Understanding Depression Through a Depth Psychological Lens
Psychotherapist in Petaluma, Sonoma County
As a depth psychologist, I see depression not simply as a disorder to be eradicated, but as a profound signal from the unconscious—a call to reorient one’s life. From the perspective of Carl Jung and later Jungian thinkers, depression is often the psyche’s way of withdrawing energy from external pursuits in order to redirect it inward. Rather than being merely a biochemical imbalance or cognitive distortion, depression can be understood as a soul crisis, a symbolic descent that, if honored and explored, holds the potential for transformation and renewal.
Jung spoke often of the nekyia, the night sea journey, a necessary passage through the darkness where meaning can be forged from suffering. In this light, depression becomes less of an enemy and more of a messenger. It may indicate that one’s life has become disconnected from deeper values, unlived potential, or an authentic sense of self. The depressive state often emerges when the ego’s strategies no longer serve us, when the soul demands attention through withdrawal and silence. Rather than pathologizing this condition, depth psychology invites us to ask, “What is my depression trying to show me?”
In my work with clients, I help them explore the symbolic dimensions of their emotional pain. Dreams, fantasies, bodily symptoms, and persistent moods are treated not as random or meaningless, but as expressions of the unconscious that deserve attention. This approach takes time and courage. The descent into the inner world is not easy, but it is often necessary for real change. Jung believed that healing comes not from suppressing symptoms, but from integrating what the unconscious brings forward. In this way, depression becomes the doorway to deeper wholeness.
Depth psychotherapy does not promise quick fixes. Instead, it offers a rich and compassionate relationship with the self—a journey toward integration. We learn to hold the tension between opposites, to listen for the soul’s longing, and to discover meaning even in our darkest hours. It is in the acceptance and understanding of our depression, not its rejection, that we find the seeds of transformation. Time and again, I’ve seen clients emerge from this process not only healed, but profoundly changed—more grounded, more authentic, and more in touch with life’s deeper rhythms.
If you feel a pull toward understanding your depression on a deeper level, I invite you to consider depth psychotherapy. It is not a journey of quick relief, but one of lasting meaning. Whether you are struggling with persistent sadness, a sense of emptiness, or the loss of direction, know that there is wisdom in your suffering. Reach out to a depth-oriented therapist, begin journaling your dreams, or start reading Jung’s writings. The psyche is always speaking—we simply need to learn how to listen. Begin your inner journey today.