Depression Counselling in Oadby

Photo of Sylvia Sanders - Knighton counselling, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Knighton counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
I work from a private comfortable room only 10 minutes from Leicester city centre which is easily accessible to M1 / M69 motorways serving Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Northampton.
I have been in practice for 25 years and during that time helped hundreds of clients with a wide range of emotional issues. I am a compassionate and approachable person that clients trust and feel at ease with. Relationship breakdowns and difficulties can leave people feeling lost and confused counselling can help them through this process of change . Past difficult experiences can have an impact on their lives in a negative way , I can help clients process past trauma so that they can live a more happy life. I was the clinical supervisor at a womens sexual abuse charity and the clinical lead of a cancer charity for 3 years .
I work from a private comfortable room only 10 minutes from Leicester city centre which is easily accessible to M1 / M69 motorways serving Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Northampton.
I have been in practice for 25 years and during that time helped hundreds of clients with a wide range of emotional issues. I am a compassionate and approachable person that clients trust and feel at ease with. Relationship breakdowns and difficulties can leave people feeling lost and confused counselling can help them through this process of change . Past difficult experiences can have an impact on their lives in a negative way , I can help clients process past trauma so that they can live a more happy life. I was the clinical supervisor at a womens sexual abuse charity and the clinical lead of a cancer charity for 3 years .
0116 478 2895 View 0116 478 2895
Photo of Ahmed Joe Lamrani, MBACP, Counsellor
Ahmed Joe Lamrani
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
I am a Person-Centered counsellor and a member of the BACP.
Are you anxious, depressed, feeling stressed or issues getting you down? Sometimes life can be overwhelming and with no one to turn to. Life experiences may bring feelings of anger, fear or pain and by talking and understanding your individual situation together we can begin to make sense of it. Counselling can help you to deal with and recognise stress, anxiety, anger and any other emotions you may be experiencing. Having a safe place where you can just be yourself, express your feelings and emotions without having to feel you are burdening your loved ones can make all the difference.
I am a Person-Centered counsellor and a member of the BACP.
Are you anxious, depressed, feeling stressed or issues getting you down? Sometimes life can be overwhelming and with no one to turn to. Life experiences may bring feelings of anger, fear or pain and by talking and understanding your individual situation together we can begin to make sense of it. Counselling can help you to deal with and recognise stress, anxiety, anger and any other emotions you may be experiencing. Having a safe place where you can just be yourself, express your feelings and emotions without having to feel you are burdening your loved ones can make all the difference.
0116 464 9705 View 0116 464 9705
Photo of Shanice Dasour, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Shanice Dasour
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
I believe that the client-therapist relationship is important and therefore I offer a free initial appointment lasting 15 minutes.
Welcome to The Therapy Lane, a space for you to be heard. As an integrative therapist, I aim to establish a compassionate space and be beside you while you explore, express, and process your worries. Guidance in bringing you to a new awareness and creating clear perspectives is what I aim to bring. I offer a warm and caring environment to enhance the possibility of you overcoming whatever your struggles may be. The Therapy Lane invites your voice to be heard.
I believe that the client-therapist relationship is important and therefore I offer a free initial appointment lasting 15 minutes.
Welcome to The Therapy Lane, a space for you to be heard. As an integrative therapist, I aim to establish a compassionate space and be beside you while you explore, express, and process your worries. Guidance in bringing you to a new awareness and creating clear perspectives is what I aim to bring. I offer a warm and caring environment to enhance the possibility of you overcoming whatever your struggles may be. The Therapy Lane invites your voice to be heard.
0116 497 6668 View 0116 497 6668
Photo of Asha Davies, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Asha Davies
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
If you are curious to experience what working together may feel like or seek further information.
How we are with ourselves matters. At the core of my counselling work is you. Does trauma, grief or anxiety steer you away from where you are or what you are striving towards? I understand sharing these experiences can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. In a confidential and calm space, I will support you through your thoughts and emotions. At your pace, we will understand and reflect on past and present experiences, inviting compassionate inner dialogue, coping strategies, and movement away from shame and criticism. I will not judge you.
If you are curious to experience what working together may feel like or seek further information.
How we are with ourselves matters. At the core of my counselling work is you. Does trauma, grief or anxiety steer you away from where you are or what you are striving towards? I understand sharing these experiences can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. In a confidential and calm space, I will support you through your thoughts and emotions. At your pace, we will understand and reflect on past and present experiences, inviting compassionate inner dialogue, coping strategies, and movement away from shame and criticism. I will not judge you.
0116 497 6875 View 0116 497 6875
Photo of Sacha Jackson, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sacha Jackson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oadby LE2
If you are looking for warmth and openness to further journey in to a better understanding of self then we can work together to enable this process.
I provide a safe, confidential and non judgemental environment to explore emotional difficulties which may be causing distress or imbalance. I have been providing face to face Counselling for over 13 years and hold BACP Accreditation. I have experience of working with a variety of issues including sexuality, bereavement, gender identity, abuse, and depression to name some.
If you are looking for warmth and openness to further journey in to a better understanding of self then we can work together to enable this process.
I provide a safe, confidential and non judgemental environment to explore emotional difficulties which may be causing distress or imbalance. I have been providing face to face Counselling for over 13 years and hold BACP Accreditation. I have experience of working with a variety of issues including sexuality, bereavement, gender identity, abuse, and depression to name some.
0116 464 9978 View 0116 464 9978
Photo of Farah Hussain, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Farah Hussain
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
My counselling & psychotherapy service provides a safe, confidential space where you can explore problematic situations, feelings, behaviours and relationships and get a deeper understanding of your best next steps - by increasing your self-awareness and exploring creative solutions that will help you gain clarity, resolution and lasting change in your life.
Your desire for an improvement in a particular area of your life has brought you to this page. And whatever you desire more of... whether it's more connection, love and ease in your relationships; more clarity, confidence and self-esteem or simply more peace, balance, and optimism in your life - you're in the right place. I’d love to help you discover a new and positive way forward so that you can step into your powerful potential and have the life and relationships that your heart truly desires. You can find out more about my psychotherapy, couples therapy and relationship coaching services on my website: www.farahhussain.com.
My counselling & psychotherapy service provides a safe, confidential space where you can explore problematic situations, feelings, behaviours and relationships and get a deeper understanding of your best next steps - by increasing your self-awareness and exploring creative solutions that will help you gain clarity, resolution and lasting change in your life.
Your desire for an improvement in a particular area of your life has brought you to this page. And whatever you desire more of... whether it's more connection, love and ease in your relationships; more clarity, confidence and self-esteem or simply more peace, balance, and optimism in your life - you're in the right place. I’d love to help you discover a new and positive way forward so that you can step into your powerful potential and have the life and relationships that your heart truly desires. You can find out more about my psychotherapy, couples therapy and relationship coaching services on my website: www.farahhussain.com.
0116 497 1784 View 0116 497 1784
Photo of Angela G Sterland - AGS Counselling Services Limited, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
AGS Counselling Services Limited
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oadby LE2
The most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is that you feel you 'click' with the person you are talking too.
I am experienced and compassionate and have been working as a therapist for nearly 20 years. I work to a high standard of professional ethics and I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I practice according to their code of professional ethics and practice.
The most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is that you feel you 'click' with the person you are talking too.
I am experienced and compassionate and have been working as a therapist for nearly 20 years. I work to a high standard of professional ethics and I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I practice according to their code of professional ethics and practice.
0116 464 9801 View 0116 464 9801
Photo of Jaspreet Atwal, MSc
Jaspreet Atwal
MSc
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
I understand it can be daunting for you or as a parent to take the first step on your healing journey.
Hi, I’m Jas, I’m an integrative therapist - this means I have been trained in various modalities and am able to select and use the most suitable for my clients. This could include, person centered, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) systemic therapy & creative interventions. I have extensive experience of providing therapeutic counselling services to individuals and groups over Leicester and Leicestershire. I have worked within various settings such as schools/ colleges and counselling organisations.
I understand it can be daunting for you or as a parent to take the first step on your healing journey.
Hi, I’m Jas, I’m an integrative therapist - this means I have been trained in various modalities and am able to select and use the most suitable for my clients. This could include, person centered, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) systemic therapy & creative interventions. I have extensive experience of providing therapeutic counselling services to individuals and groups over Leicester and Leicestershire. I have worked within various settings such as schools/ colleges and counselling organisations.
0116 216 4485 View 0116 216 4485
Photo of Adrian Sullivan - Fosse Way Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Fosse Way Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oadby LE2
I understand how difficult it can be to talk to someone about our thoughts and feelings, how uncomfortable or invasive this might feel.
People choose to have counselling for many reasons. Sometimes we may know the cause but feel stuck with emotions that we can’t seem to change or we can’t understand why we have felt this way for this long. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be an obvious explanation for how we feel. We may have feelings of low moods, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed but we just can’t put a finger on why. We may also feel isolated or alone in this and that other people wouldn’t understand. Talking through these feelings with a therapist can help to explore these thoughts and feelings to better understand the causes, and explore ways to work through them.
I understand how difficult it can be to talk to someone about our thoughts and feelings, how uncomfortable or invasive this might feel.
People choose to have counselling for many reasons. Sometimes we may know the cause but feel stuck with emotions that we can’t seem to change or we can’t understand why we have felt this way for this long. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be an obvious explanation for how we feel. We may have feelings of low moods, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed but we just can’t put a finger on why. We may also feel isolated or alone in this and that other people wouldn’t understand. Talking through these feelings with a therapist can help to explore these thoughts and feelings to better understand the causes, and explore ways to work through them.
01530 440921 View 01530 440921
Photo of Sheereen Sidat, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sheereen Sidat
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
The first step is the hardest and it takes courage to reach out and ask for help and to ask for what you need.
"Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place."unknown. There are many different reasons to seek out counselling - whatever your reason, I aim to provide a safe, confidential space and time that is yours. A place for you to talk and be heard, to explore, to imagine, to feel and express without judgement. A place where you are not alone in your journey, but have someone alongside you to support you and honour your unique life experiences.
The first step is the hardest and it takes courage to reach out and ask for help and to ask for what you need.
"Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place."unknown. There are many different reasons to seek out counselling - whatever your reason, I aim to provide a safe, confidential space and time that is yours. A place for you to talk and be heard, to explore, to imagine, to feel and express without judgement. A place where you are not alone in your journey, but have someone alongside you to support you and honour your unique life experiences.
0116 464 9410 View 0116 464 9410
Photo of Tom Robson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Tom Robson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
I currently offer face to face therapy as well as Zoom.
It takes great courage to consider therapy and I have deep admiration for you doing so. My personal experience of therapy has shown me how important it is to find the right counsellor, and I hope after reading more about my approach and what I can support you with, helps you decide if I’m the therapist you would like alongside you. You may be considering therapy to explore issues, thoughts and feelings that are currently causing concern and distress. Not limited to, but issues such as bereavement, relationships, employment, anger, addiction, family conflict, self esteem, etc.
I currently offer face to face therapy as well as Zoom.
It takes great courage to consider therapy and I have deep admiration for you doing so. My personal experience of therapy has shown me how important it is to find the right counsellor, and I hope after reading more about my approach and what I can support you with, helps you decide if I’m the therapist you would like alongside you. You may be considering therapy to explore issues, thoughts and feelings that are currently causing concern and distress. Not limited to, but issues such as bereavement, relationships, employment, anger, addiction, family conflict, self esteem, etc.
0116 216 2743 View 0116 216 2743
Photo of Netifnet Arthur-Hawkes, MBACP, Counsellor
Netifnet Arthur-Hawkes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
While I do not have a magic wand, I do have a listening ear, and hope to be able to help you find ways of overcoming the barriers that are preventing you from living the life you wish for.
Have you ever wished you could say how you really felt, and that someone would take the time to listen to you? Perhaps you have kept your thoughts and feelings to yourself through fear of being put down, judged, or laughed at? Or maybe you put your problems aside because you feel the other person is more important? Counselling is the opportunity to sort your thoughts; gives you time to work out what you really feel, the space to consider your options, and decide what you feel is best for you. People come for different reasons, but all wish the same outcomes; to be heard, be understood, feel better and find ways to enjoy their life.
While I do not have a magic wand, I do have a listening ear, and hope to be able to help you find ways of overcoming the barriers that are preventing you from living the life you wish for.
Have you ever wished you could say how you really felt, and that someone would take the time to listen to you? Perhaps you have kept your thoughts and feelings to yourself through fear of being put down, judged, or laughed at? Or maybe you put your problems aside because you feel the other person is more important? Counselling is the opportunity to sort your thoughts; gives you time to work out what you really feel, the space to consider your options, and decide what you feel is best for you. People come for different reasons, but all wish the same outcomes; to be heard, be understood, feel better and find ways to enjoy their life.
07444 001625 View 07444 001625
Photo of Sandra Findlay Cluer, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sandra Findlay Cluer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Oadby LE2
Not accepting new clients
Contacting any therapist can feel daunting and I understand the courage this step takes.
During our lives we encounter loss including bereavement, separation, ill health and relationship or transitional difficulties. All of these external factors can and will affect how we relate to others, the world around us and most importantly ourselves. This may include withdrawing, substance use or abuse, unhealthy eating patterns and other self harmful behaviours. Our work together will be to focus on these changes and how you can develop and cultivate a positive relationship with yourself, and others. I have supported many people who experience overwhelming symptoms of trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
Contacting any therapist can feel daunting and I understand the courage this step takes.
During our lives we encounter loss including bereavement, separation, ill health and relationship or transitional difficulties. All of these external factors can and will affect how we relate to others, the world around us and most importantly ourselves. This may include withdrawing, substance use or abuse, unhealthy eating patterns and other self harmful behaviours. Our work together will be to focus on these changes and how you can develop and cultivate a positive relationship with yourself, and others. I have supported many people who experience overwhelming symptoms of trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
0116 326 2205 View 0116 326 2205

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Caitlyn St John, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Caitlyn St John
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1  (Online Only)
As humans we all feel lonely, frustrated, exhausted, curious, anxious, confused, misunderstood and angry, and I would love to meet with you just as you are! I offer weekly sessions in-person and online - whether you need a space for a few weeks or many months.
Hi, I'm Caitlyn. I know how overwhelming the search for a therapist can be - especially when life can already feel overwhelming. Many people turn to therapy because they are struggling with depression and anxiety, processing a loss, wanting to understand themselves better, longing to shift areas of stuckness, living with relational difficulties, or experiencing the aftermath of trauma. Therapy can be a place to engage with your story, be met in your pain, understand your patterns of relating, and feel seen.
As humans we all feel lonely, frustrated, exhausted, curious, anxious, confused, misunderstood and angry, and I would love to meet with you just as you are! I offer weekly sessions in-person and online - whether you need a space for a few weeks or many months.
Hi, I'm Caitlyn. I know how overwhelming the search for a therapist can be - especially when life can already feel overwhelming. Many people turn to therapy because they are struggling with depression and anxiety, processing a loss, wanting to understand themselves better, longing to shift areas of stuckness, living with relational difficulties, or experiencing the aftermath of trauma. Therapy can be a place to engage with your story, be met in your pain, understand your patterns of relating, and feel seen.
0116 502 3637 View 0116 502 3637
Photo of Brunhild Abrahams - Imbeko Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Imbeko Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
Together with you leading the session & my guidance in a compassionate, non-judgemental environment, you would be given an opportunity to re-discover your true-self.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
Together with you leading the session & my guidance in a compassionate, non-judgemental environment, you would be given an opportunity to re-discover your true-self.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
0116 326 1315 View 0116 326 1315
Photo of Shaun William Lewis Snr. Accred, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Shaun William Lewis Snr. Accred
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE2
I am trained to work with both adults and couples.
Most of us experience times in our lives when we feel low, worried or anxious. This might be because of specific difficulties such as anxiety, night terrors, panic attacks or depression, it could also be a general sense of feeling down and simply not understanding why. Talking to an experienced, accredited therapist offers you the opportunity to explore what concerns you may have in a confidential, non-judgemental setting with someone who explores what life events might have contributed to these feelings. I am now offering Saturday appointments from 09:00-13:00.
I am trained to work with both adults and couples.
Most of us experience times in our lives when we feel low, worried or anxious. This might be because of specific difficulties such as anxiety, night terrors, panic attacks or depression, it could also be a general sense of feeling down and simply not understanding why. Talking to an experienced, accredited therapist offers you the opportunity to explore what concerns you may have in a confidential, non-judgemental setting with someone who explores what life events might have contributed to these feelings. I am now offering Saturday appointments from 09:00-13:00.
0116 326 5545 View 0116 326 5545
Photo of Paul Garner, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Paul Garner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE7  (Online Only)
Due to Covid it has shown us that there are great benefits to working online with clients.
I am passionate about counselling and what offering you a safe, non judgemental space can do to explore those internal conflicts impacting your life. I am fully aware, that your anxiety can spike at the thought of talking therapy, so making that appointment can be very difficult. I can offer you a free informal, face to face or telephone chat to see how I work might help you. Your safety and care is my highest priority.
Due to Covid it has shown us that there are great benefits to working online with clients.
I am passionate about counselling and what offering you a safe, non judgemental space can do to explore those internal conflicts impacting your life. I am fully aware, that your anxiety can spike at the thought of talking therapy, so making that appointment can be very difficult. I can offer you a free informal, face to face or telephone chat to see how I work might help you. Your safety and care is my highest priority.
01509 323093 View 01509 323093
Photo of Dr Sheena Parmar, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Sheena Parmar
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
Many individuals can find it daunting and scary to talk to someone that they do not know.
Are you experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings such as anxiety, depression, anger and/or sadness? Do you perhaps find it hard to talk about what is going on for you with people around you including your loved ones? You may be noticing that the way you are coping is not helping you to feel better in the long term. I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn how to manage difficult things that are going on for them, and to move forward to a place where they can feel positive and their mind is at ease. I can work with you collaboratively, and help you to achieve your goals.
Many individuals can find it daunting and scary to talk to someone that they do not know.
Are you experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings such as anxiety, depression, anger and/or sadness? Do you perhaps find it hard to talk about what is going on for you with people around you including your loved ones? You may be noticing that the way you are coping is not helping you to feel better in the long term. I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn how to manage difficult things that are going on for them, and to move forward to a place where they can feel positive and their mind is at ease. I can work with you collaboratively, and help you to achieve your goals.
01509 277629 View 01509 277629
Photo of Helen Anna Gluszonek, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Helen Anna Gluszonek
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
I understand the importance of making a client feel at ease.
I provide confidential, non-judgemental counselling to enable the client to deal with emotional difficulties which may be causing distress. Using empathy and congruence to help my client feel at ease, I endeavour to help them deal with any difficulties they may face. I have been providing face to face counselling for over 18 years. I have experience in working with anxiety, depression, abuse, bereavement and sexuality. I have over 15 years experience working in schools. I’ve also got 2 years experience working with students at University
I understand the importance of making a client feel at ease.
I provide confidential, non-judgemental counselling to enable the client to deal with emotional difficulties which may be causing distress. Using empathy and congruence to help my client feel at ease, I endeavour to help them deal with any difficulties they may face. I have been providing face to face counselling for over 18 years. I have experience in working with anxiety, depression, abuse, bereavement and sexuality. I have over 15 years experience working in schools. I’ve also got 2 years experience working with students at University
0116 497 6876 View 0116 497 6876
Photo of Vicki Petrou - Omoiyari Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Omoiyari Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1  (Online Only)
My focus is on meeting you exactly where you are on your path.
Existing as a Neurodivergent person in a Neurotypical world can certainly come with a number of challenges. As a Neurodivergent person myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in starting therapy. Being proudly and openly neurodivergent I hope to create comfort for my clients in the knowledge that I get it, the struggle is real. Whether decoding social cues, or managing everyday stress, I bring an understanding heart and tailored strategies to our sessions. Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with Adults and Young people facing diverse struggles.
My focus is on meeting you exactly where you are on your path.
Existing as a Neurodivergent person in a Neurotypical world can certainly come with a number of challenges. As a Neurodivergent person myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in starting therapy. Being proudly and openly neurodivergent I hope to create comfort for my clients in the knowledge that I get it, the struggle is real. Whether decoding social cues, or managing everyday stress, I bring an understanding heart and tailored strategies to our sessions. Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with Adults and Young people facing diverse struggles.
01536 907061 View 01536 907061

See more therapy options for Oadby

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.