Depression Therapists in Boston, GA
![Photo of Ashley Williams-Whitley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f084519b-4ef1-46a7-a468-daca06043f74/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley specializes in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, sexuality, and substance abuse.
Dr. Ashley Williams-Whitley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Dr. Ashley holds certifications as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Ashley received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University in 2023, a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University in 2018, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016.
Ashley specializes in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, sexuality, and substance abuse.
Dr. Ashley Williams-Whitley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Dr. Ashley holds certifications as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Ashley received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University in 2023, a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University in 2018, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016.
![Photo of Amy Bond, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/396f8b79-e868-44ca-8a55-e1ec8af5501f/1/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of clinical focus are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, adolescent and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Greetings, my name is Amy, and I come from the school of hard knocks. I possess a kind and open heart swirled with warmth, love, and humor. I am a grandparent to a four-legged furry Corgi child named Speggi. I have 19 years of experience providing a safe space for my clients to vent, process, and explore, with the goal of moving forward in their respective lives. Mutual problem-solving with my clients is the heart-felt professional goal of my practice.
My areas of clinical focus are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, adolescent and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Greetings, my name is Amy, and I come from the school of hard knocks. I possess a kind and open heart swirled with warmth, love, and humor. I am a grandparent to a four-legged furry Corgi child named Speggi. I have 19 years of experience providing a safe space for my clients to vent, process, and explore, with the goal of moving forward in their respective lives. Mutual problem-solving with my clients is the heart-felt professional goal of my practice.
![Photo of Christopher Porch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26a8d530-a303-42cf-9b23-036169213445/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed professional counselor focused on life enrichment and healthy relationships. I have 19 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I help clients with stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am empathetic in my approach and believe that when provided with the appropriate knowledge and support, individuals are able to create the life they desire. Modalities utilized: Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT).
I am a licensed professional counselor focused on life enrichment and healthy relationships. I have 19 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I help clients with stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am empathetic in my approach and believe that when provided with the appropriate knowledge and support, individuals are able to create the life they desire. Modalities utilized: Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT).
![Photo of Yoheved Arzi, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c391bc4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
S, VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY, 2001
EMDR LEVEL II Certified Therapist, EMDR INSTITUTE, INC, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, STRESS, ANXIETY, GRIEF & LOSS, SEXUAL ABUSE, 2002.
ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES,CHILDREN,WHO STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, GRIEF & LOSS, TRAUMA, RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNICATION, MARITAL PROBLEMS, DIVORCE, PARENTING, ADOPTION, SEXUALITY,ADHD, CHRONIC PAIN. http://yochevetnovels.com/?page_id=21
S, VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY, 2001
EMDR LEVEL II Certified Therapist, EMDR INSTITUTE, INC, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, STRESS, ANXIETY, GRIEF & LOSS, SEXUAL ABUSE, 2002.
ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES,CHILDREN,WHO STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, GRIEF & LOSS, TRAUMA, RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNICATION, MARITAL PROBLEMS, DIVORCE, PARENTING, ADOPTION, SEXUALITY,ADHD, CHRONIC PAIN. http://yochevetnovels.com/?page_id=21
![Photo of Jaclyn Hallums, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74273aa1-4a92-4ea6-898f-9538226a3ddc/1/320x400.png)
Hi, I'm Jaclyn Hallums, LPC. I have over 10 years of experience proving therapy to adolescents and adults. I primarily work with teens, emerging adults, and adults who are currently experiencing difficulties with life stressors, major life transitions, as well as mood disorders and anxiety. My primary therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R). My clients and I have collaboratively accomplished goals, have reached milestones, and continue to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Let’s start your journey today!
Hi, I'm Jaclyn Hallums, LPC. I have over 10 years of experience proving therapy to adolescents and adults. I primarily work with teens, emerging adults, and adults who are currently experiencing difficulties with life stressors, major life transitions, as well as mood disorders and anxiety. My primary therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R). My clients and I have collaboratively accomplished goals, have reached milestones, and continue to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Let’s start your journey today!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Vershonda Scott, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25d7c544-fa50-46c6-bdd0-8c0aa4dd2d96/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Vershonda Scott, LPC, CADC II. I work with adults and couples. I believe that each person can find and create their own path. Life is a journey, and how one chooses to respond to life is what one gets back. But don't worry if how you respond to life is not benefiting you; I can help you deconstruct your old ways of thinking. I have extensive experience working with adults dealing with past trauma, transition/adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, substance abuse, and other life challenges.
Hello, I am Vershonda Scott, LPC, CADC II. I work with adults and couples. I believe that each person can find and create their own path. Life is a journey, and how one chooses to respond to life is what one gets back. But don't worry if how you respond to life is not benefiting you; I can help you deconstruct your old ways of thinking. I have extensive experience working with adults dealing with past trauma, transition/adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, substance abuse, and other life challenges.
![Photo of Wesley Cole, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/256ae5d7-c36f-4e14-b518-5b10287792e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greetings! I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Georgia with original roots in Ohio. I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran with experience working with veterans and the homeless population. Although my expertise is with Substance Abuse; I am skilled in Mental Health issues such as, (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder; etc.) I have worked the majority of my career with Veterans, homeless, and substance abuse clients. I don't limit myself to working with veterans, but that's where I'm most comfortable.
Greetings! I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Georgia with original roots in Ohio. I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran with experience working with veterans and the homeless population. Although my expertise is with Substance Abuse; I am skilled in Mental Health issues such as, (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder; etc.) I have worked the majority of my career with Veterans, homeless, and substance abuse clients. I don't limit myself to working with veterans, but that's where I'm most comfortable.
![Photo of Diahann JohnBaptiste, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15c9e98c-065a-4351-870d-2cc9ab01cbda/1/320x400.jpeg)
My expertise includes crisis counseling and stabilization, trauma, PTSD, Grief and loss, addictive behaviors, domestic and intimate partner violence, treating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, religion and spirituality, and mood disorders.
I am glad you decided to read my profile. My name is Diahann JohnBaptiste, and I am a licensed Professional Counselor based in Newnan, Georgia. I have over 10 years of direct clinical mental health counseling experience that includes Christian Counseling, and an additional 20 years of administrative experience working in the mental healthcare industry. I have worked in a variety of settings utilizing talk-based therapies to provide support to clients in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, learning differences, relational issues, life transitions, stressors, and everyday life decisions.
My expertise includes crisis counseling and stabilization, trauma, PTSD, Grief and loss, addictive behaviors, domestic and intimate partner violence, treating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, religion and spirituality, and mood disorders.
I am glad you decided to read my profile. My name is Diahann JohnBaptiste, and I am a licensed Professional Counselor based in Newnan, Georgia. I have over 10 years of direct clinical mental health counseling experience that includes Christian Counseling, and an additional 20 years of administrative experience working in the mental healthcare industry. I have worked in a variety of settings utilizing talk-based therapies to provide support to clients in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, learning differences, relational issues, life transitions, stressors, and everyday life decisions.
![Photo of Adrian Stowers, LCSW, MAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69b300fe-dcd6-4db2-98cf-9c6186a09cec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adrian Stowers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792 (Online Only)
I am very passionate about helping adults and adolescents with mental health and substance abuse problems. I offer a safe, non-judgmental setting where people can express themselves and know that they will be heard. I focus on seeing each person as a valued individual, not just the symptoms they display or labels they have been given. I am very welcoming to I members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My practice works with a wide variety of problems such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, addiction (all kinds), adjustment problems, family problems, consequences of legal problems and many others.
I am very passionate about helping adults and adolescents with mental health and substance abuse problems. I offer a safe, non-judgmental setting where people can express themselves and know that they will be heard. I focus on seeing each person as a valued individual, not just the symptoms they display or labels they have been given. I am very welcoming to I members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My practice works with a wide variety of problems such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, addiction (all kinds), adjustment problems, family problems, consequences of legal problems and many others.
![Photo of Robin Dees, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/358e24fc-a07b-4fbd-9ab2-7f9c259ebc60/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the treatment of Mood Disorders to include anxiety and depression.
I have been a licensed therapist for over 19 years. I enjoy being able to help my clients on an individual, relational and family basis. Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult and personal choice. My job is to help one define what is best suited for one's needs and life changes. Navigation of life circumstances can be challenging and finding your strengths and assets to guide you helps in coping.
I specialize in the treatment of Mood Disorders to include anxiety and depression.
I have been a licensed therapist for over 19 years. I enjoy being able to help my clients on an individual, relational and family basis. Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult and personal choice. My job is to help one define what is best suited for one's needs and life changes. Navigation of life circumstances can be challenging and finding your strengths and assets to guide you helps in coping.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral therapy treatment to adolescents and adults with a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, academic and job performance problems, parenting, defiant/oppositional behavior, trauma, relationship problems, management of illness, and pain management.
I believe it is important to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for clients to discuss their concerns, with tele-health psychotherapy and evaluations being available online through Thera-link. I strive to provide psychotherapy, psychological consultations, and clinical assessment that promote well-being, personal growth, increase in skills/knowledge base, and effectiveness for clients.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral therapy treatment to adolescents and adults with a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, academic and job performance problems, parenting, defiant/oppositional behavior, trauma, relationship problems, management of illness, and pain management.
I believe it is important to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for clients to discuss their concerns, with tele-health psychotherapy and evaluations being available online through Thera-link. I strive to provide psychotherapy, psychological consultations, and clinical assessment that promote well-being, personal growth, increase in skills/knowledge base, and effectiveness for clients.
![Photo of Emily Tupps, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459d881b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use a strength based and solution focused approach and have training and experience counseling children, young adults, and families experiencing adjustment issues, behavioral issues, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life struggles and transitions.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing virtual telehealth counseling to clients in the states of Florida and Tennessee. I specialize in working with children of all ages and their families. I believe that each child and family is unique and deserves to live a happy, healthy life. I have over 10 years of counseling experience and became licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2013.
I use a strength based and solution focused approach and have training and experience counseling children, young adults, and families experiencing adjustment issues, behavioral issues, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life struggles and transitions.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing virtual telehealth counseling to clients in the states of Florida and Tennessee. I specialize in working with children of all ages and their families. I believe that each child and family is unique and deserves to live a happy, healthy life. I have over 10 years of counseling experience and became licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2013.
![Photo of Veronica Williams, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86d4727d-c0a9-46d6-a3bf-baf6349217e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thomasville, GA 31757 (Online Only)
I am licensed in Georgia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
I am licensed in Georgia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
![Photo of Ellen Joiner-Woodard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4317adc-410a-4841-8904-292de00a4864/1/320x400.jpeg)
Grief, loss, anxiety, depression are all difficult emotions.
Therapy allows me to work with people from all walks of life. My experience has led me to working with people who have experienced medical trauma and grief. I have spent many years helping people with chronic illness find ways to create meaning and satisfaction in their life.I also work with people who are coping with anxiety, depression, stress, and many other life challenges. Anyone who wants to find a balance between their emotional and physical health to be the best version of themselves. From self improvement to coping with life threatening illness, I enjoy clients who want to grow emotionally.
Grief, loss, anxiety, depression are all difficult emotions.
Therapy allows me to work with people from all walks of life. My experience has led me to working with people who have experienced medical trauma and grief. I have spent many years helping people with chronic illness find ways to create meaning and satisfaction in their life.I also work with people who are coping with anxiety, depression, stress, and many other life challenges. Anyone who wants to find a balance between their emotional and physical health to be the best version of themselves. From self improvement to coping with life threatening illness, I enjoy clients who want to grow emotionally.
![Photo of Kalyn Brumbley, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR-T, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bd69449-ec4d-4a91-88e2-efb394c05512/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kalyn Brumbley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31757
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional & an EMDR-trained clinician, I am passionate about joining you in exploring how your past experiences may contribute to your present symptoms, including depression, impulsivity, relational issues, low self-esteem, substance use, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideations, anger, grief, and life transition difficulties.
Hello, I'm Kalyn Brumbley - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist! I am excited for you as you explore your next steps in seeking healing & change in your life. My primary goal as a Therapist is to offer you the space to be vulnerable and creative in collaborative solution-finding while strengthening internal resources to promote your personal growth & to expand your view of yourself. I enjoy learning about your unique understanding of your own experience, as well foster curiousity about your interactions within a network of systems/relationships. I strive to hold your stories with care, empathy, & compassion.
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional & an EMDR-trained clinician, I am passionate about joining you in exploring how your past experiences may contribute to your present symptoms, including depression, impulsivity, relational issues, low self-esteem, substance use, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideations, anger, grief, and life transition difficulties.
Hello, I'm Kalyn Brumbley - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist! I am excited for you as you explore your next steps in seeking healing & change in your life. My primary goal as a Therapist is to offer you the space to be vulnerable and creative in collaborative solution-finding while strengthening internal resources to promote your personal growth & to expand your view of yourself. I enjoy learning about your unique understanding of your own experience, as well foster curiousity about your interactions within a network of systems/relationships. I strive to hold your stories with care, empathy, & compassion.
![Photo of Peggy Harless, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdbba527-9db4-4891-92ed-8e699461206f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Peggy Harless
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thomasville, GA 31757 (Online Only)
I’ve learned many ways of coping with anxiety and depression, stress from home or work, along with many other issues.
I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients between outpatient clinic work, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and everything between! In my free time I read and play video games.
I’ve learned many ways of coping with anxiety and depression, stress from home or work, along with many other issues.
I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients between outpatient clinic work, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and everything between! In my free time I read and play video games.
![Photo of Leigh Swanson, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9402987f-f0ad-4fb8-8917-5b2a601935b0/1/320x400.png)
As a therapist, I primarily work with clients who experience a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and relationship problems.
I am Leigh Swanson, Licensed Professional Counselor, and I specialize in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients and families in overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. By identifying and re-evaluating negative thought and relationship patterns, I guide individuals toward healthier, more adaptive perspectives. This collaborative approach promotes lasting change and self-improvement, equipping clients with the tools needed to navigate life's complexities with resilience and confidence.
As a therapist, I primarily work with clients who experience a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and relationship problems.
I am Leigh Swanson, Licensed Professional Counselor, and I specialize in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients and families in overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. By identifying and re-evaluating negative thought and relationship patterns, I guide individuals toward healthier, more adaptive perspectives. This collaborative approach promotes lasting change and self-improvement, equipping clients with the tools needed to navigate life's complexities with resilience and confidence.
![Photo of Danielle Shelton - Better Living Solutions, MM, MT-BC, CEDCAT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d13df25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with an eating disorder, negative body image, poor self esteem, lack of confidence, and/or unhealthy relationships/struggles with food and exercise? Better Living Solutions provides collaborative care by licensed mental health professionals, registered dietitians, and certified eating disorder specialists. We can provide you with a full assessment, create a treatment team based on your individual needs, and provide activity guidelines/recommendations and meal support. We also have several group therapy options and will educate you and your support team on tools that are recovery focused.
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with an eating disorder, negative body image, poor self esteem, lack of confidence, and/or unhealthy relationships/struggles with food and exercise? Better Living Solutions provides collaborative care by licensed mental health professionals, registered dietitians, and certified eating disorder specialists. We can provide you with a full assessment, create a treatment team based on your individual needs, and provide activity guidelines/recommendations and meal support. We also have several group therapy options and will educate you and your support team on tools that are recovery focused.
![Photo of Leslie Perez - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8f8744f-9507-483a-bf9e-8cccce52d679/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31757 (Online Only)
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
![Photo of Marla Susan Rountree, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ba39bab-e6c2-427c-880e-28525e248064/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has worked with a variety of populations during my 15 year career. My theoretical perspective is that people are neither good or bad, only stuck in cycles of thought, behavior, and emotions. My favorite part of this career is walking beside people as they learn how to implement strategies and achieve emotional freedom.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has worked with a variety of populations during my 15 year career. My theoretical perspective is that people are neither good or bad, only stuck in cycles of thought, behavior, and emotions. My favorite part of this career is walking beside people as they learn how to implement strategies and achieve emotional freedom.
See more therapy options for Boston
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Boston
See More Depression TherapistsDepression 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.