Depression Therapists in Belmont, CA
![Photo of Sarah Boro, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed808521-1aa2-4bab-8be9-193963a0ce00/1/320x400.jpeg)
How ever you managed to stumble upon my profile, I am so glad you are here and admire you for making your mental health a priority- that's legit. Now, I'll give you a quick snapshot of my style, skillset, and what I offer. Empathic by nature, I am passionate about the well-being of my clients and will work alongside you to achieve your mental health goals. I work with individuals of all ages, but I tend to see many children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
How ever you managed to stumble upon my profile, I am so glad you are here and admire you for making your mental health a priority- that's legit. Now, I'll give you a quick snapshot of my style, skillset, and what I offer. Empathic by nature, I am passionate about the well-being of my clients and will work alongside you to achieve your mental health goals. I work with individuals of all ages, but I tend to see many children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
![Photo of Jocelyn Cremer, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2590ea9-a0ec-4764-9f76-8144a9aa239b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have taught many seminars on depression, anxiety, PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and ADHD.
I am a psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals lead more fulfilled and balanced lives. I work collaboratively with adults, and teens/kids to see how we may uncover a more meaningful and less stressful life. I am committed to assisting people in finding tools to help them figure out what is getting in their way. I also suggest tools to use outside of session. I am a co-founder of Potrero Hill Psychotherapy which operated for 20 years. Psychotherapy is usually once per week and I offer a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation to see if there is a good fit between psychologist and client.
I have taught many seminars on depression, anxiety, PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and ADHD.
I am a psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals lead more fulfilled and balanced lives. I work collaboratively with adults, and teens/kids to see how we may uncover a more meaningful and less stressful life. I am committed to assisting people in finding tools to help them figure out what is getting in their way. I also suggest tools to use outside of session. I am a co-founder of Potrero Hill Psychotherapy which operated for 20 years. Psychotherapy is usually once per week and I offer a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation to see if there is a good fit between psychologist and client.
![Photo of Akiko Terao Lipton, LCSW, PPSC, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d715ffe-f255-4907-9db9-43b0a0b362b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Akiko Terao Lipton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002
Life can be be busy and overwhelming. You may be anxious, depressed, or excessively worried. You may have difficulty focusing, making you feel unmotivated and unproductive. You may be feeling overly critical of yourself or loved ones and are having challenging relationships. The good news is that you have the resources you need to overcome those challenges. I have seen many people make positive changes, and I’m here to help you do the same.
Life can be be busy and overwhelming. You may be anxious, depressed, or excessively worried. You may have difficulty focusing, making you feel unmotivated and unproductive. You may be feeling overly critical of yourself or loved ones and are having challenging relationships. The good news is that you have the resources you need to overcome those challenges. I have seen many people make positive changes, and I’m here to help you do the same.
![Photo of Farima Etesamifar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a871059-a9cf-4a7c-a0b0-7b3fae0d80ea/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
![Photo of Linda P Cutting, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48253321-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults struggling with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I am an experienced psychologist in private practice in San Carlos, California. My style of therapy is to provide a safe, compassionate environment to explore your feelings, while offering practical skills to alleviate distress. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and we will work together to identify your goals, and adapt the process to help you achieve them. By integrating complementary evidence-based methods, we can address current challenges and long-standing issues. I look forward to helping you be well and to live a more fulfilling life.
I work with adults struggling with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I am an experienced psychologist in private practice in San Carlos, California. My style of therapy is to provide a safe, compassionate environment to explore your feelings, while offering practical skills to alleviate distress. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and we will work together to identify your goals, and adapt the process to help you achieve them. By integrating complementary evidence-based methods, we can address current challenges and long-standing issues. I look forward to helping you be well and to live a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Connelly Murphy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b7d3b52-f248-4105-b309-bc1c37ec642e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Connelly Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 78886) and have been practicing in the Bay Area since 2006. After completing my undergrad at Stanford University, I obtained my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. In the years following, I have worked with individuals, families and groups, across the lifespan. I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, life transitions and personal growth/exploratory work. I provide affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community as well.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 78886) and have been practicing in the Bay Area since 2006. After completing my undergrad at Stanford University, I obtained my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. In the years following, I have worked with individuals, families and groups, across the lifespan. I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, life transitions and personal growth/exploratory work. I provide affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community as well.
![Photo of Christina Vasquez-Leiva, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b4d0118-741a-4c12-97d8-12a58034e2da/5/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Vasquez-Leiva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002 (Online Only)
I have 10+ years providing therapy to youth, adults, families and couples who struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, childhood trauma, loss/ grief, relationship violence, unhealthy communication and other negative life events.
Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, but not really sure why? Thoughts and worries that keep you up at night? You are not alone, many of us struggle with depression and anxiety in our everyday lives. These struggles might cause us to not perform our best at work, keep us from concentrating in school and cause us to say things that we don’t mean to the ones that we love. I can help you identify what you want to improve in your life and create a safe space for you to be able to overcome the barriers preventing you from succeeding.
I have 10+ years providing therapy to youth, adults, families and couples who struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, childhood trauma, loss/ grief, relationship violence, unhealthy communication and other negative life events.
Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, but not really sure why? Thoughts and worries that keep you up at night? You are not alone, many of us struggle with depression and anxiety in our everyday lives. These struggles might cause us to not perform our best at work, keep us from concentrating in school and cause us to say things that we don’t mean to the ones that we love. I can help you identify what you want to improve in your life and create a safe space for you to be able to overcome the barriers preventing you from succeeding.
![Photo of Lori Buelna, LCSW, GC-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18e47a71-d9a8-45e4-aea2-947f7f0fba0b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you are overwhelmed with stress, dealing with anxiety/depression and poor sleep due to a life transition, or caregiver stress. Maybe you or a loved one is managing a serious health condition and hope to learn of coping skills and various resources. You may be a parent, a teen or young adult experiencing stress or loss of a loved one or a relationship. I believe people are insightful, resilient and have the innate ability to adapt and adjust to all types of challenging circumstances. You deserve to set aside time and space to think through your thoughts, values, identify feelings in order to move forward to find balance.
Perhaps you are overwhelmed with stress, dealing with anxiety/depression and poor sleep due to a life transition, or caregiver stress. Maybe you or a loved one is managing a serious health condition and hope to learn of coping skills and various resources. You may be a parent, a teen or young adult experiencing stress or loss of a loved one or a relationship. I believe people are insightful, resilient and have the innate ability to adapt and adjust to all types of challenging circumstances. You deserve to set aside time and space to think through your thoughts, values, identify feelings in order to move forward to find balance.
![Photo of Jacqueline Eaton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab6403d2-f337-4499-bd5c-6b93589d5fbe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Eaton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in treating depression, anxiety, and school problems in children, adolescents, and transition age youth.
Has your teen felt lost or hopeless? Does your child suffer from excessive worry that interferes with social and academic life? Children and teens are particularly susceptible to the pressure handed out by society and often need help developing the tools to cope with intense symptoms of anxiety and depression. Working as a team, I will help you, your child, and any other providers create and plan ways to achieve goals of decreasing symptoms such as intense worry, insomnia, mood swings, panic attacks, school problems, and suicidal thoughts. I also run two teen groups focused on symptom management and building self confidence.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in treating depression, anxiety, and school problems in children, adolescents, and transition age youth.
Has your teen felt lost or hopeless? Does your child suffer from excessive worry that interferes with social and academic life? Children and teens are particularly susceptible to the pressure handed out by society and often need help developing the tools to cope with intense symptoms of anxiety and depression. Working as a team, I will help you, your child, and any other providers create and plan ways to achieve goals of decreasing symptoms such as intense worry, insomnia, mood swings, panic attacks, school problems, and suicidal thoughts. I also run two teen groups focused on symptom management and building self confidence.
![Photo of Stacy Ourique, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35991c86-27a9-4767-aa2c-672f621bb4d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I feel so lucky to support kids, couples and families through all the ups and downs of life. Many of the families I work with have struggles around ADHD, anxiety, depression, emotional disregulation, neurodiversity, OCD, difficult behaviors and adjustment disorder(s). As a trained therapist I also specialize in parent-child relationship problems, partner relationships and friendships. In addition I have personal and professional experiences with various types of loss and grief. It brings us joy to embrace the stuck points and build paths to their desired outcome of therapy. Contact me for a free consultation and make a change!
I feel so lucky to support kids, couples and families through all the ups and downs of life. Many of the families I work with have struggles around ADHD, anxiety, depression, emotional disregulation, neurodiversity, OCD, difficult behaviors and adjustment disorder(s). As a trained therapist I also specialize in parent-child relationship problems, partner relationships and friendships. In addition I have personal and professional experiences with various types of loss and grief. It brings us joy to embrace the stuck points and build paths to their desired outcome of therapy. Contact me for a free consultation and make a change!
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, who provides therapy and psychological assessment services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I believe that healing and learning about oneself is a process all deserve, and that it should occur when they feel ready. My clients present with challenges related to depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, who provides therapy and psychological assessment services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I believe that healing and learning about oneself is a process all deserve, and that it should occur when they feel ready. My clients present with challenges related to depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
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![Photo of Lawrence Feinstein, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cde7e19-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bay Area Health Psychology is a group practice (see our website); I am the Director. I specialize in Clinical Health Psychology to assist people with chronic medical conditions, anxiety, and depression to manage their health and treatment. I also assist people with progressions of aging such as dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's Disease. And I help caregivers cope with the tasks of living with someone with a chronic condition. I provide EMDR treatment using a special web application, and offer Couples/Marital Therapy based on a "dynamic interaction" model developed during my research at UCLA plus training by the Gottmans.
Bay Area Health Psychology is a group practice (see our website); I am the Director. I specialize in Clinical Health Psychology to assist people with chronic medical conditions, anxiety, and depression to manage their health and treatment. I also assist people with progressions of aging such as dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's Disease. And I help caregivers cope with the tasks of living with someone with a chronic condition. I provide EMDR treatment using a special web application, and offer Couples/Marital Therapy based on a "dynamic interaction" model developed during my research at UCLA plus training by the Gottmans.
![Photo of Ursula Jorgensen, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1193d2a-b630-416c-8e52-fed8d93e0f33/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ursula Jorgensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
![Photo of Jessica Azer, LMFT, TCTSY-F, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/360256f2-219f-4365-9f6a-babca730e0d2/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Azer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, TCTSY-F, RYT
Verified Verified
Belmont, CA 94002 (Online Only)
I work with youth, families, and adults who are navigating individual and generational trauma wounds, disrupted attachments, low self-worth, loss, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and everyday challenges.
I believe that the most meaningful change happens when individuals authentically connect with their physical and emotional experiences. I am here to provide a safe, trauma-informed space that allows us to work together in understanding and addressing root issues and break free from recurring patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and dynamic. I believe in your innate wisdom to discover your own path to healing, and feel honored to join in that discovery. I am here to witness, affirm, and celebrate your unique story, while acknowledging the ways different systems have impacted your lived experiences.
I work with youth, families, and adults who are navigating individual and generational trauma wounds, disrupted attachments, low self-worth, loss, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and everyday challenges.
I believe that the most meaningful change happens when individuals authentically connect with their physical and emotional experiences. I am here to provide a safe, trauma-informed space that allows us to work together in understanding and addressing root issues and break free from recurring patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and dynamic. I believe in your innate wisdom to discover your own path to healing, and feel honored to join in that discovery. I am here to witness, affirm, and celebrate your unique story, while acknowledging the ways different systems have impacted your lived experiences.
![Photo of Katie Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e0c6380-be3c-4145-b587-b1a16c127fe8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002 (Online Only)
You’re a woman overwhelmed by intense emotions, struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. You fear being alone, worry you’ll never stop using, and dread facing your painful emotions. Your deepest fears include abandonment and the thought that you’ll never escape your current state. You feel lost and in need of a safe space to process these overwhelming feelings, find mental balance, and start healing. You long for genuine connection, support, and understanding to navigate your path to recovery and the confidence to rebuild your life, free from the shadows of your past.
You’re a woman overwhelmed by intense emotions, struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. You fear being alone, worry you’ll never stop using, and dread facing your painful emotions. Your deepest fears include abandonment and the thought that you’ll never escape your current state. You feel lost and in need of a safe space to process these overwhelming feelings, find mental balance, and start healing. You long for genuine connection, support, and understanding to navigate your path to recovery and the confidence to rebuild your life, free from the shadows of your past.
![Photo of Diana Moore (Formerly Diana To), MA, MBA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18487275-be5d-46fa-8643-c7ea508f136d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Diana Moore (Formerly Diana To)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Belmont, CA 94002
I found my calling to become a psychotherapist out of a desire to help people live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals, couples and families to help them resolve the impact of abuse and trauma, as well as problems of depression, anxiety, anger, grief, couples' discord, family conflicts, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, and life transitions. I am passionate about helping my clients who feel lost about their life directions with career exploration and identity development. As a Christian, I also love integrating spirituality with psychological well-being with clients for whom spirituality is relevant.
I found my calling to become a psychotherapist out of a desire to help people live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. I work with individuals, couples and families to help them resolve the impact of abuse and trauma, as well as problems of depression, anxiety, anger, grief, couples' discord, family conflicts, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, and life transitions. I am passionate about helping my clients who feel lost about their life directions with career exploration and identity development. As a Christian, I also love integrating spirituality with psychological well-being with clients for whom spirituality is relevant.
![Photo of Mark Plante, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc39c4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Issues I address include relationship struggles (both traditional and non-traditional), problems associated with adolescence, anxiety, depression and parenting.
Making the decision to see a therapist is not an easy one, and it often takes a fair amount of courage to do so. For those who decide that therapy is appropriate, the outcome can be positive, bringing them more intimacy and fulfillment. Therapy provides the opportunity to improve communication, reduce stress, anxiety and anger, and improve the most important relationship we have....the one we have with ourselves.
Issues I address include relationship struggles (both traditional and non-traditional), problems associated with adolescence, anxiety, depression and parenting.
Making the decision to see a therapist is not an easy one, and it often takes a fair amount of courage to do so. For those who decide that therapy is appropriate, the outcome can be positive, bringing them more intimacy and fulfillment. Therapy provides the opportunity to improve communication, reduce stress, anxiety and anger, and improve the most important relationship we have....the one we have with ourselves.
![Photo of Carol Jaron, MS, MFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b553c19-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
![Photo of Tanya T Wiser, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5af6a2cb-f28b-4280-8800-00e074023fc9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for depression and anxiety, Compassion Focused Therapy for increasing self-compassion and intimacy with others, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Motivational Support to address mild to moderate addictions and Somatic Experiencing for healing from trauma.
Do you wish you were more present for life, yourself, and the people you love? Would you like to be free from negative thoughts, old wounds, and past trauma? Do you feel like you are making life more complicated, conflicted, or painful than easeful, calm, and connected? Is it hard for you to feel self-compassion? Is past trauma haunting you and disrupting your ability to live the life you want? Would you like help, tools, and the support you need to be able to turn toward your difficulties with mindfulness, kindness, and clarity? Do you want to pause more, reflect and show up for life with compassion, integrity, and wisdom?
I offer Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for depression and anxiety, Compassion Focused Therapy for increasing self-compassion and intimacy with others, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Motivational Support to address mild to moderate addictions and Somatic Experiencing for healing from trauma.
Do you wish you were more present for life, yourself, and the people you love? Would you like to be free from negative thoughts, old wounds, and past trauma? Do you feel like you are making life more complicated, conflicted, or painful than easeful, calm, and connected? Is it hard for you to feel self-compassion? Is past trauma haunting you and disrupting your ability to live the life you want? Would you like help, tools, and the support you need to be able to turn toward your difficulties with mindfulness, kindness, and clarity? Do you want to pause more, reflect and show up for life with compassion, integrity, and wisdom?
![Photo of Travis Woodmansee, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aa0176d-99a8-4d36-a5d2-e794683e29fb/3/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a safe place to explore your concerns about relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, transitions, stress, addictions, acute/chronic health conditions, Multicultural/LGBT issues.
Wherever you are on life's journey, and whatever feelings or behaviors you feel stuck in, you are welcome here. ALL parts of you are welcome here, exactly as you are. I'm a licensed psychotherapist that uses an integrative approach to focus on your current concerns and goals using the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to establish a warm, supportive, authentic environment offering questions and reflections that can guide you in handling your challenges and making the changes you desire.
I offer a safe place to explore your concerns about relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, transitions, stress, addictions, acute/chronic health conditions, Multicultural/LGBT issues.
Wherever you are on life's journey, and whatever feelings or behaviors you feel stuck in, you are welcome here. ALL parts of you are welcome here, exactly as you are. I'm a licensed psychotherapist that uses an integrative approach to focus on your current concerns and goals using the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to establish a warm, supportive, authentic environment offering questions and reflections that can guide you in handling your challenges and making the changes you desire.
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Depression Therapists
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 recognize 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral 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.