Therapists in Naperville, IL
![Photo of Erlinda A de la Torre, MSW, LSW, CTP, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f310b96c-7a19-473b-b2d8-a204ce0bce90/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erlinda A de la Torre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, CTP, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you often feel alone in your struggle, like people don't get it? When we face emotional or mental health struggles such as anxiety depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and past trauma, it can make us feel alone, lost, and hopeless. I want you to know, you are not alone, and there is help.
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you often feel alone in your struggle, like people don't get it? When we face emotional or mental health struggles such as anxiety depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and past trauma, it can make us feel alone, lost, and hopeless. I want you to know, you are not alone, and there is help.
![Photo of Netali Chopra - Bridgeview Clinical Services, Ltd., LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fc1ced-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bridgeview Clinical Services, Ltd.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
I have been working as a therapist for fifteen years. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, managed treatment programs and provided supervision to other clinicians in the field. I have worked with individuals facing a variety of issues including substance dependency, depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, family and marriage issues. My area of specialty includes working with women and men who suffer from depression, anxiety, PSTD as a result of a medical conditions such as cancer; children/ adolescents with depression and anxiety, emotional regulation and behavioral/conduct challenges, and ADHD.
I have been working as a therapist for fifteen years. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, managed treatment programs and provided supervision to other clinicians in the field. I have worked with individuals facing a variety of issues including substance dependency, depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, family and marriage issues. My area of specialty includes working with women and men who suffer from depression, anxiety, PSTD as a result of a medical conditions such as cancer; children/ adolescents with depression and anxiety, emotional regulation and behavioral/conduct challenges, and ADHD.
![Photo of Melissa Theresa Woolever, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8b5d66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized experience treating teenagers, young adults, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and body image issues.
Change is not always easy and it often requires hard work. However, change does not have to be made alone. It's important that you have someone to listen, validate, support, and, at times, challenge you. My therapy style is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, warmth, humor, and insight-oriented methods that can be tailored to fit your individual needs and treatment goals.
I have specialized experience treating teenagers, young adults, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and body image issues.
Change is not always easy and it often requires hard work. However, change does not have to be made alone. It's important that you have someone to listen, validate, support, and, at times, challenge you. My therapy style is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, warmth, humor, and insight-oriented methods that can be tailored to fit your individual needs and treatment goals.
![Photo of Daniel Michaels, LCPC, ADHD-CC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86bb080b-02a9-42ab-a06e-e79c55338f77/3/320x400.png)
Daniel Michaels
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Hello! I’m Daniel Michaels, an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). My practice is rooted in a passion for offering targeted, effective strategies for managing ADHD, while also providing comprehensive mental health services. My background in including inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). This diverse experience has not only deepened my understanding of ADHD but also enhanced my ability to address a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more.
Hello! I’m Daniel Michaels, an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). My practice is rooted in a passion for offering targeted, effective strategies for managing ADHD, while also providing comprehensive mental health services. My background in including inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). This diverse experience has not only deepened my understanding of ADHD but also enhanced my ability to address a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more.
![Photo of Brooke Wine, MA, LPC, LASOP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa2c335-db3f-4f74-a379-01c73b32021a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with an eclectic array of mental health topics, including; sexual health and wellness, sexual deviance, kink, intimacy, traditional & non-traditional relationships, anxiety, depression, mood regulation, and life transitions.
Hi there! I am a forensic psychotherapist in practice with Naperville Counseling Center. I aim to provide support and encouragement as individuals work on their mental health. Building a strong rapport with clients is essential, and I love developing a healthy connection with each client. I enjoy integrating humor into therapy to break up some of the heaviness emotional processing can be. Coming from a forensic background, I have experience working with intense areas of need, support, and planning. I also have a passion for assisting clients in building and/or re-building their relationships with sexual health and sexual identity.
I work with an eclectic array of mental health topics, including; sexual health and wellness, sexual deviance, kink, intimacy, traditional & non-traditional relationships, anxiety, depression, mood regulation, and life transitions.
Hi there! I am a forensic psychotherapist in practice with Naperville Counseling Center. I aim to provide support and encouragement as individuals work on their mental health. Building a strong rapport with clients is essential, and I love developing a healthy connection with each client. I enjoy integrating humor into therapy to break up some of the heaviness emotional processing can be. Coming from a forensic background, I have experience working with intense areas of need, support, and planning. I also have a passion for assisting clients in building and/or re-building their relationships with sexual health and sexual identity.
![Photo of Judith Cervantes, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e5bfce9-4f5f-4c5a-98b1-9abb7be1d72f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Judith Cervantes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
At first therapy can seem intimidating as processing through our struggles can be; however it is important to recognize that we all need some support sometimes, and professionals like myself are here to help! As a Licensed Professional Counselor I have worked with various populations including adolescents, couples, adults, groups, and families. Typically some of the issues that I address in therapy but are not limited to include depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, ADHD, addiction, and relationship difficulties. In my office, I strive to provide a safe and encouraging environment to help walk you through this process.
At first therapy can seem intimidating as processing through our struggles can be; however it is important to recognize that we all need some support sometimes, and professionals like myself are here to help! As a Licensed Professional Counselor I have worked with various populations including adolescents, couples, adults, groups, and families. Typically some of the issues that I address in therapy but are not limited to include depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, ADHD, addiction, and relationship difficulties. In my office, I strive to provide a safe and encouraging environment to help walk you through this process.
![Photo of Sarah Prendergast, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d232ba00-632d-42bc-9063-3bbe0fddcb2a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adolescents, young adults and adults who are struggling with depression, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, ADHD, addiction, Bipolar disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders, grief/loss, trauma, stress, relationship issues and adjustment to developmental and life transitions.
My therapeutic approach is supportive, engaging, and collaborative. I work to foster trust and compassion with every client and family I see using a more interactive approach. My goal is to help my clients identify goals and learn strategies to achieve these goals through techniques tailored specifically for them. I also enjoy using humor in my sessions to engage clients and help them feel at ease. I have 15 years experience working in mental health and a Master of Arts degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling.
I work with adolescents, young adults and adults who are struggling with depression, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, ADHD, addiction, Bipolar disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders, grief/loss, trauma, stress, relationship issues and adjustment to developmental and life transitions.
My therapeutic approach is supportive, engaging, and collaborative. I work to foster trust and compassion with every client and family I see using a more interactive approach. My goal is to help my clients identify goals and learn strategies to achieve these goals through techniques tailored specifically for them. I also enjoy using humor in my sessions to engage clients and help them feel at ease. I have 15 years experience working in mental health and a Master of Arts degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling.
![Photo of Jaclyn Harwey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/322094d9-ad6f-4ff2-8b2b-e2f7194c9921/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
![Photo of Moni Kannenwischer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d86895-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Moni Kannenwischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60564 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck, joylessly rotating through old patterns of thinking and doing, anxious and somewhat lost? I’ll help you awaken to your best self by managing anxiety, stress, and depression more effectively, enjoying more connected relationships and loving yourself more deeply! Don’t waste your “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver)! Together, we can do hard things and can find practical solutions that suit you and your needs best!
Are you feeling stuck, joylessly rotating through old patterns of thinking and doing, anxious and somewhat lost? I’ll help you awaken to your best self by managing anxiety, stress, and depression more effectively, enjoying more connected relationships and loving yourself more deeply! Don’t waste your “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver)! Together, we can do hard things and can find practical solutions that suit you and your needs best!
![Photo of Rachel Michalski, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/547de670-9187-45ec-825f-f86695296e65/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Michalski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Sometimes our experiences in life lead to us having difficulty finding motivation, feeling anxious about our future or the mistakes of our past, and/or maintaining habits that no longer work for us. Depression, anxiety, and trauma can also have an effect on how we navigate our relationships. Maybe we're needing to reignite a passion of ours or find a what brings us calm. Although our struggles can feel isolating, it's important to remember that we don't have to figure out how to cope alone and we aren't meant to.
Sometimes our experiences in life lead to us having difficulty finding motivation, feeling anxious about our future or the mistakes of our past, and/or maintaining habits that no longer work for us. Depression, anxiety, and trauma can also have an effect on how we navigate our relationships. Maybe we're needing to reignite a passion of ours or find a what brings us calm. Although our struggles can feel isolating, it's important to remember that we don't have to figure out how to cope alone and we aren't meant to.
![Photo of Rayeshundra Henderson, LCPC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6432e59-b19a-4fed-8226-5521144feaac/1/320x400.jpeg)
In life, there's not always a "right place right time" but rather a "I'm making this the right place and time." Life is all about decisions good or bad, but how you deal with the outcome is up to you. I believe in helping people reach their best outcome despite the circumstances. Life can be difficult, and when you are unsure how to navigate it, things can add up quickly. For the past 10 years, I have worked with troubled teens assisting them in transforming their life for the better. I have had experience working with adults in different areas of depression and anxiety, and have helped them discover the light they were missing.
In life, there's not always a "right place right time" but rather a "I'm making this the right place and time." Life is all about decisions good or bad, but how you deal with the outcome is up to you. I believe in helping people reach their best outcome despite the circumstances. Life can be difficult, and when you are unsure how to navigate it, things can add up quickly. For the past 10 years, I have worked with troubled teens assisting them in transforming their life for the better. I have had experience working with adults in different areas of depression and anxiety, and have helped them discover the light they were missing.
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![Photo of Jim Shalley - AFC Counselors, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db820b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We offer many different areas of specialty, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief and loss, co-dependence, addictions, self harm, marriage/relationship issues, abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain, women's issues, men's issues, and issues of faith and spirituality.
AFC Counselors are passionate about providing an environment of safety and integrity for you (children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families) to find and sustain your path to emotional health and well-being. We understand that seeking help isn't always easy, so we make every effort to make you feel welcome as you take this important step for yourself or your loved one.
We offer many different areas of specialty, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief and loss, co-dependence, addictions, self harm, marriage/relationship issues, abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain, women's issues, men's issues, and issues of faith and spirituality.
AFC Counselors are passionate about providing an environment of safety and integrity for you (children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families) to find and sustain your path to emotional health and well-being. We understand that seeking help isn't always easy, so we make every effort to make you feel welcome as you take this important step for yourself or your loved one.
![Photo of Dr. Samantha (Weinstein) Hickman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a039288-0444-4341-b749-2493678bfb9a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in providing individual, couples, and family therapy to adolescents and adults. I treat a variety of issues and diagnoses, including difficulties related to developmental and life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, previous trauma (physical, sexual, emotional abuse), and gender and sexual identity concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in providing individual, couples, and family therapy to adolescents and adults. I treat a variety of issues and diagnoses, including difficulties related to developmental and life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, previous trauma (physical, sexual, emotional abuse), and gender and sexual identity concerns.
![Photo of Karen Malczewski, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b685bb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Malczewski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60540
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with individuals, families and couples strengthening relationships, building self-esteem, and helping individuals through many of life's challenges for over 20 years. My areas of expertise include couples and marriage counseling including infidelity, sex and intimacy issues, same sex couples, improving communication and reconnecting again; depression and anxiety; grief issues; men's issues including finding a balance between work and personal life; and overall personal growth and wellness.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with individuals, families and couples strengthening relationships, building self-esteem, and helping individuals through many of life's challenges for over 20 years. My areas of expertise include couples and marriage counseling including infidelity, sex and intimacy issues, same sex couples, improving communication and reconnecting again; depression and anxiety; grief issues; men's issues including finding a balance between work and personal life; and overall personal growth and wellness.
![Photo of David C Clinton, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59c0cce3-4f39-45be-826b-53e7d6ce2b06/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in private practice for 14 years, during which I have worked with adolescents and adults sorting through a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues and spiritual struggles related to mental health.
I have been in private practice for 14 years, during which I have worked with adolescents and adults sorting through a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues and spiritual struggles related to mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Theresa A Bussert, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7d7e279-67a9-438f-837f-937efe45a4d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Theresa A Bussert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
We all need some help during different seasons of our lives. I have worked in a variety of setting helping client overcome obstacles and move beyond emotional struggles. I utilizes various approaches with my clients in developing practical strategies unique to the individual's own strengths. I specializes in eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, families with special needs, grief/loss and related difficulties.
We all need some help during different seasons of our lives. I have worked in a variety of setting helping client overcome obstacles and move beyond emotional struggles. I utilizes various approaches with my clients in developing practical strategies unique to the individual's own strengths. I specializes in eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, families with special needs, grief/loss and related difficulties.
![Photo of Adam S Ratner, LCSW, MA, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49365cc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adam S Ratner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Individuals/Families Experiencing Challenges with: Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, Behavioral Issues, Professional/Career Challenges, the Family System and Life Transitions. Ages: Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult. Clients consistently find Adam to be very down to earth, accepting and tremendously easy to talk to. Each quickly learns that Adam always strives to over deliver on the care and services he provides. For more information please visit: https://www.growwellnessgroup.com
Individuals/Families Experiencing Challenges with: Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, Behavioral Issues, Professional/Career Challenges, the Family System and Life Transitions. Ages: Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult. Clients consistently find Adam to be very down to earth, accepting and tremendously easy to talk to. Each quickly learns that Adam always strives to over deliver on the care and services he provides. For more information please visit: https://www.growwellnessgroup.com
![Photo of Kelsey Romanoff, LCPC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bdf54bfd-8de4-435d-9588-26380d6f5354/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Romanoff
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, and depression, for teens and college students. I believe each client needs a safe and comfortable space to process their thoughts and emotions. I use various skills and techniques, as we work together, to navigate the areas in life that you are ready to explore. Genuine empathy and interpersonal connection are the baseline. It’s my goal that my clients feel heard, valued, and accepted. Email me today to get scheduled!
I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, and depression, for teens and college students. I believe each client needs a safe and comfortable space to process their thoughts and emotions. I use various skills and techniques, as we work together, to navigate the areas in life that you are ready to explore. Genuine empathy and interpersonal connection are the baseline. It’s my goal that my clients feel heard, valued, and accepted. Email me today to get scheduled!
![Photo of Kevin Knipp, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/404c3035-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is an individual looking to work through their depression, anxiety, or relationship issues, or a couple seeking to find effective ways to communicate with each other to stop getting in the same negative and exhausting upsets. I think many people who see me have been individuals who need someone to help them understand and work with their place in life and in their relationships. I tend to work mostly with men who feel more comfortable with another male to make sense of the difficult area of emotions and how to communicate them well.
My ideal client is an individual looking to work through their depression, anxiety, or relationship issues, or a couple seeking to find effective ways to communicate with each other to stop getting in the same negative and exhausting upsets. I think many people who see me have been individuals who need someone to help them understand and work with their place in life and in their relationships. I tend to work mostly with men who feel more comfortable with another male to make sense of the difficult area of emotions and how to communicate them well.
![Photo of Heather Treat, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd925843-20d8-4a85-8a6a-8cd8d4808884/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her specialties include working with both adolescents and adults struggling with all different types of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues.
Mindfulness is a way of life for Heather and it helped her develop her identity as a therapist. Heather now identifies as a contextual behavioral therapist using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions/skills and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to intervene with her guests. She has one criteria for her guests: Willingness. Guests experience her as someone who teaches skills and helps them set attainable goals. Heather believes all people inherently have everything they need to move forward in their lives. She likes to help them find what they need and use it.
Her specialties include working with both adolescents and adults struggling with all different types of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues.
Mindfulness is a way of life for Heather and it helped her develop her identity as a therapist. Heather now identifies as a contextual behavioral therapist using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions/skills and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to intervene with her guests. She has one criteria for her guests: Willingness. Guests experience her as someone who teaches skills and helps them set attainable goals. Heather believes all people inherently have everything they need to move forward in their lives. She likes to help them find what they need and use it.
See more therapy options for Naperville
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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.