Depression Therapists in Monte Sereno, CA

Photo of Susan Mihandoost, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Mihandoost
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Monte Sereno, CA 95030  (Online Only)
I have experience working with wide range of mental and emotional issues, and I do understand depression, anxiety and the debilitating relationship conflicts at its core.
Are you sad, anxious, lonely, frustrated, scared, angry, ...? Do you feel your pain is lasting longer than you wanted it? Have you been considering to seek help but you are scared and not sure what to expect from therapy? Are you uncertain how therapy would help you? Are you wondering if you could be in control of what and which direction would be the goal of your appointments? Are you afraid of being aware? These are just examples of how people feel when initially consider therapy.
I have experience working with wide range of mental and emotional issues, and I do understand depression, anxiety and the debilitating relationship conflicts at its core.
Are you sad, anxious, lonely, frustrated, scared, angry, ...? Do you feel your pain is lasting longer than you wanted it? Have you been considering to seek help but you are scared and not sure what to expect from therapy? Are you uncertain how therapy would help you? Are you wondering if you could be in control of what and which direction would be the goal of your appointments? Are you afraid of being aware? These are just examples of how people feel when initially consider therapy.
(408) 502-9426 View (408) 502-9426
Photo of Therese Frey, MA, LMFT, MAC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Therese Frey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MAC
Verified Verified
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
Are you relying on unhealthy habits to cope with stress, anxiety, depression or life's challenges? Is it time to make some changes in your life but you feel stuck and don't know where to begin? Are you tired of feeling lonely, empty, sad or misunderstood? Do you struggle with allowing yourself to feel vulnerable with others? Does a healthy work-life balance seem impossible for you? If any of these questions ring true for you, some support might be just what you need.
Are you relying on unhealthy habits to cope with stress, anxiety, depression or life's challenges? Is it time to make some changes in your life but you feel stuck and don't know where to begin? Are you tired of feeling lonely, empty, sad or misunderstood? Do you struggle with allowing yourself to feel vulnerable with others? Does a healthy work-life balance seem impossible for you? If any of these questions ring true for you, some support might be just what you need.
(408) 786-9697 View (408) 786-9697
Photo of Johnny Brown - Phoenix Counseling, MSc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phoenix Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, LMFT
Verified Verified
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
I provide services to individuals, sex workers, kids, the LGBTQI community, and athletes who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other issues.
Does it seem like your relationship is out of balance? All you and your partner do, it seems like, is fight? Where there was a feeling of peace and harmony, now just feels like a heavy fog of uncertainty. Is there an issue of infidelity and trust has eroded. At one point you and your partner could communicate, but now you struggle to get your message across. Come in and let's talk.
I provide services to individuals, sex workers, kids, the LGBTQI community, and athletes who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other issues.
Does it seem like your relationship is out of balance? All you and your partner do, it seems like, is fight? Where there was a feeling of peace and harmony, now just feels like a heavy fog of uncertainty. Is there an issue of infidelity and trust has eroded. At one point you and your partner could communicate, but now you struggle to get your message across. Come in and let's talk.
(408) 869-5958 View (408) 869-5958
Photo of Katie DiNapoli, LMFT, EMDR, BSP, ART, TIST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie DiNapoli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, BSP, ART, TIST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
Not accepting new clients
Specializing in: children, family conflict, suicidality & self-harm, PTSD, complex & intergenerational trauma, dissociation, diagnoses of DID, OSDD, BPD, depression, bipolar depression, and anxiety.
Do you feel stuck and worried you may not be able to find help? Maybe you have a habit or behavior you want to stop but can't seem to make lasting progress. Perhaps you're unhappy, anxious, exhausted, or feel like you don't know if you will ever get better. By the time most folks seek therapy, they have been stressed or hurting for a long time. Finding someone you can work with, who gets you, is often a very difficult process. ◇I love working with toddlers, kids, couples, & families too! We can do nature walks or meet inside. Attuning to BIPOC experiences, and special focus on LGBTQIA+ community are important to my work & life.
Specializing in: children, family conflict, suicidality & self-harm, PTSD, complex & intergenerational trauma, dissociation, diagnoses of DID, OSDD, BPD, depression, bipolar depression, and anxiety.
Do you feel stuck and worried you may not be able to find help? Maybe you have a habit or behavior you want to stop but can't seem to make lasting progress. Perhaps you're unhappy, anxious, exhausted, or feel like you don't know if you will ever get better. By the time most folks seek therapy, they have been stressed or hurting for a long time. Finding someone you can work with, who gets you, is often a very difficult process. ◇I love working with toddlers, kids, couples, & families too! We can do nature walks or meet inside. Attuning to BIPOC experiences, and special focus on LGBTQIA+ community are important to my work & life.
(408) 609-3870 View (408) 609-3870
Photo of Kambria Hooper Evans - Kambria Evans: EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives, MEd, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kambria Evans: EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
As an EMDR Consultant and Brainspotting Clinician, I offer evidence-based therapy for clients and training for therapists. As a former Director at Stanford Medical School, I offer internationally recognized expertise in how people learn and change from 20 years of training, research, and teaching at Vanderbilt and Stanford. As a relational trauma expert, I offer the ability to differentiate between the sound of your intuition guiding you and your traumas misleading you. My passion is utilizing the powerful benefits of EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives with clients who are ready to live without disturbing clinical symptoms.
As an EMDR Consultant and Brainspotting Clinician, I offer evidence-based therapy for clients and training for therapists. As a former Director at Stanford Medical School, I offer internationally recognized expertise in how people learn and change from 20 years of training, research, and teaching at Vanderbilt and Stanford. As a relational trauma expert, I offer the ability to differentiate between the sound of your intuition guiding you and your traumas misleading you. My passion is utilizing the powerful benefits of EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives with clients who are ready to live without disturbing clinical symptoms.
(408) 769-5739 View (408) 769-5739
Photo of Samantha Greenlee, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Greenlee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
There are times in life when we struggle with ourselves, our relationships, or our futures. What we do with the struggle is what will determine our growth. If you've found yourself in a period of uncertainty, you don't have to do this alone. Live your best life.
There are times in life when we struggle with ourselves, our relationships, or our futures. What we do with the struggle is what will determine our growth. If you've found yourself in a period of uncertainty, you don't have to do this alone. Live your best life.
(408) 692-2266 View (408) 692-2266

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Binnur Kurtlar-Mesic, MA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Binnur Kurtlar-Mesic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Waitlist for new clients
In the past 20+ years, both overseas and in the US, I have successfully helped clients with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem, stress management, parenting, family conflict, life transition, and relationship issues.
Welcome! Navigating through life’s challenges can be overwhelming at times, and a guiding hand can help you get through these difficult times. Here’s where I can help: I provide a safe and nonjudgemental space to help you discover your unique strengths, identify self-defeating thoughts and unhealthy behavioral patterns. My style in therapy is warm, client-focused, collaborative, and empowering. In our work, I’ll support you in cultivating skills to overcome obstacles and achieve your therapy goals.
In the past 20+ years, both overseas and in the US, I have successfully helped clients with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem, stress management, parenting, family conflict, life transition, and relationship issues.
Welcome! Navigating through life’s challenges can be overwhelming at times, and a guiding hand can help you get through these difficult times. Here’s where I can help: I provide a safe and nonjudgemental space to help you discover your unique strengths, identify self-defeating thoughts and unhealthy behavioral patterns. My style in therapy is warm, client-focused, collaborative, and empowering. In our work, I’ll support you in cultivating skills to overcome obstacles and achieve your therapy goals.
(408) 560-2335 View (408) 560-2335
Photo of Ziba Taghipour, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ziba Taghipour
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I practice therapies supported by research as effective treatments for a wide range of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts.
For more than a decade, I have successfully helped individuals, couples, and families find greater clarity about what they want their life to stand for and how to pursue that life. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, I help my clients attain the vibrant and valued life they desire. My approach in therapy is active. I work based on the assumption that clients are able to achieve rapid and significant changes in their behaviors. The interventions used in this approach help clients access alternative ways of "problem solving" that utilize the resources beyond the "common-sense" mind. https://effective-therapy.com/
I practice therapies supported by research as effective treatments for a wide range of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts.
For more than a decade, I have successfully helped individuals, couples, and families find greater clarity about what they want their life to stand for and how to pursue that life. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, I help my clients attain the vibrant and valued life they desire. My approach in therapy is active. I work based on the assumption that clients are able to achieve rapid and significant changes in their behaviors. The interventions used in this approach help clients access alternative ways of "problem solving" that utilize the resources beyond the "common-sense" mind. https://effective-therapy.com/
(408) 384-9959 View (408) 384-9959
Photo of Jennifer Patane, MA, APCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Patane
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you long for a greater sense of well-being and/or fulfillment in life? When our needs are unmet or injured, it can result in distorted thinking and ineffective behaviors. We may feel unable to move past anxiety, depression, grief, fear, despair, anger, or trauma, and move into self-protection, isolation, or avoidance in order to cope. By creating a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment where it's safe to express feelings and emotions, I believe that we will identify root issues and move beyond coping to restoration. Contact me for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation!
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you long for a greater sense of well-being and/or fulfillment in life? When our needs are unmet or injured, it can result in distorted thinking and ineffective behaviors. We may feel unable to move past anxiety, depression, grief, fear, despair, anger, or trauma, and move into self-protection, isolation, or avoidance in order to cope. By creating a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment where it's safe to express feelings and emotions, I believe that we will identify root issues and move beyond coping to restoration. Contact me for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation!
(408) 642-6284 View (408) 642-6284
Photo of Kristi Ebsen - Bobbi Ebsen Psychotherapy, LCSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bobbi Ebsen Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, New York & Michigan. I have over 20 years of clinical experience. I love my job, it's a privilege to be a therapist, and I have the opportunity to work with some amazing people. The issues people are working on are: academic performance, peer pressure, career decisions, family problems, alcohol/drug choices, behavioral choices, stress, stress, and more stress, financial aid, money, relationships, career unhappiness, job struggles; and feelings of: lost, alone, depressed, isolated, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexuality exploration, self-doubt self-worth & sobriety.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, New York & Michigan. I have over 20 years of clinical experience. I love my job, it's a privilege to be a therapist, and I have the opportunity to work with some amazing people. The issues people are working on are: academic performance, peer pressure, career decisions, family problems, alcohol/drug choices, behavioral choices, stress, stress, and more stress, financial aid, money, relationships, career unhappiness, job struggles; and feelings of: lost, alone, depressed, isolated, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexuality exploration, self-doubt self-worth & sobriety.
(408) 790-1950 View (408) 790-1950
Photo of Trang Ngo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Trang Ngo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Welcome! I am passionate about treating teens and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My goal is to support you in developing tools to understand your emotions, tolerate difficult emotions, have more fulfilling relationships, and create your life worth living. I have extensive background in using DBT, CBT, and mindfulness approaches. I also believe that providing a safe, non-judgmental relationship is key to the process of healing.
Welcome! I am passionate about treating teens and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My goal is to support you in developing tools to understand your emotions, tolerate difficult emotions, have more fulfilling relationships, and create your life worth living. I have extensive background in using DBT, CBT, and mindfulness approaches. I also believe that providing a safe, non-judgmental relationship is key to the process of healing.
(669) 201-9635 View (669) 201-9635
Photo of Saskia Lucas, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Saskia Lucas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Well-being is possible! I am passionate about helping clients get relief from anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I believe clients benefit most from therapy when the underlying causes of their symptoms are addressed. My approach goes beyond just talk therapy, and is experiential, somatic (body) and mindfulness based. You can expect to gain helpful skills and tools, as well as new perspectives for old problems. Clients find increased peace, empowerment and fulfillment in their lives. My style is genuine, collaborative, empathetic, non-judgmental and practical.
Well-being is possible! I am passionate about helping clients get relief from anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I believe clients benefit most from therapy when the underlying causes of their symptoms are addressed. My approach goes beyond just talk therapy, and is experiential, somatic (body) and mindfulness based. You can expect to gain helpful skills and tools, as well as new perspectives for old problems. Clients find increased peace, empowerment and fulfillment in their lives. My style is genuine, collaborative, empathetic, non-judgmental and practical.
(408) 418-9316 View (408) 418-9316
Photo of Anahita Mazdiyassni, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anahita Mazdiyassni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
If you feel overwhelmed, lost, lonely, depressed or anxious, you are not alone. In our world today, many people experience these feelings. I have dedicated the past 16 years of my life working with and helping individuals, couples, families, children and older adults facing different challenges in their lives, such as grief, relationship issues and mental illnesses. I use therapeutic approaches & techniques such as, family system, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy and mindfulness. In addition, I have trainings in Emotion-focused therapy (EFT & EFIT) a useful therapeutic approach for couples and individuals.
If you feel overwhelmed, lost, lonely, depressed or anxious, you are not alone. In our world today, many people experience these feelings. I have dedicated the past 16 years of my life working with and helping individuals, couples, families, children and older adults facing different challenges in their lives, such as grief, relationship issues and mental illnesses. I use therapeutic approaches & techniques such as, family system, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy and mindfulness. In addition, I have trainings in Emotion-focused therapy (EFT & EFIT) a useful therapeutic approach for couples and individuals.
(562) 386-0870 View (562) 386-0870
Toni Koury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals to help them with such things as finding purpose and motivation; overcoming depression; working through life transitions, alleviating chronic worry and fear; finding solutions related to challenging work/career situations; and promoting personal growth and overall wellness.
I help couples work through difficulties in their relationships, including: improving their communication; getting to the "root" of the problem and addressing it; enhancing closeness and intimacy; strengthening the bond of friendship; addressing sexual issues; working through infidelity; and providing support during pregnancy and infertility challenges.
I work with individuals to help them with such things as finding purpose and motivation; overcoming depression; working through life transitions, alleviating chronic worry and fear; finding solutions related to challenging work/career situations; and promoting personal growth and overall wellness.
I help couples work through difficulties in their relationships, including: improving their communication; getting to the "root" of the problem and addressing it; enhancing closeness and intimacy; strengthening the bond of friendship; addressing sexual issues; working through infidelity; and providing support during pregnancy and infertility challenges.
(408) 426-5021 View (408) 426-5021
Photo of Susan Willis, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Willis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030  (Online Only)
For over 25 years, I've helped people experiencing deep depression, life-limiting anxiety, impasses in work or relationships, difficult life passages, complex illnesses, and unfulfilled goals.
It's exciting to see that you're exploring ways to improve your current dilemma--and your life. Whether your problem is one that is longstanding and has resisted change, or is new and unfamiliar, therapy will provide a safe and caring environment to work it through. I'll help you identify the blocks to your optimal functioning, understand them, and then develop better-fitting, more fruitful ways to think and act. It's a respectful, warm-hearted process, always focused on your uniqueness and wholeness.
For over 25 years, I've helped people experiencing deep depression, life-limiting anxiety, impasses in work or relationships, difficult life passages, complex illnesses, and unfulfilled goals.
It's exciting to see that you're exploring ways to improve your current dilemma--and your life. Whether your problem is one that is longstanding and has resisted change, or is new and unfamiliar, therapy will provide a safe and caring environment to work it through. I'll help you identify the blocks to your optimal functioning, understand them, and then develop better-fitting, more fruitful ways to think and act. It's a respectful, warm-hearted process, always focused on your uniqueness and wholeness.
(650) 209-7802 View (650) 209-7802
Photo of Mary K Miller, PsyD, Psychologist
Mary K Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, parent/child relational problems, peer difficulties, grief, parenting/behavioral challenges, problems pertaining to school, and family conflict.
I am a licensed psychologist who has over 20 years experience working with adolescents and adults. Therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I strive to create a supportive environment in which clients can feel safe to explore their feelings and address barriers that are interfering with their quality of life. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches that match your own personal needs and goals. I believe our thoughts influence our feelings and ultimately our behavior so I also work from a cognitive behavioral approach.
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, parent/child relational problems, peer difficulties, grief, parenting/behavioral challenges, problems pertaining to school, and family conflict.
I am a licensed psychologist who has over 20 years experience working with adolescents and adults. Therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I strive to create a supportive environment in which clients can feel safe to explore their feelings and address barriers that are interfering with their quality of life. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches that match your own personal needs and goals. I believe our thoughts influence our feelings and ultimately our behavior so I also work from a cognitive behavioral approach.
(408) 796-4273 View (408) 796-4273
Photo of Dave King, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dave King
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I have personally suffered with mental health challenges through different stages in my life. I know what it’s like to talk to friends/family but not gain any movement towards a happier life. It wasn’t until I connected with a therapist and admitted to myself that I was sick and tired of feeling symptoms of anxiety, depression, and setting healthy boundaries that I was able to make progress toward a happier life.
I have personally suffered with mental health challenges through different stages in my life. I know what it’s like to talk to friends/family but not gain any movement towards a happier life. It wasn’t until I connected with a therapist and admitted to myself that I was sick and tired of feeling symptoms of anxiety, depression, and setting healthy boundaries that I was able to make progress toward a happier life.
(707) 368-3831 View (707) 368-3831
Photo of David Michalicek, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Michalicek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I work with couples, individuals, and teens seeking help with relationships, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, or depression. If any of these make some days a struggle or keep you from enjoying life, I'd like to invite you to talk with someone with compassion who can appreciate your struggle. Counseling can bring real change to reach decisions, manage conflicts, handle stress, improve relationships, or work on deeper personal matters. You'll feel truly heard and valued as we explore as much or as little as you want at a pace and direction of your choosing.
I work with couples, individuals, and teens seeking help with relationships, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, or depression. If any of these make some days a struggle or keep you from enjoying life, I'd like to invite you to talk with someone with compassion who can appreciate your struggle. Counseling can bring real change to reach decisions, manage conflicts, handle stress, improve relationships, or work on deeper personal matters. You'll feel truly heard and valued as we explore as much or as little as you want at a pace and direction of your choosing.
(408) 427-3378 View (408) 427-3378
Photo of Dr. Debbie Francis, PsyD, MA, BSR, Psychologist
Dr. Debbie Francis
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BSR
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW MEDICARE PATIENTS* I work with adults struggling with a wide range of challenges including loss of relationships, life transitions, and personal problems like anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma. Life can be difficult but you don't have to figure it out all alone. I can help you. Together, we'll create a safe space where you'll gain insight and perspective into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are no longer working for you. With these understandings, you'll be able to make better choices and positive life changes. By working through your pain, you'll gain a self-awareness you didn't have before.
*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW MEDICARE PATIENTS* I work with adults struggling with a wide range of challenges including loss of relationships, life transitions, and personal problems like anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma. Life can be difficult but you don't have to figure it out all alone. I can help you. Together, we'll create a safe space where you'll gain insight and perspective into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are no longer working for you. With these understandings, you'll be able to make better choices and positive life changes. By working through your pain, you'll gain a self-awareness you didn't have before.
(408) 207-4564 View (408) 207-4564
Photo of Devora Lomas, MA, APCC, MPH, Pre-Licensed Professional
Devora Lomas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC, MPH
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I help adults who suffer from anxiety and depression, teaching them skills to manage and reduce their symptoms.
I offer in-person and online therapy or coaching for adults and couples. I specialize in working with "neuro-diverse" clients and their partners. I can assess and diagnose for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADD and ADHD. I will educate you about your brain (and/or your partner's brain) and how brain differences show up in relationships (romantic, work, family, friends). I will help you work through any feelings of grief, self-judgement and shame. It is important to find a therapist who understands how brains on the spectrum function and influence behavior. I invite you to call for a free consultation.
I help adults who suffer from anxiety and depression, teaching them skills to manage and reduce their symptoms.
I offer in-person and online therapy or coaching for adults and couples. I specialize in working with "neuro-diverse" clients and their partners. I can assess and diagnose for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADD and ADHD. I will educate you about your brain (and/or your partner's brain) and how brain differences show up in relationships (romantic, work, family, friends). I will help you work through any feelings of grief, self-judgement and shame. It is important to find a therapist who understands how brains on the spectrum function and influence behavior. I invite you to call for a free consultation.
(408) 831-7902 View (408) 831-7902

See more therapy options for Monte Sereno

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.