Depression Counselling in Ashburton

Photo of Thais Lloyd (Tess), MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Thais Lloyd (Tess)
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
To find out if I am the right person to help you, please phone me for a free informal chat.
Hello, my name is Thais Lloyd, but people call me Tess. I have over 15 years' experience as a counsellor. I am experienced in working with clients with: depression and low mood; anxiety, panic and phobias; difficulties in relationships; loneliness; trauma and abuse; low self-esteem; health-related stress; grief and loss; addiction. Finding a counsellor that you can connect well with can make a real difference to how you feel and to how you deal with what is difficult for you. My aim is to support you to find the relief you seek, make the changes you wish to make, and move forward in your life in a more creative and fulfilling way.
To find out if I am the right person to help you, please phone me for a free informal chat.
Hello, my name is Thais Lloyd, but people call me Tess. I have over 15 years' experience as a counsellor. I am experienced in working with clients with: depression and low mood; anxiety, panic and phobias; difficulties in relationships; loneliness; trauma and abuse; low self-esteem; health-related stress; grief and loss; addiction. Finding a counsellor that you can connect well with can make a real difference to how you feel and to how you deal with what is difficult for you. My aim is to support you to find the relief you seek, make the changes you wish to make, and move forward in your life in a more creative and fulfilling way.
07493 591515 View 07493 591515
Photo of Mark Hashimi Msc Ukcp Mbacp Cta Emdr, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Mark Hashimi Msc Ukcp Mbacp Cta Emdr
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
If this is your first time in therapy, or you are unsure whether I am the right therapist for you, we can speak on the phone ahead of booking anything face-to-face, whereby you can ask me any questions you may have and vice versa.
I have lots of experience working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, abuse and work related problems. During our first meet we will discuss and agree how we can best work together, the frequency and duration of the therapy and desired outcome, whether that's just wanting to feel better in some way, or something more targeted. This will then form a kind of contract which we will base the work on whilst reviewing it periodically. Usually sessions will be held on a weekly basis during the same time slot each week. I integrate a range of different psychotherapeutic approaches subject to your needs.
If this is your first time in therapy, or you are unsure whether I am the right therapist for you, we can speak on the phone ahead of booking anything face-to-face, whereby you can ask me any questions you may have and vice versa.
I have lots of experience working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, abuse and work related problems. During our first meet we will discuss and agree how we can best work together, the frequency and duration of the therapy and desired outcome, whether that's just wanting to feel better in some way, or something more targeted. This will then form a kind of contract which we will base the work on whilst reviewing it periodically. Usually sessions will be held on a weekly basis during the same time slot each week. I integrate a range of different psychotherapeutic approaches subject to your needs.
01748 902211 View 01748 902211
Photo of Claudia Denington, BACP, Counsellor
Claudia Denington
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashburton TQ13
If this is your first time in therapy, or you are unsure whether I am the right therapist for you, we can speak on the phone ahead of booking a session, feel free to ask me some questions or discuss any concerns you may have.
I have lots of experience working with relationship issues, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and work related issues. For many people who come to see me, they are looking for a supportive space during times of overwhelm, or want to work through areas of life which feel challenging. For some, the goal may be simply feeling better, for others we might work towards a more specific goal. Usually sessions will be held on a weekly basis during the same time slot each week. I integrate a range of different psychotherapeutic approaches subject to your needs.
If this is your first time in therapy, or you are unsure whether I am the right therapist for you, we can speak on the phone ahead of booking a session, feel free to ask me some questions or discuss any concerns you may have.
I have lots of experience working with relationship issues, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and work related issues. For many people who come to see me, they are looking for a supportive space during times of overwhelm, or want to work through areas of life which feel challenging. For some, the goal may be simply feeling better, for others we might work towards a more specific goal. Usually sessions will be held on a weekly basis during the same time slot each week. I integrate a range of different psychotherapeutic approaches subject to your needs.
01626 243075 View 01626 243075
Photo of Steph Pickerill, MA, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Steph Pickerill
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
I am particularly interested, have knowledge and experience in issues such as;  grief and loss, shame, ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, decision making, finding flow and balance, relational trauma and limiting self-belief.
I offer support and understanding to people struggling in all sorts of ways and I believe everyone has a unique healing journey. I work with people experiencing stress, loss, depression, anxiety, and the many ways mental health can impact day to day life. This can include relationship problems, destructive behaviour patterns, intrusive thoughts and feelings of being blocked, off balance or held back. I work deeply and gently with suffering and pain while allowing for the growth that suffering can bring us to. I believe that therapy should empower you to support your own healing.
I am particularly interested, have knowledge and experience in issues such as;  grief and loss, shame, ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, decision making, finding flow and balance, relational trauma and limiting self-belief.
I offer support and understanding to people struggling in all sorts of ways and I believe everyone has a unique healing journey. I work with people experiencing stress, loss, depression, anxiety, and the many ways mental health can impact day to day life. This can include relationship problems, destructive behaviour patterns, intrusive thoughts and feelings of being blocked, off balance or held back. I work deeply and gently with suffering and pain while allowing for the growth that suffering can bring us to. I believe that therapy should empower you to support your own healing.
01803 308945 View 01803 308945
Photo of Hannah Claire Hipwell, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Hannah Claire Hipwell
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
There's no need to feel isolated and that you have to cope with things on your own.
Are you struggling to cope with day to day life and finding it difficult to move forwards and find happiness? Perhaps you have recently had a relationship breakdown or lost a loved one and are finding the loss unbearable. Alternatively you might be experiencing signs of Anxiety, Depression or Stress which are preventing you from enjoying life and finding purpose. These are all difficult experiences to face on your own and you deserve to find happiness and a better quality of life.
There's no need to feel isolated and that you have to cope with things on your own.
Are you struggling to cope with day to day life and finding it difficult to move forwards and find happiness? Perhaps you have recently had a relationship breakdown or lost a loved one and are finding the loss unbearable. Alternatively you might be experiencing signs of Anxiety, Depression or Stress which are preventing you from enjoying life and finding purpose. These are all difficult experiences to face on your own and you deserve to find happiness and a better quality of life.
01803 220927 View 01803 220927
Photo of Roberta Hutchins, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Roberta Hutchins
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
Whether you are dealing with stress, the effects of trauma or other difficulties in your life, Roberta aims to use as few sessions as you need to help you get your life back on track.
Roberta Hutchins has over 15 years’ experience in private practice as an integrated holistic healthcare practitioner in Devon. Roberta’s many years’ experience of working effectively with people with diverse health problems in a variety of ways have provided a strong foundation for her Human Givens Psychotherapy practice. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and many health problems related to stress, have formed the backbone of her practice. It is often the case that resolving life difficulties, getting needs met and focusing on psychological wellbeing are the keys to getting back on track with life and feeling well again.
Whether you are dealing with stress, the effects of trauma or other difficulties in your life, Roberta aims to use as few sessions as you need to help you get your life back on track.
Roberta Hutchins has over 15 years’ experience in private practice as an integrated holistic healthcare practitioner in Devon. Roberta’s many years’ experience of working effectively with people with diverse health problems in a variety of ways have provided a strong foundation for her Human Givens Psychotherapy practice. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and many health problems related to stress, have formed the backbone of her practice. It is often the case that resolving life difficulties, getting needs met and focusing on psychological wellbeing are the keys to getting back on track with life and feeling well again.
01392 549072 View 01392 549072
Photo of Charlotte Watson, BACP, Counsellor
Charlotte Watson
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
Seeking help can be one of the hardest first steps.
In my experience we may all at times face hurdles too daunting to negotiate alone. I work with a wide range of issues focussing on clients who have suffered sexual abuse, as well as young people and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, depression and low self esteem. We may have issues and patterns of behaviour from the past that we are ready to leave behind. I offer a safe, confidential therapeutic space to be heard and feel safe. In some cases I work in the here and now, in others I believe in order to understand and find our inner resources to change present behaviour we need to delve into our past.
Seeking help can be one of the hardest first steps.
In my experience we may all at times face hurdles too daunting to negotiate alone. I work with a wide range of issues focussing on clients who have suffered sexual abuse, as well as young people and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, depression and low self esteem. We may have issues and patterns of behaviour from the past that we are ready to leave behind. I offer a safe, confidential therapeutic space to be heard and feel safe. In some cases I work in the here and now, in others I believe in order to understand and find our inner resources to change present behaviour we need to delve into our past.
01364 701745 View 01364 701745
Photo of Tan Murray-Clark, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Tan Murray-Clark
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
I work from a beautifully located and tranquil private room, 10 minutes drive from Ashburton, overlooking south Dartmoor.
Hello. We all need someone to talk to when life is difficult. Counselling can help you understand more about who you are, to make better sense of past or current events, your feelings and how you relate. I seek to provide a heartfelt, safe and accompanied exploration of any issues you bring. I will seek to create a trusting alliance with you and provide a place you can find and be yourself. The therapy I practice -Core Process- works with feelings, emotions, thoughts and the felt senses towards supporting you to move through any fears and anxieties and generate a greater sense of health and wellbeing into your everyday life.
I work from a beautifully located and tranquil private room, 10 minutes drive from Ashburton, overlooking south Dartmoor.
Hello. We all need someone to talk to when life is difficult. Counselling can help you understand more about who you are, to make better sense of past or current events, your feelings and how you relate. I seek to provide a heartfelt, safe and accompanied exploration of any issues you bring. I will seek to create a trusting alliance with you and provide a place you can find and be yourself. The therapy I practice -Core Process- works with feelings, emotions, thoughts and the felt senses towards supporting you to move through any fears and anxieties and generate a greater sense of health and wellbeing into your everyday life.
01364 701874 View 01364 701874
Photo of Claire Cook (Willingham), DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Claire Cook (Willingham)
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
Often clients share with me difficulties in their lives that they have not been able to explore even with their most closest friends, loved one or family.
Hello.... I am an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Newton Abbot, Devon. Counselling is not only helpful for traumatic life events, it can also help when you are at a crossroads, feeling stuck or having a huge sense that life is not what it could be. I like to encourage my clients to explore their issues and work towards a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Together we will look at finding your inner strengths so that you can build in them developing a greater self awareness. However, FINDING THE RIGHT PERON IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THERAPY.
Often clients share with me difficulties in their lives that they have not been able to explore even with their most closest friends, loved one or family.
Hello.... I am an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Newton Abbot, Devon. Counselling is not only helpful for traumatic life events, it can also help when you are at a crossroads, feeling stuck or having a huge sense that life is not what it could be. I like to encourage my clients to explore their issues and work towards a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Together we will look at finding your inner strengths so that you can build in them developing a greater self awareness. However, FINDING THE RIGHT PERON IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THERAPY.
01626 249147 View 01626 249147
Photo of Peg Hardman, BACP, Counsellor
Peg Hardman
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
It is important to find the right counsellor; someone who feels like a 'good fit' for you.
People may seek counselling for all sorts of reasons; whether it's for help with life's emotional wear and tear or because of deep distress. Counselling is an opportunity to explore any worries or concerns that are important to you. I work with adults, on a one to one basis, in person, over zoom or by telephone. I have over 20 years experience of working in the field of mental health and well-being. I believe in our ability to develop and grow as unique individuals. My aim is to support you in working towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your world; moving closer towards reaching your full potential.
It is important to find the right counsellor; someone who feels like a 'good fit' for you.
People may seek counselling for all sorts of reasons; whether it's for help with life's emotional wear and tear or because of deep distress. Counselling is an opportunity to explore any worries or concerns that are important to you. I work with adults, on a one to one basis, in person, over zoom or by telephone. I have over 20 years experience of working in the field of mental health and well-being. I believe in our ability to develop and grow as unique individuals. My aim is to support you in working towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your world; moving closer towards reaching your full potential.
01626 244772 View 01626 244772
Photo of Bundle MacLaren - Bundle MacLaren Psychotherapy, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Bundle MacLaren Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
The therapeutic journey is a creative, collaborative one in which I actively listen and offer ideas, perspectives, and challenges with sensitivity and insight.
I believe everyone can benefit from psychotherapy and that talking to a professional is the best first step to take if you're struggling. As a UKCP psychotherapist in advanced clinical training and with over 800 hours of clinical experience, I can support you to make sense of your concerns, feelings and behaviours. Starting therapy can feel like a big step so please get in touch for a free consultation where we can talk things through and ensure you get the right support you need. If I don't think I'm the right person for you then I'll signpost you to someone who is.
The therapeutic journey is a creative, collaborative one in which I actively listen and offer ideas, perspectives, and challenges with sensitivity and insight.
I believe everyone can benefit from psychotherapy and that talking to a professional is the best first step to take if you're struggling. As a UKCP psychotherapist in advanced clinical training and with over 800 hours of clinical experience, I can support you to make sense of your concerns, feelings and behaviours. Starting therapy can feel like a big step so please get in touch for a free consultation where we can talk things through and ensure you get the right support you need. If I don't think I'm the right person for you then I'll signpost you to someone who is.
01803 308950 View 01803 308950
Photo of Jo Armstrong, MBACP, Counsellor
Jo Armstrong
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
Session cost £45.
I am an Integrative Counsellor combining different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the client. I worked as a Senior Counsellor and Supervisor at a CIC in Plymouth for many years. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Counselling is my passion and I feel privileged to have worked with a diverse range of clients over the years. I offer a safe, warm and supportive environment and my natural intuitive ability and creativity serve the therapeutic process.
Session cost £45.
I am an Integrative Counsellor combining different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the client. I worked as a Senior Counsellor and Supervisor at a CIC in Plymouth for many years. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Counselling is my passion and I feel privileged to have worked with a diverse range of clients over the years. I offer a safe, warm and supportive environment and my natural intuitive ability and creativity serve the therapeutic process.
01364 701866 View 01364 701866
Photo of Jaime van Weede, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jaime van Weede
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
We are all on our individual journeys and there are times when it can be helpful to share and talk through some of the issues that arise along the way.
I know what it feels like to be anxious. I spent many years feeling out of place in the world and thinking everyone else must have it sorted. The road that led me to decide to train to be a counsellor was challenging and I can truly empathise when clients tell me they feel worried, anxious, lost, lonely, scared, vulnerable.
We are all on our individual journeys and there are times when it can be helpful to share and talk through some of the issues that arise along the way.
I know what it feels like to be anxious. I spent many years feeling out of place in the world and thinking everyone else must have it sorted. The road that led me to decide to train to be a counsellor was challenging and I can truly empathise when clients tell me they feel worried, anxious, lost, lonely, scared, vulnerable.
01364 708951 View 01364 708951
Photo of Talya Griffith, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Talya Griffith
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
It takes courage to reach out and seek change.
My name is Talya. At the heart of how I work is the belief that everyone's choices and experiences are understandable if we give the time and attention to understanding them. When we are supported it becomes more possible to gain insight into the ways we feel limited, to acknowledge and release the feelings that can keep us stuck and to find new ways of being. Therapy can provide a chance to heal from the hurts that accumulate within us and help us find the resources to meet life fully. Through our time together, you may find that new ways of relating to yourself and the world around you become possible.
It takes courage to reach out and seek change.
My name is Talya. At the heart of how I work is the belief that everyone's choices and experiences are understandable if we give the time and attention to understanding them. When we are supported it becomes more possible to gain insight into the ways we feel limited, to acknowledge and release the feelings that can keep us stuck and to find new ways of being. Therapy can provide a chance to heal from the hurts that accumulate within us and help us find the resources to meet life fully. Through our time together, you may find that new ways of relating to yourself and the world around you become possible.
01364 701879 View 01364 701879
Photo of Ollie Frame, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Ollie Frame
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13
Waitlist for new clients
Whatever you are facing, I am here to help you move forward, with dignity and courage.
Hello. I am an experienced integrative therapist offering sessions in blocks of six to eight weeks, focussing on a specific issue in a targeted way. Perhaps you are reading this because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of the way forward. Perhaps you are having difficulties relating to career, relationships or family life, or with emotions such as anger, anxiety or low mood. You might be struggling with addictions, with life changes or transitions, or you might be suffering with a sense of alienation or a crisis of meaning in your life. If so, I hope you will read on and get in touch if my approach resonates with you.
Whatever you are facing, I am here to help you move forward, with dignity and courage.
Hello. I am an experienced integrative therapist offering sessions in blocks of six to eight weeks, focussing on a specific issue in a targeted way. Perhaps you are reading this because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of the way forward. Perhaps you are having difficulties relating to career, relationships or family life, or with emotions such as anger, anxiety or low mood. You might be struggling with addictions, with life changes or transitions, or you might be suffering with a sense of alienation or a crisis of meaning in your life. If so, I hope you will read on and get in touch if my approach resonates with you.
01803 228071 View 01803 228071
Photo of Anna Tissandier - Dr Anna Tissandier, EMDR Therapy, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Anna Tissandier, EMDR Therapy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Ashburton TQ13  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I began working in NHS mental health services 18 years ago and completed my clinical doctorate in 2010.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner offering one to one EMDR therapy to adults. In our time together, we would aim to develop a shared understanding of your life - its significant events and relationships - and to explore the ways these may have led to certain strengths and vulnerabilities. This kind of understanding can itself help people to feel very differently, and to start to make changes in their lives. Further and deeper changes become possible when we work on processing difficult events that may still be exerting an influence, and by developing techniques to deepen self-compassion.
I began working in NHS mental health services 18 years ago and completed my clinical doctorate in 2010.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner offering one to one EMDR therapy to adults. In our time together, we would aim to develop a shared understanding of your life - its significant events and relationships - and to explore the ways these may have led to certain strengths and vulnerabilities. This kind of understanding can itself help people to feel very differently, and to start to make changes in their lives. Further and deeper changes become possible when we work on processing difficult events that may still be exerting an influence, and by developing techniques to deepen self-compassion.
01364 700267 View 01364 700267

More Therapists Nearby

Chris MacDonald
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Torquay TQ13
Talking about what worries you can be the first step in your healing process.
I offer an opportunity for you to explore whatever you feel the need to share, in a safe environment with a trained counsellor and psychotherapist. I will bring over 20 years experience working in this area with adults and young people ( over 11 years old ) to our sessions together.
Talking about what worries you can be the first step in your healing process.
I offer an opportunity for you to explore whatever you feel the need to share, in a safe environment with a trained counsellor and psychotherapist. I will bring over 20 years experience working in this area with adults and young people ( over 11 years old ) to our sessions together.
01803 269822 View 01803 269822
Photo of Jo Smallbones, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jo Smallbones
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Newton Abbot TQ13
Busy lifestyles and not wanting to upset our dearest, means we often numb ourselves to painful emotions by pushing them aside.
Are you experiencing a prolonged, overwhelming sense of helplessness, depression and stress, resulting in you struggling to concentrate, make decisions and complete everyday tasks? Is your confidence, motivation and self-esteem at an all-time low and you feel you've lost your sense of identity? Is your pain from the past or your anxiety about your future numbing your enjoyment of your present? I offer a confidential, empathic and non-judgemental space to feel heard, understood and emotionally supported, helping you to make sense of any destructive or self-defeating patterns which may be holding you back.
Busy lifestyles and not wanting to upset our dearest, means we often numb ourselves to painful emotions by pushing them aside.
Are you experiencing a prolonged, overwhelming sense of helplessness, depression and stress, resulting in you struggling to concentrate, make decisions and complete everyday tasks? Is your confidence, motivation and self-esteem at an all-time low and you feel you've lost your sense of identity? Is your pain from the past or your anxiety about your future numbing your enjoyment of your present? I offer a confidential, empathic and non-judgemental space to feel heard, understood and emotionally supported, helping you to make sense of any destructive or self-defeating patterns which may be holding you back.
01626 244524 View 01626 244524
Photo of Paula Bowen-Scott, MBACP, Counsellor
Paula Bowen-Scott
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chudleigh TQ13
Sometimes life can feel quite paralysing, as if we can't move and don't know what to do.
I work mainly with adults from all walks of life, all looking to find a more meaningful and fulfilling way of living. Whatever your issues are, together we will explore why you are feeling this way, and work towards change. We will look at what has led to your current issues and what it is you are looking for in order to create those changes. I have a lot of experience working not only face to face but also online and via phone. There is always a choice of a better way of feeling but we sometimes get stuck and unable to find a way forward alone. I can help you to untangle how you are feeling and clear the way for a new path.
Sometimes life can feel quite paralysing, as if we can't move and don't know what to do.
I work mainly with adults from all walks of life, all looking to find a more meaningful and fulfilling way of living. Whatever your issues are, together we will explore why you are feeling this way, and work towards change. We will look at what has led to your current issues and what it is you are looking for in order to create those changes. I have a lot of experience working not only face to face but also online and via phone. There is always a choice of a better way of feeling but we sometimes get stuck and unable to find a way forward alone. I can help you to untangle how you are feeling and clear the way for a new path.
01392 719726 View 01392 719726
Photo of Sarah Lane - Sarah Lane MBACP Counselling & Mindfulness, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Lane MBACP Counselling & Mindfulness
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bovey Tracey TQ13
I am committed to offering affordable counselling.
I offer affordable integrative counselling, which helps with overcoming difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, poor self-esteem, bereavement and relationship issues. You may be lacking direction in your life at the moment, it may seem meaningless or you might feel low in confidence. Perhaps you are looking to find some clarity around what's important to you and to explore how you can bring more of this into your life? Or maybe you want to improve how you feel about yourself? Or perhaps you need a warm and compassionate space where you can fully feel your grief to be able to start to move forwards in life again?
I am committed to offering affordable counselling.
I offer affordable integrative counselling, which helps with overcoming difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, poor self-esteem, bereavement and relationship issues. You may be lacking direction in your life at the moment, it may seem meaningless or you might feel low in confidence. Perhaps you are looking to find some clarity around what's important to you and to explore how you can bring more of this into your life? Or maybe you want to improve how you feel about yourself? Or perhaps you need a warm and compassionate space where you can fully feel your grief to be able to start to move forwards in life again?
01392 531552 View 01392 531552

See more therapy options for Ashburton

Depression Counsellors

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.