Depression Therapists in Saint Paul, MN
![Photo of Paige Lee, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87b95806-73e5-44f2-948e-6666ffb2e9c1/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have a personal commitment to working with individuals coping with anxiety and depression.
I believe we all have had difficult experiences in our lives. These experiences can cause pain and suffering. Challenging experiences are something that we all share. I believe we can heal from these experiences and grow from them, becoming more of who we truly are and want to be. I intend to provide a compassionate, trusting environment to promote healing for all who work with me. I believe that in life, we all experience pain emotionally and physically. Healing is a skill I help you develop, and with practice, you will find relief from your pain, experience successful coping in daily life, and appreciate and enjoy your life.
I have a personal commitment to working with individuals coping with anxiety and depression.
I believe we all have had difficult experiences in our lives. These experiences can cause pain and suffering. Challenging experiences are something that we all share. I believe we can heal from these experiences and grow from them, becoming more of who we truly are and want to be. I intend to provide a compassionate, trusting environment to promote healing for all who work with me. I believe that in life, we all experience pain emotionally and physically. Healing is a skill I help you develop, and with practice, you will find relief from your pain, experience successful coping in daily life, and appreciate and enjoy your life.
![Photo of Bea Natalie Vue-Benson, MA, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e28f152-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
You are not alone. I am here for you wherever you are in your journey of life...struggling with depression, anxiety or past trauma...learning new skills...changing old behaviors...exploring your personal/cultural/racial/sexual identity...having relational problems...dealing with a serious physical illness...grieving losses...seeking the meaning/purpose of life...wondering if God exists at all. I invite you to experience a respectful, compassionate, and trusting therapeutic environment supporting your efforts to take responsibility for your life, face change, grow courage, and cultivate hope. You can do this. I am here for you.
You are not alone. I am here for you wherever you are in your journey of life...struggling with depression, anxiety or past trauma...learning new skills...changing old behaviors...exploring your personal/cultural/racial/sexual identity...having relational problems...dealing with a serious physical illness...grieving losses...seeking the meaning/purpose of life...wondering if God exists at all. I invite you to experience a respectful, compassionate, and trusting therapeutic environment supporting your efforts to take responsibility for your life, face change, grow courage, and cultivate hope. You can do this. I am here for you.
![Photo of Natalie Wimmer, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d0a5a7-5ad3-4544-8423-a242f939fc9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and trauma.
I like to view my role as a therapist as being like a gardener who is planting seeds of change and growth. My goal is to help you flourish and blossom into the best version of yourself. I utilize a variety of different approaches to therapy because one approach won't be the right fit for each person. I support clients in developing healthier thought patterns and behaviors through cognitive-behavioral techniques. I also incorporate an attachment lens and explore how our past relationships affect our present ones. I will work together with you to develop goals for your therapy and ensure you are getting the best care you deserve.
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and trauma.
I like to view my role as a therapist as being like a gardener who is planting seeds of change and growth. My goal is to help you flourish and blossom into the best version of yourself. I utilize a variety of different approaches to therapy because one approach won't be the right fit for each person. I support clients in developing healthier thought patterns and behaviors through cognitive-behavioral techniques. I also incorporate an attachment lens and explore how our past relationships affect our present ones. I will work together with you to develop goals for your therapy and ensure you are getting the best care you deserve.
![Photo of Gregg A Eichenfield, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4830a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
With 40+ years working as a psychologist, I work with a variety of clients struggling with mental health and life issues. Many clients seek my help for anxiety, depression, serious and persistent mental illness and life transitions. My patients include children as young as 7, adolescents, adults and seniors in their 80's. Clients are often referred to me for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relationship issues and sports-related performance concerns. I also have experience working with individuals and families where there are life-threatening health issues, infertility and pregnancy loss for both mothers and fathers.
With 40+ years working as a psychologist, I work with a variety of clients struggling with mental health and life issues. Many clients seek my help for anxiety, depression, serious and persistent mental illness and life transitions. My patients include children as young as 7, adolescents, adults and seniors in their 80's. Clients are often referred to me for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relationship issues and sports-related performance concerns. I also have experience working with individuals and families where there are life-threatening health issues, infertility and pregnancy loss for both mothers and fathers.
![Photo of Karen Stoddard, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fbeb7f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on helping you find a deeper and more positive sense of yourself. Together we explore your feelings, thought patterns, dreams, and attitudes to gain understanding about current problems and concerns. This work can positively transform the perspectives and behaviors that affect where you are feeling stuck, such as with relationship issues, or having symptoms of depression and anxiety, or problems with anger, substance abuse, career and work concerns, struggles with past abuse or trauma, facing acute or chronic health issues, or working through the process of aging.
I focus on helping you find a deeper and more positive sense of yourself. Together we explore your feelings, thought patterns, dreams, and attitudes to gain understanding about current problems and concerns. This work can positively transform the perspectives and behaviors that affect where you are feeling stuck, such as with relationship issues, or having symptoms of depression and anxiety, or problems with anger, substance abuse, career and work concerns, struggles with past abuse or trauma, facing acute or chronic health issues, or working through the process of aging.
![Photo of Paige Kahleck, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08722a89-64bc-4481-a567-c71fa13bc7fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Kahleck is a Marriage and Family Therapist in process with experience working with depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. Paige works with individuals, families and couples. Paige treats children to adults utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative therapy in her approach with clients. In her clinical work, Paige is well versed in both traditional therapeutic techniques as well as creative modalities such as play therapy, role play and skills work. In her free time Paige enjoys being outside hiking and biking. Paige has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University.
Paige Kahleck is a Marriage and Family Therapist in process with experience working with depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. Paige works with individuals, families and couples. Paige treats children to adults utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative therapy in her approach with clients. In her clinical work, Paige is well versed in both traditional therapeutic techniques as well as creative modalities such as play therapy, role play and skills work. In her free time Paige enjoys being outside hiking and biking. Paige has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University.
![Photo of Emily M Schram, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab53de23-6f83-4fdd-9800-68cd8bd4f159/1/320x400.jpeg)
I love working with all people, and I find our work together can really thrive when we focus on building an awesome relationship. Being able to know you will help me make sure I'm offering the best interventions to improve your life. If you're suffering with anxiety, depression, life transition stuff, being crushed under the weight of capitalism, I'm your person. We will figure out ways to help that are doable, reasonable, and I'll be your biggest cheerleader along the way!
I love working with all people, and I find our work together can really thrive when we focus on building an awesome relationship. Being able to know you will help me make sure I'm offering the best interventions to improve your life. If you're suffering with anxiety, depression, life transition stuff, being crushed under the weight of capitalism, I'm your person. We will figure out ways to help that are doable, reasonable, and I'll be your biggest cheerleader along the way!
![Photo of Ashley Groshek, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b9e326-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, self harm, sexuality, gender, disability and social concerns.
Work with adolescents and their families is where my passion lies. I understand and believe that the system a person is operating in can impact all parts of one's life experience. I believe it is important in therapy to meet you where you are at and explore where you want to go. Creating a path to becoming your most authentic self is one of the most rewarding and challenging acts you can do. I am honored to be a part of your process.
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, self harm, sexuality, gender, disability and social concerns.
Work with adolescents and their families is where my passion lies. I understand and believe that the system a person is operating in can impact all parts of one's life experience. I believe it is important in therapy to meet you where you are at and explore where you want to go. Creating a path to becoming your most authentic self is one of the most rewarding and challenging acts you can do. I am honored to be a part of your process.
![Photo of Ross E Gubrud, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48516871-1313-4fbc-af3c-a1527fd8059a/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you have made it thus far, congratulations! You are well on your way to alleviating your depression, anxiety, self-concept struggles, loss and grief, unhealthy relationship patterns, or existential concerns.
Change is tough. Seeking assistance is not only beneficial, but also human. And that is where I join you. I consider myself a therapeutic Sherpa—I know the way, but you need to take each step. That path leads through one’s difficulties, mucking about courageously and authentically. I love what I do, possessing both skill and experience, and am honored to walk beside you as we address your concerns.
If you have made it thus far, congratulations! You are well on your way to alleviating your depression, anxiety, self-concept struggles, loss and grief, unhealthy relationship patterns, or existential concerns.
Change is tough. Seeking assistance is not only beneficial, but also human. And that is where I join you. I consider myself a therapeutic Sherpa—I know the way, but you need to take each step. That path leads through one’s difficulties, mucking about courageously and authentically. I love what I do, possessing both skill and experience, and am honored to walk beside you as we address your concerns.
![Photo of Karen Jeffords-Brown, MA, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac5d12e4-654d-4884-bdff-a379b749caaf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a wide range of issues: people struggling with anger, stress or loneliness; people suffering with anxiety, phobias or depression; divorcing families, step-parents, issues for single adults; work issues, adoptees, grief; addictions; problems from abuse and neglect.
People come into therapy because they want something to change in their lives--how they feel, how they relate to others, how they handle stress. I enjoy working with people who want to commit to working in therapy; who have the courage to face the important issues; who want to work collaboratively with me to find the solutions to feeling better. I consider myself a guide and coach in this process as we get to know each other. It gives me great joy to watch my clients grow, change and start to enjoy life again.
I work with a wide range of issues: people struggling with anger, stress or loneliness; people suffering with anxiety, phobias or depression; divorcing families, step-parents, issues for single adults; work issues, adoptees, grief; addictions; problems from abuse and neglect.
People come into therapy because they want something to change in their lives--how they feel, how they relate to others, how they handle stress. I enjoy working with people who want to commit to working in therapy; who have the courage to face the important issues; who want to work collaboratively with me to find the solutions to feeling better. I consider myself a guide and coach in this process as we get to know each other. It gives me great joy to watch my clients grow, change and start to enjoy life again.
![Photo of Kasia Chojan-Cymerman, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccdfa28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with men and women who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I believe lasting change takes place over time in the context of a safe and secure therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I strive to provide a non-judgmental and supportive space where you can begin exploring problematic and often repetitive relationship patterns. In the process you will become more aware of your feelings and deep assumptions that may be continually preventing you from reaching your goals in life. I believe everyone has inner potential for growth. In therapy, we can work together toward helping you find courage and your natural capacity for growth so that you can live a happier and more empowered life.
I work with men and women who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I believe lasting change takes place over time in the context of a safe and secure therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I strive to provide a non-judgmental and supportive space where you can begin exploring problematic and often repetitive relationship patterns. In the process you will become more aware of your feelings and deep assumptions that may be continually preventing you from reaching your goals in life. I believe everyone has inner potential for growth. In therapy, we can work together toward helping you find courage and your natural capacity for growth so that you can live a happier and more empowered life.
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![Photo of Rebecca A Stewart, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eaa4793d-24f8-4d3e-857c-989461e21107/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca A Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55116
Waitlist for new clients
I offer safe & supportive counseling for people struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, intimacy, or relationship problems, as well as people who are interested in changing unhealthy patterns through deeper self-knowledge.
Welcome. The desire to feel seen, heard, and understood is a universal and essential part of human wellness. In my work as a psychotherapist I try to help people understand, both emotionally & intellectually, the deeper roots of their difficulties & reignite their own natural gifts for growth, and resilience. I understand that coming to therapy can be difficult, & I strive to provide a warm, compassionate, & empathetic space for our work together. I am relational in my approach; this means I believe that how well I listen and connect with you matters.
I offer safe & supportive counseling for people struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, intimacy, or relationship problems, as well as people who are interested in changing unhealthy patterns through deeper self-knowledge.
Welcome. The desire to feel seen, heard, and understood is a universal and essential part of human wellness. In my work as a psychotherapist I try to help people understand, both emotionally & intellectually, the deeper roots of their difficulties & reignite their own natural gifts for growth, and resilience. I understand that coming to therapy can be difficult, & I strive to provide a warm, compassionate, & empathetic space for our work together. I am relational in my approach; this means I believe that how well I listen and connect with you matters.
![Photo of Tana Welter, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca12ef63-1928-4933-87ca-09bcaa126dad/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tana Welter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55116
I have experience working in the areas of depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, oppositional behaviors, and trauma.
I am passionate about working with teenagers and families as they navigate these years of growth and change. This time can be both exciting and challenging, and I am honored to be invited into this space with my clients. I take a down-to-earth, empathetic, and energetic approach in my therapy. I have been told by many of individuals I work with, that I am easy to talk to and create a comfortable, judgement free space to explore issues related to identity, self-worth, depression, and more. I believe every human has the basic need and desire to be known and valued, and I strive to provide this place of belonging for my clients.
I have experience working in the areas of depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, oppositional behaviors, and trauma.
I am passionate about working with teenagers and families as they navigate these years of growth and change. This time can be both exciting and challenging, and I am honored to be invited into this space with my clients. I take a down-to-earth, empathetic, and energetic approach in my therapy. I have been told by many of individuals I work with, that I am easy to talk to and create a comfortable, judgement free space to explore issues related to identity, self-worth, depression, and more. I believe every human has the basic need and desire to be known and valued, and I strive to provide this place of belonging for my clients.
![Photo of Janet T Thomas, PsyD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb6ee28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Clients I see often want help with relationship conflicts, family or work problems, anxiety, or depression.
I have been in private practice since 1991 and have previously worked in medical, rehabilitation, college counseling, and community mental health settings.
I know that asking for help is not easy. Trusting someone you don't know with very personal information requires a leap of faith. Understandably, you may want to know what to expect, should you decide to work with me.
Initially, I will work to identify the particular issues that you want to address and then collaborate with you to develop goals and strategies. Throughout the process, I will listen carefully, drawing out particular material for discussion and presenting new information to help you see yourself and your choices with a new perspective. I will suggest possible courses of action, recognizing that only you can decide whether to follow any suggestions that come from the counseling process.
Clients I see often want help with relationship conflicts, family or work problems, anxiety, or depression.
I have been in private practice since 1991 and have previously worked in medical, rehabilitation, college counseling, and community mental health settings.
I know that asking for help is not easy. Trusting someone you don't know with very personal information requires a leap of faith. Understandably, you may want to know what to expect, should you decide to work with me.
Initially, I will work to identify the particular issues that you want to address and then collaborate with you to develop goals and strategies. Throughout the process, I will listen carefully, drawing out particular material for discussion and presenting new information to help you see yourself and your choices with a new perspective. I will suggest possible courses of action, recognizing that only you can decide whether to follow any suggestions that come from the counseling process.
![Photo of Chris Ochocki, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d92e8020-0afa-45e2-80a4-9e655b0748ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Ochocki
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55106 (Online Only)
For the past 25 years, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression or other complex feelings related to difficult life transitions, relationships, traumas. My overall goal of therapy is simple: to help each client connect with tools and supports that will allow them to live the meaningful life they are striving for. I am humanistic, compassionate, actively engaged and enjoy humor. My goals are to work hard alongside you in creating a life that matches your values, while also creating a safe place for you to explore.
For the past 25 years, I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression or other complex feelings related to difficult life transitions, relationships, traumas. My overall goal of therapy is simple: to help each client connect with tools and supports that will allow them to live the meaningful life they are striving for. I am humanistic, compassionate, actively engaged and enjoy humor. My goals are to work hard alongside you in creating a life that matches your values, while also creating a safe place for you to explore.
![Photo of Eleanor Porter-Nelson, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ada9fa5-274e-44d4-86b8-f9e4d80a5f05/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eleanor Porter-Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55116 (Online Only)
I combine Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Sensorimotor psychotherapy (a somatic based therapy) to support people impacted by life transitions, depression, anxiety, effects of past trauma, and challenges within interpersonal relationships.
Accepting new clients. Feeling stuck in your thoughts? Maybe you have trouble finding joy in day-to-day life or you find yourself spending more time worrying than not. In my work, I help people understand their symptoms, learn what might have gotten them here, and help them find a path to feeling better. I do this by using my knowledge of the brain and body to empower people to build self compassion, change their thought and behavior patterns, and build a balanced life.
I combine Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Sensorimotor psychotherapy (a somatic based therapy) to support people impacted by life transitions, depression, anxiety, effects of past trauma, and challenges within interpersonal relationships.
Accepting new clients. Feeling stuck in your thoughts? Maybe you have trouble finding joy in day-to-day life or you find yourself spending more time worrying than not. In my work, I help people understand their symptoms, learn what might have gotten them here, and help them find a path to feeling better. I do this by using my knowledge of the brain and body to empower people to build self compassion, change their thought and behavior patterns, and build a balanced life.
![Photo of Nikita Tavares, MPS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1d70245-24dd-4b9b-ad84-fe764dd98a39/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with older teens and adults navigating issues around anxiety, panic, depression, identity, and trauma.
You may feel like you are stuck or moving through life without purpose or meaning, like your brain is on autopilot, reacting to the world instead of responding mindfully or with meaning. My role as a therapist is to foster a calm, genuine, and compassionate environment that will allow you to tap into your inner healing system. The goal being to turn down the volume of incessant thoughts, soften the rough edges of the past, and overall feel empowered in approaching life with greater clarity, ease, flexibility, and confidence.
I work with older teens and adults navigating issues around anxiety, panic, depression, identity, and trauma.
You may feel like you are stuck or moving through life without purpose or meaning, like your brain is on autopilot, reacting to the world instead of responding mindfully or with meaning. My role as a therapist is to foster a calm, genuine, and compassionate environment that will allow you to tap into your inner healing system. The goal being to turn down the volume of incessant thoughts, soften the rough edges of the past, and overall feel empowered in approaching life with greater clarity, ease, flexibility, and confidence.
![Photo of Allison Ward, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5483fb35-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
You are likely seeking therapy because of distress and confusion around difficult emotional experiences that you are struggling to understand and resolve. This distress and confusion can result in anxiety, relationship issues and depression. Through our work together, we can help resolve these struggles by building an understanding of where they come from and how to respond to them.
You are likely seeking therapy because of distress and confusion around difficult emotional experiences that you are struggling to understand and resolve. This distress and confusion can result in anxiety, relationship issues and depression. Through our work together, we can help resolve these struggles by building an understanding of where they come from and how to respond to them.
![Photo of Rebecca Pihl, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4a33c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
![Photo of Jessica Clayton, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf9a3602-ad5e-48ed-87eb-2650a6c5100f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica received her Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2023, and is pursuing licensure through the state of Minnesota as a Graduate Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2018. Jessica enjoys working with individuals, families, adolescents, and children and has experience working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Autism, FAS, PTSD, and more.
Jessica received her Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2023, and is pursuing licensure through the state of Minnesota as a Graduate Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2018. Jessica enjoys working with individuals, families, adolescents, and children and has experience working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Autism, FAS, PTSD, and more.
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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.