Depression Counselling in Hardingstone

Photo of Hema Patel, MBACP, Counsellor
Hema Patel
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hardingstone NN4
In my practice, I am passionate about helping clients with stress, anxiety, GAD, trauma, grief and loss, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, recovering from a controlling relationship, co-dependency, parenting support.
Life is stressful and coping with it can feel overwhelming. You are not alone and I am here to help you find clarity and calm by tailoring dialogue sessions to address your unique and specific needs in a safe and trusted environment. By visiting this page, you have already taken the first step to improve your quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I welcome you to send me a message for further details or to schedule an appointment.
In my practice, I am passionate about helping clients with stress, anxiety, GAD, trauma, grief and loss, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, recovering from a controlling relationship, co-dependency, parenting support.
Life is stressful and coping with it can feel overwhelming. You are not alone and I am here to help you find clarity and calm by tailoring dialogue sessions to address your unique and specific needs in a safe and trusted environment. By visiting this page, you have already taken the first step to improve your quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I welcome you to send me a message for further details or to schedule an appointment.
01604 279682 View 01604 279682
Photo of Annalisa Fraddosio - Btrue2U - Annalisa Fraddosio, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Btrue2U - Annalisa Fraddosio
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hardingstone NN4
I'm a qualified Integrative counsellor psychotherapist and supervisor both in private practice and working in HE as part of a counselling and mental health team . I have been working in this field since 2007 and I love what I do. During these years I have worked with a variety of clients addressing different challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to bereavement, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem issues, abuse and trauma. I practice locally in Irchester/Wellingborough area but I also offer online and telephone appointments.
I'm a qualified Integrative counsellor psychotherapist and supervisor both in private practice and working in HE as part of a counselling and mental health team . I have been working in this field since 2007 and I love what I do. During these years I have worked with a variety of clients addressing different challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to bereavement, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem issues, abuse and trauma. I practice locally in Irchester/Wellingborough area but I also offer online and telephone appointments.
01536 907413 View 01536 907413
Photo of Justin Porter, BACP, Counsellor
Justin Porter
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hardingstone NN4
You are not alone! In addition to formal Counselling training, I bring to my work many years of life experience and of overcoming (and continuing to overcome) my own mental and emotional health challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by circumstances or internal struggles, I will use my experience and training to help empower you to overcome situations both inner and outer that may feel impossible to surmount. .
You are not alone! In addition to formal Counselling training, I bring to my work many years of life experience and of overcoming (and continuing to overcome) my own mental and emotional health challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by circumstances or internal struggles, I will use my experience and training to help empower you to overcome situations both inner and outer that may feel impossible to surmount. .
01604 343224 View 01604 343224
Photo of Rebecca Vivash, BACP, Counsellor
Rebecca Vivash
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hardingstone NN4
Hi and welcome - I'd like to tell you a bit about me, so you can decide if I sound like the right counsellor for you. ​ I decided to train to be a counsellor several years ago, after experiencing first hand, just how powerful counselling can be in helping to make lasting positive life changes. ​ I have a gentle demeanour that, I am told, exudes calm to those around me, together with a warmth and sincerity that allows me to build meaningful relationships, providing the foundation for you to begin your healing process.
Hi and welcome - I'd like to tell you a bit about me, so you can decide if I sound like the right counsellor for you. ​ I decided to train to be a counsellor several years ago, after experiencing first hand, just how powerful counselling can be in helping to make lasting positive life changes. ​ I have a gentle demeanour that, I am told, exudes calm to those around me, together with a warmth and sincerity that allows me to build meaningful relationships, providing the foundation for you to begin your healing process.
01604 981687 View 01604 981687

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Helen Heather, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Heather
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I support people in finding hope for the future rather than existing in the past. Sometimes it can feel as though we are playing a role for other people, rather than being our genuine selves. Things can become overwhelming and feel as though you are having to face things on your own. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression or grief. You're not alone. By seeking counselling, you are taking a first step towards having a better understanding of your needs and how to meet them, work through past experiences and feel more in control of your future. If this resonates with you, read on...
I support people in finding hope for the future rather than existing in the past. Sometimes it can feel as though we are playing a role for other people, rather than being our genuine selves. Things can become overwhelming and feel as though you are having to face things on your own. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression or grief. You're not alone. By seeking counselling, you are taking a first step towards having a better understanding of your needs and how to meet them, work through past experiences and feel more in control of your future. If this resonates with you, read on...
01234 230236 View 01234 230236
Photo of Leigh Spatcher, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Leigh Spatcher
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
I specialise in the treatment of anxiety, depression and improving self esteem.
I am a highly motivated and passionate real guy with a solution focused approach to life, therapy and mental health. I bring a refreshing new approach to every appointment and treat every client as a true equal and approach every issue as a team. It is not uncommon to meet me for a walk and talk session or work with you on a specific issue and end up at the dentist, supermarket; passenger in your car or with spiders on our knees. I make the treatment of incredibly challenging issues positive, normal and achievable.
I specialise in the treatment of anxiety, depression and improving self esteem.
I am a highly motivated and passionate real guy with a solution focused approach to life, therapy and mental health. I bring a refreshing new approach to every appointment and treat every client as a true equal and approach every issue as a team. It is not uncommon to meet me for a walk and talk session or work with you on a specific issue and end up at the dentist, supermarket; passenger in your car or with spiders on our knees. I make the treatment of incredibly challenging issues positive, normal and achievable.
01604 279184 View 01604 279184
Photo of Ian Stockbridge - Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Hope Therapy & Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I am a skilled Counsellor specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Counseling Supervision. With a Bachelor's degree in CBT, a Diploma in Counselling, and a Level 7 Postgraduate qualification in Counselling Supervision, I am dedicated to providing personalised support for challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship issues, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Qualifications: BSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): My academic foundation equips me with principles and techniques for addressing cognitive and behavioural patterns linked to mental health concerns.
I am a skilled Counsellor specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Counseling Supervision. With a Bachelor's degree in CBT, a Diploma in Counselling, and a Level 7 Postgraduate qualification in Counselling Supervision, I am dedicated to providing personalised support for challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship issues, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Qualifications: BSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): My academic foundation equips me with principles and techniques for addressing cognitive and behavioural patterns linked to mental health concerns.
07480 559808 View 07480 559808
Photo of Cristina Maria Nemes, MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Cristina Maria Nemes
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1  (Online Only)
Let's do this together! I am specialised in working with clients who are fighting with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Addictions, PTSD, eating disorders.
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
Let's do this together! I am specialised in working with clients who are fighting with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Addictions, PTSD, eating disorders.
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
01604 954995 View 01604 954995
Photo of Kirsty Bees - Odyssey, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Odyssey
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4  (Online Only)
Helping you to manage issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, decision-making, bereavement, loss, anger, personal and family relationships, trauma, betrayal, co-dependency, self-harm, lack of focus, or other difficulties, is what I am here for.
Integrative counselling sessions enable clients to make sense of problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours and provide an opportunity to safely explore and reflect on and learn from past experiences. Some people want to come to counselling with a specific goal in mind, whereas others would like to feel better, happier and/or less anxious. I can also work with clients creatively to help them identify feelings and learn of ways to express themselves effectively. Whether you have a specific difficulty or a general sense of stuck-ness, I'd be very happy to work with you in a supportive, non-judgemental manner.
Helping you to manage issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, decision-making, bereavement, loss, anger, personal and family relationships, trauma, betrayal, co-dependency, self-harm, lack of focus, or other difficulties, is what I am here for.
Integrative counselling sessions enable clients to make sense of problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours and provide an opportunity to safely explore and reflect on and learn from past experiences. Some people want to come to counselling with a specific goal in mind, whereas others would like to feel better, happier and/or less anxious. I can also work with clients creatively to help them identify feelings and learn of ways to express themselves effectively. Whether you have a specific difficulty or a general sense of stuck-ness, I'd be very happy to work with you in a supportive, non-judgemental manner.
01604 279190 View 01604 279190
Photo of Frazer Smith, MBACP, Counsellor
Frazer Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
I specialize in anxiety, depression, abuse, anger management, low self-esteem, family issues, self-confidence, stress, sadness, and more.
Many of us face a variety of ups and downs throughout our lifespan. While family or friends can often help us, this may not always be possible, or additional support may be needed. A qualified counsellor can help to explore or change something in our lives which may be holding us back. We will explore your thoughts and feelings together, within a safe and confidential space with sessions adapted depending on individual needs. Through training and attending sessions myself I understand the difference it can make and am passionate about the process. I look forward to meeting you should you decide to take the leap and get in touch.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, abuse, anger management, low self-esteem, family issues, self-confidence, stress, sadness, and more.
Many of us face a variety of ups and downs throughout our lifespan. While family or friends can often help us, this may not always be possible, or additional support may be needed. A qualified counsellor can help to explore or change something in our lives which may be holding us back. We will explore your thoughts and feelings together, within a safe and confidential space with sessions adapted depending on individual needs. Through training and attending sessions myself I understand the difference it can make and am passionate about the process. I look forward to meeting you should you decide to take the leap and get in touch.
01209 702961 View 01209 702961
Photo of Edak E Effiom, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Edak E Effiom
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
Issues: Relationship, Anxiety, low mood, depression, suicidality, self-harm, self-esteem, spirituality.
When you make the decision to talk to a total stranger about your difficulties, it can sometimes provoke anxiety. However, as your therapist, my goal is to not make you feel judged, by providing a safe, confidential space for you to express those difficult feelings that you may never have been able to do. My aim is for you to feel connected with aspects of your self, which might make you feel more able to explore more complex issues of your life experience, so that you can make better sense of your world and your way of being and interacting with the connections you make within that world.
Issues: Relationship, Anxiety, low mood, depression, suicidality, self-harm, self-esteem, spirituality.
When you make the decision to talk to a total stranger about your difficulties, it can sometimes provoke anxiety. However, as your therapist, my goal is to not make you feel judged, by providing a safe, confidential space for you to express those difficult feelings that you may never have been able to do. My aim is for you to feel connected with aspects of your self, which might make you feel more able to explore more complex issues of your life experience, so that you can make better sense of your world and your way of being and interacting with the connections you make within that world.
01788 228348 View 01788 228348
Photo of Karen Johnson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Karen Johnson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I have experience with working with clients struggling with stress, anxiety or depression as a result of work or day to day pressures of life or lack confidence or purpose in life.
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
I have experience with working with clients struggling with stress, anxiety or depression as a result of work or day to day pressures of life or lack confidence or purpose in life.
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
01788 229475 View 01788 229475
Photo of Asha Weir, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Asha Weir
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Northampton NN7
I am a psychologist and counsellor who has spent a very rewarding 19 years building my practice in the beautiful city of Milton Keynes, helping men and women, teenagers and children, couples and families. I deal with a wide variety of issues and situations including couples therapy, relationship counselling, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, stress management, confidence building, teenage and child behaviours, and bullying in the workplace.
I am a psychologist and counsellor who has spent a very rewarding 19 years building my practice in the beautiful city of Milton Keynes, helping men and women, teenagers and children, couples and families. I deal with a wide variety of issues and situations including couples therapy, relationship counselling, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, stress management, confidence building, teenage and child behaviours, and bullying in the workplace.
01908 082329 View 01908 082329
Photo of Mary Doran, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Mary Doran
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Whatever your goals for therapy, whether you want to regulate your emotions better, release yourself from debilitating anxiety or depression, or make better choices in your life, living to your best potential, I can help you to achieve better mental health and work towards a better balance in life.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
Whatever your goals for therapy, whether you want to regulate your emotions better, release yourself from debilitating anxiety or depression, or make better choices in your life, living to your best potential, I can help you to achieve better mental health and work towards a better balance in life.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
01536 907346 View 01536 907346
Photo of Carole Scarlett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carole Scarlett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
01442 953053 View 01442 953053
Photo of Matt Lightfoot, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Matt Lightfoot
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
Hi, I'm Matt. You've taken a courageous and positive step in seeking a therapist to work with. It can be really nerve-wracking to find the strength to reach out and ask for support - I've certainly been there, and have been personally helped by counselling in my own life! I work with a range of issues, most notably anxiety, depression, stress, relationships & sexuality, addiction, coping with life changes and supporting people in finding more direction, purpose & fulfilment in their lives.
Hi, I'm Matt. You've taken a courageous and positive step in seeking a therapist to work with. It can be really nerve-wracking to find the strength to reach out and ask for support - I've certainly been there, and have been personally helped by counselling in my own life! I work with a range of issues, most notably anxiety, depression, stress, relationships & sexuality, addiction, coping with life changes and supporting people in finding more direction, purpose & fulfilment in their lives.
01536 907137 View 01536 907137
Photo of Katie Shepherd, MBACP, Counsellor
Katie Shepherd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4  (Online Only)
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
01327 227406 View 01327 227406
Photo of Mat Schencks, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mat Schencks
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, sexuality, anger and all kinds of relationship challenges in a warm and supportive manner.
I offer a caring and non-judgmental relationship in which you can explore the issues, experiences, thoughts and feelings that have brought you to seek help. We will explore the situations and challenges you are facing in your life. Speaking about what is difficult is the beginning of feeling better. Core Process Psychotherapy combines the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism with western approaches to psychology. This compassionate and relational approach emphasises our wholeness, and our inherent resilience and balance - however hidden these qualities may sometimes seem. I work with both individuals and couples.
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, sexuality, anger and all kinds of relationship challenges in a warm and supportive manner.
I offer a caring and non-judgmental relationship in which you can explore the issues, experiences, thoughts and feelings that have brought you to seek help. We will explore the situations and challenges you are facing in your life. Speaking about what is difficult is the beginning of feeling better. Core Process Psychotherapy combines the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism with western approaches to psychology. This compassionate and relational approach emphasises our wholeness, and our inherent resilience and balance - however hidden these qualities may sometimes seem. I work with both individuals and couples.
01908 015946 View 01908 015946
Photo of Geraldine Grier, MBACP, Counsellor
Geraldine Grier
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
I believe the way we think has a great deal to do with how we feel and how we experience things. If you find yourself facing life's challenges such as bereavement, depression, marriage breakdown, relationship problems, anxiety, then counselling can help. Counselling will allow you to implement changes in the way you do things, give you the clarity to see a way forward and help you become a more self-sufficient person. I provide a caring service that offers you the opportunity to start your journey of discovery, growth and achievement.
I believe the way we think has a great deal to do with how we feel and how we experience things. If you find yourself facing life's challenges such as bereavement, depression, marriage breakdown, relationship problems, anxiety, then counselling can help. Counselling will allow you to implement changes in the way you do things, give you the clarity to see a way forward and help you become a more self-sufficient person. I provide a caring service that offers you the opportunity to start your journey of discovery, growth and achievement.
01406 438943 View 01406 438943
Photo of Adriana Pavelescu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Adriana Pavelescu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
01788 229228 View 01788 229228
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.