Professional Depression Counseling In Soldotna & Homer. Local & Reliable Counselors and Therapists
The symptoms of depression can feel pretty terrible. From persistent sadness and loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, to apathy, lack of connectedness and hopelessness about the future, depression doesn’t discriminate. White, black, male, female, rich, poor- depression is not a respecter of persons.
Our professional depression counselors recognize how isolating it can feel. We know that it can leave someone feeling numb, disconnected and unable to see their way forward. But you don’t have to wander around in the dark, and you don’t have to go it alone.
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Daniela Kopec - LPC-S
Daniela has over 15 years of experience working as a counselor in the mental health field. Though she has experience working with clients across the life span, she has found that she is most passionate about walking alongside those that have experienced trauma, addressing the symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often co-ocurring. Daniela believes in utilizing an integrative approach to health and wellness that looks at mind, body and spirt, and is motivated to give people the tools to develop their inner strength and confidence to make the changes they desire. Native to the Soldotna community, Daniela has called Alaska home for many years.
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Rona Haberman - LCSW
Working out of the Homer, Alaska location, Rona has been a therapist for over twenty years, in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings as well as community mental health centers. She has experience working with people from 5 to 105, but specializes in individual therapy with adults 18 years and older. Rona feels strongly that skills such as effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing mindfulness can help people thrive even through difficult circumstances past and present.
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Autumn Collings - LMFT, LPC
Autumn is passionate about showing up with others in a way that allows them to feel deeply seen and truly known. She believes authenticity and connection are at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work, and is committed to showing up honestly and inviting her clients to do the same. She loves bringing creativity to her sessions and often offers hands-on learning opportunities for her clients, something that comes naturally to her given her history of coaching softball and being a collegiate athlete. Autumn loves to be outdoors, and enjoys fishing, hiking, and hunting.
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Ally Legard - MA
Working out of the Homer office, Ally has been dedicated to serving clients in the mental health field since 2020, primarily focusing on children and adolescents. Drawing on her experience as a former Division 1 track and cross country athlete, she brings a holistic approach to counseling, addressing both mental and physical well-being, incorporating aspects like exercise, nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Ally earned her Masters of Counseling from Oregon State University - Cascades in Bend, Oregon. She fosters a safe and welcoming environment where clients can build rapport before addressing challenging topics. Ally believes in the power of healing through a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.
What can you expect during depression counseling?
Our providers on the Kenai Peninsula believe in treating the whole person, looking not only at the symptoms causing distress, but by building a relationship that allows for connection and safe exploration of the variables that may be underlying the distress. Effectively and comprehensively addressing depression with your KPMH providers may include, but is not limited to:
Psychoeducation and brain based science to help you understand what’s happening with depression on a physiological level.
Coping skills to support you in managing and effectively addressing your symptoms of depression
Ongoing discussion and evaluation of lifestyle choices that may be contributing to or exacerbating your symptoms of depression. Areas of exploration may include:
Sleep
Diet/Nutrition
Supplementation
Exercise/Movement
Connectedness (time with family, friends)
Play
Time in nature
Self care
Exploration and treatment of life events or unresolved traumas that may be at the root of the depression you experience.
A practical and effective self-care plan to support you in staying ahead of depression and effectively managing your symptoms prior to them becoming overwhelming and unmanageable.
Can specialized counseling for depression really help?
If the challenges identified above sound like you, or anyone you know, and are keeping you or yours from experiencing life fully, and with a sense of joy and connection, counseling may be helpful. Our providers in Soldotna and Homer are going to work with and for you to understand and treat not only the symptoms you’re experiencing, but what might be underlying them. Unresolved trauma, negative core beliefs and lack of connection and belonging, are just a few of the culprits that are often at the root of depression. Exacerbating factors, such as being chronically under-slept, poor diet, inefficient supplementation, lack of movement, and too much technology use, usually make things worse. Any of that sound familiar? If so, please reach out. We’re here to help, and we would be honored to to come alongside and support you on your journey to emotional health and wellness.
How long does depression counseling typically last?
The length of time an individual is in counseling is situation specific and can vary. However, we at KPMH are passionate about giving our clients the tools and skills they need to thrive and function well. We will cast a wide net at the onset, looking for all the contributing variables. We will build skills for managing symptoms and explore root causes that may be underlying your distress. We will take as little or as much time as you need, but we will do our very best to get you back about the business of living your life.
How to schedule a professional counseling session.
Ready to get started? Call or email us today. Our contact info is at the bottom of this page.
Once you reach out, our on-boarding admin will contact you to gather information regarding your specific situation. They will explore with you what provider will likely best meet your needs, and support you in getting set up in our electronic health record.
KPMH uses Simple Practice, a medical record and portal system that will allow for confidential and HIPAA compliant messaging that ensures your privacy. You will be sent a portal link that directs you to online documentation to be completed prior to your initial session.
This is a great time to ask any questions you might have. After all, where you go for support is your choice, and we want you to feel empowered to assess whether or not we are the right fit for you! Here at KPMH, our providers believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in the process of creating change. These initial conversations are important in assessing fit, as therapy is not “one size fits all.”
KPMH’s offices are conveniently located in both Soldotna and Homer. Feel free to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled session to grab a cup of tea and relax before meeting with your provider. We look forward to meeting you, and are honored you have chosen us to do this work alongside you.
