Depression Therapists in Saint Louis Park, MN
![Photo of Steven F Kozberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5f4a971-3a62-4931-a561-9fca95d70033/3/320x400.jpeg)
I see people who are struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship problems.
I believe that individuals grow and change in therapy mostly because they learn how to think differently about their problems and practice what they are learning. I also believe that growth and change are more likely to occur in the context of a safe, trusting, and respectful therapeutic relationship.
I see people who are struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship problems.
I believe that individuals grow and change in therapy mostly because they learn how to think differently about their problems and practice what they are learning. I also believe that growth and change are more likely to occur in the context of a safe, trusting, and respectful therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Julian Sanborn, PhD, MSW, LICSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a37fd5fd-c0bc-4ea6-9c99-c5d8b3aaad58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julian Sanborn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
I'm interested in clients who want to maximize their capacities to work, love, and play. I specialize in treating developmental and complex traumas as well as attachment injuries. It is vitally important to me to establish an extremely safe therapeutic environment with my clients so that we can then deal with issues in a direct and expedient way. My clients typically deal with anxiety, depression, shame, chronic pain, relationship issues, spiritual issues, and many other factors that are inhibiting them from the realization of their full potential.
I'm interested in clients who want to maximize their capacities to work, love, and play. I specialize in treating developmental and complex traumas as well as attachment injuries. It is vitally important to me to establish an extremely safe therapeutic environment with my clients so that we can then deal with issues in a direct and expedient way. My clients typically deal with anxiety, depression, shame, chronic pain, relationship issues, spiritual issues, and many other factors that are inhibiting them from the realization of their full potential.
![Photo of Steven Erhart, LPC-CO, LPCC-MN, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4585ec3-9a44-4a25-8d5d-d49559434c04/3/320x400.jpeg)
Steven Erhart
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-CO, LPCC-MN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 (Online Only)
Now providing on-line therapy to residence in Minnesota (Self-Pay only) and Colorado (Insurance and Self-Pay) . With over two decades of experience as a mental health therapist, I work with those struggling with life concerns that are keeping them from being the person they truly long to be. Specializing in treatment of abuse and trauma to self-worth, identity, sex therapy, depression, stress, and/or relationship issues.
Now providing on-line therapy to residence in Minnesota (Self-Pay only) and Colorado (Insurance and Self-Pay) . With over two decades of experience as a mental health therapist, I work with those struggling with life concerns that are keeping them from being the person they truly long to be. Specializing in treatment of abuse and trauma to self-worth, identity, sex therapy, depression, stress, and/or relationship issues.
![Photo of Margaret Stearns, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ba6238-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Stearns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 (Online Only)
Now accepting new clients! Do you worry a lot or always assume the worst is going to happen? How about your tendency to be a "people-pleaser," causing a lack of confidence in setting healthy boundaries with others for fear you will disappoint them? Is trauma from your past negatively affecting your daily life or creating self-sabotaging behavior in your relationships? Anxiety, stress, depression, and lack of life balance are so common today. If you can relate to any of this, you are not alone and you don't need to struggle in silence. I am hear to help.
Now accepting new clients! Do you worry a lot or always assume the worst is going to happen? How about your tendency to be a "people-pleaser," causing a lack of confidence in setting healthy boundaries with others for fear you will disappoint them? Is trauma from your past negatively affecting your daily life or creating self-sabotaging behavior in your relationships? Anxiety, stress, depression, and lack of life balance are so common today. If you can relate to any of this, you are not alone and you don't need to struggle in silence. I am hear to help.
![Photo of Kristen Burnett, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3ec2e4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I welcome the opportunity to provide guidance in the midst of life's challenges. Areas of expertise include addiction/chemical health, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety. Through a collaborative relationship, I strive to offer education, resources and tools to address concerns. My therapeutic approach is to help clients identify unhealthy patterns, develop greater clarity about how those patterns may interfere with personal values and goals, and work toward needed behavior change. My mission is to provide a safe and respectful environment where clients can view themselves without judgment and embark on a process of healing and change.
I welcome the opportunity to provide guidance in the midst of life's challenges. Areas of expertise include addiction/chemical health, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety. Through a collaborative relationship, I strive to offer education, resources and tools to address concerns. My therapeutic approach is to help clients identify unhealthy patterns, develop greater clarity about how those patterns may interfere with personal values and goals, and work toward needed behavior change. My mission is to provide a safe and respectful environment where clients can view themselves without judgment and embark on a process of healing and change.
![Photo of Nikhil Kaistha - Life and Light Psychotherapy and Wellness, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b0f1edc-2ecb-4171-ba6f-784f3e8e7f4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life and Light Psychotherapy and Wellness
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
If you are reading this, its an important step you just took towards your own healing journey. At Life and Light Healing and Wellness we lovingly attend to you, to all that makes you...you, to co-create a healing space. Whether it's the dark clouds of depression, the tentacles of anxiety, or the storm of PTSD, our clinicians are equipped with the tools and skills to support you through your journey to healing.
If you are reading this, its an important step you just took towards your own healing journey. At Life and Light Healing and Wellness we lovingly attend to you, to all that makes you...you, to co-create a healing space. Whether it's the dark clouds of depression, the tentacles of anxiety, or the storm of PTSD, our clinicians are equipped with the tools and skills to support you through your journey to healing.
![Photo of Mischel Walgren, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c21c247-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues? Do you notice that past experiences seem to impact your life now in ways that create blocks or difficulty? Have you experienced recent loss or a stressful life change? Psychotherapy is a powerful resource to help restore direction and balance as well as facilitating self-understanding and emotional healing. Exploring and understanding who you are and how you became who you are is part of achieving desired change and growth. I bring 30+ years of experience, training, compassion and commitment to this collaborative and relational process.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues? Do you notice that past experiences seem to impact your life now in ways that create blocks or difficulty? Have you experienced recent loss or a stressful life change? Psychotherapy is a powerful resource to help restore direction and balance as well as facilitating self-understanding and emotional healing. Exploring and understanding who you are and how you became who you are is part of achieving desired change and growth. I bring 30+ years of experience, training, compassion and commitment to this collaborative and relational process.
![Photo of Kathie Gieselman, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c3d8a2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathie Gieselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
Waitlist for new clients
While some of my clients may have symptoms like depression or anxiety, I prefer to see the strengths, uniqueness, and possibilities that exist in their lives.
My goal is to help my clients feel confident in drawing conclusions and taking charge of their lives. My approach is to provide a fresh, unbiased perspective drawn from both life experience and current research. Whether you are seeking therapy to better understand yourself or work on a personal relationship that just doesn't seem to improve - together you and I will find solutions that work in real life. I believe you will find me warm, friendly, and down to earth and will leave each session with a new idea to try or or a different perspective to consider.
While some of my clients may have symptoms like depression or anxiety, I prefer to see the strengths, uniqueness, and possibilities that exist in their lives.
My goal is to help my clients feel confident in drawing conclusions and taking charge of their lives. My approach is to provide a fresh, unbiased perspective drawn from both life experience and current research. Whether you are seeking therapy to better understand yourself or work on a personal relationship that just doesn't seem to improve - together you and I will find solutions that work in real life. I believe you will find me warm, friendly, and down to earth and will leave each session with a new idea to try or or a different perspective to consider.
![Photo of Rachel Kessler, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28ff2a2c-9bd0-4d2b-aed9-86cf1a711b8d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Kessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
We do the work on our own, but we don't do it alone. I'm here to help guide clients towards greater self-awareness and empowerment over their mental health struggles. Together, we'll work to uncover insights, foster resilience, and move towards positive change and fulfillment. Wether you're struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or identity/self worth, I offer a comfortable and safe environment where you can explore all the feelings and develop effective coping skills. I believe in owning your story, and I want to hear yours.
We do the work on our own, but we don't do it alone. I'm here to help guide clients towards greater self-awareness and empowerment over their mental health struggles. Together, we'll work to uncover insights, foster resilience, and move towards positive change and fulfillment. Wether you're struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or identity/self worth, I offer a comfortable and safe environment where you can explore all the feelings and develop effective coping skills. I believe in owning your story, and I want to hear yours.
![Photo of Amber Remackel, LSC, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b4ec858-3491-4776-aed9-9ff24a68bccf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Remackel
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, questioning life, or hoping for clarity, I am here to help. Taking the first step towards change is not an easy one, but a courageous one. I believe that most people are capable of change given the opportunity and motivation to do so. I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are at on their journey and working as a team to help clients grow, heal and transform. I offer a safe environment where my clients are free from moral judgment and other biases that may hinder personal development.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, questioning life, or hoping for clarity, I am here to help. Taking the first step towards change is not an easy one, but a courageous one. I believe that most people are capable of change given the opportunity and motivation to do so. I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are at on their journey and working as a team to help clients grow, heal and transform. I offer a safe environment where my clients are free from moral judgment and other biases that may hinder personal development.
![Photo of Ramona Eakman, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c5dc816-54b5-4077-8705-d4146c6dfad7/1/320x400.png)
She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem, and identity exploration.
Ramona Eakman is a licensed professional clinical counselor with experience providing psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, and families. She has provided therapy for individuals in various clinical settings including outpatient, home-based, school-based, community mental health centers, private practice, and jail/prison.
She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem, and identity exploration.
Ramona Eakman is a licensed professional clinical counselor with experience providing psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, and families. She has provided therapy for individuals in various clinical settings including outpatient, home-based, school-based, community mental health centers, private practice, and jail/prison.
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Dayna L Hopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 (Online Only)
I commend you for taking this step. Like most, seeking therapy may have been on your mind for awhile now. My guess is you want to feel better and make changes to enhance your life & relationships. Perhaps you're under stress and are longing to be more relaxed and productive. Maybe you're tired of being anxious, depressed, or stressed-out? Relationships are challenging - you may be looking to resolve ongoing issues so you can have more peace/connection. Whatever it is, I'm here to help you address what's important to you so you can find relief & have more joy!
I commend you for taking this step. Like most, seeking therapy may have been on your mind for awhile now. My guess is you want to feel better and make changes to enhance your life & relationships. Perhaps you're under stress and are longing to be more relaxed and productive. Maybe you're tired of being anxious, depressed, or stressed-out? Relationships are challenging - you may be looking to resolve ongoing issues so you can have more peace/connection. Whatever it is, I'm here to help you address what's important to you so you can find relief & have more joy!
![Photo of Maisa Boyte, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf1bebd6-5221-41b2-9ed5-ec3ac28f430e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maisa Boyte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 (Online Only)
I am accepting new patients. I currently focus on working with adults, couples and teens who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, eating disorders and relationship concerns. I aim to create an environment where the client feels supported and empowered in order to explore past and present experiences. I work to help clients identify challenges in their life and understand how these challenges or behavior patterns have developed. As a social worker, I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that values multiculturalism and diversity.
I am accepting new patients. I currently focus on working with adults, couples and teens who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, eating disorders and relationship concerns. I aim to create an environment where the client feels supported and empowered in order to explore past and present experiences. I work to help clients identify challenges in their life and understand how these challenges or behavior patterns have developed. As a social worker, I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that values multiculturalism and diversity.
![Photo of Elliesha Hahn, MA, LPCC, ATR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2cab744-31b3-4492-a005-9070ccb320fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties are life transitions, self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and spirituality.
Currently accepting new clients! While you begin your search for a therapist it is so important to find someone that is authentic and feels like a good fit for you. By beginning your search you have already started to manifest the change you are looking for. Together we can collaboratively work towards meaningful goals to create change and healing from past experiences. I believe it is so important to meet each individual's unique needs by creating and holding space to simply be heard, develop skills, create life style changes, process emotions and experiences, or develop your personal identity and self-esteem.
My specialties are life transitions, self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and spirituality.
Currently accepting new clients! While you begin your search for a therapist it is so important to find someone that is authentic and feels like a good fit for you. By beginning your search you have already started to manifest the change you are looking for. Together we can collaboratively work towards meaningful goals to create change and healing from past experiences. I believe it is so important to meet each individual's unique needs by creating and holding space to simply be heard, develop skills, create life style changes, process emotions and experiences, or develop your personal identity and self-esteem.
![Photo of Shannon M Henry, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0456df5e-4c3f-4b67-b889-3e85a9dabc8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon M Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
Waitlist for new clients
Life is complex and often leaves us struggling with transitions, feeling anxious and/or depressed and searching for relief. Life after any loss can feel confusing, without direction, hopeless, full of regret or in some cases filled with relief. I believe listening to you and receiving your story with compassion, will offer healing, hope, and an opportunity for positive change. I endeavor to receive and hold your pain, sadness, anger, or other emotions with grace, while supporting you as you move toward positive change and renewed well-being.
Life is complex and often leaves us struggling with transitions, feeling anxious and/or depressed and searching for relief. Life after any loss can feel confusing, without direction, hopeless, full of regret or in some cases filled with relief. I believe listening to you and receiving your story with compassion, will offer healing, hope, and an opportunity for positive change. I endeavor to receive and hold your pain, sadness, anger, or other emotions with grace, while supporting you as you move toward positive change and renewed well-being.
![Photo of Selah Smith, MA, LPCC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1202181b-ca3a-47d0-8b49-7e5eeb900a77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Selah Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
I work with individuals ranging from adults to teens on topics including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life adjustments.
Now accepting new clients! My personal belief is that every person is valuable and has the potential to overcome negative events of the past, find acceptance in their unique identity, and engage in healthy, meaningful, and joy-filled relationships. I come from a passionate Colorado family that has taught me about the importance of caring, accepting, and loving others. These values have made me become an empathic and confident counselor.
I work with individuals ranging from adults to teens on topics including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life adjustments.
Now accepting new clients! My personal belief is that every person is valuable and has the potential to overcome negative events of the past, find acceptance in their unique identity, and engage in healthy, meaningful, and joy-filled relationships. I come from a passionate Colorado family that has taught me about the importance of caring, accepting, and loving others. These values have made me become an empathic and confident counselor.
![Photo of Kathy Gieselman - Twin Cities Therapy and Counseling Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96cedf68-4f77-4a58-a8b3-64eda76a22c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Twin Cities Therapy and Counseling Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
We have Immediate Openings! We are a therapist owned practice of dedicated providers that are focused on providing excellent patient care. We are a multidisciplinary, culturally diverse team of counselors, psychologists, registered dieticians, and marriage and family therapists who have varied expertise in the assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and addictive behaviors, as well as family and couples work. Our staff is skilled in working with anyone of diverse sexual orientation/gender identities as well as cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
We have Immediate Openings! We are a therapist owned practice of dedicated providers that are focused on providing excellent patient care. We are a multidisciplinary, culturally diverse team of counselors, psychologists, registered dieticians, and marriage and family therapists who have varied expertise in the assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and addictive behaviors, as well as family and couples work. Our staff is skilled in working with anyone of diverse sexual orientation/gender identities as well as cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
![Photo of Gail M. Yost, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a6c6f5b-779a-44c7-abfe-b030e0a86a74/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gail M. Yost
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
It is an amazing feeling when you feel heard and understood. Knowing your story will be held with great care and compassion only adds to feeling emotionally safe. Would you like to have that feeling? No longer feeling emotionally exhausted or being held back by anxiety, depression, or a disturbing experience. Let's explore new possibilities. If you are ready for change, give me a call. During this pandemic and beyond, Gail Yost and Associates is now offering telehealth/virtual visits for your convenience and care. We understand that times like this can be challenging on many levels and want to be sure that you feel supported.
It is an amazing feeling when you feel heard and understood. Knowing your story will be held with great care and compassion only adds to feeling emotionally safe. Would you like to have that feeling? No longer feeling emotionally exhausted or being held back by anxiety, depression, or a disturbing experience. Let's explore new possibilities. If you are ready for change, give me a call. During this pandemic and beyond, Gail Yost and Associates is now offering telehealth/virtual visits for your convenience and care. We understand that times like this can be challenging on many levels and want to be sure that you feel supported.
![Photo of Justin Duda, MSEd, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32fe9908-f19b-47c1-bc1e-eba1d8af42d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Justin enjoys working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents and has extensive experience in working with individuals and families that are affected by trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. He uses a variety of approaches to therapy and utilizes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mind, body, and soul care. Justin considers himself bilingual with spending many years studying and working in Germany as a translator. He has also volunteered and spent many years as a student missionary with the fellowship of catholic university students (FOCUS) along being an active member of the Catholic church.
Justin enjoys working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents and has extensive experience in working with individuals and families that are affected by trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. He uses a variety of approaches to therapy and utilizes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating mind, body, and soul care. Justin considers himself bilingual with spending many years studying and working in Germany as a translator. He has also volunteered and spent many years as a student missionary with the fellowship of catholic university students (FOCUS) along being an active member of the Catholic church.
![Photo of Noah J Simcox, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01f53cc3-9e4a-41d9-87e0-e675017f45e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Noah J Simcox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
It is important to feel seen and cared about in therapy; as we learn to take in this care, great healing can take place. When you are struggling with difficult life issues, it can be difficult to go it alone. I am here to provide support as you move through it. I work with individuals and couples in areas including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions and stress management. As someone who has personally engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, qigong and yoga for 20+ years, I bring a strong presence and compassion to my work with clients.
It is important to feel seen and cared about in therapy; as we learn to take in this care, great healing can take place. When you are struggling with difficult life issues, it can be difficult to go it alone. I am here to provide support as you move through it. I work with individuals and couples in areas including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions and stress management. As someone who has personally engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, qigong and yoga for 20+ years, I bring a strong presence and compassion to my work with clients.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis Park
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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.