Depression Therapists in Ellsworth, ME
![Photo of Scott Flagg - Dr. Scott Flagg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef6b6c50-eaf6-431d-bd59-e831ee8cebcd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a mindfulness influenced, cognitive-behavioral therapist who provides services that include psychological evaluations and individual/couples/family therapy. I have extensive experience working with adults with a variety of issues including: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Bipolar disorder, and Self-regulation concerns. I also teach a variety of meditative techniques with an emphasis on compassion and self-awareness. I am a graduate of Florida State University and hold a combined PhD in Counseling and School Psychology. Call today to see how I can help you!
I am a mindfulness influenced, cognitive-behavioral therapist who provides services that include psychological evaluations and individual/couples/family therapy. I have extensive experience working with adults with a variety of issues including: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Bipolar disorder, and Self-regulation concerns. I also teach a variety of meditative techniques with an emphasis on compassion and self-awareness. I am a graduate of Florida State University and hold a combined PhD in Counseling and School Psychology. Call today to see how I can help you!
![Photo of Ellen Sherwood, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8153fa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe all human behavior is oriented toward growth, no matter how misguided or "crazy" it may seem. Perhaps you feel out of balance with your emotions, relationships, work, or spirit. You may be experiencing a crisis, a life transition, or simply desire to know yourself better. My practice is limited to individual psychotherapy with adults. I'm trained to work with anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as the deeper unconscious influences to emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Our work is guided by your specific concerns and what you wish to change. My aim is to provide a safe and respectful space for self-exploration.
I believe all human behavior is oriented toward growth, no matter how misguided or "crazy" it may seem. Perhaps you feel out of balance with your emotions, relationships, work, or spirit. You may be experiencing a crisis, a life transition, or simply desire to know yourself better. My practice is limited to individual psychotherapy with adults. I'm trained to work with anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as the deeper unconscious influences to emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Our work is guided by your specific concerns and what you wish to change. My aim is to provide a safe and respectful space for self-exploration.
![Photo of Dede Ragot, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/623fe397-9ce7-4fd4-a185-4383c825354e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dede Ragot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Waitlist for new clients
My scope of practice includes trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA, interpersonal issues, bereavement, coping with chronic illness, grief and loss, parenting, aging, and isolation/loneliness.
Welcome to my practice! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of varied experience in the field. I provide telehealth and traditional in office sessions. Life comes with so many stressors and challenges. I believe that everyone deserves to have support and help along the way. I provide a personalized, strength-based, and supportive environment to address whatever struggles you may be facing. I offer a safe and inclusive space in which to process, develop coping skills, and learn grounding strategies to increase resilience and wellbeing.
My scope of practice includes trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA, interpersonal issues, bereavement, coping with chronic illness, grief and loss, parenting, aging, and isolation/loneliness.
Welcome to my practice! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of varied experience in the field. I provide telehealth and traditional in office sessions. Life comes with so many stressors and challenges. I believe that everyone deserves to have support and help along the way. I provide a personalized, strength-based, and supportive environment to address whatever struggles you may be facing. I offer a safe and inclusive space in which to process, develop coping skills, and learn grounding strategies to increase resilience and wellbeing.
![Photo of Bronwyn E Umphrey - Bronwyn Umphrey , MEd, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/993da6ea-b004-44b0-85ea-630dde61f402/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer integrative psychotherapy specializing in a mindfulness-centered form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I have over 20 years experience treating anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, trauma, body image, chronic illness, stress, relationship issues, and working with life transitions from a holistic perspective. My work focuses on helping people strengthen capacities to cope with the challenges of their lives, recover an authentic sense of self, and deepen into healthy, resonant relationships. My focus is to engage in a collaborative effort to support discovering one's potential and a life that is worth celebrating.
I offer integrative psychotherapy specializing in a mindfulness-centered form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I have over 20 years experience treating anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, trauma, body image, chronic illness, stress, relationship issues, and working with life transitions from a holistic perspective. My work focuses on helping people strengthen capacities to cope with the challenges of their lives, recover an authentic sense of self, and deepen into healthy, resonant relationships. My focus is to engage in a collaborative effort to support discovering one's potential and a life that is worth celebrating.
![Photo of Charlotte Miles Young, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d548c5d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working with individuals, couples, parents and families for over 30 years and I bring the benefit of this experience to your problems and issues. I look for the patterns that maintain dysfunctional relationships and help you to change these patterns so that the system can move to healthy functioning for the benefit of all members. For most people, problems in their significant relationships are the source of a great pain and suffering, sometimes manifesting in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addictions. The resolution of problems in relationships can help to alleviate some of these serious issues.
I have been working with individuals, couples, parents and families for over 30 years and I bring the benefit of this experience to your problems and issues. I look for the patterns that maintain dysfunctional relationships and help you to change these patterns so that the system can move to healthy functioning for the benefit of all members. For most people, problems in their significant relationships are the source of a great pain and suffering, sometimes manifesting in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addictions. The resolution of problems in relationships can help to alleviate some of these serious issues.
![Photo of Veronica L Young, LC22477, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f60d2a3e-f24c-4060-ac92-b05e99f565cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced psychotherapist with a consulting practice designed to help you manage feelings associated with bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, anxiety and depression.
My approach is always designed for your specific needs. Sometimes short-term therapy is enough to resolve an issue but if longer term sessions are needed for a chronic or more complex challenge, I can provide that too. My specialized training and experience include dreamwork, psychoanalysis and play therapy, including an appreciation of the role of your nervous system. I am a gender-affirming and polyamory -affirming therapist committed to helping you develop insights necessary to understand your behavior, relieve your pain and move beyond whatever is holding you back. Together we will get to the root of what is bothering you.
I am an experienced psychotherapist with a consulting practice designed to help you manage feelings associated with bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, anxiety and depression.
My approach is always designed for your specific needs. Sometimes short-term therapy is enough to resolve an issue but if longer term sessions are needed for a chronic or more complex challenge, I can provide that too. My specialized training and experience include dreamwork, psychoanalysis and play therapy, including an appreciation of the role of your nervous system. I am a gender-affirming and polyamory -affirming therapist committed to helping you develop insights necessary to understand your behavior, relieve your pain and move beyond whatever is holding you back. Together we will get to the root of what is bothering you.
![Photo of Eve M Toomey - Innerguidance Counseling, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/917e3207-0d34-4018-8924-c5ced5d20703/3/320x400.jpeg)
Innerguidance Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in assisting with symptoms reduction for depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship struggles.
Hello! Welcome to your healing journey. I am glad you are taking the time to read this. Let me tell you a bit about me, so that you can see if I may be a fit for what you are seeking. My expertise is in holistic based therapy. This means I like to look at the whole picture; mind, body and spirit. I am trained in ACT, EMDR, NET, past life regression, meditation, guided imagery. I am a certified herbalist, and can assist in finding natural options for symptom reduction and optimal health. I provide clinical supervision for other mental health therapists. I am currently seeing clients and supervisees both virtually and in person.
I specialize in assisting with symptoms reduction for depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship struggles.
Hello! Welcome to your healing journey. I am glad you are taking the time to read this. Let me tell you a bit about me, so that you can see if I may be a fit for what you are seeking. My expertise is in holistic based therapy. This means I like to look at the whole picture; mind, body and spirit. I am trained in ACT, EMDR, NET, past life regression, meditation, guided imagery. I am a certified herbalist, and can assist in finding natural options for symptom reduction and optimal health. I provide clinical supervision for other mental health therapists. I am currently seeing clients and supervisees both virtually and in person.
![Photo of Rochelle Williams - Rochelle- Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/846aa724-04b6-4a31-b8c1-34f762e2de58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rochelle- Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
I have worked with individuals who have experienced anger issues, domestic violence, depression, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, and significant loss.
Hello, my name is Rochelle Williams. I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) with a wealth of experience in counseling and social services. I am trained in various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, narrative therapy, relationship counseling, structural family therapy, and psychoeducational. My professional journey is marked by a commitment to providing high-quality care to my clients and a drive to continuously improve my skills and knowledge.
I have worked with individuals who have experienced anger issues, domestic violence, depression, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, and significant loss.
Hello, my name is Rochelle Williams. I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) with a wealth of experience in counseling and social services. I am trained in various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, narrative therapy, relationship counseling, structural family therapy, and psychoeducational. My professional journey is marked by a commitment to providing high-quality care to my clients and a drive to continuously improve my skills and knowledge.
![Photo of Jade Brown - Jade-Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82f59cdb-20e7-4898-bbc0-6d74476121e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jade-Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
I have provided services for intensive outpatient substance use, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, parenting support, grief counseling, work and career issues, stress management, personal development & growth.
My name is Jade Brown, and I have spent nearly a decade in the helping profession. I began my career as a Child Protective Worker in the roles of Permanency Planning and Investigating severe abuse and death cases. I later shifted my focus to clinical work and moved into the role of a Multi-Systemic Therapist providing intensive family-focused therapy treatment to those who have experienced child abuse, neglect,drug abuse, violent behaviors, and psychiatric disorders. I have experience providing Social work services in early interventions, serving children ages 0-3 and their families.
I have provided services for intensive outpatient substance use, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, parenting support, grief counseling, work and career issues, stress management, personal development & growth.
My name is Jade Brown, and I have spent nearly a decade in the helping profession. I began my career as a Child Protective Worker in the roles of Permanency Planning and Investigating severe abuse and death cases. I later shifted my focus to clinical work and moved into the role of a Multi-Systemic Therapist providing intensive family-focused therapy treatment to those who have experienced child abuse, neglect,drug abuse, violent behaviors, and psychiatric disorders. I have experience providing Social work services in early interventions, serving children ages 0-3 and their families.
![Photo of Ashley Homstead - Spooky Barbie Healing LLC, LCSW, LADC, CCS , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9978d094-f828-4127-855d-c74c2ed2ad85/2/320x400.jpeg)
Spooky Barbie Healing LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LADC, CCS
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Ashley Homstead, LCSW, LADC, CCS, and I am here to guide you through the transformative process of trauma therapy, Holistic Life Coaching, and Pranic Healing. In a world that often leaves its marks on our hearts, bodies, and minds, it is vital to address the wounds that trauma, anxiety, and depression may have inflicted upon you. I am here to assist you in identifying your unique needs and crafting a tailored path toward holistic healing and lasting peace. Together, we will embark on a journey that honors your resilience and nurtures your spirit, uncovering the boundless possibilities for restoration that lie ahead.
My name is Ashley Homstead, LCSW, LADC, CCS, and I am here to guide you through the transformative process of trauma therapy, Holistic Life Coaching, and Pranic Healing. In a world that often leaves its marks on our hearts, bodies, and minds, it is vital to address the wounds that trauma, anxiety, and depression may have inflicted upon you. I am here to assist you in identifying your unique needs and crafting a tailored path toward holistic healing and lasting peace. Together, we will embark on a journey that honors your resilience and nurtures your spirit, uncovering the boundless possibilities for restoration that lie ahead.
![Photo of Terrell N - Terrell, Healthy Minds Counseling Inc , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40f0bc1c-a187-4b77-b99d-9bf516cb51db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terrell, Healthy Minds Counseling Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
Finding the right fit in therapy can be a challenging process. I provide a client-centered approach by working alongside you to achieve a greater sense of self-worth and a higher quality of life. It is my goal to help you gain relevant insight about yourself and also learn skills to cope with life’s stressors. I have experience helping clients address anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health challenges.
Finding the right fit in therapy can be a challenging process. I provide a client-centered approach by working alongside you to achieve a greater sense of self-worth and a higher quality of life. It is my goal to help you gain relevant insight about yourself and also learn skills to cope with life’s stressors. I have experience helping clients address anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health challenges.
![Photo of Ric Kristal, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54aa81a4-abb7-4d91-bb2e-3aec6691cbd1/2/320x400.png)
The reasons behind people's decision to seek out therapy are multifaceted, but underlying most of these reasons is a desire for change. While achieving change can be extremely gratifying, the process can often be uncomfortable and even painful as people take an honest look at issues and concerns in a supportive and safe environment. I think of the therapeutic process as a collaboration, with two people working together to achieve the goals that bring a person to therapy in the first place, and resolving issues they may not have anticipated. I believe in utilizing a person's strengths and personal values to create change.
The reasons behind people's decision to seek out therapy are multifaceted, but underlying most of these reasons is a desire for change. While achieving change can be extremely gratifying, the process can often be uncomfortable and even painful as people take an honest look at issues and concerns in a supportive and safe environment. I think of the therapeutic process as a collaboration, with two people working together to achieve the goals that bring a person to therapy in the first place, and resolving issues they may not have anticipated. I believe in utilizing a person's strengths and personal values to create change.
![Photo of Laurie La Violette - Pyramid Counseling Services, LCSW, CCS, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1177299e-c374-4097-b60a-51227bae8e56/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pyramid Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCS, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellsworth, ME 04605
I am pleased to offer both in-office and web-based therapy services in Maine and web-based services in Pennsylvania. I am committed to applying multiple levels and approaches of intervention to the resolution of problems determined by me and my client. The goal is to increase emotional stability and daily functioning progressively step by step on a broad based foundation of individualized treatment planning with concrete measurable and attainable goals. Respect, privacy and ethics are of utmost importance in my practice. Please visit my list of service provided below. I look forward to working with you.
I am pleased to offer both in-office and web-based therapy services in Maine and web-based services in Pennsylvania. I am committed to applying multiple levels and approaches of intervention to the resolution of problems determined by me and my client. The goal is to increase emotional stability and daily functioning progressively step by step on a broad based foundation of individualized treatment planning with concrete measurable and attainable goals. Respect, privacy and ethics are of utmost importance in my practice. Please visit my list of service provided below. I look forward to working with you.
Do you want to: - transform old emotions that have been stored in the cellular structure of your body? - make a decision to choose your own healing path? -change emotional thoughts? - eliminate pain or physical symptoms that have no real diagnosis? - release anxiety and trauma stored in your body? - shift adaptive patterns that are no longer serving you? - get rid of something that stops you from living the quality of life that you want? - relieve inner conflict or behaviors you dislike? Then come see me! Give yourself this gift and discover what your inner wisdom has for you. It is all inside your body and mind.
Do you want to: - transform old emotions that have been stored in the cellular structure of your body? - make a decision to choose your own healing path? -change emotional thoughts? - eliminate pain or physical symptoms that have no real diagnosis? - release anxiety and trauma stored in your body? - shift adaptive patterns that are no longer serving you? - get rid of something that stops you from living the quality of life that you want? - relieve inner conflict or behaviors you dislike? Then come see me! Give yourself this gift and discover what your inner wisdom has for you. It is all inside your body and mind.
![Photo of Jill Walker - REACH Psychotherapy and Consulting, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c8ff159-150a-4b08-b689-39fdaefb0801/2/320x400.jpeg)
REACH Psychotherapy and Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Life’s challenges provide us an opportunity to REACH. At REACH Psychotherapy and Consulting we will engage in a collaborative process of Remembering, Exploring, Accepting, Connecting, and Healing. Our work together will support the reintegration of those inner parts that at some point in your life felt unheard, unloved, or unworthy. Our work together will assist you with developing the tools for courageous inner exploration, new insight and skills, self-compassion, and acceptance. When we reconnect with our inner parts, often a shift occurs in our outward experiences and relationships.
Life’s challenges provide us an opportunity to REACH. At REACH Psychotherapy and Consulting we will engage in a collaborative process of Remembering, Exploring, Accepting, Connecting, and Healing. Our work together will support the reintegration of those inner parts that at some point in your life felt unheard, unloved, or unworthy. Our work together will assist you with developing the tools for courageous inner exploration, new insight and skills, self-compassion, and acceptance. When we reconnect with our inner parts, often a shift occurs in our outward experiences and relationships.
![Photo of Ashley Tison, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d46269f-4625-4a49-a53e-eb681e2c4814/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychotherapist licensed in Maine and Florida. I have experience providing individual and group counseling and enjoy helping individuals move towards growth and healing. I believe having an emphasis on collaboration and creating a nonjudgmental space is essential for fostering trust and facilitating meaningful therapeutic work. I believe in treating the whole individual and not just the “symptoms”. My approach to treatment is a person-centered approach, meaning allowing clients to voice the areas they wish to work on in therapy.
I am a psychotherapist licensed in Maine and Florida. I have experience providing individual and group counseling and enjoy helping individuals move towards growth and healing. I believe having an emphasis on collaboration and creating a nonjudgmental space is essential for fostering trust and facilitating meaningful therapeutic work. I believe in treating the whole individual and not just the “symptoms”. My approach to treatment is a person-centered approach, meaning allowing clients to voice the areas they wish to work on in therapy.
![Photo of Dr. Denise Vagt - Maine Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f215b0b-fd30-43e3-b4fe-702c0100b5c8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients for work with clinical intern, Ms. Mailena Alicea. Dr. Denise Vagt is a licensed clinical psychologist (Maine License PS1998). She has a broad range of experience treating anxiety and depressive disorders and specializes in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, and stress related disorders. Dr. Vagt completed her Doctorate in Psychology at Florida Institute of Technology and spent the beginning of her career serving as an Active Duty Air Force Psychologist. She now works in the private sector as the owner of Maine Psychological Services.
Accepting new patients for work with clinical intern, Ms. Mailena Alicea. Dr. Denise Vagt is a licensed clinical psychologist (Maine License PS1998). She has a broad range of experience treating anxiety and depressive disorders and specializes in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, and stress related disorders. Dr. Vagt completed her Doctorate in Psychology at Florida Institute of Technology and spent the beginning of her career serving as an Active Duty Air Force Psychologist. She now works in the private sector as the owner of Maine Psychological Services.
![Photo of Joanna Fanuko - Joanna-Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc. , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23514b87-160f-4fb3-8602-1afcfce4798f/2/320x400.png)
Joanna-Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Joanna, and I received my Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. My passion is working with adults and young adults with mental illness and substance use challenges. I believe in collaborative therapy—together, we will find what uniquely works for you. Whether you need to unpack life stressors or find the power within you to heal from trauma, I hope to be a safe space for you!
Hello! My name is Joanna, and I received my Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. My passion is working with adults and young adults with mental illness and substance use challenges. I believe in collaborative therapy—together, we will find what uniquely works for you. Whether you need to unpack life stressors or find the power within you to heal from trauma, I hope to be a safe space for you!
![Photo of Amy M Burrell - Amy M. Burrell, M.Ed; LCPC, LLC, MEd, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0786d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy M. Burrell, M.Ed; LCPC, LLC
Counselor, MEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Greetings, I am a seasoned therapist who loves what I do everyday. I assist in helping clients address their life challenges whether they be inherent to trauma, crisis, loss, mental illness, and/or destructive behaviors. I work as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Ellsworth and on Mount Desert Island, I am best suited to work with adolescents or adults who may be experiencing emotional instability, addictive processes, those seeking relief from early life trauma, and those who may be seeking insight into an unhealthy or destructive relationship with themselves. It is possible to heal very deep wounds.
Greetings, I am a seasoned therapist who loves what I do everyday. I assist in helping clients address their life challenges whether they be inherent to trauma, crisis, loss, mental illness, and/or destructive behaviors. I work as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Ellsworth and on Mount Desert Island, I am best suited to work with adolescents or adults who may be experiencing emotional instability, addictive processes, those seeking relief from early life trauma, and those who may be seeking insight into an unhealthy or destructive relationship with themselves. It is possible to heal very deep wounds.
![Photo of Cheryl M Nelson - Blue Indies Counseling, LCPC, LMHC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d53825-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Blue Indies Counseling
Counselor, LCPC, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
Re-connect with and strengthen the parts of you that have felt unheard and left behind. When we shift our inner relationships, the relationships in our outer world shift too, helping us feel more confident, connected and secure. With more than 30 years of experience, I offer respectful, engaging, holistic support with a healthy dose of humor!
Re-connect with and strengthen the parts of you that have felt unheard and left behind. When we shift our inner relationships, the relationships in our outer world shift too, helping us feel more confident, connected and secure. With more than 30 years of experience, I offer respectful, engaging, holistic support with a healthy dose of humor!
See more therapy options for Ellsworth
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.