Depression Therapists in Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN
![Photo of Kaycee Wilson, LMHC, ATR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f620efd-af39-4df6-b9fe-63bed5205fc9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaycee Wilson
Counselor, LMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, loss of identity, lack of meaning and purpose in life, poor self-esteem, difficulty with emotional regulation/expression and military specific issues, such as traumatic stress injuries related to combat operations and difficulty readjusting to civilian life.
Would your friends and family describe you as "disconnected?" Has feeling on edge, worried, lonely, and drained become your new normal? Do you isolate from your supports because you don't know what to say or worry you will be viewed as a burden? If so... you are not alone. As a licensed mental health counselor, EMDR certified therapist, and registered art therapist, I have the ability to borrow from a variety of evidenced-based approaches to provide individualized support for my clients on their journey to healing.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, loss of identity, lack of meaning and purpose in life, poor self-esteem, difficulty with emotional regulation/expression and military specific issues, such as traumatic stress injuries related to combat operations and difficulty readjusting to civilian life.
Would your friends and family describe you as "disconnected?" Has feeling on edge, worried, lonely, and drained become your new normal? Do you isolate from your supports because you don't know what to say or worry you will be viewed as a burden? If so... you are not alone. As a licensed mental health counselor, EMDR certified therapist, and registered art therapist, I have the ability to borrow from a variety of evidenced-based approaches to provide individualized support for my clients on their journey to healing.
![Photo of Grace Huang, PsyD, HSPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5d4f7b1-e27e-4c30-9eab-db7b075181ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Huang
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
I provide trauma-informed, client-centered care to help my clients address symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Hello! I'm a licensed psychologist based in Indianapolis, IN. I work with individuals who may struggle with worry, irritability, sadness, rapid mood changes, feeling distracted, self-esteem, disrupted sleep, setting boundaries with others, and other challenges. My clients often want to understand themselves better, improve their relationships with others, develop skills and strategies, and enhance their sense of wellbeing.
I provide trauma-informed, client-centered care to help my clients address symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Hello! I'm a licensed psychologist based in Indianapolis, IN. I work with individuals who may struggle with worry, irritability, sadness, rapid mood changes, feeling distracted, self-esteem, disrupted sleep, setting boundaries with others, and other challenges. My clients often want to understand themselves better, improve their relationships with others, develop skills and strategies, and enhance their sense of wellbeing.
![Photo of Neva E Hagedorn, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5b4d50c-a290-4b72-af4a-b6c79d041f88/3/320x400.jpeg)
Neva E Hagedorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
My areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and relationship problems.
Life can be so hard. Has stress, sadness, and worry been present for so long you can’t remember what good feels like? Does it seem like between Covid, politics, and life in general that it is hard to make it through the day sometimes? Has your sadness and anxiety escalated to feel almost unbearable? You are not alone. And help is present! My role with Lotus is to help you live your best life. Your values, lifestyle, and expectations are important to you and therefore important to our work together. Please join me on the path to healing, peace, and self-acceptance.
My areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and relationship problems.
Life can be so hard. Has stress, sadness, and worry been present for so long you can’t remember what good feels like? Does it seem like between Covid, politics, and life in general that it is hard to make it through the day sometimes? Has your sadness and anxiety escalated to feel almost unbearable? You are not alone. And help is present! My role with Lotus is to help you live your best life. Your values, lifestyle, and expectations are important to you and therefore important to our work together. Please join me on the path to healing, peace, and self-acceptance.
![Photo of Emma Chiriac, LMHC, coach, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6ec5334-f001-4bec-920c-e799865bbd95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emma Chiriac
Counselor, LMHC, coach
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (Online Only)
I am knowledgeable about anxiety, depression, and trauma related to contexts from relational disruptions to totalitarian systems of power.
I work with people who want to explore social isolation and confusion due to current social issues, body image and gender, relational wounding, disconnect, life transitions, aging, stress and trauma; people who experience symptoms medically otherwise unexplained (brain fog, fatigue) that build on unique neurophysiological patterns of reaction to stress; and also adult immigrants to the US to guide them through the challenging transitions they encounter and to explore their sociocultural identities within the present context of their life and their culture of origin.
I am knowledgeable about anxiety, depression, and trauma related to contexts from relational disruptions to totalitarian systems of power.
I work with people who want to explore social isolation and confusion due to current social issues, body image and gender, relational wounding, disconnect, life transitions, aging, stress and trauma; people who experience symptoms medically otherwise unexplained (brain fog, fatigue) that build on unique neurophysiological patterns of reaction to stress; and also adult immigrants to the US to guide them through the challenging transitions they encounter and to explore their sociocultural identities within the present context of their life and their culture of origin.
![Photo of Salihah Talifarro, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52faf5a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Salihah Talifarro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
With my therapeutic training, I'm able to provide therapy to people with various issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, mental blocks, negative emotions, and perinatal experiences.
You may be experiencing some difficulty taking care of your mental health but I'm glad you are taking the first step towards wellness, growth and empowerment by searching for a therapist. It takes courage to seek out therapy. As a therapist, I value the therapeutic process of reflection and relationship building through the implementation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting (BSP), Motivational Interviewing, and other personalized therapy approaches. Together we can develop plans to work towards reaching your goals.
With my therapeutic training, I'm able to provide therapy to people with various issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, mental blocks, negative emotions, and perinatal experiences.
You may be experiencing some difficulty taking care of your mental health but I'm glad you are taking the first step towards wellness, growth and empowerment by searching for a therapist. It takes courage to seek out therapy. As a therapist, I value the therapeutic process of reflection and relationship building through the implementation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting (BSP), Motivational Interviewing, and other personalized therapy approaches. Together we can develop plans to work towards reaching your goals.
![Photo of Gabrielle Town, MA, LMHCA, ATR-P, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eab47da-266f-4597-89a8-c9c7e991aca6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gabrielle Town
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMHCA, ATR-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, depression, and ASD.
Life can feel overwhelming and exhausting, but I believe that effective coping and shifting our mindset can make day-to-day life not feel this way. I believe that by letting go of the anxieties and self-doubt that holds us back, we can finally get in touch with the parts of ourselves that we want to celebrate. Sometimes we feel disconnected with those parts of ourselves, and my goal is to help you reconnect with them.
I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, depression, and ASD.
Life can feel overwhelming and exhausting, but I believe that effective coping and shifting our mindset can make day-to-day life not feel this way. I believe that by letting go of the anxieties and self-doubt that holds us back, we can finally get in touch with the parts of ourselves that we want to celebrate. Sometimes we feel disconnected with those parts of ourselves, and my goal is to help you reconnect with them.
![Photo of Heather Kaufman, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e87fc1ef-e733-48c4-9233-ab830cce1fc2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer long-term therapy and work with individuals, who are dealing with identity issues, life transitions, health issues, trauma, recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Have you found yourself struggling to break unhealthy patterns? Are you hoping for change that lasts? I am a psychoanalytically informed therapist and I believe that life is a journey toward wholeness. Therapy is best understood as a way to move forward with the help of a competent therapist who can partner alongside you. I hope to help you reclaim what has been lost and discover what has yet to be found to promote wellness, wholeness, and healing.
I offer long-term therapy and work with individuals, who are dealing with identity issues, life transitions, health issues, trauma, recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Have you found yourself struggling to break unhealthy patterns? Are you hoping for change that lasts? I am a psychoanalytically informed therapist and I believe that life is a journey toward wholeness. Therapy is best understood as a way to move forward with the help of a competent therapist who can partner alongside you. I hope to help you reclaim what has been lost and discover what has yet to be found to promote wellness, wholeness, and healing.
![Photo of Laura J. Welch, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca7588d4-89e4-464d-8a5d-14a69728342f/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship or career issues, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy. I enjoy being a witness to your life and can be a sounding board. Adolescents tend to respond really well to me and they make up half of my caseload. I also work with adults struggling with anxiety, narcissistic abuse, depression and life transitions like career changes, relationship changes, and life purpose issues.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship or career issues, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy. I enjoy being a witness to your life and can be a sounding board. Adolescents tend to respond really well to me and they make up half of my caseload. I also work with adults struggling with anxiety, narcissistic abuse, depression and life transitions like career changes, relationship changes, and life purpose issues.
![Photo of Dara Schulbaum, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e74de84-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dara Schulbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
I am passionate about reducing suffering. My expertise is in helping women and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, feeling stressed/overwhelmed or "not good enough". I help women on their paths to parenting whether they are dealing with infertility, experiencing challenges in pregnancy/perinatal/postpartum, or needing support in parenting their children or balancing the demands of their lives. I have 13 years of clinical experience and 10 of those years have been spent treating children/teens with depression and anxiety (and often self-harming behaviors) in an intensive outpatient setting. I understand the stresses of teens and connect well with them.
I am passionate about reducing suffering. My expertise is in helping women and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, feeling stressed/overwhelmed or "not good enough". I help women on their paths to parenting whether they are dealing with infertility, experiencing challenges in pregnancy/perinatal/postpartum, or needing support in parenting their children or balancing the demands of their lives. I have 13 years of clinical experience and 10 of those years have been spent treating children/teens with depression and anxiety (and often self-harming behaviors) in an intensive outpatient setting. I understand the stresses of teens and connect well with them.
![Photo of Anne E Halleck, MA, LMHC, RYT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fccce6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne E Halleck
Counselor, MA, LMHC, RYT
Verified Verified
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205 (Online Only)
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, life changes, and relationship issues. My work focuses on guiding people through battles with self-criticism and doubt toward a place of greater acceptance and peace.
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, life changes, and relationship issues. My work focuses on guiding people through battles with self-criticism and doubt toward a place of greater acceptance and peace.
![Photo of Melody Stiles, MSW, LCSW, MAC, LCAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c09228e3-546a-4c67-9097-040f96bfa6c1/2/320x400.png)
Melody Stiles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MAC, LCAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (Online Only)
I am now accepting clients in California as well as Indiana! I work in a Virtual ONLY practice and I specialize in EMDR for those with substance use disorders, trauma, or a combination of the two. If you are someone who is trying to cope with substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain/illness, or leaving a high control group. I would be glad to try to help you find another, better way forward. And what that "better way" looks like is up to you. I see therapy as being a very personal and intimate experience for each person tailor my approach to suit each person I see in treatment.
I am now accepting clients in California as well as Indiana! I work in a Virtual ONLY practice and I specialize in EMDR for those with substance use disorders, trauma, or a combination of the two. If you are someone who is trying to cope with substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain/illness, or leaving a high control group. I would be glad to try to help you find another, better way forward. And what that "better way" looks like is up to you. I see therapy as being a very personal and intimate experience for each person tailor my approach to suit each person I see in treatment.
15 Second Videos
Laura J. Welch
Wendy N. Arnold
Elisabeth Henn-Carlson
Annie Harton
![Photo of Zach Taylor, LMHCA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2d02c8d-7c07-4c69-82c1-1c1dd757118d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zach Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
I believe that one of the most healing aspects of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client which is one intended to be that of a traveling companion rather than an "expert"-"advice receiver". This is why I tend to pay special attention to the formation and maintenance of that relationship in order to help others explore what matters to them and engage with that in the face of mental health barriers. I have been able to work with individuals that find themselves struggling with lasting impacts of trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal concerns, and life transitions.
I believe that one of the most healing aspects of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client which is one intended to be that of a traveling companion rather than an "expert"-"advice receiver". This is why I tend to pay special attention to the formation and maintenance of that relationship in order to help others explore what matters to them and engage with that in the face of mental health barriers. I have been able to work with individuals that find themselves struggling with lasting impacts of trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal concerns, and life transitions.
![Photo of Heather Sosbe, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f2d2ef8-066a-4205-9fd2-d4acce50639a/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion is for listening to, providing guidance with, and helping people express their stories as they desire. Whether you are seeking to create a balance in life, be heard, or build your identity I am here for you. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, and the stress of life, I offer a non-judgmental and person-centered approach to therapy. I will meet you where you are now. My toolbox includes cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy skills. I lean on positive psychology, expressive arts, and using your strengths. I am LGBTQ+ affirming.
My passion is for listening to, providing guidance with, and helping people express their stories as they desire. Whether you are seeking to create a balance in life, be heard, or build your identity I am here for you. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, and the stress of life, I offer a non-judgmental and person-centered approach to therapy. I will meet you where you are now. My toolbox includes cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy skills. I lean on positive psychology, expressive arts, and using your strengths. I am LGBTQ+ affirming.
![Photo of Wendy N. Arnold, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e3a4961-6226-46f1-a921-b5b6079ae643/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy N. Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Feeling the weight of the past holding you back? Looking for helpful ways to move toward healing? Wanting to lean into a healthier version of yourself? Though it is not talked about enough, these types of challenges are not uncommon in this human experience and we all struggle, at times, with how we react and respond to different situations because of our life experiences have had an affect on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. I believe that you are capable of breaking old habits that no longer serve you and finding your way towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Feeling the weight of the past holding you back? Looking for helpful ways to move toward healing? Wanting to lean into a healthier version of yourself? Though it is not talked about enough, these types of challenges are not uncommon in this human experience and we all struggle, at times, with how we react and respond to different situations because of our life experiences have had an affect on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. I believe that you are capable of breaking old habits that no longer serve you and finding your way towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Sarah Stilz - Holos Integrative Healthcare, CDCES, ExPhys, LMSW, LCSW, LCAC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3591ff06-3d5f-41e5-a9cb-639b28893fb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holos Integrative Healthcare
CDCES, ExPhys, LMSW, LCSW, LCAC
Verified Verified
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220
We believe that health shouldn't be complicated; there is hope, and there are answers! At Holos Integrative Healthcare, we offer an allopathic approach with a holistic feel. We start with meeting the patient where they are and determining the best path forward. We help you by taking a macro view of your lifestyle, and customizing a program that meets your needs. We offer: an integrated approach, decades of experience, and the latest in scientific break-throughs so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have the experts in the field to guide you to your end-goal.
We believe that health shouldn't be complicated; there is hope, and there are answers! At Holos Integrative Healthcare, we offer an allopathic approach with a holistic feel. We start with meeting the patient where they are and determining the best path forward. We help you by taking a macro view of your lifestyle, and customizing a program that meets your needs. We offer: an integrated approach, decades of experience, and the latest in scientific break-throughs so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have the experts in the field to guide you to your end-goal.
![Photo of Melissa Ayres, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/115f01e1-b338-4248-9c23-edd064958b92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Ayres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46205
I seek to partner with individuals in overcoming barriers to the life they want to lead. Life undoubtedly comes with challenges and circumstances that may at times contribute to distress. I believe we all have existing strengths and the ability to cultivate new strengths and skills to face these challenges and thrive. Growth is a continual life process, and each new experience and stage of life presents an opportunity to discover ourselves and the world around us. If you find yourself seeking to address emotional and behavioral concerns in a judgement-free and safe space, I am here to help.
I seek to partner with individuals in overcoming barriers to the life they want to lead. Life undoubtedly comes with challenges and circumstances that may at times contribute to distress. I believe we all have existing strengths and the ability to cultivate new strengths and skills to face these challenges and thrive. Growth is a continual life process, and each new experience and stage of life presents an opportunity to discover ourselves and the world around us. If you find yourself seeking to address emotional and behavioral concerns in a judgement-free and safe space, I am here to help.
![Photo of Nina Onesti, MSEd, NCC, LMHCA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02b693e6-9274-43f0-aa8c-27deff6fa968/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nina Onesti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSEd, NCC, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Not accepting new clients
Life can be difficult and messy. Everyday, we try to do our best, sometimes our best doesn't look so good, and that's OK. Everyone deserves to have someone to talk to that can lend an objective ear to any and all things that are going on in your life, without judgement. My goal is to create an open environment for people of all ages, faiths, creeds, ethnicities, sexualities, identities, and backgrounds, to come and share their life in a safe place. Whether you are experiencing highs or lows, I am here to help you cope with and process personal and external stressors in your life, unexpected events, and much more.
Life can be difficult and messy. Everyday, we try to do our best, sometimes our best doesn't look so good, and that's OK. Everyone deserves to have someone to talk to that can lend an objective ear to any and all things that are going on in your life, without judgement. My goal is to create an open environment for people of all ages, faiths, creeds, ethnicities, sexualities, identities, and backgrounds, to come and share their life in a safe place. Whether you are experiencing highs or lows, I am here to help you cope with and process personal and external stressors in your life, unexpected events, and much more.
![Photo of Courtney Brinkers, MSW, LCSW, CSAYC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae5ce2c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Brinkers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAYC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canterbury, Indianapolis, IN 46220
I truly believe we all have the strength and power within ourselves to heal from trauma and heartache. Channeling that strength can feel impossible with the complexities of everyday life. It is my duty and passion to assist you in building up supports and resources to help you on your journey to recovery and healthy living. I utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you conquer mental health issues, addictions, emotional disturbances, sexual health issues, relationship strife, grief and loss, and trauma (past and present).
I truly believe we all have the strength and power within ourselves to heal from trauma and heartache. Channeling that strength can feel impossible with the complexities of everyday life. It is my duty and passion to assist you in building up supports and resources to help you on your journey to recovery and healthy living. I utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you conquer mental health issues, addictions, emotional disturbances, sexual health issues, relationship strife, grief and loss, and trauma (past and present).
![Photo of Elisabeth Henn-Carlson, MSE, CHT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2e1c187-4056-4e2c-9bdd-4b3233b921dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do the same problems and situations keep cropping up in your life, no matter how hard you try to not go there again? The Hakomi method is highly effective in identifying often deeply-buried beliefs, feelings and experiences that keep bringing you back to the same old places. Once you are in contact with those beliefs and feelings, they can be changed or welcomed as you wish. "Using techniques that include gentleness and mindfulness, Hakomi therapy allows us to make new choices around old material, and to make those choices permanent".
Do the same problems and situations keep cropping up in your life, no matter how hard you try to not go there again? The Hakomi method is highly effective in identifying often deeply-buried beliefs, feelings and experiences that keep bringing you back to the same old places. Once you are in contact with those beliefs and feelings, they can be changed or welcomed as you wish. "Using techniques that include gentleness and mindfulness, Hakomi therapy allows us to make new choices around old material, and to make those choices permanent".
![Photo of Charlie Ball, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e9992c7-4bf7-4059-8087-13e6fd0000d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anyone is welcome in my therapy room, but I connect best with people who are eager to put in the necessary work to become the best, most self-actualized version of themselves. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks and survivors of interpersonal trauma. I'm also currently pursuing my AASECT certification to become a certified sex therapist and enjoy working with people exploring their identity or deconstructing/unlearning harmful cultural norms around gender and sexuality. I strive to create an environment where my clients can feel safe to be their most authentic selves.
Anyone is welcome in my therapy room, but I connect best with people who are eager to put in the necessary work to become the best, most self-actualized version of themselves. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks and survivors of interpersonal trauma. I'm also currently pursuing my AASECT certification to become a certified sex therapist and enjoy working with people exploring their identity or deconstructing/unlearning harmful cultural norms around gender and sexuality. I strive to create an environment where my clients can feel safe to be their most authentic selves.
See more therapy options for Canterbury, Indianapolis
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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.