Overcoming the abyss
Overcoming the abyss is a project that is focused on treating depression and its related disorders in a scientific way based on cognitive behavioral psychology and evidence-based therapies.
About the project
The name reflects the feeling often experienced during depressive stages: an inescapable abyss of body, emotions, and thoughts. However, this abyss can be bridged, and through this project, I want people to understand and learn how to do it.
Therefore, the focus extends beyond depression to phobias, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety, which I frequently encounter in my clinical practice. Cognitive-behavioral psychology has proven to be the most effective approach for these disorders, as well as for eating disorders, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and many others.
The project is built on three pillars: cognitive-behavioral psychology, psychoeducation, and cognitive training. These pillars help transform individuals into strong, functional, and, as much as possible, happy individuals.
This is achieved through free content (blog entries, books) and paid content (e-books, video courses), along with cognitive-behavioral training during virtual and in-person psychotherapies.
Cognitive behavioral psychologist
Professional card: 200615
My name is Alexis Castaño, I am 32 years old and I am a psychologist graduated from the University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia). For 5 years now I have dedicated myself to using clinical cognitive-behavioral psychology as a practical and scientifically validated method to treat problems such as:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Emotional dependence
When I began studying psychology in 2011, I had high hopes for helping others. However, I soon learned about the challenges within Colombia’s psychology field: an oversupply of psychologists, undervaluation of mental health professionals, and limited public health services for psychotherapy.
The main issue was not just the inadequately short sessions, but also the month-long gaps between them, if one was lucky. A lot can happen in a month without support: suicidal thoughts, deepening depression, or loss of motivation for treatment.
Given these challenges, it’s understandable why some people are dissatisfied with our profession, as these limitations can lead to less empathetic and uninterested professionals. This lack of interest can occur in any job, of course.
I personally experienced these limitations as a patient years ago—a depressed patient thinking about death daily. The frustration of feeling my situation wouldn’t improve was immense. Fortunately, I was treated by an excellent psychologist at the University of Antioquia, who restored my faith in my chosen career and helped me immensely, rekindling my desire to help others.
As a professional, my view of the problem changed. I now see serious difficulties not only in the system but in the practice of clinical psychology. Three issues stood out:
1. Patients (a term I dislike) didn’t improve due to lack of follow-up and long intervals between sessions.
2. Clients didn’t understand why activities were necessary or what their treatment entailed.
3. At the end of treatment, individuals often remained unaware of what afflicted them.
To address these issues, I created “Overcoming the Abyss,” the first part of a macro project aimed at reducing self-ignorance, improving accessibility to psychotherapeutic services, and treating those seeking help not as patients but as clients—capable individuals seeking professional assistance.
My psychotherapy service is guided by an empathetic and scientific perspective, focusing on fast, visible, and permanent results.
WELCOME TO OVERCOMING THE ABYSS.
Book your first session.
+57 313 730 8150
Medellin calle 44 a #68 a-106
contacto@superandoelabismo.com