Therapists in Chatsworth, CA
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![Photo of Edward Giaquinto, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451cdd7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an expert and specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT has proven to be one of the most successful forms of therapy. If you are looking for a no nonsense approach that focuses on the here and now and provides you with effective tools and skills to create immediate reduction in symptoms, then you may benefit from seeing a "true" Cognitive Behavioral therapist. I successfully treat a variety of issues such as: anxiety disorders, ocd, social anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sleep disorders, pain management, attention and concentration, memory, aspergers, traumatic brain injury, adhd, behavioral problems, academic issues and more.
I am an expert and specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT has proven to be one of the most successful forms of therapy. If you are looking for a no nonsense approach that focuses on the here and now and provides you with effective tools and skills to create immediate reduction in symptoms, then you may benefit from seeing a "true" Cognitive Behavioral therapist. I successfully treat a variety of issues such as: anxiety disorders, ocd, social anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sleep disorders, pain management, attention and concentration, memory, aspergers, traumatic brain injury, adhd, behavioral problems, academic issues and more.
![Photo of Dr. Grayce Pedersen, PsyD, PPS, MA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3f1e054-c69e-4ee6-9ec9-254226e6b2ab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Grayce Pedersen
Psychological Associate, PsyD, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (Online Only)
Dr. Grayce Pedersen is a psychological associate under the supervision of Dr. Farzaneh Ehsan. She is registered with the Ca Board of Psychology with over 7 years of clinical experience. Dr. Pedersen provides care for all individuals. 12-99. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout multiple stages of their lives. She focuses on breaking through the challenges of depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Pedersen is a specialist in EBT's: CBT, DBT, MBCT, and psychological assessments. Dr. Pedersen received her BA from UCLA, MA from LMU, and Doctorate from U Chicago SPP.
Dr. Grayce Pedersen is a psychological associate under the supervision of Dr. Farzaneh Ehsan. She is registered with the Ca Board of Psychology with over 7 years of clinical experience. Dr. Pedersen provides care for all individuals. 12-99. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout multiple stages of their lives. She focuses on breaking through the challenges of depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, and OCD. Dr. Pedersen is a specialist in EBT's: CBT, DBT, MBCT, and psychological assessments. Dr. Pedersen received her BA from UCLA, MA from LMU, and Doctorate from U Chicago SPP.
![Photo of Michelle Conover - Southern California Neuropsychology Group, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25c7c57f-7ca6-4b13-977d-b41c3871fe27/2/320x400.jpeg)
Southern California Neuropsychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
![Photo of Julia Young - Caring Connected, AMFT, APCC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5044e6b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caring Connected
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, APCC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Are you feeling disconnected, stressed, stuck, scared, or angry? Are you repeating relationships, patterns, or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life feels more frustrating or stressful than usual. Sometimes we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we know we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even if we know what the issue is, change can feel impossible. That's where our team of qualified professionals can help. Our job isn't to judge you or your choices, it's to help you understand the root causes of your issues and work together to create a custom plan for change.
Are you feeling disconnected, stressed, stuck, scared, or angry? Are you repeating relationships, patterns, or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe life feels more frustrating or stressful than usual. Sometimes we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we know we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. And even if we know what the issue is, change can feel impossible. That's where our team of qualified professionals can help. Our job isn't to judge you or your choices, it's to help you understand the root causes of your issues and work together to create a custom plan for change.
![Photo of Brandon F Heimberg - Heimberg Neuropsychology, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7db6e293-09a0-423f-b7e4-ff58af325060/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Heimberg takes the time to get to the root of the problem through comprehensive neuropsychological or psychological assessment to assess for a wide range of psychological and medical conditions. Our patient's find comfort in receiving a thorough diagnostic evaluation to assess for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning disorder, neuropsychological sequelau of complex medical conditions or treatment, traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, and neurodegenerative conditions (alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, etc.).
Dr. Heimberg takes the time to get to the root of the problem through comprehensive neuropsychological or psychological assessment to assess for a wide range of psychological and medical conditions. Our patient's find comfort in receiving a thorough diagnostic evaluation to assess for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning disorder, neuropsychological sequelau of complex medical conditions or treatment, traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, and neurodegenerative conditions (alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, etc.).
![Photo of Darlene Joy Manick, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e9c970-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darlene Joy Manick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hidden Hills, CA 91302
I specialize in treating treating high achieving individuals & couples, with perfectionist tendencies. My priority is your emotional safety. Non judgmental support allows for your sharing openly and honestly. The need to "be right" can be unconscious, & you may be hurting those you love. My skilled intuition, and 25+ yrs. of clinical success, knows hope is available for the motivated and committed recovering anxious, obsessive, & over analyzing adult. Our trusting relationship inspires you to reflect upon your life/relationship goals; together we explore, & honestly challenge: "Do I want to be right?" Or, do I want to be loved?"
I specialize in treating treating high achieving individuals & couples, with perfectionist tendencies. My priority is your emotional safety. Non judgmental support allows for your sharing openly and honestly. The need to "be right" can be unconscious, & you may be hurting those you love. My skilled intuition, and 25+ yrs. of clinical success, knows hope is available for the motivated and committed recovering anxious, obsessive, & over analyzing adult. Our trusting relationship inspires you to reflect upon your life/relationship goals; together we explore, & honestly challenge: "Do I want to be right?" Or, do I want to be loved?"
![Photo of Roxanna Rahban, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8407592-8b01-4e8b-9498-8f46230f432f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
![Photo of Judith Leone-Friedman - Dr. Judith Friedman, Reflect Neuropsychology, MEd, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d210b6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Judith Friedman, Reflect Neuropsychology
Psychologist, MEd, PsyD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
I am a Neuropsychologist located in Calabasas with over 25 years of specialized training in neuropsychological testing, and adolescent, adult and geriatric psychology from Harvard University and UCLA. I accept insurance, and specialize in the in the evidence-based assessment of individuals with academic, learning, and other neurocognitive differences that effect academic, social, and behavioral functioning. My team and I use a scientific approach to provide each patient with an individualized assessment based on empirically-validated research of brain-based conditions (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, brain injury, epilepsy, dementia, etc.).
I am a Neuropsychologist located in Calabasas with over 25 years of specialized training in neuropsychological testing, and adolescent, adult and geriatric psychology from Harvard University and UCLA. I accept insurance, and specialize in the in the evidence-based assessment of individuals with academic, learning, and other neurocognitive differences that effect academic, social, and behavioral functioning. My team and I use a scientific approach to provide each patient with an individualized assessment based on empirically-validated research of brain-based conditions (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, brain injury, epilepsy, dementia, etc.).
![Photo of Monica Elizabeth Williams, LEP, LPCC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52093354-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Elizabeth Williams
Psychologist, LEP, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91302
As a previously practicing educational psychologist in an alternative school setting, I often encountered students who moved through the public school systems without the support they needed to learn basic foundational skills. Creating a lack of understanding of how they learn; causing low self-esteem and low academic and social functioning. Additionally, these academic difficulties often bring about behavior challenges in school and in the home setting, as students feel incapable of learning to their full potential. These students often require assessment to further determine appropriate intervention for academic success.
As a previously practicing educational psychologist in an alternative school setting, I often encountered students who moved through the public school systems without the support they needed to learn basic foundational skills. Creating a lack of understanding of how they learn; causing low self-esteem and low academic and social functioning. Additionally, these academic difficulties often bring about behavior challenges in school and in the home setting, as students feel incapable of learning to their full potential. These students often require assessment to further determine appropriate intervention for academic success.
![Photo of Jeffrey Aaron Spike - Spike The Psych, MA, LEP, #3394, CCTMHP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/538df876-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Spike The Psych
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, LEP, #3394, CCTMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. Unlike several mental health providers and ADHD coaches who overcharge, I'm certified, I charge less, and I'm excellent at what I do. I've been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, I started my career as a School Psychologist in 2005. I won the LA Association of School Psychologists Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 20 years of experience, I have successfully evaluated and counseled people (kids and adults) with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, emotional and behavior difficulties; I give them the help they deserve for success. My services are in office or virtual (online).
Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. Unlike several mental health providers and ADHD coaches who overcharge, I'm certified, I charge less, and I'm excellent at what I do. I've been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, I started my career as a School Psychologist in 2005. I won the LA Association of School Psychologists Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 20 years of experience, I have successfully evaluated and counseled people (kids and adults) with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, emotional and behavior difficulties; I give them the help they deserve for success. My services are in office or virtual (online).
Online Therapists
![Photo of joshua Eugene Marquez - Mind Thrive Health, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/773be585-a837-47b2-8c31-3c917d4362b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
we offer Therapy, Psychiatry and medication management services including ketamine assisted treatment for treatment resistant depression.
As a Therapy practice we love to help everyone! no matter what the situation is, our purpose is to help anyone struggling during these times!
we offer Therapy, Psychiatry and medication management services including ketamine assisted treatment for treatment resistant depression.
As a Therapy practice we love to help everyone! no matter what the situation is, our purpose is to help anyone struggling during these times!
![Photo of Misha Elder - Mindful Health Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/912c8f21-7794-4734-b38d-3fba11c22f5e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I practice general psychology and works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum issues, anger, parenting challenges, and couples issues. I also have a concentrated interest in the family of origin trauma.
I practice general psychology and works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum issues, anger, parenting challenges, and couples issues. I also have a concentrated interest in the family of origin trauma.
![Photo of Celena Horton, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/902bc6a0-480b-4dd1-9441-ad954afec6c0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Celena Horton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (Online Only)
My specialties are treating anxiety, depression, severe mental illness and everyday life stressors.
After experiencing this time of uncertainty and change, I am here to meet your psychological needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with my Doctorate in Psychology; who is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I believe in meeting you where you are. My personal mantra is empowering and motivating you to help to incite change. I have over 9 years of experience of working with individuals, families and couples in various settings.
My specialties are treating anxiety, depression, severe mental illness and everyday life stressors.
After experiencing this time of uncertainty and change, I am here to meet your psychological needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with my Doctorate in Psychology; who is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I believe in meeting you where you are. My personal mantra is empowering and motivating you to help to incite change. I have over 9 years of experience of working with individuals, families and couples in various settings.
![Photo of Ty Jones - Psychological And Substance Abuse Services, INC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de601052-3cf9-4b74-ae37-9e8bafa26a2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological And Substance Abuse Services, INC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Moreno Valley, CA 92557
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, loss of a sense of self, or relationship problems that affect your ability to function? Our licensed professionals have training and experience working with children and adults for various concerns and referral questions, practicing from various perspectives and evidence-based treatment models.
Whatever service you are interested in, we are here to help! Call or email to book an appointment today!
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, loss of a sense of self, or relationship problems that affect your ability to function? Our licensed professionals have training and experience working with children and adults for various concerns and referral questions, practicing from various perspectives and evidence-based treatment models.
Whatever service you are interested in, we are here to help! Call or email to book an appointment today!
![Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49234749-8ec9-4913-9023-7d94ac418a1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
![Photo of Mary Ann Evans, PhD , Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc8c66ac-d04d-4d33-a140-d941ec7d0121/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience, specializing in the treatment of anxiety/depression, personal growth and spiritual issues.
I welcome you to walk with me on a journey of healing and thriving if you seek harmony, peace, resilience and yes joy, in the face of life's adversities. Those who are experiencing life stresses/trauma resulting in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges are most welcome for psychotherapy. We work together utilizing various treatments such as mindfulness, cognitive therapy and the underlying biological reactions to stress in order to help you thrive. I also offer evaluations of learning and brain functions and give life changing recommendations. The collaborative work with horses is especially powerful.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience, specializing in the treatment of anxiety/depression, personal growth and spiritual issues.
I welcome you to walk with me on a journey of healing and thriving if you seek harmony, peace, resilience and yes joy, in the face of life's adversities. Those who are experiencing life stresses/trauma resulting in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges are most welcome for psychotherapy. We work together utilizing various treatments such as mindfulness, cognitive therapy and the underlying biological reactions to stress in order to help you thrive. I also offer evaluations of learning and brain functions and give life changing recommendations. The collaborative work with horses is especially powerful.
![Photo of Alice R Berkowitz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b64153-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in practice for over 25 years and work with a variety of clients in the Los Angeles area. I specialize in working with high profile individuals,as well as clients dealing with depression, parental alienation, anxiety, PTSD,Neuropsychological Evals, addiction,parenting issues, sexual abuse, and individuals who are interested in life transitions and/or personal growth.
I also specialize in performing custody evaluations and expert witness evaluations and court testimony. I specialize in parental alienation, domestic violence, PTSD, TBI, sexual harassment, cases, sexual abuse cases, wrongful termination, trauma evaluations, allegations os sexual abuse, and risk assessment.
I have been in practice for over 25 years and work with a variety of clients in the Los Angeles area. I specialize in working with high profile individuals,as well as clients dealing with depression, parental alienation, anxiety, PTSD,Neuropsychological Evals, addiction,parenting issues, sexual abuse, and individuals who are interested in life transitions and/or personal growth.
I also specialize in performing custody evaluations and expert witness evaluations and court testimony. I specialize in parental alienation, domestic violence, PTSD, TBI, sexual harassment, cases, sexual abuse cases, wrongful termination, trauma evaluations, allegations os sexual abuse, and risk assessment.
![Photo of Cassondra Rose - Renewing Hope Family Counseling Center, Inc., LCSW, PsyD, AMFT, ACSW, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/524b7066-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Renewing Hope Family Counseling Center, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, PsyD, AMFT, ACSW
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92503
We work with people that have anxiety, panic attacks, victims of crime, depression, ADD, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, post part depression, LGBTQ+, teen issues, self esteem, and much more.
Here at Renewing Hope Family Counseling Center, Inc. we work with individuals dealing with everyday life stressors, individuals discovering their sense of identity, and with various discomforts such as depression, anxiety, relational, and family issues. Let us help improve the community one relationship at a time. We are inclusive and serve a variety of cultures, religions and communities. Each therapist approach is to meet the client where they are at in an open, non-judgmental, quality environment.
We work with people that have anxiety, panic attacks, victims of crime, depression, ADD, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, post part depression, LGBTQ+, teen issues, self esteem, and much more.
Here at Renewing Hope Family Counseling Center, Inc. we work with individuals dealing with everyday life stressors, individuals discovering their sense of identity, and with various discomforts such as depression, anxiety, relational, and family issues. Let us help improve the community one relationship at a time. We are inclusive and serve a variety of cultures, religions and communities. Each therapist approach is to meet the client where they are at in an open, non-judgmental, quality environment.
![Photo of Ronald Kaufman - Family Time Centers, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed70eb57-a663-45e9-99b2-ead9e45c9cf3/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Centers are welcoming and accessible to families of all ages because in some way or another trauma, anxiety, and depression can be helped.
Family Time centers are community hubs where everyone can get the help or support they need. They can tap into community resources, learn new parenting skills, and/or get individualized support. We provide a location where challenges can be explored and personal relationships can be strengthened. If you or someone in your family is struggling, we have expert therapists who can help a parent or a child receive the counseling they need. We provide an inclusive location that is welcoming, handicap accessible, and reflective of the core values of healing your inner self.
The Centers are welcoming and accessible to families of all ages because in some way or another trauma, anxiety, and depression can be helped.
Family Time centers are community hubs where everyone can get the help or support they need. They can tap into community resources, learn new parenting skills, and/or get individualized support. We provide a location where challenges can be explored and personal relationships can be strengthened. If you or someone in your family is struggling, we have expert therapists who can help a parent or a child receive the counseling they need. We provide an inclusive location that is welcoming, handicap accessible, and reflective of the core values of healing your inner self.
![Photo of Adrienne Meier, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52e7e970-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone has goals in life, but at times it may be difficult to achieve those goals, resulting in feelings of anxiety or depression. Using a holistic, strength-based approach we will explore factors that may have gotten in the way of achieving your goals, such as life stressors, relationship difficulties, or insecurities. Together we will focus on addressing these obstacles in order to allow you to achieve your goals and thrive. I also offer psychological testing to investigate what obstacles may be present (i.e., ADHD, memory problems, personality characteristics, etc.) and provide recommendations on how to best overcome them.
Everyone has goals in life, but at times it may be difficult to achieve those goals, resulting in feelings of anxiety or depression. Using a holistic, strength-based approach we will explore factors that may have gotten in the way of achieving your goals, such as life stressors, relationship difficulties, or insecurities. Together we will focus on addressing these obstacles in order to allow you to achieve your goals and thrive. I also offer psychological testing to investigate what obstacles may be present (i.e., ADHD, memory problems, personality characteristics, etc.) and provide recommendations on how to best overcome them.
See more therapy options for Chatsworth
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.