Depression Therapists in Sylva, NC

Photo of Jamie Oxendine, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jamie Oxendine
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I have been a clinician for 18 years and have found it one of my life’s greatest honors to be with people as they learn to be with themselves. My experience has been, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to creating a safe place to explore with clients the changes they wish to make to improve their overall functioning. Building a relationship with clients is the most important and finding a good fit is crucial! My theoretical orientation is based in Gestalt therapy and I also have training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.
I have been a clinician for 18 years and have found it one of my life’s greatest honors to be with people as they learn to be with themselves. My experience has been, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to creating a safe place to explore with clients the changes they wish to make to improve their overall functioning. Building a relationship with clients is the most important and finding a good fit is crucial! My theoretical orientation is based in Gestalt therapy and I also have training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.
(828) 604-6258 View (828) 604-6258
Photo of Brooklynn Ledford, MSW, LCSWA
Brooklynn Ledford
LCSW Associate, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Areas of Specialization include: grounding, boundaries, mindfulness, depression, trauma, anxiety, coping skills, and PTSD.
Currently taking new clients! Is life feeling difficult right now and hard to manage? You're in the right place and I'm so glad you're taking this step! I specialize in working with youth of all ages, from elementary age to teenagers. I take a casual, fun and relatable approach to therapy that allows youth to feel more comfortable in the space. I enjoy helping youth find their voice, improving communication and the quality of their relationships, becoming more mindful in daily practices, etc. I'm passionate about collaborating with kids and their families to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other challenging life phases.
Areas of Specialization include: grounding, boundaries, mindfulness, depression, trauma, anxiety, coping skills, and PTSD.
Currently taking new clients! Is life feeling difficult right now and hard to manage? You're in the right place and I'm so glad you're taking this step! I specialize in working with youth of all ages, from elementary age to teenagers. I take a casual, fun and relatable approach to therapy that allows youth to feel more comfortable in the space. I enjoy helping youth find their voice, improving communication and the quality of their relationships, becoming more mindful in daily practices, etc. I'm passionate about collaborating with kids and their families to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other challenging life phases.
(828) 761-7516 View (828) 761-7516
Photo of Cailey Erin Clarke, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cailey Erin Clarke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Everyone has the potential to build resilience, communicate their needs effectively and to connect with themselves and others in a more intentional way. I specialize in treating anxiety and depression, PPD, BDD, Eating disorders, trauma, sexual trauma/violence, gender identity, sexual orientation concerns, stress management skills, sleep, major life transitions and much more. My practice allows you to build practical skills and connect mind, body and spirit to help reduce distress and increase feelings of security in self.
Everyone has the potential to build resilience, communicate their needs effectively and to connect with themselves and others in a more intentional way. I specialize in treating anxiety and depression, PPD, BDD, Eating disorders, trauma, sexual trauma/violence, gender identity, sexual orientation concerns, stress management skills, sleep, major life transitions and much more. My practice allows you to build practical skills and connect mind, body and spirit to help reduce distress and increase feelings of security in self.
(828) 532-3592 View (828) 532-3592
Photo of Dawn K Clark, MS, LCMHC
Dawn K Clark
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
My name is Dawn Clark, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 27 years of clinical experience. My primary focal point is adults and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Women's Issues, Sexual Orientation, Trauma, and PTSD. I focus on helping and encouraging individuals., not treating a disorder. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused, Coaching, Couples Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapies during treatments with my clients. I believe that I am very direct and open-minded, and no one should ever feel out of place in a relationship.
My name is Dawn Clark, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 27 years of clinical experience. My primary focal point is adults and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Women's Issues, Sexual Orientation, Trauma, and PTSD. I focus on helping and encouraging individuals., not treating a disorder. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused, Coaching, Couples Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapies during treatments with my clients. I believe that I am very direct and open-minded, and no one should ever feel out of place in a relationship.
(910) 941-8818 View (910) 941-8818
Photo of Lynn P Burrough, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynn P Burrough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
Most patients come to me suffering with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, and loneliness.
My ideal client is one who is interested in finding happiness in love, work and community. My reward during my 30 years in practice is to experience, with individuals and couples, their growth towards these goals. Years in private practice and a major medical setting in New York have given me a broad background in helping people cope with the many challenges life hands them and to help them regain their feelings of hope. Additional focus is placed on life transitions including divorce, retirement, and bereavement. Additionally, I offer guidance in helping your children and teens navigate those challenging years.
Most patients come to me suffering with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, and loneliness.
My ideal client is one who is interested in finding happiness in love, work and community. My reward during my 30 years in practice is to experience, with individuals and couples, their growth towards these goals. Years in private practice and a major medical setting in New York have given me a broad background in helping people cope with the many challenges life hands them and to help them regain their feelings of hope. Additional focus is placed on life transitions including divorce, retirement, and bereavement. Additionally, I offer guidance in helping your children and teens navigate those challenging years.
(828) 627-8744 View (828) 627-8744
Photo of Kimberly Pearce, MA, LCMHC, NCC, CI, Counselor
Kimberly Pearce
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC, CI
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
I have worked with children as young as five, teens, adults and families to build healthy relationships, improve communication, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, build self-efficacy, process trauma/grief/loss, clarify educational/career goals, improve professional and athletic performance, and build effective and loving parenting skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in North Carolina with certification in Grief and Loss and Trauma and Crisis. I am also a fully-trained EMDR clinician. I have over 20 years of professional clinical experience providing direct behavioral health services and educational/career counseling and parenting skills in private practice, educational institutions, and in the community. My approach to therapy is grounded in Adlerian theory with an emphasis on encouragement and improving relationships in our lives and with ourselves.
I have worked with children as young as five, teens, adults and families to build healthy relationships, improve communication, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, build self-efficacy, process trauma/grief/loss, clarify educational/career goals, improve professional and athletic performance, and build effective and loving parenting skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in North Carolina with certification in Grief and Loss and Trauma and Crisis. I am also a fully-trained EMDR clinician. I have over 20 years of professional clinical experience providing direct behavioral health services and educational/career counseling and parenting skills in private practice, educational institutions, and in the community. My approach to therapy is grounded in Adlerian theory with an emphasis on encouragement and improving relationships in our lives and with ourselves.
(828) 672-3526 View (828) 672-3526
Photo of Diana Feick-Kistler, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Feick-Kistler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
I am sympathetic to and supportive of those who are experiencing depression, shame, guilt, anxiety or any other impactful negative emotions.
Growing up I was always a good listener, but over the past 14 years as a therapist, I have dedicated myself to becoming a great listener. I know that asking for emotional help can be difficult, so when it happens, I want to be that person who can offer a platform for those who want to be heard. I work with adolescents and adults identifying barriers to success and then finding ways to knock them down. I will meet you where you are with empathy and kindness and support you on your journey to happiness and wholeness.
I am sympathetic to and supportive of those who are experiencing depression, shame, guilt, anxiety or any other impactful negative emotions.
Growing up I was always a good listener, but over the past 14 years as a therapist, I have dedicated myself to becoming a great listener. I know that asking for emotional help can be difficult, so when it happens, I want to be that person who can offer a platform for those who want to be heard. I work with adolescents and adults identifying barriers to success and then finding ways to knock them down. I will meet you where you are with empathy and kindness and support you on your journey to happiness and wholeness.
(828) 408-0485 View (828) 408-0485
Photo of Susannah Kuppers, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susannah Kuppers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I am currently accepting new clients, both in person and through Telehealth. Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
I am currently accepting new clients, both in person and through Telehealth. Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
(828) 547-9561 View (828) 547-9561
Photo of Colleen Reed - Mountain Wellness Therapy, PLLC, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mountain Wellness Therapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone goes through hard times. Whether this is your first time, or it feels like it has been a lifetime, I specialize in helping adults who have found various challenges like anxiety and depression, substance use, or trauma (often a combination) to be sources of pain and suffering. I come from a place of understanding, not judgment. Being able to feel safe, heard, and understood are important parts of creating positive change and healing. I partner with you to create the goals you want to see come from our work together, and I use evidenced based methods to help you move forward in those directions.
Everyone goes through hard times. Whether this is your first time, or it feels like it has been a lifetime, I specialize in helping adults who have found various challenges like anxiety and depression, substance use, or trauma (often a combination) to be sources of pain and suffering. I come from a place of understanding, not judgment. Being able to feel safe, heard, and understood are important parts of creating positive change and healing. I partner with you to create the goals you want to see come from our work together, and I use evidenced based methods to help you move forward in those directions.
(828) 268-3768 View (828) 268-3768
Photo of Marie Romeo, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Romeo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
Much of my work has focused on supporting those who have been impacted by sexual violence and abuse, as well as those who experience PTSD, depression, anxiety and who struggle with body acceptance/fat liberation and healing from diet culture.
I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, and to integrate the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.
Much of my work has focused on supporting those who have been impacted by sexual violence and abuse, as well as those who experience PTSD, depression, anxiety and who struggle with body acceptance/fat liberation and healing from diet culture.
I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, and to integrate the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.
(828) 392-5148 View (828) 392-5148
Photo of Karen Albig Smith - Karen A Smith LMFT, LCAS, LMFT, LCAS, MAC, SAP, SAE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen A Smith LMFT, LCAS
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCAS, MAC, SAP, SAE
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
All these situations have involved special issues such as women's issues, domestic violence, divorce, mediation, trauma and abuse recovery, addiction, depression, anxiety, and male empowerment without aggression.
I enjoy working with clients who actively participate in their therapy. It is important to be ready to enter into therapy. The focus of therapy is on you not the others in your life - for after all you cannot change other people but rather the only person you can change is yourself. I can help you make the changes you want to make. Want to survive a trauma, stay sober, lose weight, interact better with others, recover from a loss, examine a troubled intimacy? This is what I do.
All these situations have involved special issues such as women's issues, domestic violence, divorce, mediation, trauma and abuse recovery, addiction, depression, anxiety, and male empowerment without aggression.
I enjoy working with clients who actively participate in their therapy. It is important to be ready to enter into therapy. The focus of therapy is on you not the others in your life - for after all you cannot change other people but rather the only person you can change is yourself. I can help you make the changes you want to make. Want to survive a trauma, stay sober, lose weight, interact better with others, recover from a loss, examine a troubled intimacy? This is what I do.
(828) 468-8275 View (828) 468-8275
Photo of Janet J. Zander, LCMHC, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janet J. Zander
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Are you looking to improve health in mind, body and spirit? I believe healing comes from dimensions including physical, mental and emotional health, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, relationships and spiritual life. My approach is strength based, empathic and interactive. My training has been in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, relationships and family issues. My aim is to provide a supportive and safe space where we can collaborate and work at your own pace to help you reach your goals.
Are you looking to improve health in mind, body and spirit? I believe healing comes from dimensions including physical, mental and emotional health, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, relationships and spiritual life. My approach is strength based, empathic and interactive. My training has been in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, relationships and family issues. My aim is to provide a supportive and safe space where we can collaborate and work at your own pace to help you reach your goals.
(828) 618-4684 View (828) 618-4684
Photo of Dana E Mills, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dana E Mills
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Everyone faces difficulties in life at some point and can use discreet, compassionate, non-judgemental support to develop strategies to manage and overcome those difficulties. No single therapeutic approach can treat every individual. I believe that recovery and improvement are possible for everyone. Therapy helps find solutions that foster a sense of personal empowerment to make choices in your own recovery. My therapeutic approach focuses on an individual's strengths to engage in their life. Learn skills to help manage and treat anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, substance use issues, and trauma resolution.
Everyone faces difficulties in life at some point and can use discreet, compassionate, non-judgemental support to develop strategies to manage and overcome those difficulties. No single therapeutic approach can treat every individual. I believe that recovery and improvement are possible for everyone. Therapy helps find solutions that foster a sense of personal empowerment to make choices in your own recovery. My therapeutic approach focuses on an individual's strengths to engage in their life. Learn skills to help manage and treat anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, substance use issues, and trauma resolution.
(828) 634-4378 View (828) 634-4378
Photo of Pablo Javier Averza, MA, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor
Pablo Javier Averza
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I will guide you to address your thoughts, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, or depression.
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
I will guide you to address your thoughts, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, or depression.
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
(828) 283-0614 View (828) 283-0614
Photo of Leslie Y Badalucca, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Y Badalucca
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
My goal is to provide the support necessary to working through feelings of anxiety, depression, loss or transition, and addressing issues associated with family and relationship conflicts.
...Life often involves challenges effecting the journey toward personal and professional objectives. There are times when it is only the support of genuine listening, empathy, and guidance that desired outcomes are achieved. Whether you are trying to cope with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence, relationship challenges, communication skills, impulse control concerns, life-transition issues (e.g., military/vet, divorce, job loss, retirement), trauma, grief, physical/sexual abuse, or other life challenges. Life is difficult and requires growth and change that are not always easy or comfortable.
My goal is to provide the support necessary to working through feelings of anxiety, depression, loss or transition, and addressing issues associated with family and relationship conflicts.
...Life often involves challenges effecting the journey toward personal and professional objectives. There are times when it is only the support of genuine listening, empathy, and guidance that desired outcomes are achieved. Whether you are trying to cope with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence, relationship challenges, communication skills, impulse control concerns, life-transition issues (e.g., military/vet, divorce, job loss, retirement), trauma, grief, physical/sexual abuse, or other life challenges. Life is difficult and requires growth and change that are not always easy or comfortable.
(828) 268-3822 View (828) 268-3822
Photo of Nicole Conner, MAEd, LCMHC, LCAS
Nicole Conner
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MAEd, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about helping people choose a more fulfilling life! This could mean processing trauma, gaining an understanding of unhealthy family patterns or learning skills for managing anxiety and depression.
You are not alone! Many folks today are feeling stuck... or overwhelmed by anxiety, loss, and confusion. Others are trying to make meaning of early life events or current relational strife with partners, children, or parents. I enjoy working with a variety of populations including: helping parents navigate difficulties with children who are struggling with anxiety or possible neurodivergence, adolescents struggling to belong or with unhealthy coping skills, young adults balancing college and work, adults navigating transitions such as divorce, retirement, and grief, and those who are in recovery.
I am passionate about helping people choose a more fulfilling life! This could mean processing trauma, gaining an understanding of unhealthy family patterns or learning skills for managing anxiety and depression.
You are not alone! Many folks today are feeling stuck... or overwhelmed by anxiety, loss, and confusion. Others are trying to make meaning of early life events or current relational strife with partners, children, or parents. I enjoy working with a variety of populations including: helping parents navigate difficulties with children who are struggling with anxiety or possible neurodivergence, adolescents struggling to belong or with unhealthy coping skills, young adults balancing college and work, adults navigating transitions such as divorce, retirement, and grief, and those who are in recovery.
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Photo of Jessica Gruber, MA, LPA, LCAS, Psychological Associate
Jessica Gruber
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA, LCAS
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
I work with adults seeking to change their lives. I have considerable experience helping people alleviate anxiety and depression, as well as, other mood disorders. I find creative ways to help people heal from trauma they have experienced and to connect with the present. I enjoy helping people who need help to tackle substance use issues such as alcohol or other drugs. I also work with couples using EFT to rebuild the bond between partners and create a healthier relationship with emotions.
I work with adults seeking to change their lives. I have considerable experience helping people alleviate anxiety and depression, as well as, other mood disorders. I find creative ways to help people heal from trauma they have experienced and to connect with the present. I enjoy helping people who need help to tackle substance use issues such as alcohol or other drugs. I also work with couples using EFT to rebuild the bond between partners and create a healthier relationship with emotions.
(910) 601-8547 View (910) 601-8547
Photo of Paula Anderson Demonet, MS, LCMHCS, NCC, Counselor
Paula Anderson Demonet
Counselor, MS, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I enjoy meeting people right where they are in this wild and wonderful experience, we call life. It is important that you feel heard, understood, and accepted for who you are and what you have already experienced. I work to help you resolve underlying negative beliefs and patterns that are getting in the way of who you were always meant to be. Your authentic self. Whether your pain stems from traumatic experiences, attachment wounds, or emotional needs that aren’t being met, therapy can help you sit with the pain while still building a meaningful and rich life.
I enjoy meeting people right where they are in this wild and wonderful experience, we call life. It is important that you feel heard, understood, and accepted for who you are and what you have already experienced. I work to help you resolve underlying negative beliefs and patterns that are getting in the way of who you were always meant to be. Your authentic self. Whether your pain stems from traumatic experiences, attachment wounds, or emotional needs that aren’t being met, therapy can help you sit with the pain while still building a meaningful and rich life.
(828) 622-4643 View (828) 622-4643
Photo of Thuy Do, MEd, LCMHC, Counselor
Thuy Do
Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Hi! I’m so glad you are here. My name is Thuy and I believe that as humans, we are deserving of kindness, compassion, and empathy. It is the foundation of the work that I do and I look forward to the possibility of working alongside you. Whether you are simply needing space for yourself, looking to heal your relationships, set boundaries, confront maladaptive and distressing patterns, or address and stabilize trauma, I will always hold space for you to feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe that true healing comes from finding the root causes to undesired emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
Hi! I’m so glad you are here. My name is Thuy and I believe that as humans, we are deserving of kindness, compassion, and empathy. It is the foundation of the work that I do and I look forward to the possibility of working alongside you. Whether you are simply needing space for yourself, looking to heal your relationships, set boundaries, confront maladaptive and distressing patterns, or address and stabilize trauma, I will always hold space for you to feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe that true healing comes from finding the root causes to undesired emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
(828) 374-8747 View (828) 374-8747
Photo of Judith Preiato, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith Preiato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome. Let me introduce myself as one who knows her soul’s purpose is to assist others find their soul’s purpose so that they may live a life of authenticity, abundance and joy just as I have learned. Often times we don’t even know that we have the capacity to create anything new. When we look around at our life’s circumstances sometimes all we can see is why we can’t. How do I know that? Because that was me. My thinking was so negatively conditioned from old emotional wounds and familial/societal conditioning. Let me show you how you have everything you need within to heal.
Hello and welcome. Let me introduce myself as one who knows her soul’s purpose is to assist others find their soul’s purpose so that they may live a life of authenticity, abundance and joy just as I have learned. Often times we don’t even know that we have the capacity to create anything new. When we look around at our life’s circumstances sometimes all we can see is why we can’t. How do I know that? Because that was me. My thinking was so negatively conditioned from old emotional wounds and familial/societal conditioning. Let me show you how you have everything you need within to heal.
(828) 383-0789 View (828) 383-0789
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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.