Depression Therapists in Buckingham, PA
![Photo of Shanel Santucci, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ed72a29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shanel Santucci
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Buckingham, PA 18912
My background includes working with those with ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, mood disorders, and many other challenging behaviors.
I am here to help you become the best version of yourself. I have always been attracted to a holistic approach to counseling that includes brain health, nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and overall wellness. Along with talk therapy, I also utilize Neurofeedback training to help stabilize brainwaves. Neurofeedback Therapy is a non-invasive/non-drug based form of treatment that facilitates desired functions and mental states. Self-regulation is key in improving daily stressors, quality of life, and a positive well being. I am rewarded by seeing my clients' efforts to grow and achieve their goals.
My background includes working with those with ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, mood disorders, and many other challenging behaviors.
I am here to help you become the best version of yourself. I have always been attracted to a holistic approach to counseling that includes brain health, nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and overall wellness. Along with talk therapy, I also utilize Neurofeedback training to help stabilize brainwaves. Neurofeedback Therapy is a non-invasive/non-drug based form of treatment that facilitates desired functions and mental states. Self-regulation is key in improving daily stressors, quality of life, and a positive well being. I am rewarded by seeing my clients' efforts to grow and achieve their goals.
![Photo of Annie Yocum, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b548e6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Welcome. I see individual therapy as a process of joining someone in dealing with difficult situations or problems. I will listen carefully and strive to provide an emotionally safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and work through your concerns. Experiencing a genuine connection in a relaxed and non-stigmatizing atmosphere is an important part of therapy, and we can see if we are a "good match" to work together.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Welcome. I see individual therapy as a process of joining someone in dealing with difficult situations or problems. I will listen carefully and strive to provide an emotionally safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and work through your concerns. Experiencing a genuine connection in a relaxed and non-stigmatizing atmosphere is an important part of therapy, and we can see if we are a "good match" to work together.
![Photo of Dina Ricciardi, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0d74594-3d37-47b0-b7aa-b3f03a81cc63/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dina Ricciardi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckingham, PA 18912
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and ADHD.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day challenges? Is your child struggling? All too often, we feel that things about our life are unmanageable. Welcome to my practice, where I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, difficulties with your relationship with food, or other concerns, there is always hope. I can help you understand what lies beneath your struggles, who you truly are, and how to be the best version of yourself.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and ADHD.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day challenges? Is your child struggling? All too often, we feel that things about our life are unmanageable. Welcome to my practice, where I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, difficulties with your relationship with food, or other concerns, there is always hope. I can help you understand what lies beneath your struggles, who you truly are, and how to be the best version of yourself.
![Photo of Robin Ackerman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3022e057-2142-45e0-b27d-a2ea8ccb90d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Ackerman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in various inpatient and outpatient settings. She specializes in depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug abuse, childhood behavioral difficulties, ADD/ADHD and transitional life issues. Robin treats patients 5 years of age and older by incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques into her practice. She utilizes a strength-based approach to help individuals see how thoughts, feelings, patterns, along with past and present conflicts, contribute to current struggles.
Robin Ackerman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in various inpatient and outpatient settings. She specializes in depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug abuse, childhood behavioral difficulties, ADD/ADHD and transitional life issues. Robin treats patients 5 years of age and older by incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques into her practice. She utilizes a strength-based approach to help individuals see how thoughts, feelings, patterns, along with past and present conflicts, contribute to current struggles.
![Photo of Daniel Marston, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b578316d-43b8-46ac-9c58-841bc0535862/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marston works with adults 18 years and older and provides therapy to help with problems that include depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, relationship difficulties and searching for meaning and purpose.
Dr. Marston is a doctoral-level psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavior psychotherapy. He is board-certified in the field of cognitive & behavioral psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), the premier specialization organization for psychologists, and has over 30 years of clinical experience. He is known as a very supportive clinician who is also straightforward, direct and honest. His approach is one that helps patients feel comfortable being honest with him and, more importantly, with themselves.
Marston works with adults 18 years and older and provides therapy to help with problems that include depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, relationship difficulties and searching for meaning and purpose.
Dr. Marston is a doctoral-level psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavior psychotherapy. He is board-certified in the field of cognitive & behavioral psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), the premier specialization organization for psychologists, and has over 30 years of clinical experience. He is known as a very supportive clinician who is also straightforward, direct and honest. His approach is one that helps patients feel comfortable being honest with him and, more importantly, with themselves.
![Photo of Jennifer Cunnane, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47bbb67e-f9da-4562-956f-9e130fbc3abe/7/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Cunnane
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckingham, PA 18912
Are feeling disconnected, misunderstood, worried or stressed? Are you struggling with a relationship? Are you a parent concerned about your child's behavior or emotional health? If you are experiencing negative thoughts or emotions related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, career challenges or a life transition and are tired of navigating your circumstances alone, I can help. Together, we will build on your strengths and develop skills and strategies to target your current concerns.
Are feeling disconnected, misunderstood, worried or stressed? Are you struggling with a relationship? Are you a parent concerned about your child's behavior or emotional health? If you are experiencing negative thoughts or emotions related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, career challenges or a life transition and are tired of navigating your circumstances alone, I can help. Together, we will build on your strengths and develop skills and strategies to target your current concerns.
![Photo of Stephanie Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34d97b50-c729-4e34-aa43-470800ec77ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie has experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and anger management.
Stephanie Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2020. She went to Graduate School at Immaculata University and Undergrad at Quinnipiac University. Stephanie offers a safe, non-judgmental space for her patients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening and working with her patients to achieve their goals. Stephanie tailors her approach to her clients and their unique needs. She has also worked in a variety of settings.
Stephanie has experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, and anger management.
Stephanie Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2020. She went to Graduate School at Immaculata University and Undergrad at Quinnipiac University. Stephanie offers a safe, non-judgmental space for her patients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening and working with her patients to achieve their goals. Stephanie tailors her approach to her clients and their unique needs. She has also worked in a variety of settings.
![Photo of Annie Byrne, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1549e482-9a03-4eba-ace1-700ae0473888/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her Experience Working Within Shelters, Outpatient Counseling, And Inpatient Hospital (Acute Med Surgical) Gave Her Training And Work Experience Within Areas Of Trauma, Grief, Depression, Suicide, Bullying, Substance Abuse, Self-Esteem, And Life Changes.
Annie byrne is a licensed clinical social worker in pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. While therapists complete similar classes on counseling, theories, and techniques, annie believes it is their styles, experiences, and skills that can be different. Some specialize in their "Skill set" while others are eclectic and masters at utilizing different techniques. Their communication and the counseling style are what fuels the relationship. Annie's style is relaxed and conversational.
Her Experience Working Within Shelters, Outpatient Counseling, And Inpatient Hospital (Acute Med Surgical) Gave Her Training And Work Experience Within Areas Of Trauma, Grief, Depression, Suicide, Bullying, Substance Abuse, Self-Esteem, And Life Changes.
Annie byrne is a licensed clinical social worker in pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. While therapists complete similar classes on counseling, theories, and techniques, annie believes it is their styles, experiences, and skills that can be different. Some specialize in their "Skill set" while others are eclectic and masters at utilizing different techniques. Their communication and the counseling style are what fuels the relationship. Annie's style is relaxed and conversational.
![Photo of Virginia Wolper, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3965c162-e2de-405b-a932-ad03d3c30d6f/1/320x400.png)
Ginny, in addition to working with trauma survivors, has worked with people struggling with panic attacks, discrimination, family and relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, issues with attachment, conduct disorders, issues regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and substance abuse.
Ginny Wolper (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has an extensive history in working with survivors of trauma, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. She is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which she uses to teach her clients how to manage their symptoms and process the traumatic events they have endured. In addition to TF-CBT and DBT, Ginny often uses other modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), insight-oriented therapy, psychodynamic practices, and internal family systems (IFS).
Ginny, in addition to working with trauma survivors, has worked with people struggling with panic attacks, discrimination, family and relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, issues with attachment, conduct disorders, issues regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and substance abuse.
Ginny Wolper (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has an extensive history in working with survivors of trauma, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. She is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which she uses to teach her clients how to manage their symptoms and process the traumatic events they have endured. In addition to TF-CBT and DBT, Ginny often uses other modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), insight-oriented therapy, psychodynamic practices, and internal family systems (IFS).
![Photo of Whitney Robenolt, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aab5315e-b960-41bd-9f09-77e0e6debae4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whitney Robenolt (She/Her) is a PA Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She obtained her doctoral degree from Marywood University, an APA accredited program. Whitney has had the opportunity to work with a wide array of individuals, consisting of multiple age groups, diverse backgrounds, and presenting concerns. Whitney has worked with individuals with a variety of presenting concerns, such as adjustment/stage of life concerns, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties, to name a few. Although Whitney particularly enjoys working with women and young adults, she finds her treatment meaningful for those of all backgrounds.
Whitney Robenolt (She/Her) is a PA Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She obtained her doctoral degree from Marywood University, an APA accredited program. Whitney has had the opportunity to work with a wide array of individuals, consisting of multiple age groups, diverse backgrounds, and presenting concerns. Whitney has worked with individuals with a variety of presenting concerns, such as adjustment/stage of life concerns, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties, to name a few. Although Whitney particularly enjoys working with women and young adults, she finds her treatment meaningful for those of all backgrounds.
![Photo of Debra Holder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/721efb7f-7918-42ac-8072-b47fec0fab16/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her main areas of focus are depression and anxiety.
Debra Holder became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2016 after working with adults with chronic illness as a medical social worker since 2008. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Clark University, and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino. Debra will provide you with a warm, supportive, non-judgmental space to share your emotions, learn to make positive changes in your behaviors and relationships, and become a happier, calmer person.
Her main areas of focus are depression and anxiety.
Debra Holder became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2016 after working with adults with chronic illness as a medical social worker since 2008. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Clark University, and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino. Debra will provide you with a warm, supportive, non-judgmental space to share your emotions, learn to make positive changes in your behaviors and relationships, and become a happier, calmer person.
15 Second Videos
Karin Murphy
Michelle (Hilton) Mandell
Elizabeth Micciulla
GMD Counseling, LLC
![Photo of Kristen F Dudley, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ef085a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are currently living in very uncertain times. Within this uncertainty, it is important to find a relationship that will help you sustain important relationships. Part of what makes our relationship work, beyond my clinical skills, is when my clients feel heard and understood. My clients often present with a variety of issues including relationship issues, anger, depression, anxiety, and/or problems with unhealthy substance use/abuse. When we focus on increasing function my clients find their lives to be more workable and enjoyable.
We are currently living in very uncertain times. Within this uncertainty, it is important to find a relationship that will help you sustain important relationships. Part of what makes our relationship work, beyond my clinical skills, is when my clients feel heard and understood. My clients often present with a variety of issues including relationship issues, anger, depression, anxiety, and/or problems with unhealthy substance use/abuse. When we focus on increasing function my clients find their lives to be more workable and enjoyable.
![Photo of Melissa Hoffman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/874ed35b-cdf9-4441-8dc1-1f266a7bac88/7/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I have been a therapist for over 15 years. My primary focus has been adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions. My philosophy is that therapy should be a safe place where one can focus on self exploration, reflection and growth in a supportive space.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I have been a therapist for over 15 years. My primary focus has been adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions. My philosophy is that therapy should be a safe place where one can focus on self exploration, reflection and growth in a supportive space.
![Photo of Colleen Verriest, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f624019-ff81-409b-a376-df4b830222da/1/320x400.jpeg)
What brings each person to therapy is unique. When you are looking to process or work through a change in your life, it is important to feel a sense of comfort and confidence in a clinician. Grief, loss, family changes, professional changes, relationship challenges, feelings of depression or anxiety are some examples of what might be behind your interest in beginning therapy. It is courageous to take this first step. I will support your individual process in a personalized way, honoring your feelings and journey with unconditional support. One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy or finding the right therapist.
What brings each person to therapy is unique. When you are looking to process or work through a change in your life, it is important to feel a sense of comfort and confidence in a clinician. Grief, loss, family changes, professional changes, relationship challenges, feelings of depression or anxiety are some examples of what might be behind your interest in beginning therapy. It is courageous to take this first step. I will support your individual process in a personalized way, honoring your feelings and journey with unconditional support. One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy or finding the right therapist.
![Photo of Doylestown Psychological Services - Doylestown Psychological Services, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b8c521-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are a group of clinicians who work with children, teens, adults, and families. We specialize in working with people who present with a variety of mental health issues including ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and bipolar disorders, and autism/Asperger's. Some of our clients are new to therapy; others have seen different therapists before coming to us. Our goal is to be as welcoming as possible while making your experience productive and nurturing. We know that as our clients increase their functioning they feel better. Together we will help you reach your health goal.
We are a group of clinicians who work with children, teens, adults, and families. We specialize in working with people who present with a variety of mental health issues including ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and bipolar disorders, and autism/Asperger's. Some of our clients are new to therapy; others have seen different therapists before coming to us. Our goal is to be as welcoming as possible while making your experience productive and nurturing. We know that as our clients increase their functioning they feel better. Together we will help you reach your health goal.
![Photo of Nicole Cangelose, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c92edf51-b480-4742-88a4-507edc3c1c5c/1/320x400.png)
Nicole Cangelose is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD and substance/alcohol use disorders. Nicole works with clients ranging in age from 18 to 75+ utilizing an eclectic approach including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoanalytic elements. Nicole has experience in working within individual, group, couples/marital, and family therapy sessions with individuals across various life stages; she also has experience in working with clients interested in tobacco/nicotine cessation.
Nicole Cangelose is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD and substance/alcohol use disorders. Nicole works with clients ranging in age from 18 to 75+ utilizing an eclectic approach including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoanalytic elements. Nicole has experience in working within individual, group, couples/marital, and family therapy sessions with individuals across various life stages; she also has experience in working with clients interested in tobacco/nicotine cessation.
![Photo of Heather Craney, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4466114-14b0-45db-80d1-cf5abadab1cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather has worked with a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, ODD, traumarelated disorders, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Heather obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University, and also holds a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Holy Family University. She has been practicing in the field since 2015. Her previous experience includes working with children and adolescents in Residential Treatment Facilities and Intensive Behavioral Health Services. Heather also has experience working with adults in a counseling setting. She has experience with individual and family therapy.
Heather has worked with a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, ODD, traumarelated disorders, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Heather obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University, and also holds a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Holy Family University. She has been practicing in the field since 2015. Her previous experience includes working with children and adolescents in Residential Treatment Facilities and Intensive Behavioral Health Services. Heather also has experience working with adults in a counseling setting. She has experience with individual and family therapy.
![Photo of Natalie Metzger, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5b73b37-e7af-4218-b866-2961474eae0e/1/320x400.png)
Natalie has been working as a therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for helping her clients to become or get back to their best selves, whatever that may mean for them. The journey is different for everyone, and Natalie is able to utilize an eclectic style of therapy to ensure that her clients get the support that they need. Natalie's specialties are addiction, anxiety, and depression but she also works with other mental health concerns. She received her Master's degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2011 and has been working in the field since that time.
Natalie has been working as a therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for helping her clients to become or get back to their best selves, whatever that may mean for them. The journey is different for everyone, and Natalie is able to utilize an eclectic style of therapy to ensure that her clients get the support that they need. Natalie's specialties are addiction, anxiety, and depression but she also works with other mental health concerns. She received her Master's degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2011 and has been working in the field since that time.
![Photo of Stacy Hunt - Bucks Eating Support Collaborative, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8ae2f78-ed3c-4259-9ffc-2df6ecd9ffe0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bucks ESC is a team-based approach which integrates all aspects of recovery for clients with co-morbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Spearheaded by eating disorder specialists Dr. Stacy Hunt, Clinical Psychologist and Leah Frazee, RD, LND, Bucks Eating Support Collaborative provides comprehensive and quality care for patients of all ages and genders dealing with disordered eating in a HAES informed framework and a body neutrality lens. With two Bucks County locations, Bucks ESC provides individual therapy, family, nutrition and group sessions. Our group of providers also offers trauma support, LGBTQ support, co-occurring Dx, ARFID, & PANS/PANDAS related eating concerns. We also work with athletes with eating disorders and disordered eating.
Bucks ESC is a team-based approach which integrates all aspects of recovery for clients with co-morbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Spearheaded by eating disorder specialists Dr. Stacy Hunt, Clinical Psychologist and Leah Frazee, RD, LND, Bucks Eating Support Collaborative provides comprehensive and quality care for patients of all ages and genders dealing with disordered eating in a HAES informed framework and a body neutrality lens. With two Bucks County locations, Bucks ESC provides individual therapy, family, nutrition and group sessions. Our group of providers also offers trauma support, LGBTQ support, co-occurring Dx, ARFID, & PANS/PANDAS related eating concerns. We also work with athletes with eating disorders and disordered eating.
![Photo of Melissa Ann Hood-March, LPC, CAADC, RYT-500, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c6fa2cf-e33d-4d78-8ef2-0dca84f67d4f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Ann Hood-March
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, RYT-500, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckingham, PA 18912
I am here to provide for you a safe space of support and stability. I utilize healing modalities rooted in science and compassion such as EMDR, IFS, M-CBT and Somatic-Healing techniques that resonate with you. I help those experiencing life transitions (divorce, retirement, etc.), anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and those dealing with the effects of unresolved and stored trauma. I believe that as we experience inevitable life challenges and relational transitions that it is essential to take this time to learn, heal, evolve, remember, re-imagine, and align with what is authentically meaningful and important.
I am here to provide for you a safe space of support and stability. I utilize healing modalities rooted in science and compassion such as EMDR, IFS, M-CBT and Somatic-Healing techniques that resonate with you. I help those experiencing life transitions (divorce, retirement, etc.), anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and those dealing with the effects of unresolved and stored trauma. I believe that as we experience inevitable life challenges and relational transitions that it is essential to take this time to learn, heal, evolve, remember, re-imagine, and align with what is authentically meaningful and important.
See more therapy options for Buckingham
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Buckingham
- Carversville
- Doylestown
- Furlong
- Jamison
- New Britain
- New Hope
- Newtown
- Pipersville
- Richboro
- Solebury
- Warminster
- Warrington
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.