Depression Therapists in Bedford, MA
![Photo of Amy Myers, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce3041aa-7e64-4591-a600-c59f53704f1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My speciality areas include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and insomnia.
Life can make us feel stuck, unsure, down, scared, stressed, and emotionally drained. With all of life's transitions, ups and downs, adjustments, and surprises, it's no wonder that sometimes we all need a boost. Hope for a better tomorrow can be the first step in making change towards a brighter future. Being vulnerable to take that first step can be a difficult one, however one that can bring transformation, clarity, understanding, and validation that can keep us moving forward.
My speciality areas include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and insomnia.
Life can make us feel stuck, unsure, down, scared, stressed, and emotionally drained. With all of life's transitions, ups and downs, adjustments, and surprises, it's no wonder that sometimes we all need a boost. Hope for a better tomorrow can be the first step in making change towards a brighter future. Being vulnerable to take that first step can be a difficult one, however one that can bring transformation, clarity, understanding, and validation that can keep us moving forward.
![Photo of Karl J Toews, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c5a7d4e-5dfd-44d5-8e13-20e36efd9b80/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have an extensive background with people experiencing difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, and serious medical conditions.
Hi, I am a psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Do you feel stuck and things don't seem to be working out? No one expects to feel overwhelmed, but it happens to all of us. The question then becomes, “What’s next?” Psychotherapy has been scientifically shown to be helpful for people struggling with emotional stress, anxiety, and depression. I have the background to provide new ideas and structure for your concerns.
I have an extensive background with people experiencing difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, and serious medical conditions.
Hi, I am a psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Do you feel stuck and things don't seem to be working out? No one expects to feel overwhelmed, but it happens to all of us. The question then becomes, “What’s next?” Psychotherapy has been scientifically shown to be helpful for people struggling with emotional stress, anxiety, and depression. I have the background to provide new ideas and structure for your concerns.
![Photo of Jennifer N Cohen, LICSW, CMHIMP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b36964-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer N Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
Bedford, MA 01730
Waitlist for new clients
I assist clients in developing healthier coping and inter-personal skills that address topics related to: assertiveness, anger management, parenting strategies, managing mood disorders (anxiety and depression), impulse control, PTSD (EMDR), life transitions, grief, conflict resolution, mindfulness, sexuality, and stress management.
I think it is extremely courageous to admit we need help. I believe one of the most important criteria for successful treatment is to have a trusting, open, "therapeutic rapport" with a client. Without trust and a good connection, the therapeutic process cannot begin. With that in mind, I believe the first step is creating an environment safe from judgement and rich in support. My focus is to enable clients to acquire insight, skills, and motivation for emotional, cognitive, and behavioral transitions.I specialize in older adolescent and adult individual therapy as well as family and couples counseling.
I assist clients in developing healthier coping and inter-personal skills that address topics related to: assertiveness, anger management, parenting strategies, managing mood disorders (anxiety and depression), impulse control, PTSD (EMDR), life transitions, grief, conflict resolution, mindfulness, sexuality, and stress management.
I think it is extremely courageous to admit we need help. I believe one of the most important criteria for successful treatment is to have a trusting, open, "therapeutic rapport" with a client. Without trust and a good connection, the therapeutic process cannot begin. With that in mind, I believe the first step is creating an environment safe from judgement and rich in support. My focus is to enable clients to acquire insight, skills, and motivation for emotional, cognitive, and behavioral transitions.I specialize in older adolescent and adult individual therapy as well as family and couples counseling.
![Photo of Molly Hoopes, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa19578-dbe3-46af-b8a7-1380930a9612/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, self-esteem, transitions, and general life stress.
It takes courage and commitment to begin the therapy process. My approach is to create a warm, validating, and safe place in which we can explore your life’s challenges. We will work together to find ways to help you manage difficulties, calm your system, understand your patterns, improve your communication and relationships, and make more conscious choices. I will meet you where you are, and we will work on figuring out where you want to go and how to get there. I enjoy working with those who are new to therapy or who are seeking a fresh approach.
I specialize in working with women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, self-esteem, transitions, and general life stress.
It takes courage and commitment to begin the therapy process. My approach is to create a warm, validating, and safe place in which we can explore your life’s challenges. We will work together to find ways to help you manage difficulties, calm your system, understand your patterns, improve your communication and relationships, and make more conscious choices. I will meet you where you are, and we will work on figuring out where you want to go and how to get there. I enjoy working with those who are new to therapy or who are seeking a fresh approach.
![Photo of Jessica Leavell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49228707-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychologist specializing in the therapeutic reduction or elimination of chronic pain, stress related physical symptoms, stress reduction, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in numerous evidence based psychological therapies and specialize in a mind-body therapeutic approach. I offer tailored services based on the individual needs of each client. I am committed to helping you find the best path for your personal journey towards recovery. I provide compassionate, non-judgmental support and take the time to understand your individual situation. I service clients in Massachusetts and currently have openings.
I am a psychologist specializing in the therapeutic reduction or elimination of chronic pain, stress related physical symptoms, stress reduction, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in numerous evidence based psychological therapies and specialize in a mind-body therapeutic approach. I offer tailored services based on the individual needs of each client. I am committed to helping you find the best path for your personal journey towards recovery. I provide compassionate, non-judgmental support and take the time to understand your individual situation. I service clients in Massachusetts and currently have openings.
![Photo of Wendy M. Greene, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/404ca1d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are looking for help with relationship issues or ways to manage anxiety, depression, or problems of everyday life, choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you can make. When clients feel secure, valued, and understood in the therapeutic relationship, exploration and resolution of difficult life experiences or painful emotions becomes possible. Tailoring psychotherapy to each client's unique needs is one aspect of creating a secure therapeutic bond. I work in a flexible manner, based on experience in diverse schools of therapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal.
Whether you are looking for help with relationship issues or ways to manage anxiety, depression, or problems of everyday life, choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you can make. When clients feel secure, valued, and understood in the therapeutic relationship, exploration and resolution of difficult life experiences or painful emotions becomes possible. Tailoring psychotherapy to each client's unique needs is one aspect of creating a secure therapeutic bond. I work in a flexible manner, based on experience in diverse schools of therapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal.
![Photo of Christine Sorrenti, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fcede53-9cc8-441e-8b2a-be20ebbd14c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Sorrenti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bedford, MA 01730
I work most often treating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
My work aims to help individuals and couples better understand themselves in relation to the world around them and to their life experiences. I work with clients above age 16 all the way through the lifecycle. A specific focus of treatment is becoming more aware of habitual negative thinking and what drives those thoughts. I believe that when there is self-awareness, there can be behavior change. I offer a unique form of therapy, Mindfulness Meditation Therapy, where I teach meditation and mindfulness practices while processing the moment to moment experience.
I work most often treating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
My work aims to help individuals and couples better understand themselves in relation to the world around them and to their life experiences. I work with clients above age 16 all the way through the lifecycle. A specific focus of treatment is becoming more aware of habitual negative thinking and what drives those thoughts. I believe that when there is self-awareness, there can be behavior change. I offer a unique form of therapy, Mindfulness Meditation Therapy, where I teach meditation and mindfulness practices while processing the moment to moment experience.
![Photo of Susan Wilder, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c849521-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Wilder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bedford, MA 01730 (Online Only)
I work with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety stemming from trauma, addictions and loss.
I am a down to earth and flexible clinician available to work with individuals seeking to improve their skills in developing positive relationships and to become more effective in managing their lives. I am available to work with adolescents and adults who are struggling to cope with life's stresses. I enjoy taking a person centered approach with clients to help them discover and define specific skills they will need to better manage life's challenges. I encourage clients to learn and practice new strategies using methods derived from CBT and DBT to better understand and cope with their emotions.
I work with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety stemming from trauma, addictions and loss.
I am a down to earth and flexible clinician available to work with individuals seeking to improve their skills in developing positive relationships and to become more effective in managing their lives. I am available to work with adolescents and adults who are struggling to cope with life's stresses. I enjoy taking a person centered approach with clients to help them discover and define specific skills they will need to better manage life's challenges. I encourage clients to learn and practice new strategies using methods derived from CBT and DBT to better understand and cope with their emotions.
![Photo of Lara Harris-David, MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f80886-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If there is one thing we can count on in life is change--expected or unexpected; wanted or unwanted. Perhaps it is a loss, a difficult transition, a new diagnosis, chronic pain, becoming a caregiver, parenting a child with a disability--it could be anything that significantly alters your life plans, your relationships, expectations, sense of self, and day-to-day functioning. People often experience depression, anxiety, relational tension, and feel overwhelmed when faced with a challenging life issue, whether the challenge is short or long-term.
If there is one thing we can count on in life is change--expected or unexpected; wanted or unwanted. Perhaps it is a loss, a difficult transition, a new diagnosis, chronic pain, becoming a caregiver, parenting a child with a disability--it could be anything that significantly alters your life plans, your relationships, expectations, sense of self, and day-to-day functioning. People often experience depression, anxiety, relational tension, and feel overwhelmed when faced with a challenging life issue, whether the challenge is short or long-term.
![Photo of Christine Kensicki, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a13837e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone has a time in their life when they need help. I have been helping people understand their difficulties and develop strategies and skills to overcome those struggles for over 15 years. As a clinical Social Worker I have worked in many different therapeutic settings aiding individuals with various problems including depression, anxiety, family and couples issues, academic difficulties, and health and wellness struggles. I believe that once you learn how to focus on what is going on inside of you and become more accepting of it; you will have the power to heal yourself.
Everyone has a time in their life when they need help. I have been helping people understand their difficulties and develop strategies and skills to overcome those struggles for over 15 years. As a clinical Social Worker I have worked in many different therapeutic settings aiding individuals with various problems including depression, anxiety, family and couples issues, academic difficulties, and health and wellness struggles. I believe that once you learn how to focus on what is going on inside of you and become more accepting of it; you will have the power to heal yourself.
![Photo of Amy Barr, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/905dc006-c6de-4cb1-8e2b-4b271685ef8b/1/320x400.png)
Amy Barr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bedford, MA 01730 (Online Only)
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, families, and parents. My focus when working with clients is to help them through life transitions with a person-centered and empathic approach, utilizing your strengths. We will explore strategies and skills that you can take with you beyond our time together. Those that benefit from a stength-based, skills building approach may identify as having anxiety, depression, self-esteem worries, or trauma.
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, families, and parents. My focus when working with clients is to help them through life transitions with a person-centered and empathic approach, utilizing your strengths. We will explore strategies and skills that you can take with you beyond our time together. Those that benefit from a stength-based, skills building approach may identify as having anxiety, depression, self-esteem worries, or trauma.
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![Photo of Emmadora Boutcher, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eff03867-2bed-4696-b5ef-a23fa116c294/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emmadora Boutcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bedford, MA 01730 (Online Only)
Anxiety and depression often hold us back from moving forward. I am passionate about getting you unstuck. I understand how hard it can be to figure out how to get out of your own way sometimes. I have an overflowing toolbox of techniques to help you manage stress, tension, depression, anxiety, and the life situations that can feel overwhelming. We might focus on assertiveness skills, or mindfulness, or distress tolerance techniques. I'm interested in finding what works for you!
Anxiety and depression often hold us back from moving forward. I am passionate about getting you unstuck. I understand how hard it can be to figure out how to get out of your own way sometimes. I have an overflowing toolbox of techniques to help you manage stress, tension, depression, anxiety, and the life situations that can feel overwhelming. We might focus on assertiveness skills, or mindfulness, or distress tolerance techniques. I'm interested in finding what works for you!
![Photo of Carol Bittenson, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2be007dc-ac80-4fa3-9a26-2635d6ea8fad/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Bittenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bedford, MA 01730 (Online Only)
My style is direct, active, and supportive, listening with caring and empathy, and providing effective feedback. I want to understand who you are and the challenges you are experiencing, such as coping with serious illness, loss of a loved one, stress resulting from difficulty conceiving a child, a primary relationship that isn’t working, or a work related issue. You may be experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety or depression. As we work together, you will learn strategies that will help you create the changes you desire and to feel better.
My style is direct, active, and supportive, listening with caring and empathy, and providing effective feedback. I want to understand who you are and the challenges you are experiencing, such as coping with serious illness, loss of a loved one, stress resulting from difficulty conceiving a child, a primary relationship that isn’t working, or a work related issue. You may be experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety or depression. As we work together, you will learn strategies that will help you create the changes you desire and to feel better.
![Photo of Julia Robbins, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38d8e574-7a63-437e-9ec7-ef8af95005a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space for individuals to navigate the difficulties in their lives and celebrate their strengths and successes. I specialize in helping pregnant and postpartum women adjust to the life changes that come with parenthood. I am also passionate about working with adults struggling with relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and parenting. I approach my work with warmth and empathy and my hope is that my clients feel safe and at ease.
I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space for individuals to navigate the difficulties in their lives and celebrate their strengths and successes. I specialize in helping pregnant and postpartum women adjust to the life changes that come with parenthood. I am also passionate about working with adults struggling with relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and parenting. I approach my work with warmth and empathy and my hope is that my clients feel safe and at ease.
![Photo of Lauren Steeves, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa9bb6ac-1816-477d-b162-2a5e0b32ee80/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals and/or loved ones of individuals struggling with issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, adjustments, bereavement, eating disorders, family/marital conflict, psychotic disorders, and behavioral issues. I have worked in various settings such as: psychiatric hospitals, group homes, day treatment programs, and outpatient counseling offices. My specialty lies within the adolescent (16yo+) & young adult populations, as well as the Eating Disorder, chronic mental health, and Borderline Personality populations.
I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals and/or loved ones of individuals struggling with issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, adjustments, bereavement, eating disorders, family/marital conflict, psychotic disorders, and behavioral issues. I have worked in various settings such as: psychiatric hospitals, group homes, day treatment programs, and outpatient counseling offices. My specialty lies within the adolescent (16yo+) & young adult populations, as well as the Eating Disorder, chronic mental health, and Borderline Personality populations.
![Photo of Jill E Sieverts, PhD, LMFT, EdS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fa88ceb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I became a marriage counselor because I am pro-marriage & pro-family. I specialize in repairing marriages in crisis. I help people identify their relationship strengths and challenges and I give them the tools to restore their emotional connection. For couples on the brink of divorce, I offer the cutting-edge option of Discernment Counseling. This brief process helps couples develop clarity and confidence about how to move forward. I work with adults to solve personal, psychological, & relational issues including: Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition Issues, Grief Recovery, Parenting through Divorce and Divorce Recovery.
I became a marriage counselor because I am pro-marriage & pro-family. I specialize in repairing marriages in crisis. I help people identify their relationship strengths and challenges and I give them the tools to restore their emotional connection. For couples on the brink of divorce, I offer the cutting-edge option of Discernment Counseling. This brief process helps couples develop clarity and confidence about how to move forward. I work with adults to solve personal, psychological, & relational issues including: Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition Issues, Grief Recovery, Parenting through Divorce and Divorce Recovery.
![Photo of Joe DeAngelis, LICSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd80597-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joe DeAngelis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bedford, MA 01730
Are you as happy as you'd like to be? I can help you understand and address the root causes of what's blocking you from accomplishing what you want in life. Whether it's help with a recent 'life transition' situation, or dealing with longer-standing issues of depression, anxiety or difficulties in relationships, I'm confident I can help.
Are you as happy as you'd like to be? I can help you understand and address the root causes of what's blocking you from accomplishing what you want in life. Whether it's help with a recent 'life transition' situation, or dealing with longer-standing issues of depression, anxiety or difficulties in relationships, I'm confident I can help.
![Photo of Rhea Molly Koch-Sultan, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bc5753c-beee-4121-be0f-c9603021105a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rhea Molly Koch-Sultan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bedford, MA 01730 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating women and men with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma histories, relationship issues and those struggling with addiction.
I know how difficult life can be at times. But it is possible to solve seemingly insoluble problems. There is always a way to find a path out of the woods. I can help you. I am comfortable helping you if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction divorce and other conditions. I would like to use my knowledge and experience to turn a hard time into a positive way of living.
I specialize in treating women and men with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma histories, relationship issues and those struggling with addiction.
I know how difficult life can be at times. But it is possible to solve seemingly insoluble problems. There is always a way to find a path out of the woods. I can help you. I am comfortable helping you if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction divorce and other conditions. I would like to use my knowledge and experience to turn a hard time into a positive way of living.
![Photo of Abby Hutchings, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f537af8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
•As of 9-1-2024 I have an opening on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm - email me to find out more• If you are reading this, right now, it is probably not an easy time in your life. Psychotherapy can be a truly life changing process. It works to gradually loosen stuck patterns in one's life, leaving more room for vitality and creativity. You may be trying to heal from past wounds, experiencing anxiety, loneliness, depression, or wishing for more closeness with friends and family.
•As of 9-1-2024 I have an opening on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm - email me to find out more• If you are reading this, right now, it is probably not an easy time in your life. Psychotherapy can be a truly life changing process. It works to gradually loosen stuck patterns in one's life, leaving more room for vitality and creativity. You may be trying to heal from past wounds, experiencing anxiety, loneliness, depression, or wishing for more closeness with friends and family.
![Photo of Aliki Pishev - Center for Life Solutions, Inc., LICSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a95fcbf-087e-4612-8015-05a8da8246e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
We have professional therapists who have experience, knowledge and skills in a variety of areas: depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar, relationship issues, perinatal and post partum issues, and so many other areas.
Welcome! We are accepting new clients. We accept insurance and offer telehealth appointments. I takes courage and strength to reach out for help. We are here to support and guide you so that you can make the changes you need and ultimately, reach your goals. We have seasoned therapists with a variety of areas of expertise. You and your therapist will begin a journey toward the kind of life you have always wanted. We teach you practical tools whether you're struggling with anxiety or a relationship, we can help you achieve the goals you desire!
We have professional therapists who have experience, knowledge and skills in a variety of areas: depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar, relationship issues, perinatal and post partum issues, and so many other areas.
Welcome! We are accepting new clients. We accept insurance and offer telehealth appointments. I takes courage and strength to reach out for help. We are here to support and guide you so that you can make the changes you need and ultimately, reach your goals. We have seasoned therapists with a variety of areas of expertise. You and your therapist will begin a journey toward the kind of life you have always wanted. We teach you practical tools whether you're struggling with anxiety or a relationship, we can help you achieve the goals you desire!
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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.