Depression Therapists in New Brunswick, NJ
![Photo of Megan Dickerson, BSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/707e3d4a-8916-4df3-8b24-b4711a64b16f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Dickerson
Pre-Licensed Professional, BSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
Are you struggling or have you struggled in the past? Mental health is important and I want to be able to support you. Some days you may feel on top of the world when other days you feel like you can't get out of bed due to a debilitating sense of stress, depression, and anxiety. My experiences have led me to work with individuals who may feel stuck or alone navigating through a difficult time in life whether that has to do with school, work, relationships, or life in general. I am here to provide a supportive and safe non-judgmental space. Together we will explore your stressors and create a plan to help you reach your goals.
Are you struggling or have you struggled in the past? Mental health is important and I want to be able to support you. Some days you may feel on top of the world when other days you feel like you can't get out of bed due to a debilitating sense of stress, depression, and anxiety. My experiences have led me to work with individuals who may feel stuck or alone navigating through a difficult time in life whether that has to do with school, work, relationships, or life in general. I am here to provide a supportive and safe non-judgmental space. Together we will explore your stressors and create a plan to help you reach your goals.
![Photo of Sherri James, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed7c530f-6854-45f8-9a79-59a1d08bfb3e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sherri James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
Hello, there. My name is Sherri James and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and my Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York City. I have over 20 years of extensive clinical expertise working with various populations with diverse backgrounds who have depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship issues.
Hello, there. My name is Sherri James and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and my Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York City. I have over 20 years of extensive clinical expertise working with various populations with diverse backgrounds who have depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Nadene Murphy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/768e1b9c-0ea1-4346-8358-377582b053c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nadene Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
In my practice, I believe in the power of the therapeutic connection, which fosters a collaborative approach to treatment. I strive to help clients gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences, enabling them to identify goals, navigate obstacles, and achieve their desired outcomes. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety, dealing with relationship issues, and managing life stressors and transitions.
In my practice, I believe in the power of the therapeutic connection, which fosters a collaborative approach to treatment. I strive to help clients gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences, enabling them to identify goals, navigate obstacles, and achieve their desired outcomes. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety, dealing with relationship issues, and managing life stressors and transitions.
![Photo of Dina Niewood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b51cb8b5-adc4-4caa-bfff-9ac623439db4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dina Niewood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I view treatment as a team approach with clients, focusing on the goals while at the same time, creating a warm, caring, and safe environment. I never tire of hearing people’s stories and am endlessly motivated to gain a deeper understanding of behavior and relationship dynamics. I have extensive expertise in helping clients with anxiety, depression, panic, relationship issues, fertility struggles, and postpartum depression. I use a positive, solution-focused approach with clients, based on the idea that they already possess many tools for self-healing and greater life satisfaction.
I view treatment as a team approach with clients, focusing on the goals while at the same time, creating a warm, caring, and safe environment. I never tire of hearing people’s stories and am endlessly motivated to gain a deeper understanding of behavior and relationship dynamics. I have extensive expertise in helping clients with anxiety, depression, panic, relationship issues, fertility struggles, and postpartum depression. I use a positive, solution-focused approach with clients, based on the idea that they already possess many tools for self-healing and greater life satisfaction.
![Photo of Rachel Fornicola, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ad86079-0afe-47c0-b656-fc8a7ba8298c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Fornicola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression. My commitment is to help provide you the best possible treatment through collaboration and by developing an individualized plan to help meet your unique needs. I am also trained in Brainspotting, a unique treatment that allows us to bypass the “thinking” part of the brain and tap into the “emotional” part of the brain which stores unprocessed trauma and negative experiences that can attribute to anxiety and depression. I look forward to speaking with you soon and I am excited to be a part of your therapeutic journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression. My commitment is to help provide you the best possible treatment through collaboration and by developing an individualized plan to help meet your unique needs. I am also trained in Brainspotting, a unique treatment that allows us to bypass the “thinking” part of the brain and tap into the “emotional” part of the brain which stores unprocessed trauma and negative experiences that can attribute to anxiety and depression. I look forward to speaking with you soon and I am excited to be a part of your therapeutic journey.
![Photo of Victoria Garofalo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71cf651f-aeba-4366-91e1-64bac9fd04be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Garofalo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and adolescents with depression, stress, and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and bipolar disorder, among other conditions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and adolescents with depression, stress, and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and bipolar disorder, among other conditions.
![Photo of Tina Levine-Babayan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/440424f8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your life journey? Navigating life can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. As a psychotherapist, I can offer you expert support and compassion to help you move forward. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, pre-marital and divorce counseling, social issues, building self-esteem, and managing stress. I understand that each person is unique, so I will tailor my approach to meet your needs and goals. During therapy, I will use various eclectic techniques to help you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your life journey? Navigating life can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. As a psychotherapist, I can offer you expert support and compassion to help you move forward. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, pre-marital and divorce counseling, social issues, building self-esteem, and managing stress. I understand that each person is unique, so I will tailor my approach to meet your needs and goals. During therapy, I will use various eclectic techniques to help you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
![Photo of Mason Shepherd, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fba4e5e-d7d2-4d56-87ac-e7823c9c8641/10/320x400.jpeg)
As a licensed psychologist, I am trained to use evidenced-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to address a variety of difficulties in children and adults like depression, anxiety, behavior challenges, grief and other problematic concerns. I also have experience working with students who have been diagnosed with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Tic Disorders, Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more.
As a licensed psychologist, I am trained to use evidenced-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to address a variety of difficulties in children and adults like depression, anxiety, behavior challenges, grief and other problematic concerns. I also have experience working with students who have been diagnosed with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Tic Disorders, Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more.
![Photo of Rosa Rodriguez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47325517-01b1-485d-8c6a-b075a8e649c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rosa Rodriguez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
Rosa has experience working with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and has conducted group interventions with both populations. In working with victims, Rosa helped them deal with mental issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and helped them improve their self-esteem and ability to advance their own interests. In working with the perpetrators, Rosa provided extensive psychoeducation and anger management skills to this population. Rosa has worked with adults, children and adolescents in crisis or following trauma, in the community and in residential settings. Rosa has worked closely with parents of children suffer
Rosa has experience working with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and has conducted group interventions with both populations. In working with victims, Rosa helped them deal with mental issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and helped them improve their self-esteem and ability to advance their own interests. In working with the perpetrators, Rosa provided extensive psychoeducation and anger management skills to this population. Rosa has worked with adults, children and adolescents in crisis or following trauma, in the community and in residential settings. Rosa has worked closely with parents of children suffer
![Photo of Sarina A Mulleavey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53626baf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working with men and women ages 18 years-old to older adults who are navigating life’s challenges, who feel blue, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, angry, who are not able to concentrate in college or at the workplace, who are unsettled due to their trauma and utilize bad coping skills. I help individuals grow while they feel stuck and shut down. I provide various forms of therapeutic treatment, not just talk therapy. My specialized experience and trainings are broad from: Gottman Marriage/Couples L1 L2 Psycho-education, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Trauma, Gestalt , Hypnosis, Yoga, and Holistic Treatments.
I am passionate about working with men and women ages 18 years-old to older adults who are navigating life’s challenges, who feel blue, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, angry, who are not able to concentrate in college or at the workplace, who are unsettled due to their trauma and utilize bad coping skills. I help individuals grow while they feel stuck and shut down. I provide various forms of therapeutic treatment, not just talk therapy. My specialized experience and trainings are broad from: Gottman Marriage/Couples L1 L2 Psycho-education, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Trauma, Gestalt , Hypnosis, Yoga, and Holistic Treatments.
![Photo of Caroline Hubschman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2751d5fc-37c9-4b9b-bf77-7a42cb7bd9d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Hubschman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I am dedicated to helping adults from diverse backgrounds navigate everyday struggles, with a focus on treating anxiety and depression.
Life's ups and downs can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. I am here to support you through these challenges and help you develop new coping skills. We will work together to understand the root causes of your concerns and come up with effective strategies to improve your mental health. My practice provides a judgment-free space where you can freely express yourself, and I am dedicated to creating a safe and affirming environment for individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am dedicated to helping adults from diverse backgrounds navigate everyday struggles, with a focus on treating anxiety and depression.
Life's ups and downs can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. I am here to support you through these challenges and help you develop new coping skills. We will work together to understand the root causes of your concerns and come up with effective strategies to improve your mental health. My practice provides a judgment-free space where you can freely express yourself, and I am dedicated to creating a safe and affirming environment for individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
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![Photo of Jemour Maddux - Dr. Jemour Maddux Psychologist, Accepting Patients, PsyD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ad6c363-fa99-4abb-b819-6a99c485cab0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jemour Maddux Psychologist, Accepting Patients
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I offer a solution-focused & direct approach for issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, anger & family/relationship problems.
Professional - Doctoral Level - Theologically Sensitive - TeleHealth Friendly - Diagnostician & Therapist: Dr. Maddux offers tools for escaping bothersome thoughts, behaviors & reactions so you can reclaim self-control, fresh perspectives, stable relationships, energy & hope. I also understand that faith is important. I completed postdoctoral Theology & Ministry education at Princeton Theological Seminary to ethically combine faith-based tools & evidence-based psychotherapies, such as CBT & ERP. My style is time-limited & practical. Get a "Game Plan" for reaching your social, emotional & relationship goals.
I offer a solution-focused & direct approach for issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, anger & family/relationship problems.
Professional - Doctoral Level - Theologically Sensitive - TeleHealth Friendly - Diagnostician & Therapist: Dr. Maddux offers tools for escaping bothersome thoughts, behaviors & reactions so you can reclaim self-control, fresh perspectives, stable relationships, energy & hope. I also understand that faith is important. I completed postdoctoral Theology & Ministry education at Princeton Theological Seminary to ethically combine faith-based tools & evidence-based psychotherapies, such as CBT & ERP. My style is time-limited & practical. Get a "Game Plan" for reaching your social, emotional & relationship goals.
![Photo of Charles Kimble, MEd, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01d6e3fd-fe63-4cd1-85d3-5b6f71170350/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charles Kimble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I work with clients to help them understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to find new ways of coping with life's difficulties. I have experience helping individuals and couples address issues with anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, marital conflict, affairs, and loss. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I work to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their challenges and work toward their goals. I understand that each person is complex and unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the individual needs of each client.
I work with clients to help them understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to find new ways of coping with life's difficulties. I have experience helping individuals and couples address issues with anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, marital conflict, affairs, and loss. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I work to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their challenges and work toward their goals. I understand that each person is complex and unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the individual needs of each client.
![Photo of Colleen Makowsky, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/604fe4bf-477c-42a5-94fd-9e174b83e8ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Colleen Makowsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
My therapy style is supportive, informative, and encouraging. Learning how to move through problems instead of resisting them reduces uncomfortable feelings. How we respond to life determines our level of fulfillment. I help clients recover from trauma, improve life functioning, and strengthen relationships in order to reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, and interpersonal turmoil can get in the way. I use many modalities to help individuals, couples, and families connect with their values and cope with life’s challenges.
My therapy style is supportive, informative, and encouraging. Learning how to move through problems instead of resisting them reduces uncomfortable feelings. How we respond to life determines our level of fulfillment. I help clients recover from trauma, improve life functioning, and strengthen relationships in order to reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, and interpersonal turmoil can get in the way. I use many modalities to help individuals, couples, and families connect with their values and cope with life’s challenges.
![Photo of Jessica Ribeiro, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3aeecb47-bcd0-42b8-b95d-b2af3a82891b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! I’m a clinical psychologist and university professor with over 15 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience licensed in NJ, NC, and FL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, OCD, and anxiety. In my practice, I use leading evidence-based therapies, which are treatments that are backed by decades of scientific research and shown to work. Primarily, these are cognitive-behavioral approaches (e.g., CBT) that are highly collaborative, active, and goal-oriented treatments that help people achieve desired symptom changes quickly and build more fulfilling lives.
Hi there! I’m a clinical psychologist and university professor with over 15 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience licensed in NJ, NC, and FL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, OCD, and anxiety. In my practice, I use leading evidence-based therapies, which are treatments that are backed by decades of scientific research and shown to work. Primarily, these are cognitive-behavioral approaches (e.g., CBT) that are highly collaborative, active, and goal-oriented treatments that help people achieve desired symptom changes quickly and build more fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Felipe Lau, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8fa672f-dc80-4b7d-ad56-82c0cf130db4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
![Photo of Joelle Mora, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98c27b78-d59b-4680-9145-3b8f528166e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joelle Mora
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
I have assisted clients with managing their anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, grief, and trauma.
My counseling style is client-centered and collaborative. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and an important aspect of that partnership is feeling a supportive, trusting rapport with your clinician. I like to apply different techniques and aspects into therapy based on what each specific client presents with and would be helped by.
I have assisted clients with managing their anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, grief, and trauma.
My counseling style is client-centered and collaborative. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and an important aspect of that partnership is feeling a supportive, trusting rapport with your clinician. I like to apply different techniques and aspects into therapy based on what each specific client presents with and would be helped by.
![Photo of Donyea Wheeler, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/115e82c2-27c8-4d34-a2c0-f632bdcaa05f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Donyea Wheeler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
I strive to help people become better versions of themelves. I specialize in working with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples and families struggling with trauma and stress, mood symptoms including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. I offer support, empathy, guidance and psychoeducation in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
I strive to help people become better versions of themelves. I specialize in working with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples and families struggling with trauma and stress, mood symptoms including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. I offer support, empathy, guidance and psychoeducation in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
![Photo of Jeffrey Obiekwe, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f619af7-5b06-4d4d-98e0-786922b1e6d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Obiekwe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Online Only)
Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in diverse levels of care and treatment settings. As a therapist Jeff provides a safe supportive space for individuals to process their thoughts and feelings. Jeff seeks to empower his clients, foster self-awareness so that they can accomplish their goals and live healthier lives. Jeff provides individualized therapy focusing on issue related to depression, anxiety, substance use, anger management, trauma and interpersonal conflict.
Jeff is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in diverse levels of care and treatment settings. As a therapist Jeff provides a safe supportive space for individuals to process their thoughts and feelings. Jeff seeks to empower his clients, foster self-awareness so that they can accomplish their goals and live healthier lives. Jeff provides individualized therapy focusing on issue related to depression, anxiety, substance use, anger management, trauma and interpersonal conflict.
![Photo of Keri B Petrone - Keri Petrone, Psy.D., LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3938411-c4d0-45d9-966f-0d270952016d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Keri Petrone, Psy.D., LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08902 (Online Only)
I am taking new clients! Trained in EMDR and an integrative approach to therapy primarily using psychodynamic, relational, and emotion-focused approaches. As an adolescent, young-adult, and adult clinical psychologist, I am highly skilled at helping individuals experiencing post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. I also treat individuals with eating and body image, self-esteem, and sports-related issues. I aim to provide a safe space for people to explore issues they may be experiencing, as well as provide helpful, constructive, and practical ways to cope and approach the world.
I am taking new clients! Trained in EMDR and an integrative approach to therapy primarily using psychodynamic, relational, and emotion-focused approaches. As an adolescent, young-adult, and adult clinical psychologist, I am highly skilled at helping individuals experiencing post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. I also treat individuals with eating and body image, self-esteem, and sports-related issues. I aim to provide a safe space for people to explore issues they may be experiencing, as well as provide helpful, constructive, and practical ways to cope and approach the world.
See more therapy options for New Brunswick
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for New Brunswick
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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.