Therapists in Allentown, PA
![Photo of Maria D Andujar Rodriguez, MA, MFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3a25123-fed7-41fd-b6cc-59d4a269c55c/3/320x400.png)
Depression occurs when feelings of deep sadness or .
My objective is to diagnose and structure Problems, Listen to clients, be able to move in environments and work as a team on the emotional states of the client, be able to communicate and understand them to encourage the client to assume their life. Empathy is that ability to feel with and as the client, to enter the client's world and understand their perceptions of reality. My areas include adults, Children and Adolescents with behavioral issues: Depression, Anxiety, relationship challenges.
Depression occurs when feelings of deep sadness or .
My objective is to diagnose and structure Problems, Listen to clients, be able to move in environments and work as a team on the emotional states of the client, be able to communicate and understand them to encourage the client to assume their life. Empathy is that ability to feel with and as the client, to enter the client's world and understand their perceptions of reality. My areas include adults, Children and Adolescents with behavioral issues: Depression, Anxiety, relationship challenges.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Heloise (Lois) Ridley, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4da05a84-6b6f-476f-89f0-a8dfa3e3fac4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heloise (Lois) Ridley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018 (Online Only)
Lois supports adults struggling to connect with others, establish healthy boundaries, or communicate within their current relationships due to early childhood trauma. She utilizes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens to support clients with unconditional regard and occasional humor. Based upon a client’s needs and preferences, her clinical orientation can include a blend of AEDP, family systems, trauma-healing, strengths-based, and narrative therapy. Lois strives to provide a loving "no judgement zone" for clients to pursue their healing. She serves as a cheerleader in her clients' journey towards NEW hope and resilience.
Lois supports adults struggling to connect with others, establish healthy boundaries, or communicate within their current relationships due to early childhood trauma. She utilizes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens to support clients with unconditional regard and occasional humor. Based upon a client’s needs and preferences, her clinical orientation can include a blend of AEDP, family systems, trauma-healing, strengths-based, and narrative therapy. Lois strives to provide a loving "no judgement zone" for clients to pursue their healing. She serves as a cheerleader in her clients' journey towards NEW hope and resilience.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Edwin A Garcia, MA, LC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4916ad6d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Many of us at time struggle with managing the stress of life and it can become overwhelming. The good news is you are not alone! Reaching out for support is the first step, and a clear sign that you are apart and ready for a change. I am here to be a part of your support system. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and many other concerns. I believe that you are ready to move on with your life and that you have the strength to empower yourself.
Many of us at time struggle with managing the stress of life and it can become overwhelming. The good news is you are not alone! Reaching out for support is the first step, and a clear sign that you are apart and ready for a change. I am here to be a part of your support system. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and many other concerns. I believe that you are ready to move on with your life and that you have the strength to empower yourself.
Perez Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360 (Online Only)
We are a team of bilingual Licensed Clinical and Master level Social Workers who practice both in New York and Pennsylvania. Our experiences include working with clients from different backgrounds and with different presenting problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, suicidality, mood and eating disorders. Our learning has been shaped through diverse experiences working with adolescents, and adults who face daily struggles and challenges in their lives.
We are a team of bilingual Licensed Clinical and Master level Social Workers who practice both in New York and Pennsylvania. Our experiences include working with clients from different backgrounds and with different presenting problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, suicidality, mood and eating disorders. Our learning has been shaped through diverse experiences working with adolescents, and adults who face daily struggles and challenges in their lives.
![Photo of Mal Ragunathan, LSW, EdM, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7d1f4ad-8ae3-4053-9020-ff9017d42f3d/1/320x400.png)
Mal Ragunathan
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW, EdM, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19123 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals and couples, who are seeking support with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, navigating parent-child relationships, and perinatal mental health. I work best with those who are committed to a process of turning inward - those who want to interrogate their familial systems and dynamics, unlearn harmful patterns of relating, and work with trans-generational patterns of trauma and healing. I am invested in centering your lived experience and how it impacts the way you move through the world as well as how you relate to yourself and others.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples, who are seeking support with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, navigating parent-child relationships, and perinatal mental health. I work best with those who are committed to a process of turning inward - those who want to interrogate their familial systems and dynamics, unlearn harmful patterns of relating, and work with trans-generational patterns of trauma and healing. I am invested in centering your lived experience and how it impacts the way you move through the world as well as how you relate to yourself and others.
![Photo of Brian D Barber, PsyD, LPC, MDiv, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ce091f2-49c4-4670-a68c-ce736eaf7b7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
You want more and deserve better. For many adults and youngsters, feelings of anxiety and depression leave you feeling like you are just getting by. Meeting in person, talking about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns within a safe therapeutic relationship, we can work together to help you become unstuck and rebuild a life with purpose and meaning. For some, this may include processing painful emotions, grieving losses, navigating difficult relationships, or changing self-defeating patterns. Therapy is hard work and by reading this page, you’ve already shown you’re curious to learn more about yourself and are motivated to change.
You want more and deserve better. For many adults and youngsters, feelings of anxiety and depression leave you feeling like you are just getting by. Meeting in person, talking about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns within a safe therapeutic relationship, we can work together to help you become unstuck and rebuild a life with purpose and meaning. For some, this may include processing painful emotions, grieving losses, navigating difficult relationships, or changing self-defeating patterns. Therapy is hard work and by reading this page, you’ve already shown you’re curious to learn more about yourself and are motivated to change.
![Photo of Abigail (Abby) Hawkins, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14ff81ce-d70a-40ab-be8a-0efa5da0666b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abigail (Abby) Hawkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, agoraphobia, fertility issues, new parenthood, gender & sexual identity, disordered eating, relationship issues, grief, and life transitions.
Hi, I'm so glad you found my page! When someone starts therapy with me, it's often because they've been having a hard time feeling connected to others or they struggle to be in the moment. Others deal with low self-worth, negative beliefs about themselves, or feeling they cannot get where they want to be in life. In our work together, I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your strengths, feel empowered to manage emotions when life feels overwhelming, and build more fulfilling relationships. I take a warm, collaborative approach to getting to know you as an individual and what helps you.
I specialize in helping people struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, agoraphobia, fertility issues, new parenthood, gender & sexual identity, disordered eating, relationship issues, grief, and life transitions.
Hi, I'm so glad you found my page! When someone starts therapy with me, it's often because they've been having a hard time feeling connected to others or they struggle to be in the moment. Others deal with low self-worth, negative beliefs about themselves, or feeling they cannot get where they want to be in life. In our work together, I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your strengths, feel empowered to manage emotions when life feels overwhelming, and build more fulfilling relationships. I take a warm, collaborative approach to getting to know you as an individual and what helps you.
![Photo of Maureen Zdanis, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dbad707-8196-46f6-8a06-73d1d62a27b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
![Photo of Edward Joseph Dixon III, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e61b7587-e3d7-43b7-aacf-7a844465a098/1/320x400.jpeg)
Edward Joseph Dixon III
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
When working with individuals my focus is to provide deep, compassionate understanding while working together to access emotions connected to your true self that help unlock natural healing processes. With families my focus is to connect and support each family member while working toward a path that is important for the whole family. I have experience helping individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, oppositional behaviors, social isolation and trauma.
When working with individuals my focus is to provide deep, compassionate understanding while working together to access emotions connected to your true self that help unlock natural healing processes. With families my focus is to connect and support each family member while working toward a path that is important for the whole family. I have experience helping individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, oppositional behaviors, social isolation and trauma.
![Photo of Sara Kranzler, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db0683ed-5300-48b2-bd23-7e9599ba9ec1/1/320x400.png)
It is hard to know when to seek help and where to find it. I offer one free consult session to help you figure it out. I work with young adults, early career professionals, and college age students struggling with family, social, relationship, and identity stressors, as well as trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also enjoy partnering with children and teens to address depression and anxiety. I frequently work with these symptoms when a person also has a co-morbid ADHD or Autism. When appropriate, I can offer short term targeted treatments for anxiety and executive functioning goals. Resilience is at the core of my work.
It is hard to know when to seek help and where to find it. I offer one free consult session to help you figure it out. I work with young adults, early career professionals, and college age students struggling with family, social, relationship, and identity stressors, as well as trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also enjoy partnering with children and teens to address depression and anxiety. I frequently work with these symptoms when a person also has a co-morbid ADHD or Autism. When appropriate, I can offer short term targeted treatments for anxiety and executive functioning goals. Resilience is at the core of my work.
![Photo of John Machalaba, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c309838c-fa14-411a-9c56-e5c7704105f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have considerable experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficulties in interpersonal or romantic relationships.
My approach to therapy is one that prioritizes the creation of a relationship that is safe, mutual, and honest. I want my clients to feel empowered and free to explore themselves and grow into the person they wish to become. I am calm, warm, and active. I offer my clients feedback and challenge them in ways that encourage growth, often with some levity and humor. I value knowing my clients as a person and prioritize understanding and appreciating their perspective. I work together with my clients to identify negative patterns in their life and provide the opportunity to create new, healthy experiences.
I have considerable experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficulties in interpersonal or romantic relationships.
My approach to therapy is one that prioritizes the creation of a relationship that is safe, mutual, and honest. I want my clients to feel empowered and free to explore themselves and grow into the person they wish to become. I am calm, warm, and active. I offer my clients feedback and challenge them in ways that encourage growth, often with some levity and humor. I value knowing my clients as a person and prioritize understanding and appreciating their perspective. I work together with my clients to identify negative patterns in their life and provide the opportunity to create new, healthy experiences.
![Photo of Albert V. Pohl, MDiv, CAADC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfef613-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Albert V. Pohl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, CAADC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Confidential, compassionate and individually tailored counseling and life coaching. Support and guidance for difficult and painful feelings, relationship issues, or problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, anger, guilt, embarrassment, confusion. Education and coaching for misunderstanding and/or conflict at work, at home, with partner or spouse, with children, with parents. Experienced education and counseling for struggles with alcohol and/or drug use. Understanding, support and guidance with on-going issues in recovery and/or dual diagnoses. ADHD coaching. Counseling for those on Disability.
Confidential, compassionate and individually tailored counseling and life coaching. Support and guidance for difficult and painful feelings, relationship issues, or problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, anger, guilt, embarrassment, confusion. Education and coaching for misunderstanding and/or conflict at work, at home, with partner or spouse, with children, with parents. Experienced education and counseling for struggles with alcohol and/or drug use. Understanding, support and guidance with on-going issues in recovery and/or dual diagnoses. ADHD coaching. Counseling for those on Disability.
![Photo of Carmela Perez-Diedhiou, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c8fd28d-0193-481c-94b1-c10ee24c9024/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carmela Perez-Diedhiou
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360 (Online Only)
**I offer sliding scale pricing** I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices both in New York and Pennsylvania. My experiences include working with clients from different backgrounds and with different presenting problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, suicidality, mood and eating disorders. My learning has been shaped through my experiences working with adolescents, and adults who face daily struggles and challenges in their lives.
**I offer sliding scale pricing** I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices both in New York and Pennsylvania. My experiences include working with clients from different backgrounds and with different presenting problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, suicidality, mood and eating disorders. My learning has been shaped through my experiences working with adolescents, and adults who face daily struggles and challenges in their lives.
![Photo of Amy Leonard, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52120aae-1781-4bf0-acb6-db67f6d69c01/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are feeling stuck, alone, or confused about yourself or your relationships, then therapy could be a helpful next step for you. I would love to help you explore your story and learn how to tap into your ability to grow and heal. My style is warm, conversational, and relational, because I believe the main way we grow and change is by being in authentic and non-judgmental relationships. Whether you are facing relational concerns, a life transition, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, or any type of trauma, my goal is to help you gain both the insight and the skills you need to navigate your concerns.
If you are feeling stuck, alone, or confused about yourself or your relationships, then therapy could be a helpful next step for you. I would love to help you explore your story and learn how to tap into your ability to grow and heal. My style is warm, conversational, and relational, because I believe the main way we grow and change is by being in authentic and non-judgmental relationships. Whether you are facing relational concerns, a life transition, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, or any type of trauma, my goal is to help you gain both the insight and the skills you need to navigate your concerns.
![Photo of Megan MacDonnell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5038d6ba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I treat adults and older teens with presenting concerns of depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, relational problems, and grief.
Seeking therapy takes immense strength and courage. It can feel vulnerable to trust another human with your struggles, fear, and pain. From the beginning, I will do my best to listen deeply and carefully, respecting that you have been doing the best you can with what you’ve been handed in life. I believe that our symptoms often provide information about how we have had to adapt to our circumstances. I therefore strive to honor how you have had to cope while working towards alleviating your distress and deepening your connection with yourself and others.
I treat adults and older teens with presenting concerns of depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, relational problems, and grief.
Seeking therapy takes immense strength and courage. It can feel vulnerable to trust another human with your struggles, fear, and pain. From the beginning, I will do my best to listen deeply and carefully, respecting that you have been doing the best you can with what you’ve been handed in life. I believe that our symptoms often provide information about how we have had to adapt to our circumstances. I therefore strive to honor how you have had to cope while working towards alleviating your distress and deepening your connection with yourself and others.
![Photo of Maury L. Joseph, PsyD, MPsy, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f220870-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maury L. Joseph
Psychologist, PsyD, MPsy
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (Online Only)
The problems that bring us to therapy often start as solutions to life's problems, our best efforts to get by in a difficult world. When these solutions stop working, and when depression and anxiety break through despite our best efforts to cope, it is wise to seek help. You are giving yourself a gift in doing so.
The problems that bring us to therapy often start as solutions to life's problems, our best efforts to get by in a difficult world. When these solutions stop working, and when depression and anxiety break through despite our best efforts to cope, it is wise to seek help. You are giving yourself a gift in doing so.
![Photo of Julia Gladstone - Philly Somatic Therapy, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1c3a9c8-5d9a-4eb0-ba71-ad5155e378a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tired of repeating old, unsatisfying patterns in relationship? Ready to break free from constricting insecurities and inhibitions? Need help being kinder and more accepting toward yourself? Want to live less in your thoughts and more in your body? Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to psychological healing and personal growth that works directly with the mind-body connection. Gentle but powerful, somatic psychotherapy works deeply to help you gain crucial insight, experience new ways of being and feeling, and cultivate lasting change.
Tired of repeating old, unsatisfying patterns in relationship? Ready to break free from constricting insecurities and inhibitions? Need help being kinder and more accepting toward yourself? Want to live less in your thoughts and more in your body? Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to psychological healing and personal growth that works directly with the mind-body connection. Gentle but powerful, somatic psychotherapy works deeply to help you gain crucial insight, experience new ways of being and feeling, and cultivate lasting change.
![Photo of Kate Short, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e6fcc67-bcc3-490c-bd2b-bcfaa7d39234/1/320x400.jpeg)
The foundation of any good therapy is trust. We share ourselves with people who earn the right to hear our story; as we build trust together we can begin to explore, identify, and tolerate emotions in healthier ways. Emotions are not the problem, they are data- guiding us to truth, relief and self-trust. When we manage our emotions & learn from them, we can avoid the traps of language and habit that inhibit healthy development and leave us stuck. Therapy is an excavation, a cathartic oxygenation of buried experience.
The foundation of any good therapy is trust. We share ourselves with people who earn the right to hear our story; as we build trust together we can begin to explore, identify, and tolerate emotions in healthier ways. Emotions are not the problem, they are data- guiding us to truth, relief and self-trust. When we manage our emotions & learn from them, we can avoid the traps of language and habit that inhibit healthy development and leave us stuck. Therapy is an excavation, a cathartic oxygenation of buried experience.
![Photo of Lauren W Pratt, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/661b3460-ffd1-42a6-8268-36fb6fdefeeb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren W Pratt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, PA 17512 (Online Only)
Do you wonder if your presence really matters? Is it easy for you to extend grace and compassion to those around you, but difficult to do the same for yourself? Maybe you long to be truly known and loved as your authentic self, but vulnerability scares you or you don’t even know how to begin. And maybe you aren’t even sure who you really are. Therapy creates a space where you can ask questions, get curious, and more deeply learn about yourself, giving you the power to make choices that set the course for a more fulfilling life.
Do you wonder if your presence really matters? Is it easy for you to extend grace and compassion to those around you, but difficult to do the same for yourself? Maybe you long to be truly known and loved as your authentic self, but vulnerability scares you or you don’t even know how to begin. And maybe you aren’t even sure who you really are. Therapy creates a space where you can ask questions, get curious, and more deeply learn about yourself, giving you the power to make choices that set the course for a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Rachel Brittingham, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d4ee042-396c-4c37-a877-90f43ec1abc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Brittingham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
You’ve spent a lot of your life just “getting through it”. Despite a lot of difficulties in your childhood, and even your early adult life, you’ve managed to bulldoze through it all and stay on track as much as you could. But now that you’re through it (at least mostly), your past seems to be catching up to you. Your relationships with significant others, friends, family and even yourself seem to be challenging. You’re realizing now that maybe “just getting through it” wasn’t enough, and it is time to get some support for yourself, whether you really want to or not. Slowing down is really difficult, but it's time.
You’ve spent a lot of your life just “getting through it”. Despite a lot of difficulties in your childhood, and even your early adult life, you’ve managed to bulldoze through it all and stay on track as much as you could. But now that you’re through it (at least mostly), your past seems to be catching up to you. Your relationships with significant others, friends, family and even yourself seem to be challenging. You’re realizing now that maybe “just getting through it” wasn’t enough, and it is time to get some support for yourself, whether you really want to or not. Slowing down is really difficult, but it's time.
See more therapy options for Allentown
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.