Anxiety, Depression, & Life Transitions Therapy

Casen Psychology | Sara Casen, PhD

What my clients often tell me….

I'm showing up, meeting deadlines, doing what's expected, but beneath this functional exterior runs a persistent strain.

The anxiety that once served as a quiet motivator has grown increasingly intrusive.

My depression manifests not as an acute crisis, but as a flat, heavy, and enduring apathy.

The milestones of early adulthood (graduating, starting a career, and figuring out who I am) feel less like celebrations and more like exhausting burdens.

You might be experiencing one or more of the following…..

……symptoms of Anxiety:

  • The Racing Mind: Constantly anticipating worst-case scenarios, even when things are going well.

  • Over-Preparing: Overworking/overstudying, yet never quite feeling ready or capable.

  • The Physical Toll: Stress manifesting in the body as tightness in the chest, struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep, and a quiet sense of dread in the pit of your stomach.

….symptoms of Depression:

  • Feeling Muted: Feeling flat and numb.

  • Loss of Joy: The hobbies, friends, and milestones that used to matter, simply don't inspire joy right now.

  • Daily Fatigue: Just getting through a normal day takes double the energy.

….struggles with Major Life Transitions:

  • Hidden Grief: Big shifts, like graduating, leaving home, changing careers, or ending a relationship generate deep emotional turmoil, even though they are generally seen as positive.

  • Confusing Emotions: Sadness around what is being left behind, uncertainty about what's next, and excitement about future opportunities coexist in ways that feel destabilizing.

  • The Comparison Trap: Feeling like a failure when "everyone else" looks like they have it "figured out".

How can therapy help?

Anxiety:

Examining your thinking patterns and narratives is an important step towards healing. By understanding the underlying mechanics of anxiety, things tend to start shifting from feeling "stuck" to feeling more manageable.

Depression:

Depression can be addressed in therapy by identifying negative thought patterns, modifying unhelpful behaviors, and uncovering root causes. Over time, clients typically notice their depression lifting in layers, beginning with the appearance of small pockets of renewed energy and engagement. Eventually, these build into a stable, sustainable baseline that feels less heavy.

Life transitions:

Life transitions typically become more manageable when you have a framework for processing change, including honoring what you are leaving behind, gaining clarity on what you want next, and creating a sense of structure that feels supportive and sustainable.

Our work together

Our work together typically draws from a number of theoretical frameworks. CBT is often an important part of how I approach work with anxiety and depression. We look directly at the thought patterns driving how you feel, and work on shifting them with specific, concrete techniques.

I frequently give homework assignments between sessions that extend the work done in session.

In addition to CBT, psychodynamic work is another key component of my approach. Where might this anxiety have come from? How might these depressive symptoms connect to burdens you've been carrying for years? Our work will likely combine enhanced understanding of these deeper roots, alongside gaining practical tools for combatting anxiety and depression.

What to expect

In the first few sessions, we'll take a look at the experiences, relationships, and patterns that feel relevant to where you are now.

This is a solid foundation upon which to build a plan to address your therapy goals.

Might this be a good fit for you?

I specialize in supporting college/graduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are currently facing:

  • Disrupted Peace: Anxiety that compromises sleep quality, daily focus, or relationship dynamics.

  • Persistent Inertia: Feelings of sadness that drain motivation, and/or feeling flat or numb

  • Unanticipated Friction: Navigating stressful life milestones that feel much heavier than expected.

Many of my clients are navigating the demands of college/graduate school, managing the post-grad transition, managing breakups/shifts in romantic relationships, pivoting professionally, or reconciling the gap between the life they envisioned and their current reality.

Fees

I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your needs, answer your questions, and ensure we are a good fit. During this call, we will also review scheduling and payment. I can provide a detailed superbill for you to submit to your insurance company if out-of-network reimbursement is a possibility. A limited number of sliding scale slots may be available for clients with financial need. Reach out and we can talk through what might be possible.

FAQ's

  • Therapy isn't reserved for crises. There are many reasons people choose to pursue therapy. Therapy is a safe space if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to understand yourself better. Together, we will explore your challenges and help you find a clear path forward.

  • That is actually a great starting point for us. Exploring past therapy experiences can be very valuable. In our initial conversations, we can look at what did and didn't work in the past and how we may be able to build a different, more effective approach together.

  • Yes. Transitions carry real emotional weight even when they're chosen and positive. Therapy can help you wrap up old chapters, define your future goals, and stay grounded as you establish a new routine.

You've been carrying a lot on your own.

Whenever you feel ready for some extra support, we can schedule a consultation call to further explore your interest in working together.

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