Depression can make even simple tasks feel heavy. Mornings are harder, energy feels thin, and the things that used to bring joy may not land the same way. Working with a depression therapist near Corrales, NM gives those feelings a place to be understood and worked through, instead of carried alone. Dr. Vicki Handfield offers structured, adaptable therapy for adults, with 45-minute sessions held in person or remotely.
Depression Therapy
Care for depression combines steady structure with flexibility. Sessions are always 45 minutes, which keeps a reliable frame around the work. Within that frame, therapy adapts to what is happening in the client’s life. Some days focus on long-term patterns and beliefs that keep depression in place. Other days shift to a fresh crisis, a sudden dip in mood, or a new reaction that needs immediate attention. Both pieces matter, and both can usually be tied back to the themes that have been showing up over time.
Therapy often explores sleep, daily routines, thoughts that repeat in the background, and how the body responds to stress or loss. For some clients, depression shows up as irritability and numbness; for others, it shows up as deep sadness or guilt. The goal is not to “snap out of it” but to slowly build habits, skills, and insight that make life feel a little more manageable, then a little more open. Session frequency is discussed together and may shift as symptoms change. Prospective clients call first; the office does not accept walk-ins. Sessions are available in person or remotely, depending on preference and location.
How We Helped Patti
A recent client shared the following experience:
“Dr. Vicki has been life changing for me. She is honest, a straight shooter and still compassionate. She has helped me figure out what I can do to help my situations that I have been circling in in both work and my personal life for far too long. She has helped me figure out goals and we discuss ways to achieve them. She gives you the freedom to explore mentally. She has also helped me find skills that I didn’t think I had within me. I can honestly say I feel like I have someone who has my back and wants to help me find a life that will make me happy.”
Read the review here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Work with depression usually blends several evidence-informed approaches. Sessions may include talking through recent situations, examining patterns in thoughts and reactions, and learning concrete skills for motivation, self-care, and communication. Some time is spent on practical changes that can improve sleep and energy. Other times are spent on deeper themes, such as long-standing beliefs about worth or safety. The mix is tailored to each client and can change from week to week.
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Depression can be long-lasting for some people and more episodic for others. Having experienced depression in the past may increase the chance of future episodes, but it does not automatically mean feeling this way forever. With consistent therapy, many clients see symptoms lessen and learn how to respond earlier when warning signs appear. That combination of skill-building and awareness can reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of future episodes.
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Yes. A therapist cannot remove every stressor in life, but therapy can change how depression is understood and handled. Sessions offer a steady place to process what is happening, practice new tools, and notice small shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed. Over time, many clients report clearer thinking, more stable routines, and a greater ability to catch low mood earlier and respond to it, instead of getting swept away.
About Corrales
Clients often come from Corrales Road, the Bosque, and nearby neighborhoods off Alameda and Coors. Some travel regularly to Albuquerque for work and prefer remote sessions to save time. Others appreciate in-person visits when schedules allow. Having both options makes it easier to stay consistent, which is especially important when working with depression.
Call to Get Started
For adults seeking a depression therapist near Corrales, NM, Dr. Vicki Handfield offers clear, consistent support in 45-minute sessions. Calls are the first step, used to discuss fit, preferences for in-person or remote meetings, and a starting schedule. No walk-ins are accepted; all visits are by appointment. With structure, flexibility, and steady attention, it is possible for daily life to feel lighter and more manageable again.