Depression Therapists in Saint Charles, IL
![Photo of Jackie Harvel, LCPC, CCTP, CCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1778a2ed-3f07-4361-962e-e9d4cbc7ff6b/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified EMDR therapist, I understand the importance of educating clients about mental health and brain functioning in order to find the most beneficial therapeutic approaches for treatment. I specialize in treating couples and individuals with (complex) trauma, attachment issues, depression and areas managing anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and relational issues. Together, we work on identifying ways to improve self-worth, repair and maintain healthy relationships, and heal from past traumas.
As a certified EMDR therapist, I understand the importance of educating clients about mental health and brain functioning in order to find the most beneficial therapeutic approaches for treatment. I specialize in treating couples and individuals with (complex) trauma, attachment issues, depression and areas managing anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and relational issues. Together, we work on identifying ways to improve self-worth, repair and maintain healthy relationships, and heal from past traumas.
![Photo of Jacqueline Marshall, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52f16380-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
Are you dealing with life stressors that are leaving you feeling overwhelmed and confused? Maybe your feelings of anxiety and depression are causing so much emotional distress that it is affecting your job, school work, and/or relationships. Allow me to help you gain understanding and find solutions to improving your functioning and feeling better.
![Photo of Karen Hammond, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83973798-d365-4999-9dde-1ec933823883/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Hammond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Are you living with Post Traumatic Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Or, some other mental health issue? Welcome! I have a passion for bringing healing and improving an individual's ability to fully embrace life. My goal is to meet each client where they currently are on their journey, with no judgement, using customized treatment while providing guidance to help clients find relief from the challenges they are experiencing. I look forward to working alongside you as you experience enhancement in your quality of life.
Are you living with Post Traumatic Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Or, some other mental health issue? Welcome! I have a passion for bringing healing and improving an individual's ability to fully embrace life. My goal is to meet each client where they currently are on their journey, with no judgement, using customized treatment while providing guidance to help clients find relief from the challenges they are experiencing. I look forward to working alongside you as you experience enhancement in your quality of life.
![Photo of Tiffany Kasper, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/554fcea0-ba18-4790-92ff-663c5e67e008/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Tiffany received her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2012 and is pursuing a DSW through Tulane University. She has experience working with individuals ranging from adolescents to older adults who are experiencing various challenges, and she is skilled in counseling mental health and healthcare professionals. Tiffany's expertise includes helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, eating disorders, ADHD, chronic illness, divorce, and other life changes. She also has previous experience working in hospice and palliative care.
Tiffany received her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2012 and is pursuing a DSW through Tulane University. She has experience working with individuals ranging from adolescents to older adults who are experiencing various challenges, and she is skilled in counseling mental health and healthcare professionals. Tiffany's expertise includes helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, eating disorders, ADHD, chronic illness, divorce, and other life changes. She also has previous experience working in hospice and palliative care.
![Photo of Andria Lumley, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d12616b3-6c18-451a-b740-2c390804e33f/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all face different stressful obstacles, but you do not have to do it alone! I provide a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space helping adolescents and adults. Therapy is a safe space to work through challenges, determine goals, find ways to manage struggles, and heal. I have experience helping navigate anxiety, depression, losses, challenging or toxic relationships, stress, tough life transitions, and low self-esteem.
We all face different stressful obstacles, but you do not have to do it alone! I provide a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space helping adolescents and adults. Therapy is a safe space to work through challenges, determine goals, find ways to manage struggles, and heal. I have experience helping navigate anxiety, depression, losses, challenging or toxic relationships, stress, tough life transitions, and low self-esteem.
![Photo of Paul R Sather, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5391a655-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and addiction, which often includes addressing issues of spirituality, control and identity.
For 3 decades I have been privileged to help clients find meaning in their lives. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with sadness, worry, fear or hopelessness. Perhaps there is a relationship where you feel stuck, or out of control. I am committed to help you find peace and manage life's challenges. There is no greater honor than helping you move through the difficult times in your life. With a solid background of training other therapists and working with people from all kinds of life circumstances, I offer evidence based therapy for a wide range of concerns.
I specialize in dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and addiction, which often includes addressing issues of spirituality, control and identity.
For 3 decades I have been privileged to help clients find meaning in their lives. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with sadness, worry, fear or hopelessness. Perhaps there is a relationship where you feel stuck, or out of control. I am committed to help you find peace and manage life's challenges. There is no greater honor than helping you move through the difficult times in your life. With a solid background of training other therapists and working with people from all kinds of life circumstances, I offer evidence based therapy for a wide range of concerns.
![Photo of Alexa Nicole Talarico, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0fab2f8-851e-4447-88a2-e4163c7c3f0c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Nicole Talarico
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I work with teenage, young adult, and adult clients looking to work on managing their symptoms related to depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, life transitions, and other mood and thought disorders.
I work with teenage, young adult, and adult clients looking to work on managing their symptoms related to depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, life transitions, and other mood and thought disorders.
![Photo of Deanna J Chrones, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-C, TN-T](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6948e2b-f983-404a-8b5c-d3a5abc6c31a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna J Chrones
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-C, TN-T
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I treat adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Accepting new clients, with a promise to respond! BCBS ppo/self-pay. Licensed in IL and FL. Telehealth only. You're a motivated adult or couple dealing with issues of trauma-related anxiety/depression. Maybe things have happened to you; maybe you do things even you don't understand. But there are reasons why. Let's figure it out together, looking at your patterns and attachment styles and resolve it with EMDR and newer techniques, including fast, simple polyvagal exercises that reduce anxiety and depression. You deserve empathy and the innovative techniques, so you can create your own feelings of self-esteem, security and wellness.
I treat adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Accepting new clients, with a promise to respond! BCBS ppo/self-pay. Licensed in IL and FL. Telehealth only. You're a motivated adult or couple dealing with issues of trauma-related anxiety/depression. Maybe things have happened to you; maybe you do things even you don't understand. But there are reasons why. Let's figure it out together, looking at your patterns and attachment styles and resolve it with EMDR and newer techniques, including fast, simple polyvagal exercises that reduce anxiety and depression. You deserve empathy and the innovative techniques, so you can create your own feelings of self-esteem, security and wellness.
![Photo of Carol Elendt, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41a748b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Elendt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
![Photo of Jonathon M Gruszeczki, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40594809-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have helped clients in overcoming depression and mood disorders, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, stress management, adjustment periods, problems at work, attention, focus, gambling, men's issues, traumatic experiences, and other emotional and behavioral concerns.
Hello, I am a licensed clinician in the treatment of adults and adolescents. I find that regardless of the reasons a client seeks treatment, the most effective way of bringing healing relief is a comfortable and respectful relationship. My clients have described me as light-hearted, professional, and caring. A decision to enter into therapy is deciding to take a first step toward an improved quality of life. I try to keep this idea in the forefront with my clients when we work together to create specialized treatment plans toward achieving their goals.
I have helped clients in overcoming depression and mood disorders, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, stress management, adjustment periods, problems at work, attention, focus, gambling, men's issues, traumatic experiences, and other emotional and behavioral concerns.
Hello, I am a licensed clinician in the treatment of adults and adolescents. I find that regardless of the reasons a client seeks treatment, the most effective way of bringing healing relief is a comfortable and respectful relationship. My clients have described me as light-hearted, professional, and caring. A decision to enter into therapy is deciding to take a first step toward an improved quality of life. I try to keep this idea in the forefront with my clients when we work together to create specialized treatment plans toward achieving their goals.
![Photo of Bridgette Maurino @ Calming Corner Therapy, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20a7e81a-c3e4-4530-8fff-c0e94de7cf93/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bridgette Maurino @ Calming Corner Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Is your child, teen, and/or young adult struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adhd, school stress, self-harm, etc. Has your child been admitted into an inpatient psychiatric unit or attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP)? Are you stressed from the struggles your child, teen, or young adult is going through?? CCT creates a safe, comfortable space for you, we provide support and feedback in a caring environment. It is my goal to help you learn skills and tools to better manage your or child's symptoms.
Is your child, teen, and/or young adult struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adhd, school stress, self-harm, etc. Has your child been admitted into an inpatient psychiatric unit or attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP)? Are you stressed from the struggles your child, teen, or young adult is going through?? CCT creates a safe, comfortable space for you, we provide support and feedback in a caring environment. It is my goal to help you learn skills and tools to better manage your or child's symptoms.
15 Second Videos
Karen Hammond
Deanna J Chrones
Bridgette Maurino @ Calming Corner Therapy
Alexis Siegmann @ St. Charles Counseling
Jeff Lange
Randall E Bennett
Marie S. Egeland
Adam L Chunn
Jennifer DuBose
Danielle Slyder
Michael Peila
Karissa Tobey
Rob Castillo
Bethany Bacon
Nancy Kuhn
Crystal Villegas @ St. Charles Counseling
Lisa Herman
Shawn Léon Nowotnik
Katrina Muenster
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Elgin
Alisha Rybicki Barnum
Ashley M Starwood
Linnea @ Calming Corner Therapy Favela
Erin Olszewski @ St. Charles Counseling
Nancy Robin Krtek
Ken Kuhn at St Charles Counseling
Caitlin S. Lowry
Robin Kulesza
Kimberly K Boatner
Missy Hem- Peaks and Valleys Perinatal Counseling
Pamela S Allen
Aubrey Benton
![Photo of Karen M Bridwell, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ec940ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Another area I specialize in is mood disorders such as depression and bipolar.
There are varieties of reasons why people seek counseling, but no matter what the motivation, I believe they want and need to be accepted right where they are. I approach each person's unique story from a nonjudgmental position, as I seek to understand their perspective in an effort to help them overcome their challenges. Developing a therapeutic relationship is important as the client and I work together in deciding, developing, and pursuing agreed upon objectives. I consider it a privilege to serve others and help them for a time on their life's journey.
Another area I specialize in is mood disorders such as depression and bipolar.
There are varieties of reasons why people seek counseling, but no matter what the motivation, I believe they want and need to be accepted right where they are. I approach each person's unique story from a nonjudgmental position, as I seek to understand their perspective in an effort to help them overcome their challenges. Developing a therapeutic relationship is important as the client and I work together in deciding, developing, and pursuing agreed upon objectives. I consider it a privilege to serve others and help them for a time on their life's journey.
![Photo of Katherine Berg - Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb2cc54-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine Schaefer Berg, Ph.D., P.C.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step. It takes courage to address challenges in life that seem to keep us stuck. I believe therapy is a process by which one can in a safe and supportive environment face emotional struggles and work toward living a life that is valuable and fulfilling. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, self-harm, emotion management, eating disorders, and life transitions such as adjustment to parenthood. I have a unique specialty and interest in treating chronic depression.
![Photo of Buffy Cramer-Hammann, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cafa313-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
For over a decade I have worked with Adult and Adolescent Patients coping with various Life Challenges. I maintain a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my Patients as they negotiate their identified challenge areas. Specific areas of focus within my practice are Life Stage Challenges; Grief and Loss; Fertility and Postpartum; and Anxiety and Depression. Over the last five years, I have incorporated Animal Assisted Psychotherapy with my Canine Co-therapists. While not all sessions are appropriate for Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, the addition of Canine Co-therapists has been met with positive feedback.
For over a decade I have worked with Adult and Adolescent Patients coping with various Life Challenges. I maintain a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my Patients as they negotiate their identified challenge areas. Specific areas of focus within my practice are Life Stage Challenges; Grief and Loss; Fertility and Postpartum; and Anxiety and Depression. Over the last five years, I have incorporated Animal Assisted Psychotherapy with my Canine Co-therapists. While not all sessions are appropriate for Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, the addition of Canine Co-therapists has been met with positive feedback.
![Photo of Lindsay Sher, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5c1c0e1-10a0-440e-bcf6-5e69484643df/9/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Sher
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Are you ready to take on the new year? Has seeking therapy been on your mind? Today is your day to start working on what matters most. As a counselor, I serve the individual needs of adolescents and adults throughout their various walks of life. I meet my clients where they are in their emotional journey and help them build solutions and skills to live the life they imagine.
I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Are you ready to take on the new year? Has seeking therapy been on your mind? Today is your day to start working on what matters most. As a counselor, I serve the individual needs of adolescents and adults throughout their various walks of life. I meet my clients where they are in their emotional journey and help them build solutions and skills to live the life they imagine.
![Photo of Robert Jackman, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0664d75-9a0b-45f7-b30f-2ca5318597c9/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have expertise in inner child work, relationship issues, depression, recovery from sexual abuse, life transitions, codependency, anxiety, self esteem and anger to name a few.
My style is to respect your strengths to help you foster insights into making your life better. I enjoy my work and utilize a variety of proven clinical skills and common sense. You may be going through a new issue and find it overwhelming, or you may be repeating an old behvioral pattern. I have a very interactive style and like to give homework to keep the progress going so you can move on in a healthy productive way. Call or e-mail today for a free consultation. Look for my best selling books on AMAZON: Healing Your Lost Inner Child and Healing Your Wounded Relationship. Or my YouTube channel: The Art of Practical Wisdom.
I have expertise in inner child work, relationship issues, depression, recovery from sexual abuse, life transitions, codependency, anxiety, self esteem and anger to name a few.
My style is to respect your strengths to help you foster insights into making your life better. I enjoy my work and utilize a variety of proven clinical skills and common sense. You may be going through a new issue and find it overwhelming, or you may be repeating an old behvioral pattern. I have a very interactive style and like to give homework to keep the progress going so you can move on in a healthy productive way. Call or e-mail today for a free consultation. Look for my best selling books on AMAZON: Healing Your Lost Inner Child and Healing Your Wounded Relationship. Or my YouTube channel: The Art of Practical Wisdom.
![Photo of Eiko Venovic, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d581cda-5a9b-476d-8eb3-bd1cecb6f670/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Venovic has more than a decade of clinical experience with therapy specializations including, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, acculturation, interracial relationships, identity, and self-esteem. Dr. Venovic utilizes both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches with her clients to increase emotional well-being, improve the quality of relationships, and develop a lifestyle more consistent with her clients’ values.
Dr. Venovic has more than a decade of clinical experience with therapy specializations including, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, acculturation, interracial relationships, identity, and self-esteem. Dr. Venovic utilizes both psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches with her clients to increase emotional well-being, improve the quality of relationships, and develop a lifestyle more consistent with her clients’ values.
![Photo of Emily A Kendall, LCPC, NCC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/283dedcd-8380-495d-bef7-b09c2a096f94/3/320x400.jpeg)
My expertise is working with individuals who are dealing with substance misuse, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, eating disorders, process addictions, and more.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. Being here means you are taking the next step towards creating meaningful change in your life. Maybe you are struggling with depression and feel overwhelmed by difficult thoughts and emotions. Or perhaps you are searching for recovery from a substance use disorder. You may even be navigating through changes in life that are manifesting feelings of fear, anger, or hopelessness.
My expertise is working with individuals who are dealing with substance misuse, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, eating disorders, process addictions, and more.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. Being here means you are taking the next step towards creating meaningful change in your life. Maybe you are struggling with depression and feel overwhelmed by difficult thoughts and emotions. Or perhaps you are searching for recovery from a substance use disorder. You may even be navigating through changes in life that are manifesting feelings of fear, anger, or hopelessness.
![Photo of Andrew Phillips, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a7a0513-9661-4c66-b050-55a1e3d1376a/1/320x400.png)
Hi, I’m Andrew, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist located in St. Charles. I have extensive experience helping individuals, couples and families improve their daily challenges. Whether you’re having difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction and other types of mental health, I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need.
Hi, I’m Andrew, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist located in St. Charles. I have extensive experience helping individuals, couples and families improve their daily challenges. Whether you’re having difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction and other types of mental health, I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need.
![Photo of Andrea M Barr - Barr Counseling & Associates, LTD, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1f886fe-9f8c-4151-b393-fe06f0c15ca7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barr Counseling & Associates, LTD
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60175 (Online Only)
I work with all age groups and issues from major trauma, depression and anxiety to the challenges, stressors and losses that arise in daily life.
I work from a collaborative approach to therapy, and view the therapeutic relationship as a journey that we embark upon together, as a team. I am down-to-earth, genuine, loyal and honest. Most of my clients tell me I am a lot like them or a "real" person. I believe in, promote and teach a work/life balance that people desire. My approach is client-centered yet interactive. I believe in the"Golden Rule"; treat others how you would want to be treated. I also love to laugh! Although therapy can be difficult at times, it can be fun.
I work with all age groups and issues from major trauma, depression and anxiety to the challenges, stressors and losses that arise in daily life.
I work from a collaborative approach to therapy, and view the therapeutic relationship as a journey that we embark upon together, as a team. I am down-to-earth, genuine, loyal and honest. Most of my clients tell me I am a lot like them or a "real" person. I believe in, promote and teach a work/life balance that people desire. My approach is client-centered yet interactive. I believe in the"Golden Rule"; treat others how you would want to be treated. I also love to laugh! Although therapy can be difficult at times, it can be fun.
See more therapy options for Saint Charles
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Saint Charles
- Bartlett
- Batavia
- Elburn
- Elgin
- Geneva
- Hanover Park
- North Aurora
- South Elgin
- Streamwood
- Warrenville
- West Chicago
- Winfield
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.