Depression Counselling in Merstham

Photo of Ashley Lowings, MBACP, Counsellor
Ashley Lowings
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Merstham RH1
I understand that taking that first step towards receiving help can often be daunting and difficult.
'Counselling, a step in the right direction' Are you experiencing difficulties In your life and need someone to talk to about how you are feeling? Needing help and support through challenging times? I am a qualified, experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist with experience in a wide range of issues from depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, anger and bereavement.
I understand that taking that first step towards receiving help can often be daunting and difficult.
'Counselling, a step in the right direction' Are you experiencing difficulties In your life and need someone to talk to about how you are feeling? Needing help and support through challenging times? I am a qualified, experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist with experience in a wide range of issues from depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, anger and bereavement.
01737 924974 View 01737 924974
Photo of Maria Harding - Psychotherapy Surrey Hills, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Psychotherapy Surrey Hills
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Merstham RH1
I offer therapy according to your specific needs and in the context of your life as a whole.
We seek psychological help for many reasons. Not only can psychological therapy help when life feels intolerably difficult, but it can also make an “ok” life more fulfilling. Therapy can help to reduce emotional suffering, support change, and promote personal growth. It is a collaborative process and the insight gained can help us look at life from a different perspective and enable us to respond differently to life’s challenges. People often seek support when they are facing life transitions or feel stuck in their lives.
I offer therapy according to your specific needs and in the context of your life as a whole.
We seek psychological help for many reasons. Not only can psychological therapy help when life feels intolerably difficult, but it can also make an “ok” life more fulfilling. Therapy can help to reduce emotional suffering, support change, and promote personal growth. It is a collaborative process and the insight gained can help us look at life from a different perspective and enable us to respond differently to life’s challenges. People often seek support when they are facing life transitions or feel stuck in their lives.
01737 924407 View 01737 924407
Photo of Samantha Parsons, MBACP, Counsellor
Samantha Parsons
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Merstham RH1
I believe that every individual is unique, what affects one person may not another.
There may be times in life where you feel that you are on your own, and you put a brave face on because you don't want to burden others for fear that they won't understand what you're going through. As a Therapist I would like to provide the safe space for you to explore these feelings. Hello, my name is Sam, I am a qualified experienced Counsellor practising in Horley & Coulsdon areas of Surrey. As a counsellor I aim to provide a warm, empathic, non-judgmental, safe space to listen, reflect and provide emotional support. I offer an external relationship away from distractions to focus on you.
I believe that every individual is unique, what affects one person may not another.
There may be times in life where you feel that you are on your own, and you put a brave face on because you don't want to burden others for fear that they won't understand what you're going through. As a Therapist I would like to provide the safe space for you to explore these feelings. Hello, my name is Sam, I am a qualified experienced Counsellor practising in Horley & Coulsdon areas of Surrey. As a counsellor I aim to provide a warm, empathic, non-judgmental, safe space to listen, reflect and provide emotional support. I offer an external relationship away from distractions to focus on you.
01260 541562 View 01260 541562
Photo of Stephanie Guscott, MBACP, Counsellor
Stephanie Guscott
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merstham RH1
It is crucial that you find the right counsellor, someone you feel comfortable with.
When life stresses become all consuming you can feel vulnerable, lost or frustrated. Talking it through with a trusted, non-biased counsellor is an opportunity for you to feel less overwhelmed, gain awareness of what is going on for you, move forward and gain a sense of control in your life. It could be that your lifestyle is stressful, work, family or financial pressures. You may have suffered trauma or loss that you are struggling to cope with or experiencing relationship difficulties. There are a million different reasons where a counsellor can help, you don't need to feel alone in whatever you are facing.
It is crucial that you find the right counsellor, someone you feel comfortable with.
When life stresses become all consuming you can feel vulnerable, lost or frustrated. Talking it through with a trusted, non-biased counsellor is an opportunity for you to feel less overwhelmed, gain awareness of what is going on for you, move forward and gain a sense of control in your life. It could be that your lifestyle is stressful, work, family or financial pressures. You may have suffered trauma or loss that you are struggling to cope with or experiencing relationship difficulties. There are a million different reasons where a counsellor can help, you don't need to feel alone in whatever you are facing.
01737 924959 View 01737 924959
Photo of Katrina Voysey, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Katrina Voysey
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Merstham RH1
It can be scary to seek support.
With 30 years experience, I offer a safe, non-judgemental and creative space to explore personal or relationship concerns. Psychotherapy can help you to cope better with difficult experiences, to change your behaviours & attitudes, to resolve your problems and to develop resources for a more enriching life. Relational or couples counselling can help you repair relationships blighted by vicious arguments, affairs, mistrust, sexual issues, control, boredom or a deadening growing apart. Working with me can set your relationship back on course for better, more fulfilling times; or it can ease the difficulties of a breakup.
It can be scary to seek support.
With 30 years experience, I offer a safe, non-judgemental and creative space to explore personal or relationship concerns. Psychotherapy can help you to cope better with difficult experiences, to change your behaviours & attitudes, to resolve your problems and to develop resources for a more enriching life. Relational or couples counselling can help you repair relationships blighted by vicious arguments, affairs, mistrust, sexual issues, control, boredom or a deadening growing apart. Working with me can set your relationship back on course for better, more fulfilling times; or it can ease the difficulties of a breakup.
020 3948 6490 View 020 3948 6490

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Valentina Bowley - Chrysalis Wellbeing, MBACP, Counsellor
Chrysalis Wellbeing
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Redhill RH1
Life is a challenge and it can be difficult to take that first step to reach out for the help that you so deserve.
Life is a challenge, at times we are woken up to the impact of emotional and psychological stress on our personal and professional lives which can suddenly hit us or, creep upon us in the cold light of day. I can help you to explore and take action to cope with those feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, stress and self-esteem. My experience with parenting issues, bullying or childhood sexual abuse recognises the challenges this presents to live authentically and experience genuine relationships lifting the cloud of despair. Together we can explore, identify goals to transform and help you live your life more successfully.
Life is a challenge and it can be difficult to take that first step to reach out for the help that you so deserve.
Life is a challenge, at times we are woken up to the impact of emotional and psychological stress on our personal and professional lives which can suddenly hit us or, creep upon us in the cold light of day. I can help you to explore and take action to cope with those feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, stress and self-esteem. My experience with parenting issues, bullying or childhood sexual abuse recognises the challenges this presents to live authentically and experience genuine relationships lifting the cloud of despair. Together we can explore, identify goals to transform and help you live your life more successfully.
01737 924995 View 01737 924995
Photo of Sharon Tomlin, MBACP, Counsellor
Sharon Tomlin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Choosing the right counsellor for you is the most important part to enable you to build trust and feel comfortable.
I will work with you to build a confidential, trusting relationship where we can explore and deepen your understanding of any issues you are currently facing. I will support you in navigating your way through life's challenges and together we can find a way forward. I work as an Integrative Counsellor which allows me to tailor the therapeutic process for you by drawing from different theories to meet your needs. I specialise in short-term focused sessions for anxiety and depression, working with adults and young people aged 14+. I also offer longer term work for a wide range of issues.
Choosing the right counsellor for you is the most important part to enable you to build trust and feel comfortable.
I will work with you to build a confidential, trusting relationship where we can explore and deepen your understanding of any issues you are currently facing. I will support you in navigating your way through life's challenges and together we can find a way forward. I work as an Integrative Counsellor which allows me to tailor the therapeutic process for you by drawing from different theories to meet your needs. I specialise in short-term focused sessions for anxiety and depression, working with adults and young people aged 14+. I also offer longer term work for a wide range of issues.
01737 926997 View 01737 926997
Photo of Hannah Downing, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Hannah Downing
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reigate RH2
It can be difficult to take the step to begin seeing a new therapist.
There are many reasons why we find ourselves in search of a therapist. You might have come to a point in life where you are in search of answers that you would like to explore together in therapy. Perhaps you have noticed patterns over time that you would like to understand better. It could be that you have come to a realisation that something just needs to change or that things just aren't working anymore in the way that they used to.
It can be difficult to take the step to begin seeing a new therapist.
There are many reasons why we find ourselves in search of a therapist. You might have come to a point in life where you are in search of answers that you would like to explore together in therapy. Perhaps you have noticed patterns over time that you would like to understand better. It could be that you have come to a realisation that something just needs to change or that things just aren't working anymore in the way that they used to.
01883 779276 View 01883 779276
Photo of Charlotte Musgrove, MBACP, Counsellor
Charlotte Musgrove
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reigate RH2
So many things, experiences, relationships, questions, transitions, can bring us into therapy.
I welcome your needs, be that uncovering the source of your anxiety, beginning to work with your depression, reflecting on relationships and your own patterns of relating, or together voyaging into what is your extrinsic meaning, who and how am I in this world? The therapeutic space I offer is yours to focus on any aspect of life. I am a committed, genuine, caring therapist, that is invested in developing our therapeutic relationship. Together, every step of the way and in your own time, we can explore your life experience and discover where emotions may have got stuck and are now impacting your present.
So many things, experiences, relationships, questions, transitions, can bring us into therapy.
I welcome your needs, be that uncovering the source of your anxiety, beginning to work with your depression, reflecting on relationships and your own patterns of relating, or together voyaging into what is your extrinsic meaning, who and how am I in this world? The therapeutic space I offer is yours to focus on any aspect of life. I am a committed, genuine, caring therapist, that is invested in developing our therapeutic relationship. Together, every step of the way and in your own time, we can explore your life experience and discover where emotions may have got stuck and are now impacting your present.
01483 968825 View 01483 968825
Photo of Catherine Frisby, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Catherine Frisby
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
I appreciate that finding the right counsellor is important.
Coming to counselling for the first time can be daunting and may take some courage. I would like to offer you a safe, confidential, non-judgemental, neutral space to work through difficult feelings, gain insights and help you move forward. It may be separation or loss that has brought you to this point. Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety or relationship difficulties. It may be past traumas that are affecting you. It could be a vague sense of dissatisfaction and a search for a greater sense of meaning that is the source of your discomfort. Whatever the issue, counselling with a skilled counsellor can guide you through
I appreciate that finding the right counsellor is important.
Coming to counselling for the first time can be daunting and may take some courage. I would like to offer you a safe, confidential, non-judgemental, neutral space to work through difficult feelings, gain insights and help you move forward. It may be separation or loss that has brought you to this point. Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety or relationship difficulties. It may be past traumas that are affecting you. It could be a vague sense of dissatisfaction and a search for a greater sense of meaning that is the source of your discomfort. Whatever the issue, counselling with a skilled counsellor can guide you through
01737 949543 View 01737 949543
Photo of Anna Scott, MBACP, Counsellor
Anna Scott
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Before counselling sessions begin I will invite you for an initial consultation.
Counselling for Couples & Individuals. As a psychodynamic counsellor, I work with both couples and individuals who want to understand how early experiences may be shaping current patterns of thinking, beliefs, and behaviours. For couples, I offer support in navigating relational challenges such as rebuilding trust after an affair, overcoming communication breakdowns, reigniting intimacy, and managing parenting disagreements. Together, we can create a space for each partner to better understand themselves and each other, working towards stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Before counselling sessions begin I will invite you for an initial consultation.
Counselling for Couples & Individuals. As a psychodynamic counsellor, I work with both couples and individuals who want to understand how early experiences may be shaping current patterns of thinking, beliefs, and behaviours. For couples, I offer support in navigating relational challenges such as rebuilding trust after an affair, overcoming communication breakdowns, reigniting intimacy, and managing parenting disagreements. Together, we can create a space for each partner to better understand themselves and each other, working towards stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
01306 772208 View 01306 772208
Photo of Jazz Vienna Coe - Jazz Vienna Counselling, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jazz Vienna Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
You are warmly invited to contact me using WhatsApp, or email for an initial conversation, or to book a session.
Hello, and a very warm welcome to you. Making the decision to start therapy can be a difficult step, but a positive and rewarding one for many. I am a warm and compassionate integrative therapist offering indoor face to face counselling, online sessions, and outdoors walk and talk therapy. You as a person are at the centre of my approach. When life becomes overwhelming, it can be surprisingly helpful to speak to someone who really listens, with warmth, understanding, and without judgment. My aim is to provide a welcoming, safe, and confidential space for us to explore the challenging issues that may have brought you here today.
You are warmly invited to contact me using WhatsApp, or email for an initial conversation, or to book a session.
Hello, and a very warm welcome to you. Making the decision to start therapy can be a difficult step, but a positive and rewarding one for many. I am a warm and compassionate integrative therapist offering indoor face to face counselling, online sessions, and outdoors walk and talk therapy. You as a person are at the centre of my approach. When life becomes overwhelming, it can be surprisingly helpful to speak to someone who really listens, with warmth, understanding, and without judgment. My aim is to provide a welcoming, safe, and confidential space for us to explore the challenging issues that may have brought you here today.
020 4538 5685 View 020 4538 5685
Photo of Lorraine Gallagher, MBACP, Counsellor
Lorraine Gallagher
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Redhill RH1
I know that coming to counselling can sometimes feel quite daunting.
I am passionate about providing a place that is confidential and safe, in a non judgemental way. I am a qualified integrative counsellor. (Integrative means I use different approaches depending on what the client needs). I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I am also an accredited member of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I can offer you the time and space to reflect on difficult feelings. I offer empathy and congruence. I am here to support you with whatever is troubling you, whether it be relationship problems. a traumatic even or bereavement, anxiety/ depression.
I know that coming to counselling can sometimes feel quite daunting.
I am passionate about providing a place that is confidential and safe, in a non judgemental way. I am a qualified integrative counsellor. (Integrative means I use different approaches depending on what the client needs). I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I am also an accredited member of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I can offer you the time and space to reflect on difficult feelings. I offer empathy and congruence. I am here to support you with whatever is troubling you, whether it be relationship problems. a traumatic even or bereavement, anxiety/ depression.
01883 776042 View 01883 776042
Photo of Sarah Coppack, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Coppack
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Redhill RH1
I am passionate and committed to supporting my clients on their counselling journey to making sense and meaning of their experiences.
Hello and a warm welcome. Making the decision to see a therapist is a big step, but it can be a positive one. As an experienced, Humanistic Integrative Therapist registered with the BACP, my aim is to be alongside you and listen without judgement, whilst helping you explore at your own pace, whatever difficulties you maybe facing. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Or perhaps you are experiencing low self esteem, stress or burnout because your work/life balance isn’t what you’d like it to be? Equally, you may want to work through some important life changes and evaluate your next steps.
I am passionate and committed to supporting my clients on their counselling journey to making sense and meaning of their experiences.
Hello and a warm welcome. Making the decision to see a therapist is a big step, but it can be a positive one. As an experienced, Humanistic Integrative Therapist registered with the BACP, my aim is to be alongside you and listen without judgement, whilst helping you explore at your own pace, whatever difficulties you maybe facing. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Or perhaps you are experiencing low self esteem, stress or burnout because your work/life balance isn’t what you’d like it to be? Equally, you may want to work through some important life changes and evaluate your next steps.
01342 645406 View 01342 645406
Photo of Susanna Taggart, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Susanna Taggart
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Thank you for reading my profile.
I believe psychology can improve everyone's quality of life. ​ My aim is to work in a collaborative, compassionate way to help reduce distress, develop your ability to manage any ongoing difficulties and help you develop a more meaningful and valued life. As a Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based treatments and draw on the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE guidelines). Put simply our sessions will aim to reduce unhappiness or dysfunction, and increase your ability to cope and sense of fulfilment. ​
Thank you for reading my profile.
I believe psychology can improve everyone's quality of life. ​ My aim is to work in a collaborative, compassionate way to help reduce distress, develop your ability to manage any ongoing difficulties and help you develop a more meaningful and valued life. As a Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based treatments and draw on the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE guidelines). Put simply our sessions will aim to reduce unhappiness or dysfunction, and increase your ability to cope and sense of fulfilment. ​
01306 775897 View 01306 775897
Photo of Dr Reena Amin, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Reena Amin
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Dr Amin is committed to provide a professional service and work collaboratively with clients to develop a shared understanding of the difficulties, enabling a tailored approach to meet individual needs.
Dr Amin is an experienced Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. In addition to her private practice, Dr Amin is currently working within the NHS with adults with complex and enduring mental health difficulties and works as a Lecturer and Clinical Tutor at University College London offering teaching, training and supervision. Dr Amin specialises in working with adult mental health and works with a range of difficulties such as trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, phobias, eating disorders and personality disorders.
Dr Amin is committed to provide a professional service and work collaboratively with clients to develop a shared understanding of the difficulties, enabling a tailored approach to meet individual needs.
Dr Amin is an experienced Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. In addition to her private practice, Dr Amin is currently working within the NHS with adults with complex and enduring mental health difficulties and works as a Lecturer and Clinical Tutor at University College London offering teaching, training and supervision. Dr Amin specialises in working with adult mental health and works with a range of difficulties such as trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, phobias, eating disorders and personality disorders.
020 8103 5986 View 020 8103 5986
Photo of Christina Usher - Christina Usher at Walled Garden Counselling , DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Christina Usher at Walled Garden Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Waitlist for new clients
If your situation seems impossible, you feel despairing and you have nowhere to turn - I'm here to listen and support you.
I offer caring, non-judgmental counselling in a safe and confidential setting. You'll find a peaceful room where you can talk about your concerns and fears with a trusted professional. Counselling gives you a chance to explore what is happening and why, guiding you along a new path to self-recovery and resilience. I support individuals from the age of 16 years, who are experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, separation, low self-esteem, anger and bereavement. When life becomes difficult, we all need someone to talk to and that someone can’t always be a family member or a friend.
If your situation seems impossible, you feel despairing and you have nowhere to turn - I'm here to listen and support you.
I offer caring, non-judgmental counselling in a safe and confidential setting. You'll find a peaceful room where you can talk about your concerns and fears with a trusted professional. Counselling gives you a chance to explore what is happening and why, guiding you along a new path to self-recovery and resilience. I support individuals from the age of 16 years, who are experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, separation, low self-esteem, anger and bereavement. When life becomes difficult, we all need someone to talk to and that someone can’t always be a family member or a friend.
01737 306804 View 01737 306804
Photo of Lindsey Tull, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Lindsey Tull
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Redhill RH1
By paying attention to the relationship that unfolds between us, you can gain a better understanding of yourself, and discover alternative behaviours and new possibilities in your relationships.
I work with people who are struggling with different life situations such as addictive behaviours, fertility concerns, alcoholism, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, miscarriage and bereavement and many more. I help you to empower and resource yourself so that change feels possible. I am here to listen and encourage you to become more attuned to your inner needs, providing you with greater freedom of choice and creativity. I am passionate about providing a safe space where you feel comfortable and heard.
By paying attention to the relationship that unfolds between us, you can gain a better understanding of yourself, and discover alternative behaviours and new possibilities in your relationships.
I work with people who are struggling with different life situations such as addictive behaviours, fertility concerns, alcoholism, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, miscarriage and bereavement and many more. I help you to empower and resource yourself so that change feels possible. I am here to listen and encourage you to become more attuned to your inner needs, providing you with greater freedom of choice and creativity. I am passionate about providing a safe space where you feel comfortable and heard.
01737 949539 View 01737 949539
Photo of Louise Hudspith, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Hudspith
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Why choose me? My extensive experience spans across clients of all ages, including young people, I offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth.
The therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client plays a pivotal role in influencing the success of therapy. This hinges on personal preference and a genuine connection. Often you will intuitively sense whether the therapist is the right match, even from the first contact. Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Seeking therapy is a courageous and brave step, whether it’s for bereavement, grief & loss, or other life difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Please get in touch for a 15 minute discovery session.
Why choose me? My extensive experience spans across clients of all ages, including young people, I offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth.
The therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client plays a pivotal role in influencing the success of therapy. This hinges on personal preference and a genuine connection. Often you will intuitively sense whether the therapist is the right match, even from the first contact. Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Seeking therapy is a courageous and brave step, whether it’s for bereavement, grief & loss, or other life difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Please get in touch for a 15 minute discovery session.
01293 376074 View 01293 376074
Photo of Karolina Meyer, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Karolina Meyer
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Reigate RH2
Choosing a therapist can be daunting.
I am a fully accredited CBT Therapist . Have you been struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, burn out? Do you feel exhausted of the constant worry and overwhelming emotions? Do you have unwanted thoughts or feeling stuck in repeated patterns of thoughts or behaviours? Do not struggle on your own. Understand yourself better, learn new copying techniques, reconnect with your values, reclaim your life back. I have been privileged seeing people change and grow even in the midst of the most challenging life experiences or events.
Choosing a therapist can be daunting.
I am a fully accredited CBT Therapist . Have you been struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, burn out? Do you feel exhausted of the constant worry and overwhelming emotions? Do you have unwanted thoughts or feeling stuck in repeated patterns of thoughts or behaviours? Do not struggle on your own. Understand yourself better, learn new copying techniques, reconnect with your values, reclaim your life back. I have been privileged seeing people change and grow even in the midst of the most challenging life experiences or events.
01737 301457 View 01737 301457

See more therapy options for Merstham

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.