Depression Therapists in Downers Grove, IL
![Photo of Christie Ochoa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45baaa91-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christie Ochoa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Clients frequently present with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, relationship problems, family conflicts, grief, life transition concerns, PTSD symptoms and other issues.
I believe that therapy is a unique place to take a breath and a step back to figure out the direction to go. Life is a journey with both highs and lows. I believe that everyone can improve their lives and enjoy helping others identify the changes needed to better themselves. I am down-to-earth, relatable and genuine. I also enjoy pointing out the irony of everyday life and getting my clients to laugh at times. I believe therapy is beneficial to everyone and practice it myself.
Clients frequently present with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, relationship problems, family conflicts, grief, life transition concerns, PTSD symptoms and other issues.
I believe that therapy is a unique place to take a breath and a step back to figure out the direction to go. Life is a journey with both highs and lows. I believe that everyone can improve their lives and enjoy helping others identify the changes needed to better themselves. I am down-to-earth, relatable and genuine. I also enjoy pointing out the irony of everyday life and getting my clients to laugh at times. I believe therapy is beneficial to everyone and practice it myself.
![Photo of Stephanie Williams, LCPC, CADC, CODP I, CCTP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84e7693a-3367-4f2f-8f25-e14cbe4b17c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Williams
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC, CODP I, CCTP
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, anger, self-esteem, substance use, and women’s issues/infertility/parenting while using a person-centered and trauma-informed framework.
Emotional growth is best nurtured from a compassionate, encouraging, and non-judgmental perspective. In today’s society, the expectations put on us can be quite demanding, and many times, unrealistic. As a wife and a mother, I understand how agonizing it can be to constantly ask myself, “Am I enough?” Challenging negative thoughts, though it may be difficult, is worth the risk. Living a fulfilling, happy, and productive life is priceless.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, anger, self-esteem, substance use, and women’s issues/infertility/parenting while using a person-centered and trauma-informed framework.
Emotional growth is best nurtured from a compassionate, encouraging, and non-judgmental perspective. In today’s society, the expectations put on us can be quite demanding, and many times, unrealistic. As a wife and a mother, I understand how agonizing it can be to constantly ask myself, “Am I enough?” Challenging negative thoughts, though it may be difficult, is worth the risk. Living a fulfilling, happy, and productive life is priceless.
![Photo of Michelle Nation, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15044527-00fa-4690-9f17-735d77140e67/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Nation
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Online Only)
I am here to help you with what you need right now. This includes if you are struggling with current life situations, stressors at work/school, or problems with managing your emotions, like anxiety, depression, or anger. I am passionate about what I do, and I love working with clients to help them achieve their goals in life. My type of therapy adjusts to what you need. This can mean that I do a more relaxed style of session where we are just talking about what is going on and problem solving in the moment or if that does not work for you, I can also do a more structured approach, that focuses on skills and coping strategies.
I am here to help you with what you need right now. This includes if you are struggling with current life situations, stressors at work/school, or problems with managing your emotions, like anxiety, depression, or anger. I am passionate about what I do, and I love working with clients to help them achieve their goals in life. My type of therapy adjusts to what you need. This can mean that I do a more relaxed style of session where we are just talking about what is going on and problem solving in the moment or if that does not work for you, I can also do a more structured approach, that focuses on skills and coping strategies.
![Photo of Sharon Bastin - Monarch Wellness LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb52912-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Monarch Wellness LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60516
I specialize in helping new parents navigate postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, depression and OCD.
Often, there are mental health complications that arise during major life transitions such as relationship and career changes, marriage, divorce, pregnancy and birth. I enjoy working with people during these difficult and stressful periods. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable space for clients as they confront challenges in life. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois and earned a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago. I have worked in a variety of mental health organizations and have completed advanced certification and training in perinatal mood disorders.
I specialize in helping new parents navigate postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, depression and OCD.
Often, there are mental health complications that arise during major life transitions such as relationship and career changes, marriage, divorce, pregnancy and birth. I enjoy working with people during these difficult and stressful periods. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable space for clients as they confront challenges in life. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois and earned a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago. I have worked in a variety of mental health organizations and have completed advanced certification and training in perinatal mood disorders.
![Photo of Claudia Mellott, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4533d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emotional pain will drain you of the energy needed to enjoy life. Whether symptoms are situational or involve pervasive life-long pain, I would like to help. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and an individual's right to make their life happier. You are hoping to see positive change in your life, which is a reasonable goal. I am a licensed, experienced therapist working with adults and adolescents. Anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, communication, substance abuse aftercare and life transitions are areas of expertise. Anxiety and worry are debilitating and unproductive. Depression negatively impacts your physical health .
Emotional pain will drain you of the energy needed to enjoy life. Whether symptoms are situational or involve pervasive life-long pain, I would like to help. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and an individual's right to make their life happier. You are hoping to see positive change in your life, which is a reasonable goal. I am a licensed, experienced therapist working with adults and adolescents. Anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, communication, substance abuse aftercare and life transitions are areas of expertise. Anxiety and worry are debilitating and unproductive. Depression negatively impacts your physical health .
![Photo of Allison Niebes-Davis, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d12de97c-1548-4c75-bf04-df95c963ea7c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I see individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development.
Therapy is a unique process, one that aims to guide you through challenges and roadblocks, helping you move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. My goal is to create a space where growth is safe and cultivated. Using an evidence-based approach, I work to help you gain awareness of your emotional experience, working to understand the way you experience and interact with the world. I help you explore parts of yourself you may not be completely comfortable with, learning to tolerate the discomfort that surfaces during this process. I challenge clients to try something different, encouraging a more intentional approach.
I see individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development.
Therapy is a unique process, one that aims to guide you through challenges and roadblocks, helping you move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. My goal is to create a space where growth is safe and cultivated. Using an evidence-based approach, I work to help you gain awareness of your emotional experience, working to understand the way you experience and interact with the world. I help you explore parts of yourself you may not be completely comfortable with, learning to tolerate the discomfort that surfaces during this process. I challenge clients to try something different, encouraging a more intentional approach.
![Photo of Christine Romesburg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1636e123-8245-4fa3-9b39-73cef7967126/1/320x400.png)
Christine Romesburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Online Only)
Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce/separation, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, family and marriage counseling, and crisis stabilization.
Christine Romesburg, MSW, MBA, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over ten years. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation focusing on PTSD and psychosis from Walden University in epidemiology and public health.Christine works to assist her patients in recognizing their overall thought processes and changing their negative perceptions and beliefs into more positive, motivating insights which will generate the change the patient desires.
Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce/separation, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, family and marriage counseling, and crisis stabilization.
Christine Romesburg, MSW, MBA, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over ten years. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation focusing on PTSD and psychosis from Walden University in epidemiology and public health.Christine works to assist her patients in recognizing their overall thought processes and changing their negative perceptions and beliefs into more positive, motivating insights which will generate the change the patient desires.
![Photo of John L. Jauch, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eb7588a-38c7-439d-9c3b-2f8dea91f58d/1/320x400.jpeg)
John L. Jauch
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Online Only)
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression and compulsive behaviors (Addictions).
More than likely if you are browsing these pages, you are going through a rough time. Please know that I am kind, observant, and a great listener. I am flexible and tailor each session to the individual needs of each client. I am solution focused and realistic. I take great pride in my ability to earn trust and make my clients feel comfortable, so that each session flows like a natural conversation. I am empathic and non-judgmental. I have a good sense of humor and am down to earth. I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression and compulsive behaviors (Addictions).
More than likely if you are browsing these pages, you are going through a rough time. Please know that I am kind, observant, and a great listener. I am flexible and tailor each session to the individual needs of each client. I am solution focused and realistic. I take great pride in my ability to earn trust and make my clients feel comfortable, so that each session flows like a natural conversation. I am empathic and non-judgmental. I have a good sense of humor and am down to earth. I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
![Photo of Nicole Knebelsberger, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f1c56e1-78d1-4ab1-a1ad-6a5e64750ed1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with preteens and teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, grief/loss, executive functioning, social skills, and life stressors.
Are you looking for a therapist for your preteen or teen? Or perhaps your a teen yourself looking for guidance. Do you or your child struggle with their emotions, friendships, perfectionism, anxiety, or a life stressor? Do you or your child have difficulty at school, appropriate social skills, or executive functioning? Well, you have come to the right place!
I work with preteens and teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, grief/loss, executive functioning, social skills, and life stressors.
Are you looking for a therapist for your preteen or teen? Or perhaps your a teen yourself looking for guidance. Do you or your child struggle with their emotions, friendships, perfectionism, anxiety, or a life stressor? Do you or your child have difficulty at school, appropriate social skills, or executive functioning? Well, you have come to the right place!
![Photo of Carolyn Boyer, MS, LCPC, CCTP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45384489-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn Boyer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515
My areas of expertise include the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life-stressors, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Counseling is a collaborative process in which you should feel supported in navigating life's roadblocks, stressors, and transitions. The counseling relationship is a unique experience that propels individual flourishing by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which you can develop and practice skills to cultivate resiliency and personal growth. I believe in strength-based counseling, in which individual strengths and resources are developed and utilized to facilitate well-being and client collaboration to promote and achieve personal goals. The framework I utilize favors a cognitive approach with behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic interventions to address specific areas of distress.
My areas of expertise include the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life-stressors, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Counseling is a collaborative process in which you should feel supported in navigating life's roadblocks, stressors, and transitions. The counseling relationship is a unique experience that propels individual flourishing by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which you can develop and practice skills to cultivate resiliency and personal growth. I believe in strength-based counseling, in which individual strengths and resources are developed and utilized to facilitate well-being and client collaboration to promote and achieve personal goals. The framework I utilize favors a cognitive approach with behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic interventions to address specific areas of distress.
![Photo of Samantha Kovac, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6319cab-a504-434c-b24b-20779ffb0d7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, and improving relationships.
I believe therapy is a collaborative effort that can help build healthy boundaries and coping skills to live and maintain a healthy, productive life. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for my clients to allow them to reach a level of vulnerability that allows for change. I utilize an integrative and holistic approach to help clients form treatment goals that best fit their needs.
My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, and improving relationships.
I believe therapy is a collaborative effort that can help build healthy boundaries and coping skills to live and maintain a healthy, productive life. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for my clients to allow them to reach a level of vulnerability that allows for change. I utilize an integrative and holistic approach to help clients form treatment goals that best fit their needs.
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![Photo of Kathleen L Irving, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c8a9953-e3e7-4dc8-9311-93258f533194/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I specialize in providing treatment of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating issues, addiction, and women's issues. My approach to therapy is individualized to your specific needs. My style in interactive and direct and my goal is to help people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs find solutions to personal, relational and family problems. I work with a variety of other professionals, including psychiatrists and physicians, to provide a team approach to treatment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I specialize in providing treatment of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating issues, addiction, and women's issues. My approach to therapy is individualized to your specific needs. My style in interactive and direct and my goal is to help people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs find solutions to personal, relational and family problems. I work with a variety of other professionals, including psychiatrists and physicians, to provide a team approach to treatment.
![Photo of Michaela Zoppa, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f686d3b-03ef-4094-9216-025c80ae00cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michaela Zoppa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Smart, driven teen girls and women are often praised for keeping it all together - even if it means secretly falling apart behind the scenes. There's a lot of pressure to be the best at everything you do, which means there is no room for mistakes, and definitely no room for self-care. You wind up feeling panicked, overwhelmed, frustrated, or depressed. You often worry about what others think of you, and wish you could turn off that little voice that is always telling you what a failure you are. You wonder if anyone else ever feels like this. You know this isn't exactly normal...but you're not sure what to do about it.
Smart, driven teen girls and women are often praised for keeping it all together - even if it means secretly falling apart behind the scenes. There's a lot of pressure to be the best at everything you do, which means there is no room for mistakes, and definitely no room for self-care. You wind up feeling panicked, overwhelmed, frustrated, or depressed. You often worry about what others think of you, and wish you could turn off that little voice that is always telling you what a failure you are. You wonder if anyone else ever feels like this. You know this isn't exactly normal...but you're not sure what to do about it.
![Photo of Benjamin Cowell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50852ed2-6d14-4352-a9ee-0a8612b0508d/1/320x400.jpeg)
My expertise and special interests are working with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ individuals, teens, and young adults.
In therapy, I enjoy collaborating with clients to increase their self-knowledge and utilize their strengths to facilitate change towards living a more rewarding and fulfilling life. I am committed to identifying and implementing an individualized approach for each client to support them in achieving their therapeutic goals. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults using an integrative therapeutic approach, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills.
My expertise and special interests are working with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ individuals, teens, and young adults.
In therapy, I enjoy collaborating with clients to increase their self-knowledge and utilize their strengths to facilitate change towards living a more rewarding and fulfilling life. I am committed to identifying and implementing an individualized approach for each client to support them in achieving their therapeutic goals. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults using an integrative therapeutic approach, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills.
![Photo of Carolyn Marie LoScuito, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41d179da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have unique insight into Postpartum Depression and challenges that new moms face.
I have over 9 years of experience helping clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, low self-esteem, grief, and other major challenging life events. I also provide counseling to clients who are experiencing everyday life challenges who simply need someone to talk to in order to work through current and past life stressors, through individual or group therapy in a supportive and comfortable setting.
I have unique insight into Postpartum Depression and challenges that new moms face.
I have over 9 years of experience helping clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, low self-esteem, grief, and other major challenging life events. I also provide counseling to clients who are experiencing everyday life challenges who simply need someone to talk to in order to work through current and past life stressors, through individual or group therapy in a supportive and comfortable setting.
![Photo of Meghan Ware, LCPC, EMDR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fd12bcf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a multitude of clients to identify and express their emotions in a healthy manner, teaching them various coping skills. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with those suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief and loss, addiction and those having a hard time finding themselves. I believe in the importance of building rapport using empathy and compassion to reach clients of all ages.
I work with a multitude of clients to identify and express their emotions in a healthy manner, teaching them various coping skills. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with those suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief and loss, addiction and those having a hard time finding themselves. I believe in the importance of building rapport using empathy and compassion to reach clients of all ages.
![Photo of Theresa Hefner, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aced45f7-0b72-4ab6-acc8-b856821a4164/2/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa Hefner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515
When it becomes difficult to cope, therapy can provide a new path forward. Having a nonjudgmental space to explore, validate, and experience your feelings in a healthy way can help you manage anxiety, depression, and other life stressors. I would like to provide that space for you to process your emotions, develop new methods of coping, identify and clarify your goals and values.
When it becomes difficult to cope, therapy can provide a new path forward. Having a nonjudgmental space to explore, validate, and experience your feelings in a healthy way can help you manage anxiety, depression, and other life stressors. I would like to provide that space for you to process your emotions, develop new methods of coping, identify and clarify your goals and values.
![Photo of Dr. Don Feeney - Consulting Psychological Services, PC, PhD, CADC, NLP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b912ad2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Consulting Psychological Services, PC
Psychologist, PhD, CADC, NLP
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Valuing client uniqueness means utilizing advanced, empathic interventions for self-acceptance in working through anxiety, panic, depression, trauma and attaining emotional regulation. Rebalancing distorted beliefs assist clients' relief of anger, guilt, shame, self-sabotage. Differentiation & specifically designed working-through processes reflect maximizing unique client traits! Each client is identified as unique in their needs with subjective emotional experiences and cognitive structures requiring specific, individualized treatment plans and strategic interventions. These are tailored to facilitate optimum therapeutic progress.
Valuing client uniqueness means utilizing advanced, empathic interventions for self-acceptance in working through anxiety, panic, depression, trauma and attaining emotional regulation. Rebalancing distorted beliefs assist clients' relief of anger, guilt, shame, self-sabotage. Differentiation & specifically designed working-through processes reflect maximizing unique client traits! Each client is identified as unique in their needs with subjective emotional experiences and cognitive structures requiring specific, individualized treatment plans and strategic interventions. These are tailored to facilitate optimum therapeutic progress.
![Photo of Olivia O'Hare, LCSW, SAP, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ec7238f-1f9b-46b1-8bbb-2d177063b5ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia O'Hare
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Specialties are working with anxiety and depression, emotional dysregulation.
When we begin working together, I aim to develop a strong therapeutic relationship focused on collaboration to support you reaching your goals. I use cognitive behavioral strategies such as thought reframing, challenging perceptions, establishing healthy communication and boundaries, self-awareness, and forming healthy relationships with ourselves and others. Therapy is a difficult yet rewarding process and my goal is to be there for you to listen, support, validate, and offer guidance, while offering tools for you to live happy and authentically. I look forward to working with you!
Specialties are working with anxiety and depression, emotional dysregulation.
When we begin working together, I aim to develop a strong therapeutic relationship focused on collaboration to support you reaching your goals. I use cognitive behavioral strategies such as thought reframing, challenging perceptions, establishing healthy communication and boundaries, self-awareness, and forming healthy relationships with ourselves and others. Therapy is a difficult yet rewarding process and my goal is to be there for you to listen, support, validate, and offer guidance, while offering tools for you to live happy and authentically. I look forward to working with you!
![Photo of Ann Forde Murray - Ann Forde Murray MA LCPC, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462e95d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
While not everyone needs therapy, I believe that almost everyone can benefit from it. As a therapist, my greatest reward is to be a part of the process in which my clients discover their own resources, wisdom, and integrity as they overcome obstacles and move toward healing. My areas of specialty include treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and life transitions.
While not everyone needs therapy, I believe that almost everyone can benefit from it. As a therapist, my greatest reward is to be a part of the process in which my clients discover their own resources, wisdom, and integrity as they overcome obstacles and move toward healing. My areas of specialty include treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and life transitions.
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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.