Depression Therapists in Yorkville, IL
![Photo of Mercedes Laws, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98c27ad0-7df1-4b1d-a469-6a35fa3c93b2/2/320x400.png)
Mercedes Laws
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560
I work with various issues including addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, social skills, difficulty adjusting to major life changes, family and marital issues and support.
Hello! Taking the first step and choosing a counselor to talk to when you are struggling can be overwhelming, and I am so glad you are here. I understand you may feel alone, anxious, or even a bit down but this is the first step in creating a better you! My approach is honest, relatable, and knowledgeable. As a team, we will establish goals and begin working to achieve them. We will identify your personal strengths and support you in using these strengths to overcome life's challenges. I can help you find a path to feeling better and stronger emotionally as an individual as well as in your relationships
I work with various issues including addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, social skills, difficulty adjusting to major life changes, family and marital issues and support.
Hello! Taking the first step and choosing a counselor to talk to when you are struggling can be overwhelming, and I am so glad you are here. I understand you may feel alone, anxious, or even a bit down but this is the first step in creating a better you! My approach is honest, relatable, and knowledgeable. As a team, we will establish goals and begin working to achieve them. We will identify your personal strengths and support you in using these strengths to overcome life's challenges. I can help you find a path to feeling better and stronger emotionally as an individual as well as in your relationships
![Photo of Valerie A Arwood, LCSW, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b73682d-6596-48ec-abc6-f520b59e9739/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie A Arwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560
I work with adults and teens! Do you or your teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you trying to push through each day only to feel like you're exhausted and not moving in the right direction? I want you to know, I'm here to help! Finding someone that's a good fit and asking for help is the first step in your journey to feeling better. It’s my belief, everyone should have a place where they feel safe and supported while processing their life stressors. Whether it be anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, or relationships difficulties.
I work with adults and teens! Do you or your teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you trying to push through each day only to feel like you're exhausted and not moving in the right direction? I want you to know, I'm here to help! Finding someone that's a good fit and asking for help is the first step in your journey to feeling better. It’s my belief, everyone should have a place where they feel safe and supported while processing their life stressors. Whether it be anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, or relationships difficulties.
![Photo of Raul Arambula, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d189e23-9330-4e49-95a9-9befa5f88fca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Raul S. Arambula, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate Licensed Social Worker based in Illinois, dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. Armed with a Master’s of Social Work from Southern Illinois University, Raul specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to guide individuals through challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, coping skills, and self-esteem. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Raul possesses a profound understanding of the Latinx community and diverse cultures. This enables him to establish meaningful connections and provide culturally sensitive therapy.
Raul S. Arambula, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate Licensed Social Worker based in Illinois, dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. Armed with a Master’s of Social Work from Southern Illinois University, Raul specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to guide individuals through challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, coping skills, and self-esteem. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Raul possesses a profound understanding of the Latinx community and diverse cultures. This enables him to establish meaningful connections and provide culturally sensitive therapy.
![Photo of Touwanna Edwards, PsyD, CADC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/749d449d-e86e-4669-a9b6-7f345f699eea/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Certified Addictions Counselor, Dr. Touwanna Edwards specializes in family-based interventions for adults, couples therapy, issues of diversity, and addictions. Her practice includes treating anxiety, depression, grief, personality disorders, codependency traits, self-esteem, transitional stages in life, addiction maintenance, and recovery. Additionally, she is an alumna of the Chicago area Christian Training Consortium where she received specialized clinical training in the integration of faith-based practice and psychology.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Certified Addictions Counselor, Dr. Touwanna Edwards specializes in family-based interventions for adults, couples therapy, issues of diversity, and addictions. Her practice includes treating anxiety, depression, grief, personality disorders, codependency traits, self-esteem, transitional stages in life, addiction maintenance, and recovery. Additionally, she is an alumna of the Chicago area Christian Training Consortium where she received specialized clinical training in the integration of faith-based practice and psychology.
![Photo of Kyle Fiore, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b50263f-df5d-4eb3-960f-8287231d0efe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kyle Fiore is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. Kyle takes a no-nonsense approach to helping his clients. He is empathetic and soothing. Kyle tries to bring humor and his genuine self into sessions. His clinical interests include helping others struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, emerging adulthood, and gaming culture. Kyle is confident that, together, he can help you heal and help you move forward in life differently. His therapeutic style is firmly rooted in a client-centered approach.
Kyle Fiore is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. Kyle takes a no-nonsense approach to helping his clients. He is empathetic and soothing. Kyle tries to bring humor and his genuine self into sessions. His clinical interests include helping others struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, emerging adulthood, and gaming culture. Kyle is confident that, together, he can help you heal and help you move forward in life differently. His therapeutic style is firmly rooted in a client-centered approach.
![Photo of Jeannine Pacetti, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/191288b5-b112-40c3-8d4d-3249e132121a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeannine Pacetti, LPC, RD, LDN Strives to help clients achieve healthy relationships and life balance. She serves clients of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and more. Jeannine is a licensed professional counselor, registered dietitian, and has over 25 years experience in education & clinical settings. She's a well respected therapist and advocate and was named School Counselor of the Year in her academic role and has developed a nationally recognized school counseling program. In therapy, Jeannine uses CBT, Healthy Mindset & Lifestyle, and Holistic Wellness to achieve client goals.
Jeannine Pacetti, LPC, RD, LDN Strives to help clients achieve healthy relationships and life balance. She serves clients of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and more. Jeannine is a licensed professional counselor, registered dietitian, and has over 25 years experience in education & clinical settings. She's a well respected therapist and advocate and was named School Counselor of the Year in her academic role and has developed a nationally recognized school counseling program. In therapy, Jeannine uses CBT, Healthy Mindset & Lifestyle, and Holistic Wellness to achieve client goals.
![Photo of Christine Caputo, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41878c45-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a number of clients clients including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Several issues I feel comfortable working with include anxiety, depression, stress management, grief issues, adjustment and change issues, Bipolar Disorders, working through past trauma, issues with self-injury, suicidal ideation, sexual/verbal/emotional/physical abuse issues, self-esteem/self-worth issues, bullying, communication issues, sexual or intimacy struggles. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA community and other gender and sexually diverse populations.
I work with a number of clients clients including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Several issues I feel comfortable working with include anxiety, depression, stress management, grief issues, adjustment and change issues, Bipolar Disorders, working through past trauma, issues with self-injury, suicidal ideation, sexual/verbal/emotional/physical abuse issues, self-esteem/self-worth issues, bullying, communication issues, sexual or intimacy struggles. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA community and other gender and sexually diverse populations.
![Photo of Marguerite Stiefbold, LMFT, EdD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d35b66e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marguerite Stiefbold
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EdD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560
I am trained to work with a variety of clients and issues as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing for over 30 years and work with families, couples, children, and individuals who are struggling with a variety of problems. Some of the things that I offer are; help to families in times of stress, assistance to couples confronted with challenges, help for children and parents experiencing developmental struggles, support for times of loss and the grief issues that result from death, divorce or separations, help for those experiencing depression and anxiety, etc.
I am trained to work with a variety of clients and issues as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing for over 30 years and work with families, couples, children, and individuals who are struggling with a variety of problems. Some of the things that I offer are; help to families in times of stress, assistance to couples confronted with challenges, help for children and parents experiencing developmental struggles, support for times of loss and the grief issues that result from death, divorce or separations, help for those experiencing depression and anxiety, etc.
![Photo of Cloie Mcphail, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fc2c6c8-3bb7-4ec9-a2dc-e23e3492beeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cloie Mcphail
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560 (Online Only)
For the past 7 years I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, ADHD, oppositional defiance, domestic violence, grief, crisis, LGBTQIA specific issues, and other social and emotional challenges.
I have a specialty in working with members of the LGBTQIA community. I consider and provide care that is specific to the needs of these individuals. I am able to provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy to these clients. I assist in linking clients to medical professionals, if necessary, for living an authentic life and affirming their gender identity. I have knowledge specific to issues of this population including sexual orientation and gender exploration, gender transition, gender dysphoria, relationship and sexual issues, and family/social issues.
For the past 7 years I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, ADHD, oppositional defiance, domestic violence, grief, crisis, LGBTQIA specific issues, and other social and emotional challenges.
I have a specialty in working with members of the LGBTQIA community. I consider and provide care that is specific to the needs of these individuals. I am able to provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy to these clients. I assist in linking clients to medical professionals, if necessary, for living an authentic life and affirming their gender identity. I have knowledge specific to issues of this population including sexual orientation and gender exploration, gender transition, gender dysphoria, relationship and sexual issues, and family/social issues.
![Photo of Miranda Brennan, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f731bac5-8de6-43b5-a96e-194705491ed6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Miranda Brennan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560
I earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and am a Licensed Social Worker. I have provided counseling to clients since 2021 in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and community mental health. My professional experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children. I specializes in engaging with adolescents who may be experiencing a multitude of behavioral and mental struggles including anxiety and depression.
I earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and am a Licensed Social Worker. I have provided counseling to clients since 2021 in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and community mental health. My professional experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children. I specializes in engaging with adolescents who may be experiencing a multitude of behavioral and mental struggles including anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Laura Donavon, LCSW, CADC, CODP I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a47e02e4-a866-4a1d-a79b-9b62b0bd7a2f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Donavon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, CODP I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorkville, IL 60560
My practice experience covers a range of presenting concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, challenging relationship dynamics, court ordered treatment, and life transitions.
With over 25 years of social work practice experience and over 10 years as a social work educator, I consider it a privilege to be able to partner with others to identify strategies to overcome current challenges, and navigate life stressors. I have extensive experience and expansive knowledge working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and emerging professionals. Empathetic, strengths-based approaches are the core of the focus of my work.
My practice experience covers a range of presenting concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, challenging relationship dynamics, court ordered treatment, and life transitions.
With over 25 years of social work practice experience and over 10 years as a social work educator, I consider it a privilege to be able to partner with others to identify strategies to overcome current challenges, and navigate life stressors. I have extensive experience and expansive knowledge working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and emerging professionals. Empathetic, strengths-based approaches are the core of the focus of my work.
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Goldenstein Psychological Services -GPS
![Photo of Dr. Eleni Malamis, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75d68bbb-1fbd-40b5-959e-90de11cc8bf6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has devoted my clinical work to assisting adult individuals with a broad spectrum of concerns. I provide warm and caring support to those struggling with life's challenges. Specifically, I enjoy working with individuals in the following areas: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, low self-esteem, communication, and relationship concerns.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has devoted my clinical work to assisting adult individuals with a broad spectrum of concerns. I provide warm and caring support to those struggling with life's challenges. Specifically, I enjoy working with individuals in the following areas: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, low self-esteem, communication, and relationship concerns.
![Photo of Gita Mahanti, MA, LCSW, CYT, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4faa8738-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gita Mahanti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, CYT, SEP
Verified Verified
Yorkville, IL 60560
I have experience providing services to those who have struggles with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems and stress management.
Therapy involves empathy, a nonjudgmental attitude and the creation of a safe space where you learn to break free of old ideas and patterns that are restricting your happiness. The relationship between the therapist and the client is the foundation for therapeutic change. I value the impact of one’s culture and life circumstances all the while recognizing the importance of one’s relationships and sense of belonging. I know the importance of needing to be acknowledged during life’s most difficult times. I strive to provide an atmosphere of warmth to foster unconditional regard and a deeper understanding of life’s problems.
I have experience providing services to those who have struggles with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems and stress management.
Therapy involves empathy, a nonjudgmental attitude and the creation of a safe space where you learn to break free of old ideas and patterns that are restricting your happiness. The relationship between the therapist and the client is the foundation for therapeutic change. I value the impact of one’s culture and life circumstances all the while recognizing the importance of one’s relationships and sense of belonging. I know the importance of needing to be acknowledged during life’s most difficult times. I strive to provide an atmosphere of warmth to foster unconditional regard and a deeper understanding of life’s problems.
![Photo of Adianis Contreras, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ed9845f-df04-42d9-b6cf-d3e99aaa2eb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Prior to joining LifeStance Health, Adianis worked at a university clinic helping students struggling with trauma related stress, self-abuse, acculturation issues, dissociation of traumatic events, depression, life transitions, oppression, suicidal risk, anxiety management, and challenging irrational beliefs.
Adianis Contreras, LPC, wants each of her clients to reach a place of hope. Hope is the precursor of change. Without hope, it is difficult to come up with a goal or create steps to get out of an undesired situation. Adianis received a psychology degree from University of Missouri and she has completed her Master's Degree in mental health counseling.
Prior to joining LifeStance Health, Adianis worked at a university clinic helping students struggling with trauma related stress, self-abuse, acculturation issues, dissociation of traumatic events, depression, life transitions, oppression, suicidal risk, anxiety management, and challenging irrational beliefs.
Adianis Contreras, LPC, wants each of her clients to reach a place of hope. Hope is the precursor of change. Without hope, it is difficult to come up with a goal or create steps to get out of an undesired situation. Adianis received a psychology degree from University of Missouri and she has completed her Master's Degree in mental health counseling.
![Photo of Donna Swanson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f400b82-1232-4a04-80c7-c020e762444b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Donna Swanson, LCSW, keeps conversations simple, honest and direct during therapy sessions. She believes everyone has the potential for growth at their own pace and that even the smallest gains can make a huge difference. Donna received a BA from Rockford University and a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She has over 25 years of experiences in police social work and home health / hospice care. Donna is skilled at addressing numerous issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, divorce and adolescent problems.
Donna Swanson, LCSW, keeps conversations simple, honest and direct during therapy sessions. She believes everyone has the potential for growth at their own pace and that even the smallest gains can make a huge difference. Donna received a BA from Rockford University and a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She has over 25 years of experiences in police social work and home health / hospice care. Donna is skilled at addressing numerous issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, divorce and adolescent problems.
![Photo of Erin Staley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74bd63ef-a8df-4119-9ada-72b25ebcbf01/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Staley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience specializing in suicidality and self-harm, depression, anxiety, trauma informed care and PTSD, co-occurring and personality disorders, as well as personal wellness. Erin treats patients between the ages of 15 and 64 utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, all with a person-centered approach. Erin has extensive experience counseling adults, first responders, and those experiencing difficulties as a result of borderline and anti-social personality disorder.
Erin Staley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience specializing in suicidality and self-harm, depression, anxiety, trauma informed care and PTSD, co-occurring and personality disorders, as well as personal wellness. Erin treats patients between the ages of 15 and 64 utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, all with a person-centered approach. Erin has extensive experience counseling adults, first responders, and those experiencing difficulties as a result of borderline and anti-social personality disorder.
![Photo of Shelby Phillips, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/368cb8fd-d027-44a9-9d44-b360ed14d4d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her main areas of focus include anxiety, depression and trauma.
Shelby is a Licensed Social Worker, who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Psychology. Then went on to obtain her Masters of Social Work at Aurora University with a focus in Addictions. Shelby believes in the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness as the backdrop for her clinical approach. Shelby focuses on the clients thoughts and feelings in relation to how they interact in relationships and with the world at large.
Her main areas of focus include anxiety, depression and trauma.
Shelby is a Licensed Social Worker, who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Psychology. Then went on to obtain her Masters of Social Work at Aurora University with a focus in Addictions. Shelby believes in the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness as the backdrop for her clinical approach. Shelby focuses on the clients thoughts and feelings in relation to how they interact in relationships and with the world at large.
![Photo of Rachel Kistler, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a985f7c3-121b-4ea4-a221-df66ae4bf1d6/1/320x400.png)
Rachel is a Licensed Social Worker with over 4 years of experience in the social work field and 1 year of experience in the clinical field specializing in depression, anxiety, gender identity issues, child behavioral issues, and life transitions. Rachel treats patients between the ages of 11 and 90 utilizing strength-based cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solution-focused therapy to treat her clients. Rachel has a copious amount of experience counseling children, families, couples, and adolescents in a therapeutic setting.
Rachel is a Licensed Social Worker with over 4 years of experience in the social work field and 1 year of experience in the clinical field specializing in depression, anxiety, gender identity issues, child behavioral issues, and life transitions. Rachel treats patients between the ages of 11 and 90 utilizing strength-based cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solution-focused therapy to treat her clients. Rachel has a copious amount of experience counseling children, families, couples, and adolescents in a therapeutic setting.
![Photo of Sakina Crosby, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52560962-3767-4fe2-a8dc-825c881784f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sakina Crosby is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. Sakina has experience working with adolescents and adults. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, grief, domestic abuse, self-injury, and mood disorders. Sakina utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness-based therapy. Sakina views every client as an individual and strives to meet clients where they are.
Sakina Crosby is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. Sakina has experience working with adolescents and adults. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, grief, domestic abuse, self-injury, and mood disorders. Sakina utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness-based therapy. Sakina views every client as an individual and strives to meet clients where they are.
![Photo of Elizabeth Fannin, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aa56a48-ebab-4cab-ae74-5f193d61e6db/1/320x400.jpeg)
In her practice, Beth offers individual and family therapy, addressing a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Beth Fannin, LCSW, practices at LifeStance Health in Illinois, where she helps clients identify and break maladaptive coping patterns to achieve their desired lives. Beth employs exposure response prevention (ERP) and provides education to the client’s support system to ensure progress continues outside of therapy. Serving adults, Beth is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and understanding. Beth is particularly passionate about treating trauma, OCD, and PTSD.
In her practice, Beth offers individual and family therapy, addressing a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Beth Fannin, LCSW, practices at LifeStance Health in Illinois, where she helps clients identify and break maladaptive coping patterns to achieve their desired lives. Beth employs exposure response prevention (ERP) and provides education to the client’s support system to ensure progress continues outside of therapy. Serving adults, Beth is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and understanding. Beth is particularly passionate about treating trauma, OCD, and PTSD.
See more therapy options for Yorkville
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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.