Depression Therapists in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
![Photo of Victor A Ross, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c171d28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Victor A Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (Online Only)
Clients who benefit from my help appreciate a therapist who is warm, nurturing and supportive in his approach and at the same time confronts the difficult issues that bring people to seek my assistance. I am an experienced clinician, and I draw upon a variety of techniques ranging from talk therapy to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. My clients feel I help them with life issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Clients who benefit from my help appreciate a therapist who is warm, nurturing and supportive in his approach and at the same time confronts the difficult issues that bring people to seek my assistance. I am an experienced clinician, and I draw upon a variety of techniques ranging from talk therapy to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. My clients feel I help them with life issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
![Photo of Sheila Hatcher, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c564993-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila Hatcher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Anger Management/Conflict Resolution, Depression, Poor Self-Esteem, and Trauma can all be closely related.
My goal is to help people connect with themselves and others in meaningful and satisfying ways. Connection with the self allows acceptance and enjoyment of life without fear, suspicion, self-judgment, etc., which can prevent us from living life to its fullest. Connection with others allows us to "double our joy and divide our grief."
Addressing issues such as depression, self-esteem, or anger can enhance our abilities to know ourselves and be fully present with others. I use an eclectic therapeutic style so that the work can be tailored to fit each client in each session.
Anger Management/Conflict Resolution, Depression, Poor Self-Esteem, and Trauma can all be closely related.
My goal is to help people connect with themselves and others in meaningful and satisfying ways. Connection with the self allows acceptance and enjoyment of life without fear, suspicion, self-judgment, etc., which can prevent us from living life to its fullest. Connection with others allows us to "double our joy and divide our grief."
Addressing issues such as depression, self-esteem, or anger can enhance our abilities to know ourselves and be fully present with others. I use an eclectic therapeutic style so that the work can be tailored to fit each client in each session.
![Photo of Pat Petersen, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dda4913-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pat Petersen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
BRING ME YOUR BROKEN HEART. Suddenly alone, feel you're sinking? Hopes and dreams washed away? Afraid you'll never feel safe again? Have you lost not only a life partner, but also a piece of yourself? I'll help you heal your broken heart and find your beat. MEND A RUPTURED RELATIONSHIP while honoring yourself and nurturing what you value. CREATE BALANCE in a time of stress. COPE with the challenges of triggered by the pandemic. FEEL RELEIF from gnawing anxiety or draining depression. KNOW that you are not alone, for you can GROW, BETTER, WITH SUPPORT.
BRING ME YOUR BROKEN HEART. Suddenly alone, feel you're sinking? Hopes and dreams washed away? Afraid you'll never feel safe again? Have you lost not only a life partner, but also a piece of yourself? I'll help you heal your broken heart and find your beat. MEND A RUPTURED RELATIONSHIP while honoring yourself and nurturing what you value. CREATE BALANCE in a time of stress. COPE with the challenges of triggered by the pandemic. FEEL RELEIF from gnawing anxiety or draining depression. KNOW that you are not alone, for you can GROW, BETTER, WITH SUPPORT.
![Photo of Emily Schafer, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b969cab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Schafer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
At one time or another, life presents challenges in which guidance and support are needed. I can provide to you a confidential, nurturing relationship that will empower you to make clearer choices, reduce stress, and improve coping skills. I specialize in couples therapy and can help you save your relationship! If you suffer from problems that trigger depression and anxiety i can help you to cope better and improve your mood. I have been in practice since 1991 so i have the experience to help you in a caring, nurturing way.
At one time or another, life presents challenges in which guidance and support are needed. I can provide to you a confidential, nurturing relationship that will empower you to make clearer choices, reduce stress, and improve coping skills. I specialize in couples therapy and can help you save your relationship! If you suffer from problems that trigger depression and anxiety i can help you to cope better and improve your mood. I have been in practice since 1991 so i have the experience to help you in a caring, nurturing way.
![Photo of Ann Palik, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b742fc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you want to reduce anxiety or depression, find and keep the love you want, heal from a loss, stop struggling with food, or shift your shyness or sensitivity from a liability to an asset, I am committed to helping people just like you.
Are you worried about something--or everything? Do you feel "stuck" and not sure how to get "unstuck"? Are you in a difficult place with your partner, or are you single and hating dating? Do you want a saner relationship with food? Are you intelligent and talented, yet feel dissatisfied? If so, I may be the right therapist for you. In a safe, supportive setting, you and I look at your current situation and focus on YOUR goals--not on what others think your goals "should" be.
If you want to reduce anxiety or depression, find and keep the love you want, heal from a loss, stop struggling with food, or shift your shyness or sensitivity from a liability to an asset, I am committed to helping people just like you.
Are you worried about something--or everything? Do you feel "stuck" and not sure how to get "unstuck"? Are you in a difficult place with your partner, or are you single and hating dating? Do you want a saner relationship with food? Are you intelligent and talented, yet feel dissatisfied? If so, I may be the right therapist for you. In a safe, supportive setting, you and I look at your current situation and focus on YOUR goals--not on what others think your goals "should" be.
![Photo of Jessica Cronin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b71347-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Cronin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
With all life's pressures sometimes we put our own needs aside. This can manifest itself anywhere from burn out to anxiety and depression. My goals as a therapist are to provide a safe and supportive environment in order to help improve and nurture healthier relationships for my clients. I will work with you to discover, and uncover, the things that get in your way personally and/or professionally and help you gain a better understanding and acceptance of yourself.
With all life's pressures sometimes we put our own needs aside. This can manifest itself anywhere from burn out to anxiety and depression. My goals as a therapist are to provide a safe and supportive environment in order to help improve and nurture healthier relationships for my clients. I will work with you to discover, and uncover, the things that get in your way personally and/or professionally and help you gain a better understanding and acceptance of yourself.
![Photo of Jeannie Prager, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a969892b-20bf-4298-9a64-3a78fef49469/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jeannie Prager
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, career challenges and work stress, life transitions, relationship issues, communication skills, and issues related to self-esteem and confidence.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with current life challenges and ready to heal from their traumatic experiences or a difficult past. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can feel heard, achieve personal growth and happiness, find solutions, and see results. You can have the opportunity to process your painful memories and trauma, gain awareness of your patterns of thinking that no longer benefit you. You can gain a more positive out look on life to decrease your current distress and feel less stuck.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, career challenges and work stress, life transitions, relationship issues, communication skills, and issues related to self-esteem and confidence.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with current life challenges and ready to heal from their traumatic experiences or a difficult past. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can feel heard, achieve personal growth and happiness, find solutions, and see results. You can have the opportunity to process your painful memories and trauma, gain awareness of your patterns of thinking that no longer benefit you. You can gain a more positive out look on life to decrease your current distress and feel less stuck.
![Photo of Devon E Singh-Barrett, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b25f4e51-615d-40fc-8d6f-c89e1b155384/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical practice is available to anyone seeking help and hope in their lives. If you are struggling or suffering with depression, anxiety, life transitions, eating issues, parenthood, or living with your parents, I may be able to help you find a path through this difficult season. There is hope and growth that leads to change.
My clinical practice is available to anyone seeking help and hope in their lives. If you are struggling or suffering with depression, anxiety, life transitions, eating issues, parenthood, or living with your parents, I may be able to help you find a path through this difficult season. There is hope and growth that leads to change.
![Photo of Stacey Kalinowski, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2240dde-7be4-4b99-9991-19166b4e430f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey Kalinowski
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, grief, and loss and helping clients understand and manage their relationships with substances.
My name is Stacey Kalinowski, and I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I am passionate about supporting individuals by building a healthy relationships with self and creating supportive interpersonal relationships. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that supports clients in increasing self-awareness, gaining a new perspective, and increasing personal strength to establish a meaningful life experience.
I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, grief, and loss and helping clients understand and manage their relationships with substances.
My name is Stacey Kalinowski, and I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I am passionate about supporting individuals by building a healthy relationships with self and creating supportive interpersonal relationships. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that supports clients in increasing self-awareness, gaining a new perspective, and increasing personal strength to establish a meaningful life experience.
![Photo of Christina Salazar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47be02a8-1dbb-4017-9b59-f9d92236abdf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Salazar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Have you tried to overcome obstacles and barriers to a healthy, happy life? Are you at a place where you want to be healthy and thrive in your life? Have you considered reaching out to someone else for help but struggle with being vulnerable and asking for help? You have taken the first step in recognizing that working through life’s challenges alone is not necessary. I have experience helping others through adjustment periods and struggles that often overwhelm and can at times debilitate and create stress, anxiety, depression and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.
Have you tried to overcome obstacles and barriers to a healthy, happy life? Are you at a place where you want to be healthy and thrive in your life? Have you considered reaching out to someone else for help but struggle with being vulnerable and asking for help? You have taken the first step in recognizing that working through life’s challenges alone is not necessary. I have experience helping others through adjustment periods and struggles that often overwhelm and can at times debilitate and create stress, anxiety, depression and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Mark Galyean, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2f33ce5-2375-409f-9c6c-f1b8f4996faa/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mark Galyean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (Online Only)
Do you feel that life is running you over? Do you have a hard time managing? I work with people who experience various levels of difficulties, whether the situations are related to addiction, depression, relationships, career issues, or trauma. Psychotherapy can help you face these challenges with support rather than feeling alone. Reaching out to a therapist can be the first step toward revising old, dysfunctional habits, reorganizing your thinking and building more successful paths in your life.
Do you feel that life is running you over? Do you have a hard time managing? I work with people who experience various levels of difficulties, whether the situations are related to addiction, depression, relationships, career issues, or trauma. Psychotherapy can help you face these challenges with support rather than feeling alone. Reaching out to a therapist can be the first step toward revising old, dysfunctional habits, reorganizing your thinking and building more successful paths in your life.
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![Photo of Ken Ribotsky, MA, LMFT, CAMSII, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab152805-5943-4d1a-843a-c3654b740d88/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ken Ribotsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMSII
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
No one is born with a playbook for life, but you have the power to write your own. Some people I work with recognize that they feel anxious, depressed, possibly reliving trauma, or are generally unfulfilled, while others are not sure why they are unhappy, nervous, not enjoying life. I’m here to help you get more out of life. More love, more joy, more peace. Change isn’t always easy. I offer a space where you can explore your emotions, fears, anger, and experience new-found hope, plus get real solutions, and thrive!
No one is born with a playbook for life, but you have the power to write your own. Some people I work with recognize that they feel anxious, depressed, possibly reliving trauma, or are generally unfulfilled, while others are not sure why they are unhappy, nervous, not enjoying life. I’m here to help you get more out of life. More love, more joy, more peace. Change isn’t always easy. I offer a space where you can explore your emotions, fears, anger, and experience new-found hope, plus get real solutions, and thrive!
![Photo of Sarah Malik, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07983427-a18b-47d8-97d3-a8285b27b044/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Malik
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (Online Only)
In addition to treating anxiety and depression, I specialize in chronic illness, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
In addition to treating anxiety and depression, I specialize in chronic illness, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
![Photo of Amber L Cromwell, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e982f019-4fa8-488c-bee9-f073eb1226ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber L Cromwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (Online Only)
Areas of focus include treatment of anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and managing and coping with major life transitions.
I am happy to consult with you to help you in the process of finding someone who feels like the right fit. If it doesn't feel like I'm the person that's right for you, I can make other recommendations within my professional network. You don't have to do this alone and finding the right person and reaching out can be the hardest step. Especially, when looking through a sea of nicely positioned head shots. The number one factor for success in therapy is the connection between therapist and client and I believe my strength is to always attempt genuine and authentic understanding for your story and how you got to this place.
Areas of focus include treatment of anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and managing and coping with major life transitions.
I am happy to consult with you to help you in the process of finding someone who feels like the right fit. If it doesn't feel like I'm the person that's right for you, I can make other recommendations within my professional network. You don't have to do this alone and finding the right person and reaching out can be the hardest step. Especially, when looking through a sea of nicely positioned head shots. The number one factor for success in therapy is the connection between therapist and client and I believe my strength is to always attempt genuine and authentic understanding for your story and how you got to this place.
![Photo of Amir A Siddiqui, MS, LPC, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06d16aa8-7327-453d-a68c-3568e28f6d7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amir A Siddiqui
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
![Photo of Jessica Choi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5491ae6d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Choi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Have you been feeling stuck and unable to reach your personal and professional goals? Want to experience freedom from excess anxiety, depression, conflicts and other problems to experience a more fulfilling, meaningful and engaging life? I want to help you take the essential steps to identify your life goals, work through difficult life challenges, and learn new skills to transform yourself. Together we can start on your journey to identify and deal with current struggles and find new ways to cope with life difficulties.
Have you been feeling stuck and unable to reach your personal and professional goals? Want to experience freedom from excess anxiety, depression, conflicts and other problems to experience a more fulfilling, meaningful and engaging life? I want to help you take the essential steps to identify your life goals, work through difficult life challenges, and learn new skills to transform yourself. Together we can start on your journey to identify and deal with current struggles and find new ways to cope with life difficulties.
![Photo of Francyne Foxman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/167cad21-d3cf-4dec-9a88-67ab66345b7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Francyne Foxman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
I received my B.A. in Psychology from U.C., Berkeley & my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I hold a Certification in Dual Diagnosis from U.C., Los Angeles & am skilled in counseling clients dealing with addictions as well as emotional challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, grief & loss). I am proficient in treating persons & families dealing with divorce, separation, custody and court issues. I have provided supervision to Marriage & Family Therapy Trainees and Interns. In-home psychotherapy available, upon request. A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) provided upon request.
I received my B.A. in Psychology from U.C., Berkeley & my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I hold a Certification in Dual Diagnosis from U.C., Los Angeles & am skilled in counseling clients dealing with addictions as well as emotional challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, grief & loss). I am proficient in treating persons & families dealing with divorce, separation, custody and court issues. I have provided supervision to Marriage & Family Therapy Trainees and Interns. In-home psychotherapy available, upon request. A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) provided upon request.
![Photo of Hayley N Casselman, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68e9a50e-19f1-48ee-8fc7-0ce7e61ba8a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hayley N Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
I specialize in helping children, teens, and parents work through life's challenges to come out on the other side happier, healthier, and more successful in school and relationships. Common concerns include: ADHD, depression, anxiety/stress and fears (including OCD), difficulty with divorce, academic challenges, and peer problems. Please see my website www.hayleycasselman.com for more detailed information.
I specialize in helping children, teens, and parents work through life's challenges to come out on the other side happier, healthier, and more successful in school and relationships. Common concerns include: ADHD, depression, anxiety/stress and fears (including OCD), difficulty with divorce, academic challenges, and peer problems. Please see my website www.hayleycasselman.com for more detailed information.
![Photo of Traci Critton, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46878e6c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I seek to provide a nonjudgmental and nurturing environment in which you can explore your current struggles. I believe that the therapist client relationship is critical to help you effect the positive change you are looking for. Together we can explore the patterns in your life that are preventing you from living the life you want and we can work to set realistic goals. Although I am trained using a psychodynamic approach, I also utilize DBT and mindfulness to help clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.
As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I seek to provide a nonjudgmental and nurturing environment in which you can explore your current struggles. I believe that the therapist client relationship is critical to help you effect the positive change you are looking for. Together we can explore the patterns in your life that are preventing you from living the life you want and we can work to set realistic goals. Although I am trained using a psychodynamic approach, I also utilize DBT and mindfulness to help clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.
![Photo of Crystal Quarry - Q Psychology Group, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/483f374d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, our approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". we strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. We specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. Given that each individual is unique, and no one issue is ever the same among different people, our approach is integrative and tailored to meet the needs of the person, not the "problem". we strive to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment for patients to learn, grow, explore, challenge, and to live the life they want to be living. We specialize in working with adults - individual, couples, and family - with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, ADD/ADHD, and LGBTQ issues.
See more therapy options for Palos Verdes Peninsula
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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.