Depression Therapists in Soquel, CA
![Photo of River Krimmer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1426b143-429d-4f7a-b5cd-eade9abfbd89/3/320x400.jpeg)
Let's work together to transform feelings of anxiety and depression into calmness, creativity and a healthier lifestyle.
If you are reading this, you having been wanting things to be different. You ARE on the path to change! You ARE ready to feel better, do better and stop settling for mediocre. Whether it's learning, healing, feeling, speaking or listening, you can grow through this. Learn how to increase the connection with yourself, intimate partner, family and friends and find the support that you need. If you are or have been afraid, learn how fear can be overcome by practicing strategic action and utilizing growth mindset strategies.
Let's work together to transform feelings of anxiety and depression into calmness, creativity and a healthier lifestyle.
If you are reading this, you having been wanting things to be different. You ARE on the path to change! You ARE ready to feel better, do better and stop settling for mediocre. Whether it's learning, healing, feeling, speaking or listening, you can grow through this. Learn how to increase the connection with yourself, intimate partner, family and friends and find the support that you need. If you are or have been afraid, learn how fear can be overcome by practicing strategic action and utilizing growth mindset strategies.
![Photo of Tiffany Kostigen Mumper, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f43bd084-e741-48fa-88f3-2f6516989781/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Kostigen Mumper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
Taking the step, having the courage, to reach out for support is extremely brave. You absolutely deserve it and you do not have to face your challenges alone. I am here as a guide, a support, and a resource for accompanying you in facing whatever obstacles have been leaving you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, hopeless or exhausted. Whether or not you are managing depression, anxiety, a major life transition, loss and grief, or looking for someone to work through a recent or past traumatic event, I am here to help. I am here to offer you relief from trying to figure out a way to cope or overcome it alone.
Taking the step, having the courage, to reach out for support is extremely brave. You absolutely deserve it and you do not have to face your challenges alone. I am here as a guide, a support, and a resource for accompanying you in facing whatever obstacles have been leaving you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, hopeless or exhausted. Whether or not you are managing depression, anxiety, a major life transition, loss and grief, or looking for someone to work through a recent or past traumatic event, I am here to help. I am here to offer you relief from trying to figure out a way to cope or overcome it alone.
![Photo of Claire Wilkinson Girczyc, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de647a43-f0b6-4ba6-9598-86c5771ff31b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Wilkinson Girczyc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
I have experience helping clients who are on the autism spectrum, and those who have ADHD, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety as well as many other concerns.
Do you feel stuck, unhappy, and dissatisfied? Having problems in relationships? Does each day feel like too much to handle? Take the first step toward making positive change in your life by calling to schedule an appointment. Working together, we can identify your goals and desires, recognize and capitalize on your strengths, find strategies to relieve your stress and anxiety, improve your mood, reinvigorate your relationships, and increase your life satisfaction. I provide caring, supportive, non-judgmental, confidential therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples online, and in my welcoming, comfortable office.
I have experience helping clients who are on the autism spectrum, and those who have ADHD, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety as well as many other concerns.
Do you feel stuck, unhappy, and dissatisfied? Having problems in relationships? Does each day feel like too much to handle? Take the first step toward making positive change in your life by calling to schedule an appointment. Working together, we can identify your goals and desires, recognize and capitalize on your strengths, find strategies to relieve your stress and anxiety, improve your mood, reinvigorate your relationships, and increase your life satisfaction. I provide caring, supportive, non-judgmental, confidential therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples online, and in my welcoming, comfortable office.
![Photo of Anjoli Kumra, LMFT, MA, CRM, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47327079-5aa6-4544-a19e-777c2b10b333/2/320x400.png)
Anjoli Kumra
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CRM
Verified Verified
Soquel, CA 95073 (Online Only)
Hi there! I always joke that when you see what a therapist specializes in, it's because they have lived it. Intense grief, overwhelming emotions, trauma that gets in the way of relationships, anxiety, depression and disconnection are all things that I have dealt with in the past. Are you experiencing any of these? When working with people my main goal is to see them as whole and accept them exactly as they are. If someone is feeling present and ready to dive into their emotions, I can teach them how to fully experience emotion as a sensation in the body that is just passing through. The benefits of this can be phenomenal.
Hi there! I always joke that when you see what a therapist specializes in, it's because they have lived it. Intense grief, overwhelming emotions, trauma that gets in the way of relationships, anxiety, depression and disconnection are all things that I have dealt with in the past. Are you experiencing any of these? When working with people my main goal is to see them as whole and accept them exactly as they are. If someone is feeling present and ready to dive into their emotions, I can teach them how to fully experience emotion as a sensation in the body that is just passing through. The benefits of this can be phenomenal.
![Photo of Heather Rodriguez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4917bdad-913f-43f2-b704-5e7b00148d79/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Heather Rodriguez, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents, and families. I help with issues like Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse/trauma, Sexual Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills. I incorporate many modalities including Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step!
Welcome! My name is Heather Rodriguez, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents, and families. I help with issues like Depression, Anxiety, Sexual abuse/trauma, Sexual Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills. I incorporate many modalities including Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step!
![Photo of Melissa A Edwards, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e49b3397-2a44-444b-a7b2-237856d54ed0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience assisting children, youth, and families dealing with trauma, grief, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and school-related challenges.
I offer a welcoming, empathetic, person-centered approach to working with people. I believe we all have inherent strengths that have helped us survive in this life. I aim to create a collaborative and safe place to heal and process. I believe that with unconditional support you will learn more about yourself, develop awareness of your different parts, and learn how to use your strengths to grow deeper with compassion and love for yourself.
I have extensive experience assisting children, youth, and families dealing with trauma, grief, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and school-related challenges.
I offer a welcoming, empathetic, person-centered approach to working with people. I believe we all have inherent strengths that have helped us survive in this life. I aim to create a collaborative and safe place to heal and process. I believe that with unconditional support you will learn more about yourself, develop awareness of your different parts, and learn how to use your strengths to grow deeper with compassion and love for yourself.
![Photo of Gail H West, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d4e80a3-a650-4985-8360-18d6a9dca330/1/320x400.jpeg)
We live in an unprecedented time of change, uncertainty and concern for our present and future well-being. The times we find ourselves in can make it even more challenging to deal with our own individual and family challenges and sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed.
We live in an unprecedented time of change, uncertainty and concern for our present and future well-being. The times we find ourselves in can make it even more challenging to deal with our own individual and family challenges and sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed.
![Photo of Marilyn Fahrner, MFT, CPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d718454-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
How can I be of help to you? What has you looking through these profiles? If circumstances are overwhelming you, loaded with challenges coming too rapidly, and you're doubting your ability to handle it all, this may be the right time to enlist the dedicated help of a trained and caring therapist. Depression and anxiety are common reactions when change, loss or discouragement overwhelm you. I work with each client to assist him or her to see their own value and strength as well as the blindspots that can sap your energy and joy.
How can I be of help to you? What has you looking through these profiles? If circumstances are overwhelming you, loaded with challenges coming too rapidly, and you're doubting your ability to handle it all, this may be the right time to enlist the dedicated help of a trained and caring therapist. Depression and anxiety are common reactions when change, loss or discouragement overwhelm you. I work with each client to assist him or her to see their own value and strength as well as the blindspots that can sap your energy and joy.
![Photo of Rebecca Zulim, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e236165-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
![Photo of Zoe Gordhamer Garcia, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1e3878-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
These blocks often manifest as depression or anxiety, and/or as issues with work or relationships.
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
These blocks often manifest as depression or anxiety, and/or as issues with work or relationships.
Sliding scale and some pro bono sessions for front line workers. Video and phone are currently available. Feelings of anxiety and stress need support at this time. My approach is based on the belief that you are naturally intelligent and resourceful. Connect to strengths within you. The quality of your relationship with yourself and others leads to greater freedom, clarity, and peace. Free yourself from stress and conflict that so often occurs in relationships and work. Compassion, insight, and intuition represent my style. Building inner resources and tools to manage emotions improve professional and personal relationships.
![Photo of Kristin King, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cb38425-22b2-4cbf-bdf9-a8b72d7506ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
I find that when an individual experiences trauma, loss, or interpersonal challenges this can manifest as other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, shame, or addiction.
I have been working in the mental health field for over 17 years. I want to help you figure out what is getting in the way of you and the life you want to live. Painful experiences you go through can cause you to feel stuck, and this can become frustrating and at times paralyzing. Everyone experiences a range of challenges throughout their life. Addressing these challenges alone can make it difficult to move forward. I want to join you as you begin this process. I am EMDR trained and this can be a useful intervention when working with trauma.
I find that when an individual experiences trauma, loss, or interpersonal challenges this can manifest as other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, shame, or addiction.
I have been working in the mental health field for over 17 years. I want to help you figure out what is getting in the way of you and the life you want to live. Painful experiences you go through can cause you to feel stuck, and this can become frustrating and at times paralyzing. Everyone experiences a range of challenges throughout their life. Addressing these challenges alone can make it difficult to move forward. I want to join you as you begin this process. I am EMDR trained and this can be a useful intervention when working with trauma.
15 Second Videos
Connor Moss
Julie M. Lipsitz
Amanda L. Hamilton
Suzanne Lerner
Catherine Hausman
Jessica Reynolds
Dana Ingersoll
Cas Chamberlain
![Photo of Patrice Hamilton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e901a17a-538d-4163-9b29-b4daac6aec3a/2/320x400.jpeg)
“Why?”, you ask, “does my life seem so hard?” Anxiety and depression, constant companions, you wonder why you aren’t feeling better after all the hard work you have done on yourself. The voices in your head - “You’re not good enough” or “No one cares” are getting louder - again. You are certain others will see through you and your “imposter syndrome”, get annoyed, and eventually leave. Most of the time you're taking care of others' needs. Often a welcome distraction, you're tired of feeling invisible to those closest to you.
“Why?”, you ask, “does my life seem so hard?” Anxiety and depression, constant companions, you wonder why you aren’t feeling better after all the hard work you have done on yourself. The voices in your head - “You’re not good enough” or “No one cares” are getting louder - again. You are certain others will see through you and your “imposter syndrome”, get annoyed, and eventually leave. Most of the time you're taking care of others' needs. Often a welcome distraction, you're tired of feeling invisible to those closest to you.
![Photo of Aimee Pomerleau, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f970f54-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Aimee Pomerleau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
I counsel individual adults and couples in various areas including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic health conditions, sexuality, personal growth, relationship issues, ADHD, and life transitions.
I am currently only accepting new neurofeedback clients through the Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center, www.scneurofeedback.com. I will be supervising a LPCC Associate starting Fall 2023. + + Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? I can support you in the process of moving forward. Using present moment experience, we'll explore how you relate with yourself and others. In this way, you can learn to set boundaries, expand your emotional capacity, as well as give and receive love more deeply.
I counsel individual adults and couples in various areas including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic health conditions, sexuality, personal growth, relationship issues, ADHD, and life transitions.
I am currently only accepting new neurofeedback clients through the Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center, www.scneurofeedback.com. I will be supervising a LPCC Associate starting Fall 2023. + + Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? I can support you in the process of moving forward. Using present moment experience, we'll explore how you relate with yourself and others. In this way, you can learn to set boundaries, expand your emotional capacity, as well as give and receive love more deeply.
![Photo of Nate Weinstein - Nate Weinstein, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59efe4f5-b0ce-4e72-a7e0-47ee638a8c29/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nate Weinstein, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, transitions, and other difficult situations are all a normal part of experience, but as life would have it, they don't always show up at the most convent of times. You are likely reading this because it is one of those times. The question now is what do you do about it? It may just go away or it may not. Consulting with and then finding the right therapist is a good place to start.
Anxiety, depression, transitions, and other difficult situations are all a normal part of experience, but as life would have it, they don't always show up at the most convent of times. You are likely reading this because it is one of those times. The question now is what do you do about it? It may just go away or it may not. Consulting with and then finding the right therapist is a good place to start.
![Photo of Connor Moss, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5646f095-8115-47a2-aa77-dafe98d0675a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many of my clients have suffered from trauma, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and more.
Do you want to understand more about how and why you are the way you are? Are you contending with difficult and painful symptoms in your emotional and mental life? Do you need a safe, neutral, and compassionate third party to hear you, reflect your story, offer feedback, and try to make sense of your life together with you? Everyone contends with painful experiences and emotions in their lives. Often times we are confused by our pain because despite our best efforts, we can’t seem to make sense of why we are hurting so much or what to do about it. So often the pain in life is a result of unconscious energies within us.
Many of my clients have suffered from trauma, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and more.
Do you want to understand more about how and why you are the way you are? Are you contending with difficult and painful symptoms in your emotional and mental life? Do you need a safe, neutral, and compassionate third party to hear you, reflect your story, offer feedback, and try to make sense of your life together with you? Everyone contends with painful experiences and emotions in their lives. Often times we are confused by our pain because despite our best efforts, we can’t seem to make sense of why we are hurting so much or what to do about it. So often the pain in life is a result of unconscious energies within us.
![Photo of Julie M. Lipsitz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8922eff-30bc-4da7-bab0-e9785cafdf3d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Assisting with anxiety, depression, trauma, & loss of self/purpose.
Hello! I’ve been working with children, teens and adults in a therapeutic context, for over 15 years. I offer emotional, psychological and spiritual support through eco-therapy practices, somatic and transpersonal techniques. I have additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy, & Plant Spirit Healing. I'm interested in guiding one through a transformative experience while cultivating their present moment awareness in order to emerge and align with one's Higher Self and life purpose.
Assisting with anxiety, depression, trauma, & loss of self/purpose.
Hello! I’ve been working with children, teens and adults in a therapeutic context, for over 15 years. I offer emotional, psychological and spiritual support through eco-therapy practices, somatic and transpersonal techniques. I have additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy, & Plant Spirit Healing. I'm interested in guiding one through a transformative experience while cultivating their present moment awareness in order to emerge and align with one's Higher Self and life purpose.
![Photo of Diana Karpavage - Diana Karpavage LPCC, MA, LPCC, EMDR Cr, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45bcc932-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm an experienced therapist of over 25 years having spent thousands of counseling hours with individuals, couples and groups. Women's issues such as sexual abuse, miscarriage, abortion, traumatic events, marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD - are my specialty. I have counseled hundreds of couples to improve communication, intimacy/connection issues, trust; and to heal from infidelity, addictions and wounds that threaten the relationship. Issues of teens and young adults are important to address early in life: school, career, sexuality, relationships, traumas. Better to get help sooner than later!
I'm an experienced therapist of over 25 years having spent thousands of counseling hours with individuals, couples and groups. Women's issues such as sexual abuse, miscarriage, abortion, traumatic events, marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD - are my specialty. I have counseled hundreds of couples to improve communication, intimacy/connection issues, trust; and to heal from infidelity, addictions and wounds that threaten the relationship. Issues of teens and young adults are important to address early in life: school, career, sexuality, relationships, traumas. Better to get help sooner than later!
![Photo of Marisa Morris, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9733470d-576f-418e-b14a-9a8d41c6b07c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have years of experience walking alongside clients and family systems dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, codependency, transition, adoption, the challenges of living with a loved one struggling with addiction or mental illness and more.
This is not always easy work. Exploring trauma, sadness, anxiousness, fear, doubt, insecurities, change, and more can be challenging and even scary. So much has shifted in our world, it feels as if it has also unearthed new chances to also allow ourselves to grow. I imagine that’s why you’re here, searching for ways to connect with and support these parts of yourself, or to help a younger loved one do so. In my work, I choose to employ curiosity and acceptance, informed by models such as Internal Family Systems, to gently lean into change and healing at the client's pace.
I have years of experience walking alongside clients and family systems dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, codependency, transition, adoption, the challenges of living with a loved one struggling with addiction or mental illness and more.
This is not always easy work. Exploring trauma, sadness, anxiousness, fear, doubt, insecurities, change, and more can be challenging and even scary. So much has shifted in our world, it feels as if it has also unearthed new chances to also allow ourselves to grow. I imagine that’s why you’re here, searching for ways to connect with and support these parts of yourself, or to help a younger loved one do so. In my work, I choose to employ curiosity and acceptance, informed by models such as Internal Family Systems, to gently lean into change and healing at the client's pace.
![Photo of Genine Leighton, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbfe787-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. I provide psychotherapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, women's issues, perinatal/postpartum challenges, infertility, trauma recovery, and career struggles/transitions. I work with couples who may be struggling with communication, intimacy, and overall dissatisfaction with their current relationship dynamics. I also facilitate groups for postpartum challenges, parenting and body image. Please view my website for detailed and current information regarding my practice at www.sunmindtherapy.com
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. I provide psychotherapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, women's issues, perinatal/postpartum challenges, infertility, trauma recovery, and career struggles/transitions. I work with couples who may be struggling with communication, intimacy, and overall dissatisfaction with their current relationship dynamics. I also facilitate groups for postpartum challenges, parenting and body image. Please view my website for detailed and current information regarding my practice at www.sunmindtherapy.com
![Photo of Emily Behrs, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/153f52ee-e9aa-41ac-812c-d66ed99189ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily has extensive experience working in residential, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient levels of care with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood disorders.
Emily is a person-centered therapist and believes in the value of seeing a client as a whole person and not as the disorder or issue they wish to heal. Using a holistic and collaborative approach, Emily helps guide clients on their path while meeting them exactly where they are. She strives to bring her whole heart, curiosity and authentic self into the therapeutic relationship. Emily believes in creating a safe, non-judgmental space that allows clients to explore their wholeness and feel truly seen.
Emily has extensive experience working in residential, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient levels of care with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood disorders.
Emily is a person-centered therapist and believes in the value of seeing a client as a whole person and not as the disorder or issue they wish to heal. Using a holistic and collaborative approach, Emily helps guide clients on their path while meeting them exactly where they are. She strives to bring her whole heart, curiosity and authentic self into the therapeutic relationship. Emily believes in creating a safe, non-judgmental space that allows clients to explore their wholeness and feel truly seen.
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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.