OceanWise Psychological Services
Depression Therapy in San Diego, CA
Helping young and mid-life adults overwhelmed by depression, burnout, or painful pasts feel more grounded, clear, and hopeful about their future in San Diego.
You’re Tired of Feeling This Way
The sadness lingers, even when everything else seems okay.
Some days, it feels like you’re going through the motions. You wake up with that heavy feeling in your chest, wondering how you’re supposed to keep doing this. You're exhausted, disconnected, and maybe even ashamed for not being “better” by now. Maybe you’ve tried to push through, hoping things would shift on their own. But the fog still lingers. The sadness doesn’t lift. And the thoughts won’t stop.
You might be telling yourself, “I should be able to handle this,” or “What’s wrong with me?” but all that does is make you feel worse. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. Depression is painful, and it affects everything, your energy, your focus, your relationships, your self-worth. Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you feel like yourself again, with tools that actually work and a space where you’re not carrying it all alone.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Get a Free consultation
ADDRESS:
3344 4th Avenue, San Diego, California 92103, United States
PHONE:
EMAIL:
Understanding is the first step toward feeling better
What Depression Therapy Is and How It Helps
Depression therapy is about more than just talking. It’s a focused space to understand what you’re feeling, where those feelings come from, and what can be done about them. We work together to help you recognize the thoughts and habits that make things harder, and develop strategies to shift them. You’ll learn how to manage emotions, break out of negative cycles, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that feel lost right now.
Therapy can help reduce the weight of sadness and anxiety. It can give you the skills to work through what’s keeping you stuck, whether that’s old trauma, burnout, or just feeling like life isn’t what you thought it would be. My approach isn’t rigid or impersonal. It’s direct, compassionate, and rooted in understanding where you’ve been and where you want to go.
OceanWise Psychological Services
Why Work With Me for Depression Therapy
I’m Ryan Dumke, a board-certified clinical psychologist.
With over 12 years of experience helping people move through depression, trauma, and emotional pain. I’ve worked with clients in high-pressure careers, people at turning points in life, and those who’ve tried therapy before and felt let down. What I offer isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s real, honest therapy that meets you where you are.
I know how discouraging it can be to feel like nothing’s helping. That’s why I work to create a space that feels safe but also active, where we build connection, but also make real progress. Whether it’s developing new coping skills or exploring the deeper pain you’ve been carrying, my focus is on helping you move forward in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.
We’ll work together to understand your feelings and build lasting emotional strength.
Real changes you can start making in your life
Benefits of Depression Therapy
Improve Mood Stability
Learn how to manage emotional ups and downs and feel more steady day to day.
Build Coping Skills
Gain practical tools to handle stress, sadness, and negative thoughts when they show up.
Understand Your Patterns
Identify thoughts and behaviors that make things worse and learn how to change them.
Heal from Trauma
Process painful past experiences that may be fueling your depression or self-doubt.
Strengthen Self-Worth
Challenge harsh self-beliefs and reconnect with a more compassionate, confident sense of self.
Prevent Relapse
Develop long-term strategies to stay well and reduce the chances of depression returning.
Why support matters more than you think
When Trying to Push Through Stops Working
Left untreated, depression can grow louder, making it harder to function or feel connected to anything. It doesn’t go away just because you try to ignore it. But when you have support, the weight doesn’t feel so heavy. You can learn how to handle the hard days, and even look forward to the better ones. Therapy is where things can finally start to shift.
the process
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Understood
Step 1
Book a Free Consultation
We’ll have a quick phone chat to talk about what’s going on and see if working together feels like a good fit.
Step 2
Complete Your Intake
We’ll meet in person to talk through what’s been hard, what’s important to you, and what you want things to look like moving forward.
Step 3
Start Working Together
Together, we’ll focus on building tools that help, uncover what’s been holding you back, and create a path that actually feels right for you.
A glimpse of what’s possible when things start to shift
There’s Still a Future Worth Looking Toward
Imagine waking up without that tightness in your chest. You have more energy, more clarity, and more ease in your day. You’re not weighed down by self-doubt or past pain. You feel more like you, able to enjoy things again, feel connected in your relationships, and move through life with purpose.
Therapy won’t erase every challenge, but it can help you meet them differently. You’ll have tools you can use in the moment. You’ll start to understand your patterns, and shift the ones that no longer serve you. And slowly, you’ll start to feel hopeful again, like your future holds something good.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Depression Therapy
Browse our frequently asked questions for detailed insights into our Depression Therapy services, scheduling, and therapeutic approaches. Find answers to common queries to ease your journey toward healing and growth.
How do I know if I need therapy for depression?
If you’ve been feeling persistently sad, low-energy, disconnected, or like you’re not enjoying things the way you used to, therapy might help. You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to get support.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That’s something I hear often. My approach is more active and collaborative, focused on giving you feedback, tools, and direction. Many clients who didn’t connect with previous therapists find success here.
How long does depression therapy take to work?
It depends on your goals and what you're going through. Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others choose to go deeper over time.
Can I talk about things I’ve never said out loud?
Yes. This space is yours. You don’t have to be “ready” or have it all figured out. You just have to show up.
Start Feeling More Like Yourself Today
Depression is heavy. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re ready for things to feel different.