By Dr. Jeffrey Morris | Morris Therapy Services PLLC
5331 Primrose Lake Cir, Ste 113, Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 563-6430 | morristherapyservices.com
Depression is more than just feeling sad or “off” for a few days—it’s a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people across all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. It can impact your ability to function at work or school, maintain relationships, enjoy life, and even take care of basic needs.
At Morris Therapy Services PLLC in North Tampa, Dr. Jeffrey Morris helps people not only understand depression but also work through it using evidence-informed psychological therapies. With the right support and a personalized treatment plan, you can begin to feel like yourself again—stronger, more hopeful, and more connected.
Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness
Depression (also called Major Depressive Disorder) is a condition that involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and disinterest in life. While everyone experiences ups and downs, depression is different in that it can last for weeks, months, or even years and interfere with everyday functioning.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent low mood or irritability
- Lack of motivation or energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Appetite changes and weight fluctuation
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide
These symptoms may show up differently in each person. Some people smile and function well on the outside but feel completely lost on the inside. Others feel so overwhelmed that basic tasks feel impossible. Regardless of the symptoms, everyone deserves care.
How Psychologists Treat Depression
While medication can be helpful in some cases, research shows that psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression, especially when guided by a licensed psychologist who can help address the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive roots of the condition.
At Morris Therapy Services, Dr. Morris uses a variety of evidence-informed approaches, always tailored to your individual experiences, personality, and needs.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most researched and effective therapies for depression. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhealthy thought patterns and distorted beliefs that contribute to depressive feelings.
Through CBT, patients learn to:
- Recognize and reframe maladaptive self-talk
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Set realistic goals and routines
- Break the cycle of avoidance and withdrawal
CBT helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and empowers you to take control of that cycle.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
For many people, depression is fueled by rumination—a constant replay of negative thoughts and worries. Mindfulness techniques help quiet the mental noise by teaching you to focus on the present moment with acceptance and self-compassion, rather than judgment or fear.
- Insight-Oriented Therapy
Some patients benefit from exploring underlying emotional wounds, early life experiences, or unresolved conflicts that may be influencing their depression. This deeper work helps develop self-awareness and long-term emotional growth.
- Behavioral Activation
Depression often causes people to stop doing the very things that bring them joy or connection. Behavioral activation helps re-engage you with meaningful activities, even when motivation is low, so you can rebuild a sense of purpose and pleasure in life.
A Personalized Approach at Morris Therapy Services
No two people experience depression the same way, which is why Dr. Jeffrey Morris takes the time to get to know you as a person, not just a set of symptoms. Whether your depression is mild, moderate, or severe, therapy sessions are designed to meet you where you are—and help you move toward where you want to be.
Dr. Morris works with:
- Adults experiencing situational or long-term depression
- College students and young adults dealing with identity, stress, or burnout
- Individuals facing major life changes (divorce, job loss, grief)
- Patients managing depression alongside anxiety, trauma, or chronic illness
Why Therapy Works for Depression
It offers support. Having a space to talk openly and be heard without judgment can be incredibly healing.
It builds skills. Therapy teaches tools for managing mood, coping with stress, and changing self-defeating behaviors.
It increases insight. Understanding why you feel the way you do gives you the power to shift it.
It breaks isolation. Isolation tends to deepen depression. Therapy encourages connection with others and re-engaging with life.
It works. Studies consistently show that therapy is highly effective, especially when paired with a compassionate, knowledgeable provider.
When Should You Seek Help for Depression?
If you’ve been feeling down for more than two weeks, or if your symptoms are impacting your relationships, work, or daily functioning, it’s time to reach out. Early treatment can shorten the duration of symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of relapse.
It is very important to find a therapist that is a good fit with you. It can be challenging to find the right match, but doing so can make a huge impact on the effectiveness of therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy
Q: Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
A: No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek help. If you’re struggling, that’s enough.
Q: Will I need medication?
A: Not always. Many people recover from depression through therapy alone. In some cases, a combined approach with medication may be recommended.
Q: How long does therapy take?
A: The length of treatment varies. Some people feel better after a few months, while others continue longer for deeper emotional healing. We’ll revisit your goals regularly.
Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with a few legal exceptions related to safety (which Dr. Morris will explain upfront).
Let’s Work Through This—Together
If you’re feeling hopeless, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Depression is treatable, and help is available right here in Tampa Palms.
Morris Therapy Services PLLC
5331 Primrose Lake Cir, Ste 113, Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 563-6430