and Psychodynamic Approaches

For some people, depression is rooted in unresolved grief, identity transitions, or longstanding relational patterns. In these cases, a deeper, more exploratory approach can be valuable. Lisa Giebelhaus, LPC, brings a Jungian and depth psychology perspective that helps clients understand the meaning and messages within their depression — not just the symptoms.

When Medication Is Part of the Plan

Therapy and medication are not mutually exclusive. If your therapist believes medication could support your progress, they’ll discuss this with you and can coordinate with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician. Many clients find that the combination of therapy and medication is more effective than either alone.

Finding the Right Therapist in Marietta

Not every therapist is the right fit for every person, and that’s okay. Finding someone you feel comfortable with — someone who understands your experience and communicates in a way that resonates — matters more than any particular credential or technique.

What to Look For

Look for a therapist who has specific experience treating depression, not just general counseling. Ask about their approach and what a typical course of treatment looks like. A good therapist will be transparent about their methods and willing to answer your questions.

It’s also worth considering practical factors: location, availability, insurance, and whether they offer teletherapy. Our Marietta office near Marietta Square is accessible from across Cobb County, including Kennesaw, East Cobb, Smyrna, and Powder Springs.

The First Session

Your first appointment is an assessment and a conversation. Your therapist will ask about your symptoms, history, relationships, and goals. You’ll also get a sense of whether the therapeutic relationship feels right. It’s completely normal to need a session or two before you feel fully comfortable.

If something about your experience is telling you things aren’t right — that you’re more than “just tired” or “just going through a phase” — trust that instinct. Depression responds well to treatment, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You Deserve to Feel More Than Fine

Depression often whispers that you should be grateful for what you have, that other people have it worse, that you have no right to feel this way. Those messages are symptoms, not truths.

Therapy provides a space to be honest about how you’re actually doing — and to start building a path back to the life you want to be living.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with our Marietta team, or call 678-381-1687. Our Marietta office: 800 Kennesaw Ave NW, Suite 310, Marietta, GA 30060. We’re accepting new clients at our Marietta office.

Written by Lisa Giebelhaus, LPC, therapist at Peachtree Psychology specializing in depth psychology, life transitions, and identity exploration.