Depression Therapists in Menlo Park, CA
![Photo of Megan Lait, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4522bf48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Finding your way through emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and significant life changes, can be a very lonely experience on your own. Having a partner can make all the difference. Working with a knowledgable, insightful and compassionate psychotherapist can make the journey bearable, smoother and more successful. In my practice, you are not alone. I partner with clients and provide guidance and support in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to explore challenges and promote overall wellness. I specialize in helping people with depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, difficult life transitions, interpersonal conflicts and low self-esteem.
Finding your way through emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and significant life changes, can be a very lonely experience on your own. Having a partner can make all the difference. Working with a knowledgable, insightful and compassionate psychotherapist can make the journey bearable, smoother and more successful. In my practice, you are not alone. I partner with clients and provide guidance and support in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to explore challenges and promote overall wellness. I specialize in helping people with depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, difficult life transitions, interpersonal conflicts and low self-esteem.
![Photo of Rachel L. Veronneau, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc78f14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel L. Veronneau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I specialize in problems of Chemical Dependency and Recovery, Depression, Anxiety, Employment, Life Transitions, Women's Issues, & Spiritual Crisis.
VIEW revmft.com for my detailed website! Good therapy involves the right match. I also provide a free 30 minute (in person) question and answer session (not counseling). This allows you to understand what your therapy process will look like. If we decide to work together, you will be involved in a very action oriented therapy. Our work will encourage you to practice your new skills during the week. I try to use approaches that you find helpful like: writing in a journal, reading books, support groups, and/or your spiritual practices, that may help while you are in therapy.
I specialize in problems of Chemical Dependency and Recovery, Depression, Anxiety, Employment, Life Transitions, Women's Issues, & Spiritual Crisis.
VIEW revmft.com for my detailed website! Good therapy involves the right match. I also provide a free 30 minute (in person) question and answer session (not counseling). This allows you to understand what your therapy process will look like. If we decide to work together, you will be involved in a very action oriented therapy. Our work will encourage you to practice your new skills during the week. I try to use approaches that you find helpful like: writing in a journal, reading books, support groups, and/or your spiritual practices, that may help while you are in therapy.
![Photo of Joe Fierro, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/318acf62-cfda-4854-a097-430f7c345ea4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joe Fierro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I have experience working with various issues including anxiety, trauma, depression, grief & loss, enculturation, and stress management.
I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach in my work with clients. I believe in the human potential for healing, growth, and change. I explore with clients their life experiences and cultural influences as part of identifying areas of strength, as well as building awareness for how these factors may have contributed to challenges in the way they view themselves, their relationships, and the world. I like to help clients identify their successes, interests & talents, and aspects of their lives that are working well to include these in their process for change.
I have experience working with various issues including anxiety, trauma, depression, grief & loss, enculturation, and stress management.
I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach in my work with clients. I believe in the human potential for healing, growth, and change. I explore with clients their life experiences and cultural influences as part of identifying areas of strength, as well as building awareness for how these factors may have contributed to challenges in the way they view themselves, their relationships, and the world. I like to help clients identify their successes, interests & talents, and aspects of their lives that are working well to include these in their process for change.
![Photo of Dora Shalts-Lastra, LPCC, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/830dd1b4-af71-4a0b-920a-1e3e79ae333c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dora Shalts-Lastra
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I use a holistic approach, incorporating CBT, DBT, mindfulness, brainspotting and psychodynamics to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex PTSD, life transitions, stress, and relationship issues.
Every one of us has an internal wisdom and light that guides us through our life. However, at times, we may get wounded in relation with others, and our inherent beauty gets clouded with pain and symptoms. My goal is to help you find the strength and realization that everything you need is already inside of you. Together, we will identify the sources of your pain and authentic steps to take to thrive. I work with adults 18 and over who would like to improve their quality of life. My 15 years of experience have gifted me expertise in complex relational trauma, as well as issues that women experience across their lifespan.
I use a holistic approach, incorporating CBT, DBT, mindfulness, brainspotting and psychodynamics to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex PTSD, life transitions, stress, and relationship issues.
Every one of us has an internal wisdom and light that guides us through our life. However, at times, we may get wounded in relation with others, and our inherent beauty gets clouded with pain and symptoms. My goal is to help you find the strength and realization that everything you need is already inside of you. Together, we will identify the sources of your pain and authentic steps to take to thrive. I work with adults 18 and over who would like to improve their quality of life. My 15 years of experience have gifted me expertise in complex relational trauma, as well as issues that women experience across their lifespan.
![Photo of Daniele Levy, PhD, MBA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d614817a-c980-4edb-b248-d9fc151737fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or work/family issues, and are ready for change, I believe I can help. I am a Stanford-trained Clinical Psychologist and MBA with extensive background in organizational leadership who specializes in working with adults motivated to improve their mood, functioning, and life satisfaction. I partner with each client to set individualized goals for a shared journey of recovery and growth in a supportive environment. I use evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT) to quickly reduce symptoms while yielding long-term gains in quality of life.
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or work/family issues, and are ready for change, I believe I can help. I am a Stanford-trained Clinical Psychologist and MBA with extensive background in organizational leadership who specializes in working with adults motivated to improve their mood, functioning, and life satisfaction. I partner with each client to set individualized goals for a shared journey of recovery and growth in a supportive environment. I use evidence-based cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT) to quickly reduce symptoms while yielding long-term gains in quality of life.
![Photo of Edna M. Esnil, PsyD, MA, BA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95e64c27-7f33-44c5-b181-70720e622a7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether through individual, couples, or career counseling, I take pride in helping people apply psychological science to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Carl Rogers wrote, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” If you’re looking to develop a practice for ‘the good life,’ I would be honored to work with you. Whether you’re an adolescent, adult, or someone with a health, social, relational, cultural, educational, or employment issue, my strength-based, integrative approach is designed to meet your unique needs.
Whether through individual, couples, or career counseling, I take pride in helping people apply psychological science to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Carl Rogers wrote, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” If you’re looking to develop a practice for ‘the good life,’ I would be honored to work with you. Whether you’re an adolescent, adult, or someone with a health, social, relational, cultural, educational, or employment issue, my strength-based, integrative approach is designed to meet your unique needs.
![Photo of Lea Goldstein, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d8a85ae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my practice. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other issues impacting your ability to live your life to its fullest, I would be happy to speak with you about working together. I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My work focuses on both internal stumbling blocks to feeling better and on interpersonal problems with important people in your life. We will focus on leveraging your strengths to tackle the difficulties you are experiencing.
Welcome to my practice. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other issues impacting your ability to live your life to its fullest, I would be happy to speak with you about working together. I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My work focuses on both internal stumbling blocks to feeling better and on interpersonal problems with important people in your life. We will focus on leveraging your strengths to tackle the difficulties you are experiencing.
![Photo of Albert R Mezistrano, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de6e7501-4275-4719-8842-c0997b59873f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Albert R Mezistrano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Whether it shows up as depression, anxiety, or has its roots in trauma of any sort, it deserves to be expressed in the therapy space.
You’ve always had a sense that something crucial is missing, like a song stuck on a note that never resolves. Sometimes you feel disconnected from your authentic self, unable to put words to feelings, lost in a fog of uncertainty. At other times it feels like you’re too much for others and don’t know how to let it out without feeling like a burden. This existential dread has been a constant companion, but you’re sure there’s more to life and that some piece of the puzzle is missing. You long to remove this familiar barrier from impacting your ability to relax, to focus, to show up more as yourself in relationships.
Whether it shows up as depression, anxiety, or has its roots in trauma of any sort, it deserves to be expressed in the therapy space.
You’ve always had a sense that something crucial is missing, like a song stuck on a note that never resolves. Sometimes you feel disconnected from your authentic self, unable to put words to feelings, lost in a fog of uncertainty. At other times it feels like you’re too much for others and don’t know how to let it out without feeling like a burden. This existential dread has been a constant companion, but you’re sure there’s more to life and that some piece of the puzzle is missing. You long to remove this familiar barrier from impacting your ability to relax, to focus, to show up more as yourself in relationships.
![Photo of Dr. Emily Breyer, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a349eb8-d658-4c7e-acd1-63c4ebcd4d0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, life transitions or grief? If you are feeling dissatisfied in a relationship, navigating a breakup or issues within your family or feel stuck or overwhelmed by worries, I may be a good fit. If you are a young adult, college or graduate student dealing with academic and career stress, perfectionism, loneliness, identity exploration or adjustment to a new environment, I can help. You may also be navigating a career change, the loss of a loved one or the experience of growing up with parents who struggled with mental health issues or substance use.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, life transitions or grief? If you are feeling dissatisfied in a relationship, navigating a breakup or issues within your family or feel stuck or overwhelmed by worries, I may be a good fit. If you are a young adult, college or graduate student dealing with academic and career stress, perfectionism, loneliness, identity exploration or adjustment to a new environment, I can help. You may also be navigating a career change, the loss of a loved one or the experience of growing up with parents who struggled with mental health issues or substance use.
![Photo of Kristian Bowden Menotti, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dce58a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristian Bowden Menotti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
![Photo of Katie Fracalanza, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ffeeda1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Myself and my colleagues at the California Psychology Center specialize in therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and depression. We help with these difficulties by customizing strategies supported by the strongest research evidence to each unique individual. We work with clients in a warm, collaborative manner to help our clients better understand themselves, learn new skills, and overcome life’s struggles in a manner consistent with their values and goals. Our practice is aimed at both alleviating psychological distress, as well as bolstering strengths and a sense of personal fulfillment.
Myself and my colleagues at the California Psychology Center specialize in therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and depression. We help with these difficulties by customizing strategies supported by the strongest research evidence to each unique individual. We work with clients in a warm, collaborative manner to help our clients better understand themselves, learn new skills, and overcome life’s struggles in a manner consistent with their values and goals. Our practice is aimed at both alleviating psychological distress, as well as bolstering strengths and a sense of personal fulfillment.
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![Photo of Katie Luce, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/510e97fd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Luce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping clients struggling with depression and anxiety, as it's very challenging to face and overcome alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck? It takes courage to ask for help and commit to making significant life changes, so I commend you for taking the first step on your journey. Often my clients are struggling with limiting beliefs and old patterns of behavior that are holding them back. My approach is warm, authentic, and collaborative, and my goal is to support my clients on a path to healing and a more fulfilled life. I am unique in that I balance listening with offering concrete tools and ideas, and have a straightforward approach around ambivalence or resistance that could be keeping a client from moving forward.
I am passionate about helping clients struggling with depression and anxiety, as it's very challenging to face and overcome alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck? It takes courage to ask for help and commit to making significant life changes, so I commend you for taking the first step on your journey. Often my clients are struggling with limiting beliefs and old patterns of behavior that are holding them back. My approach is warm, authentic, and collaborative, and my goal is to support my clients on a path to healing and a more fulfilled life. I am unique in that I balance listening with offering concrete tools and ideas, and have a straightforward approach around ambivalence or resistance that could be keeping a client from moving forward.
![Photo of Elizabeth Wing-Man Choi, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41a0653a-0d17-40eb-9c57-10a4efe76a6c/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to offering evidence-based assessment & treatment to neurocognitive disorders, depression, and trauma, I also provide health psychology services such as adjustment to medical conditions, rehabilitation, cognitive remediation, and caregiver stress management.
I believe our emotional and physical health are inseparable. In psychotherapy, we will explore how your brain, emotions, body, and spirituality work together in creating moment-by-moment experiences within you. My background in neuropsychology and psychotherapy will guide our work in an integrated and holistic framework. As a registered psychologist (PSY 33916) specializing in neuropsychology, I offer neuropsychological assessment, individual psychotherapy and cognitive remediation for adults (age 18-64), in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Currently, I provide teletherapy services only, to residents of California.
In addition to offering evidence-based assessment & treatment to neurocognitive disorders, depression, and trauma, I also provide health psychology services such as adjustment to medical conditions, rehabilitation, cognitive remediation, and caregiver stress management.
I believe our emotional and physical health are inseparable. In psychotherapy, we will explore how your brain, emotions, body, and spirituality work together in creating moment-by-moment experiences within you. My background in neuropsychology and psychotherapy will guide our work in an integrated and holistic framework. As a registered psychologist (PSY 33916) specializing in neuropsychology, I offer neuropsychological assessment, individual psychotherapy and cognitive remediation for adults (age 18-64), in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Currently, I provide teletherapy services only, to residents of California.
![Photo of Emily Pavlisin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4feebe1-7e2b-421c-967a-a86d10ffa4da/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship problems, and perinatal mood changes.
Perhaps you haven't been feeling quite like yourself lately, have noticed changes in your mood, or you are just feeling stuck. Maybe you could use support navigating a scary change in your life, or better understanding yourself or your relationships. You may be feeling overwhelmed adjusting to pregnancy or parenthood and seeking specialized support. Whatever brought you to this page today, know that you have already taken a brave step.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship problems, and perinatal mood changes.
Perhaps you haven't been feeling quite like yourself lately, have noticed changes in your mood, or you are just feeling stuck. Maybe you could use support navigating a scary change in your life, or better understanding yourself or your relationships. You may be feeling overwhelmed adjusting to pregnancy or parenthood and seeking specialized support. Whatever brought you to this page today, know that you have already taken a brave step.
![Photo of Dr. Beate Klein, PhD, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d272e9d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Beate Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Talking with one another can help you finding a more quiet space within yourself. If you are struggling with depression, anxieties, insecurities, troubled relationships, high sensitivity, or the sense seeking to belong, psychotherapy can be a place from where you can travel, explore, and listen to the sound between the lines. I invite you to embark on this voyage and find your style of leadership that takes you to new places in love and work. Therapy can help you develop understanding and acceptance of overwhelming life events. Finding your way through life's maze can finally be one of your most wonderful achievements.
Talking with one another can help you finding a more quiet space within yourself. If you are struggling with depression, anxieties, insecurities, troubled relationships, high sensitivity, or the sense seeking to belong, psychotherapy can be a place from where you can travel, explore, and listen to the sound between the lines. I invite you to embark on this voyage and find your style of leadership that takes you to new places in love and work. Therapy can help you develop understanding and acceptance of overwhelming life events. Finding your way through life's maze can finally be one of your most wonderful achievements.
![Photo of Michael E. Buckle, PhD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a2d4e2f-6d3a-4213-a29b-97a10b95a30b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping people feel and perform better. My clients include adults and adolescents seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, and general mental health concerns. I also specialize in working with athletes, performers, professionals, and teams wanting to enhance mental skills for peak performance. I adopt a strength-based, collaborative, and goal-directed approach to quickly identify and overcome barriers to wellbeing and performance. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other scientifically supported therapies to effect change and enhance performance.
I am passionate about helping people feel and perform better. My clients include adults and adolescents seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, and general mental health concerns. I also specialize in working with athletes, performers, professionals, and teams wanting to enhance mental skills for peak performance. I adopt a strength-based, collaborative, and goal-directed approach to quickly identify and overcome barriers to wellbeing and performance. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other scientifically supported therapies to effect change and enhance performance.
![Photo of Lyndsey Nelson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac7abf0f-0b02-46c6-9b33-de2e0b0b65b5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
![Photo of Constance Burton, JD, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c465e1b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As stressors of everyday living expand, relationship conflicts, symptoms of depression, and issues related to past or present traumas may arise.
Therapy offers an opportunity to move your life in more desired directions and to help you live with greater personal satisfaction and engagement. My therapeutic approach focuses on helping you more deeply understand possible causes of emotional distress. We work together to develop insights and strategies necessary for managing and potentially resolving both inner conflict as well as interpersonal dynamics. I tailor the type of therapy provided to suit your needs. Our work generally involves developing psychological perspectives necessary to reduce symptoms, manage stressors, and deepen and enrich your psychological life.
As stressors of everyday living expand, relationship conflicts, symptoms of depression, and issues related to past or present traumas may arise.
Therapy offers an opportunity to move your life in more desired directions and to help you live with greater personal satisfaction and engagement. My therapeutic approach focuses on helping you more deeply understand possible causes of emotional distress. We work together to develop insights and strategies necessary for managing and potentially resolving both inner conflict as well as interpersonal dynamics. I tailor the type of therapy provided to suit your needs. Our work generally involves developing psychological perspectives necessary to reduce symptoms, manage stressors, and deepen and enrich your psychological life.
![Photo of Ilene Diamond, JD, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dcb4240-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or other self-defeating behaviors? Challenged by work, relationship or family issues? Concerned about your own or your teen's mood, judgment, behavior? Executive or founder stress? General overwhelm?
Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being. Whatever your concerns, we'll work together to help you feel better. My style is warm and collaborative, with a sense of humor. Our work can develop your strengths & self-confidence & help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or other self-defeating behaviors? Challenged by work, relationship or family issues? Concerned about your own or your teen's mood, judgment, behavior? Executive or founder stress? General overwhelm?
Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being. Whatever your concerns, we'll work together to help you feel better. My style is warm and collaborative, with a sense of humor. Our work can develop your strengths & self-confidence & help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.
![Photo of Maria Young, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54544565-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria specializes in providing support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety (including panic attacks), childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Her approach involves working with their reptilian brain to alleviate the fight, flight, or freeze response and help them imagine and create a healthier life. She also helps them learn from their past experiences, enabling them to strengthen themselves. Maria's expertise extends to couples and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who are multicultural, multiracial, and multi-generational.
Maria specializes in providing support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety (including panic attacks), childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Her approach involves working with their reptilian brain to alleviate the fight, flight, or freeze response and help them imagine and create a healthier life. She also helps them learn from their past experiences, enabling them to strengthen themselves. Maria's expertise extends to couples and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who are multicultural, multiracial, and multi-generational.
See more therapy options for Menlo Park
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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.