Depression Therapists in Capitola, CA

Photo of Kimberly Lin Chilvers, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Lin Chilvers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
My name is Kim Chilvers, use she/her pronouns and am an LMFT with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My specialties include people in the midst of life transitions, including adults and adolescents, as well as people struggling with the effects of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I use EMDR and other evidence based interventions to help clients develop coping skills, a better understanding of relationships and work towards achieving life goals, in a safe, non-judgment space. I take a humble and curious approach to the diverse cultural, life style and gender experiences of her clients.
My name is Kim Chilvers, use she/her pronouns and am an LMFT with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My specialties include people in the midst of life transitions, including adults and adolescents, as well as people struggling with the effects of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I use EMDR and other evidence based interventions to help clients develop coping skills, a better understanding of relationships and work towards achieving life goals, in a safe, non-judgment space. I take a humble and curious approach to the diverse cultural, life style and gender experiences of her clients.
(831) 851-1535 View (831) 851-1535
Photo of Heather C Turey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather C Turey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
(831) 465-5161 View (831) 465-5161
Photo of Gail Black, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gail Black
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
I also have extensive experience helping others recover from addictions, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in private practice, at Women's Crisis Support, and at Kaiser Permanente Addictions Medicine and Women's Health.
I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can look honestly at your life, explore your dreams, and confront any obstacles preventing you from living the life you want. Regardless of your background or past experiences, it is never too late to work towards having a good life. With support, you can reckon with your past trauma and grief, face your fears, and go on to thrive in life.
I also have extensive experience helping others recover from addictions, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in private practice, at Women's Crisis Support, and at Kaiser Permanente Addictions Medicine and Women's Health.
I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can look honestly at your life, explore your dreams, and confront any obstacles preventing you from living the life you want. Regardless of your background or past experiences, it is never too late to work towards having a good life. With support, you can reckon with your past trauma and grief, face your fears, and go on to thrive in life.
(831) 708-0029 View (831) 708-0029
Photo of Victoria Shuts, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Victoria Shuts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
I offer you a safe, nurturing space that is supportive of positive change so you can live life more fully, and have a deeper relationship with yourself and those you love. I will collaborate with you to find a meaningful path to relief and healing. Since 2008, I have worked with children, teens, adults and families with relational issues, learning and mood disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety. Please call me for a confidential telephone meeting to see if we are a good fit to collaborate on your path to healing.
I offer you a safe, nurturing space that is supportive of positive change so you can live life more fully, and have a deeper relationship with yourself and those you love. I will collaborate with you to find a meaningful path to relief and healing. Since 2008, I have worked with children, teens, adults and families with relational issues, learning and mood disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety. Please call me for a confidential telephone meeting to see if we are a good fit to collaborate on your path to healing.
(707) 267-2955 View (707) 267-2955
Photo of Kathy Gusewelle, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathy Gusewelle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
I work with life issues including shyness, loneliness, Depression, Midlife decisions, Sexual Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics and human suffering.
Good therapy experiences are enlivening, collaborative and honest. I have over 25 years experience as a Depth Psychotherapist helping people gain greater self-awareness about what triggers negative emotional reactivity and self sabotaging patterns. Identifying and integrating unconscious beliefs, trauma and self defeating responses can help develop emotional resilience, greater self acceptance and happiness. When we feel truly heard, seen and understood a transformative power ignites and we can risk being different and more open. Hidden in the darkest places can be found the riches treasures such as creativity, passion, purpose and being present.
I work with life issues including shyness, loneliness, Depression, Midlife decisions, Sexual Abuse, Adult Children of Alcoholics and human suffering.
Good therapy experiences are enlivening, collaborative and honest. I have over 25 years experience as a Depth Psychotherapist helping people gain greater self-awareness about what triggers negative emotional reactivity and self sabotaging patterns. Identifying and integrating unconscious beliefs, trauma and self defeating responses can help develop emotional resilience, greater self acceptance and happiness. When we feel truly heard, seen and understood a transformative power ignites and we can risk being different and more open. Hidden in the darkest places can be found the riches treasures such as creativity, passion, purpose and being present.
(831) 621-5310 View (831) 621-5310
Photo of Persephone Brianna Gonzalez - Persephone B. Gonzalez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Persephone B. Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
Persephone Gonzalez, LMFT, has worked extensively with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, providing intensive, long and short-term psychotherapy in both English and Spanish. Her specialties include complex trauma, major depression, anxiety, substance abuse and dependence, issues of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexuality and intimacy. Her practice has focused on adolescents and young adults, in addition to adults and families including non-monogamy, polyamory, open relationships, and other relationships styles.
Persephone Gonzalez, LMFT, has worked extensively with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, providing intensive, long and short-term psychotherapy in both English and Spanish. Her specialties include complex trauma, major depression, anxiety, substance abuse and dependence, issues of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexuality and intimacy. Her practice has focused on adolescents and young adults, in addition to adults and families including non-monogamy, polyamory, open relationships, and other relationships styles.
(831) 226-8566 View (831) 226-8566
Photo of Katie Giannini, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Giannini
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
IFS allows me to work well with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, and body image struggles.
Life can be overcome by stress easily, and for some of us that stress becomes unbearable. Thoughts and feelings become overwhelming, leaving life feeling out of control and chaotic. In my work, I bring a wealth of curiosity and compassion to exploring a person's inner world of thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, clients find deep internal healing and develop meaningful satisfaction in their work, relationships, and most of all within themselves. I am trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, which has given me a means to help people reach their goals and create the life they long for.
IFS allows me to work well with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, and body image struggles.
Life can be overcome by stress easily, and for some of us that stress becomes unbearable. Thoughts and feelings become overwhelming, leaving life feeling out of control and chaotic. In my work, I bring a wealth of curiosity and compassion to exploring a person's inner world of thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, clients find deep internal healing and develop meaningful satisfaction in their work, relationships, and most of all within themselves. I am trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, which has given me a means to help people reach their goals and create the life they long for.
(831) 264-1862 View (831) 264-1862
Photo of Rebecca Zulim, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Zulim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
(831) 245-3983 View (831) 245-3983
Photo of Rasa Tavangar - Holistic Psychotherapy with Rasa, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Holistic Psychotherapy with Rasa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
Would you like to feel empowered and at ease with life and yourself? Whether you're going through life transition, having relationship problems, dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or looking for a deeper purpose in life, I would be honored to support you in your process of growth and healing. When the deepest parts of you get to be seen, held and accepted, it transforms into your light and strength. In this process you'll learn how to listen and trust your innate wisdom and guidance, you'll become resourceful, empowered and free to consciously create the life you want.
Would you like to feel empowered and at ease with life and yourself? Whether you're going through life transition, having relationship problems, dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or looking for a deeper purpose in life, I would be honored to support you in your process of growth and healing. When the deepest parts of you get to be seen, held and accepted, it transforms into your light and strength. In this process you'll learn how to listen and trust your innate wisdom and guidance, you'll become resourceful, empowered and free to consciously create the life you want.
(831) 610-7015 View (831) 610-7015
Photo of Sean Neesley, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sean Neesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
(831) 208-3531 View (831) 208-3531
Photo of Amy Schmidt, MA, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Schmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
I help people with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, lack of purpose or meaning, addiction &/or alcoholism and many other challenges. I use my knowledge and experience combined with empathy and compassion to support your therapeutic journey. I want to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills for improved daily living and healthier relationships, and achieve a greater sense of inner peace. I use holistic techniques and client-centered therapy to support you in finding self-awareness, self-compassion, and balance, all of which are keys to the growth and healing process.
(831) 607-1957 View (831) 607-1957
Photo of Nicole Brahams, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nicole Brahams
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
Whether you're grappling with challenges in a romantic relationship, seeking to enhance communication with friends, bosses, or loved ones, or struggling with anxiety and depression, I’m here to create an inclusive space where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Do you wake up feeling empty, with a sense of dread to take on the day? Are your negative thoughts about yourself, your life, and others around you keeping you stuck in a place you don’t want to be? Let’s talk. Life is too short and precious to be viewed through a prism of negativity and gloom. And suffering is not living. My general approach to therapy is to focus on the client’s strengths and seek solutions with positive reinforcement. I can work to help you access and strengthen your inner resources that are already there, even if you’re having trouble seeing it for yourself.
Whether you're grappling with challenges in a romantic relationship, seeking to enhance communication with friends, bosses, or loved ones, or struggling with anxiety and depression, I’m here to create an inclusive space where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Do you wake up feeling empty, with a sense of dread to take on the day? Are your negative thoughts about yourself, your life, and others around you keeping you stuck in a place you don’t want to be? Let’s talk. Life is too short and precious to be viewed through a prism of negativity and gloom. And suffering is not living. My general approach to therapy is to focus on the client’s strengths and seek solutions with positive reinforcement. I can work to help you access and strengthen your inner resources that are already there, even if you’re having trouble seeing it for yourself.
(831) 346-1084 View (831) 346-1084
Photo of Kari Files, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kari Files
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
I can help you create more satisfaction, meaning, and success in your life and in your relationships. If you are stuck, feeling stressed or depressed all the time, or struggling in an intimate relationship, it may be time to get support. I offer psychotherapy for individuals and couples and my clientele is diverse, with a range of backgrounds, lifestyles, sexual orientations and gender identities. Taking the first step to begin therapy is often the scariest part. Feel free to ask questions and know that I'll address any concerns to make the start of therapy more comfortable.
I can help you create more satisfaction, meaning, and success in your life and in your relationships. If you are stuck, feeling stressed or depressed all the time, or struggling in an intimate relationship, it may be time to get support. I offer psychotherapy for individuals and couples and my clientele is diverse, with a range of backgrounds, lifestyles, sexual orientations and gender identities. Taking the first step to begin therapy is often the scariest part. Feel free to ask questions and know that I'll address any concerns to make the start of therapy more comfortable.
(831) 318-7725 View (831) 318-7725
Photo of Peter A Adler - Peter Adler PhD Licensed Psychologist, Inc., PhD, Psychologist
Peter Adler PhD Licensed Psychologist, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) techniques, I treat Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Excessive Worry, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Anger, Relationship Difficulties, Marital and Family Discord, Grief, Life Transition Issues, School Problems, and Social Skills Difficulties.
I believe in the capacity of each person to transcend obstacles and problems. Through caring, empathic support, I assist you to tap into your strengths and use these to overcome the problems bringing you to treatment. I listen deeply and help you tap into your inner strengths to overcome challenges. We work collaboratively to find solutions and address your concerns with my knowledge of effective treatments. I've helped adults, children, and adolescents for over thirty years. Feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to provide more information and answer any questions.
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) techniques, I treat Anxiety, OCD, Panic, Excessive Worry, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Anger, Relationship Difficulties, Marital and Family Discord, Grief, Life Transition Issues, School Problems, and Social Skills Difficulties.
I believe in the capacity of each person to transcend obstacles and problems. Through caring, empathic support, I assist you to tap into your strengths and use these to overcome the problems bringing you to treatment. I listen deeply and help you tap into your inner strengths to overcome challenges. We work collaboratively to find solutions and address your concerns with my knowledge of effective treatments. I've helped adults, children, and adolescents for over thirty years. Feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to provide more information and answer any questions.
(408) 922-9459 View (408) 922-9459
Photo of Alexandra Pappas, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Pappas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
The majority of my experience has been with trauma and coping with the secondary effects of depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties.
My professional experiences have been with children, teens, adults, couples, and families seeking to overcome trauma, attachment disruptions, relational dissatisfaction, and other mental health concerns impacting their functioning. I have worked for various non-profits and community agencies relating to the foster care system and adoption. I am consistently honored by the privilege to witness vulnerability in the lives of my clients as they pursue healing and wholeness.
The majority of my experience has been with trauma and coping with the secondary effects of depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties.
My professional experiences have been with children, teens, adults, couples, and families seeking to overcome trauma, attachment disruptions, relational dissatisfaction, and other mental health concerns impacting their functioning. I have worked for various non-profits and community agencies relating to the foster care system and adoption. I am consistently honored by the privilege to witness vulnerability in the lives of my clients as they pursue healing and wholeness.
(831) 273-5380 View (831) 273-5380
Photo of Laurie Alison Moore, LMFT, PhD, Somatic, EMDR, Hypno-T, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laurie Alison Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, Somatic, EMDR, Hypno-T
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, relational challenges, life-changes or complicated experiences? Support is here. Desiring to change patterns that do not support your well-being? Seeking a comfortable and supportive session in which to share intricate and personal experiences and challenges? Ready for positive change and needing some new clarity and tools to navigate in happier ways? In order to make changes we need a safe place to talk about intricate personal matters, help with clarity on what we do wish to experience instead, and facilitation of how to get there. This is available to you.
Are you experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, relational challenges, life-changes or complicated experiences? Support is here. Desiring to change patterns that do not support your well-being? Seeking a comfortable and supportive session in which to share intricate and personal experiences and challenges? Ready for positive change and needing some new clarity and tools to navigate in happier ways? In order to make changes we need a safe place to talk about intricate personal matters, help with clarity on what we do wish to experience instead, and facilitation of how to get there. This is available to you.
(628) 265-4470 View (628) 265-4470
Photo of Loretta Jewel Ferris - Loretta J. Ferris, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Loretta J. Ferris, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010  (Online Only)
I assist individuals, couples and families whose lives have been impacted by life's developmental stages and transitions. These includes elationship issues, career and retirement decisions, parenting (including Postpartem Depression) aging, chronic pain and disability, and often include symptoms of PTSD depression, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and isolation.
I assist individuals, couples and families whose lives have been impacted by life's developmental stages and transitions. These includes elationship issues, career and retirement decisions, parenting (including Postpartem Depression) aging, chronic pain and disability, and often include symptoms of PTSD depression, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and isolation.
(831) 291-3411 View (831) 291-3411
Photo of Lisa Holden, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Capitola, CA 95010
Life presents unexpected challenges which can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, difficulties with relationships and problems with self esteem. These unresolved issues can derail us with feelings of being overwhelmed. Therapy can help you learn to manage trauma in order to deal with stressors and move through challenges with confidence so you can get back on track with your life.
Life presents unexpected challenges which can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, difficulties with relationships and problems with self esteem. These unresolved issues can derail us with feelings of being overwhelmed. Therapy can help you learn to manage trauma in order to deal with stressors and move through challenges with confidence so you can get back on track with your life.
(831) 387-6950 View (831) 387-6950
Photo of Joe Sousa, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joe Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
(831) 219-4797 View (831) 219-4797
Photo of Monika Martynska, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monika Martynska
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Capitola, CA 95010
I have helped people change negative patterns, heal trauma, anxiety, depression, and repair relationships.
Congratulations for taking a step towards creating change. Finding a therapist can be challenging and it is important to find one who is right for you. I offer a free introductory session which we use to get to know each other. Clients often come into my office feeling hopeless or nervous, but usually leave feeling more hopeful and relaxed. I love to see people grow and thrive with the support of therapy. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. In our work together we draw on your strengths and wisdom and my goal is to empower you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
I have helped people change negative patterns, heal trauma, anxiety, depression, and repair relationships.
Congratulations for taking a step towards creating change. Finding a therapist can be challenging and it is important to find one who is right for you. I offer a free introductory session which we use to get to know each other. Clients often come into my office feeling hopeless or nervous, but usually leave feeling more hopeful and relaxed. I love to see people grow and thrive with the support of therapy. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. In our work together we draw on your strengths and wisdom and my goal is to empower you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
(831) 539-0596 View (831) 539-0596
1
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.