Depression Therapists in Chalfont, PA
![Photo of Ellen J Faulkner - Ellen J. Faulkner, Ph.D. Psychotherapy, PhD, NCPsyA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48745abb-59c0-4179-a54a-09e5ebb5ca3b/5/320x400.jpeg)
My other specialties include working with those suffering with depression and anxiety, life transitions, and those suffering with grief.
After working for over 42 years as a psychotherapist/psychoanalyst I welcome patients who are ready to do in depth work in psychotherapy and find lasting change. Psychoanalysis is an extraordinary opportunity to enrich your life, find the person you were meant to be, and experience the contentment and joy that you have been missing. Whether you are looking for marriage/couples counseling, dealing with personal issues or feel unsatisfied with brief therapy you've experienced, my patients find me to be warm, kind, insightful, accepting, and supportive. My group practice works with both adults and children. www.faulknertherapy.net
My other specialties include working with those suffering with depression and anxiety, life transitions, and those suffering with grief.
After working for over 42 years as a psychotherapist/psychoanalyst I welcome patients who are ready to do in depth work in psychotherapy and find lasting change. Psychoanalysis is an extraordinary opportunity to enrich your life, find the person you were meant to be, and experience the contentment and joy that you have been missing. Whether you are looking for marriage/couples counseling, dealing with personal issues or feel unsatisfied with brief therapy you've experienced, my patients find me to be warm, kind, insightful, accepting, and supportive. My group practice works with both adults and children. www.faulknertherapy.net
![Photo of Sue M Devine - Sue Devine Counseling, LLC, MA, LPC, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53545268-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sue Devine Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914
My ideal client is a young adult or adult who wants help in improving their lives. I treat clients that want more in their lives, want to work on self-improvement, motivation to meet goals and flourish in their lives. I can also help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, and an unhappiness with the direction of their lives. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is very important, and I feel I listen well and help the client where they are at and move forward in the right direction.
My ideal client is a young adult or adult who wants help in improving their lives. I treat clients that want more in their lives, want to work on self-improvement, motivation to meet goals and flourish in their lives. I can also help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, and an unhappiness with the direction of their lives. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is very important, and I feel I listen well and help the client where they are at and move forward in the right direction.
![Photo of Derek Pendleton, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cf10ebc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Pendleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Chalfont, PA 18914
I have nearly 25 years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapy to people of all ages and diagnoses. My areas of specialty include adult/adolescent Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction (all types), and Anger Management. In addition, I work well with families whose children struggle with behavioral and emotional problems, including diagnoses of A.D.H.D., Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am trained in various Evidenced-Based Practices - such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - that have been proven to help individuals feel better soon.
I have nearly 25 years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapy to people of all ages and diagnoses. My areas of specialty include adult/adolescent Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction (all types), and Anger Management. In addition, I work well with families whose children struggle with behavioral and emotional problems, including diagnoses of A.D.H.D., Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am trained in various Evidenced-Based Practices - such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - that have been proven to help individuals feel better soon.
![Photo of Jamie Berg, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd16a325-bb6c-476d-b7b4-3372501672f7/3/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical experience as a psychologist includes addressing issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety and OCD, disordered eating, emotional difficulties, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I strongly believe that empowering my clients through learning skills to address these problems is the key to successful therapy. I also incorporate your personal values into skill building to emphasize the importance of living a value-driven life. Change is possible, suffering does not have to last forever, and it is possible to get fulfillment out of life, regardless of the circumstances.
My clinical experience as a psychologist includes addressing issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety and OCD, disordered eating, emotional difficulties, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I strongly believe that empowering my clients through learning skills to address these problems is the key to successful therapy. I also incorporate your personal values into skill building to emphasize the importance of living a value-driven life. Change is possible, suffering does not have to last forever, and it is possible to get fulfillment out of life, regardless of the circumstances.
![Photo of Jennifer Barnett- - Jennifer Barnett-Viewpoint Counseling, LLC, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b756230-11f3-4459-8f2b-b4e145ecb17b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Barnett-Viewpoint Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914 (Online Only)
Are you or your loved one feeling overwhelmed about an early childhood trauma that has resurfaced? Experiencing ptsd, depression and anxiety that is affecting function, realizing it is affecting you in different aspects of life you didn’t expect? I can help you learn how to manage those feelings and gain positive coping skills. I have experience working with adults and children victims of trauma, ptsd, domestic abuse, anxiety you are experiencing distress due to trauma. I specialize in trauma (CCTP) and attachment wounds. Childhood trauma can appear when we don’t expect it. I specialize in trauma and anxiety trearment.
Are you or your loved one feeling overwhelmed about an early childhood trauma that has resurfaced? Experiencing ptsd, depression and anxiety that is affecting function, realizing it is affecting you in different aspects of life you didn’t expect? I can help you learn how to manage those feelings and gain positive coping skills. I have experience working with adults and children victims of trauma, ptsd, domestic abuse, anxiety you are experiencing distress due to trauma. I specialize in trauma (CCTP) and attachment wounds. Childhood trauma can appear when we don’t expect it. I specialize in trauma and anxiety trearment.
![Photo of Daniel J Leichter, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bd1a0cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, families, and couples and have specialized clinical expertise in the treatment of anxiety and depression, adolescent issues, life transition adjustment, grief and loss, emotional intelligence, and pain management.
It is truly a privilege to be invited into the lives of others during a therapy session. As a licensed clinical psychologist, my philosophy of psychological treatment is based upon an empathic and compassionate therapeutic rapport which I consider the primary vehicle to interpersonal understanding, change and healing. I utilize a multi-modal approach grounded in psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioral technique.
I work with individuals, families, and couples and have specialized clinical expertise in the treatment of anxiety and depression, adolescent issues, life transition adjustment, grief and loss, emotional intelligence, and pain management.
It is truly a privilege to be invited into the lives of others during a therapy session. As a licensed clinical psychologist, my philosophy of psychological treatment is based upon an empathic and compassionate therapeutic rapport which I consider the primary vehicle to interpersonal understanding, change and healing. I utilize a multi-modal approach grounded in psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioral technique.
![Photo of Deirdre Hally Shaffer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdb8380-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deirdre Hally Shaffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chalfont, PA 18914
My practice focuses on the reduction of depression, anxiety, work related stress; relationship enhancement; healing through grief and loss; living with chronic illness; and Twelve Step Recovery from alcohol/drug abuse.
For over 35 years, I have worked collaboratively with individuals and couples who are navigating life transitions and challenges in search of reduced stress, healing, and growth. Through the use of empowering, supportive, solutions-focused strategies, I specialize in personal and relationship improvement with an objective of finding resiliency, joy, and meaning in life as well as creating loving, supportive relationships. Navigating the difficult waters of divorce and supervising other therapists are areas of specialty, in addition to couples counseling, parenting coaching, and conflict management in interpersonal relationships.
My practice focuses on the reduction of depression, anxiety, work related stress; relationship enhancement; healing through grief and loss; living with chronic illness; and Twelve Step Recovery from alcohol/drug abuse.
For over 35 years, I have worked collaboratively with individuals and couples who are navigating life transitions and challenges in search of reduced stress, healing, and growth. Through the use of empowering, supportive, solutions-focused strategies, I specialize in personal and relationship improvement with an objective of finding resiliency, joy, and meaning in life as well as creating loving, supportive relationships. Navigating the difficult waters of divorce and supervising other therapists are areas of specialty, in addition to couples counseling, parenting coaching, and conflict management in interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Paul Koehler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f98cf520-b515-4773-90cf-3c3e03ccc400/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with depression in its many varieties; anxiety; marital difficulties, separation and divorce; and loss, bereavement, mourning and transition.
My training, my experience, and my teaching and supervising have helped me to appreciate and apprehend the many and complex ways in which early experience becomes internalized and structured in one's internal world, and consequently becomes manifested and repeated in the external world of one's life and relationships. It is my goal to provide psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of sufficient depth, duration and thoughtfulness to facilitate the mastery of emotional problems, the restoration and enhancement of self-esteem, and the fostering of emotional resilience, creativity and self-discovery.
I work with depression in its many varieties; anxiety; marital difficulties, separation and divorce; and loss, bereavement, mourning and transition.
My training, my experience, and my teaching and supervising have helped me to appreciate and apprehend the many and complex ways in which early experience becomes internalized and structured in one's internal world, and consequently becomes manifested and repeated in the external world of one's life and relationships. It is my goal to provide psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of sufficient depth, duration and thoughtfulness to facilitate the mastery of emotional problems, the restoration and enhancement of self-esteem, and the fostering of emotional resilience, creativity and self-discovery.
![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 Jacqueline Bardyn, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/519a7808-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Bardyn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914
Most recently, I worked as a counselor at an alternative school supporting students with depression, anxiety and trauma.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, struggling with internal thoughts and judgments or stuck in your anxiety, depression or relationship patterns, these challenges are often difficult to navigate on your own. I follow a solution focused and cognitive-behavioral orientation to therapy, which focuses on how thoughts affect the way people feel and act. My approach is supportive, non-judgmental, collaborative, and strengths-focused, yet tailored to each client. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and insightful environment in order to help individuals work through their stressors.
Most recently, I worked as a counselor at an alternative school supporting students with depression, anxiety and trauma.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, struggling with internal thoughts and judgments or stuck in your anxiety, depression or relationship patterns, these challenges are often difficult to navigate on your own. I follow a solution focused and cognitive-behavioral orientation to therapy, which focuses on how thoughts affect the way people feel and act. My approach is supportive, non-judgmental, collaborative, and strengths-focused, yet tailored to each client. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and insightful environment in order to help individuals work through their stressors.
![Photo of Deborah Kleeman, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/617377a4-6644-4fe7-9a9a-a5110e49dc11/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life is not easy- it doesn't go the way we planned. Talking to someone who understands is the first step when things become difficult. I am a Certified School Counselor and Certified Student Assistance Counselor with 35 years of experience in assessing and addressing substance use, anxiety, depression, school avoidance, OCD, learning issues, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
Sometimes life is not easy- it doesn't go the way we planned. Talking to someone who understands is the first step when things become difficult. I am a Certified School Counselor and Certified Student Assistance Counselor with 35 years of experience in assessing and addressing substance use, anxiety, depression, school avoidance, OCD, learning issues, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
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![Photo of Shannon Minnick, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17462748-3645-4ec7-a93e-a2acf19b08c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Minnick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914
Over the past 19 years, I have worked with hundreds of adolescents in area community mental health agencies and as a visiting school counselor, and am now offering services privately, specializing in young adults, adolescents, parenting, & women's issues. I help with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parent-child relationships, peer issues, and self-esteem. I treat all of my clients with positive regard, warmth, and kindness. My approach is strengths based and holistic, incorporating evidenced based interventions. I want you to feel free and safe to talk about whatever you would like to in my office.
Over the past 19 years, I have worked with hundreds of adolescents in area community mental health agencies and as a visiting school counselor, and am now offering services privately, specializing in young adults, adolescents, parenting, & women's issues. I help with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parent-child relationships, peer issues, and self-esteem. I treat all of my clients with positive regard, warmth, and kindness. My approach is strengths based and holistic, incorporating evidenced based interventions. I want you to feel free and safe to talk about whatever you would like to in my office.
![Photo of Lorna C. Jansen, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c2d22c3-36f7-47eb-9ffa-535a004a3b41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Using evidenced-based strategies, I help children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and school problems.
I am a psychologist who enjoys supporting individuals and families in their everyday struggles and seasons of transition. My aim is to help others live well and reach their desired goals. Often, this involves expanding coping skills and improving relationships. I take a holistic approach to healthy living, and look closely at individual habits and behaviors. I also offer a faith-sensitive approach to individuals who would like to include spirituality or religion in their work.
Using evidenced-based strategies, I help children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and school problems.
I am a psychologist who enjoys supporting individuals and families in their everyday struggles and seasons of transition. My aim is to help others live well and reach their desired goals. Often, this involves expanding coping skills and improving relationships. I take a holistic approach to healthy living, and look closely at individual habits and behaviors. I also offer a faith-sensitive approach to individuals who would like to include spirituality or religion in their work.
![Photo of Emily Marziani, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d8e5c3e-24d7-4e42-8574-937450449ef0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Marziani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chalfont, PA 18914 (Online Only)
If you are looking for help with grief and loss, chronic illness, medical anxiety and trauma, anxiety, depression or just need someone to walk alongside you while you navigate change, I am happy to help.
Welcome! I hope you and I can work together. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process and finding the right fit is not always easy! I work in an anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice and prioritize creating a safe and affirming space for you to process and heal.
If you are looking for help with grief and loss, chronic illness, medical anxiety and trauma, anxiety, depression or just need someone to walk alongside you while you navigate change, I am happy to help.
Welcome! I hope you and I can work together. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process and finding the right fit is not always easy! I work in an anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice and prioritize creating a safe and affirming space for you to process and heal.
![Photo of Brittany Keim, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25b44621-5c65-4369-928b-451f3fcdbd49/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Keim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914
I have specialized experience working with those impacted by anxiety and related disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but I also treat a number of mental health concerns such as depression, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has experience treating a wide range of mental health challenges using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP). I believe that it is important to utilize the above practices as a foundation to treatment while also recognizing that each client is unique, has different needs, and therefore, requires an individualized therapy experience. My approach to treatment is a balance of being supportive, collaborative, and action-based.
I have specialized experience working with those impacted by anxiety and related disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but I also treat a number of mental health concerns such as depression, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has experience treating a wide range of mental health challenges using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP). I believe that it is important to utilize the above practices as a foundation to treatment while also recognizing that each client is unique, has different needs, and therefore, requires an individualized therapy experience. My approach to treatment is a balance of being supportive, collaborative, and action-based.
![Photo of Dr. Michael P Oakley, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc09779b-0fdc-4347-adbb-3c9726591682/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to working with personality and identity development, depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, I have also worked in substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders since 2010.
In therapy, my passion truly lies in helping you put words to the previously unspoken. I believe therapy should be a space for you to explore all possibilities from a safe but engaging environment. My approach aims to provide insight and compassion while offering the space necessary to transform those discoveries into meaningful change. Together, we can understand and work through those feelings, thoughts, and experiences that create so much tension in your daily life.
In addition to working with personality and identity development, depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, I have also worked in substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders since 2010.
In therapy, my passion truly lies in helping you put words to the previously unspoken. I believe therapy should be a space for you to explore all possibilities from a safe but engaging environment. My approach aims to provide insight and compassion while offering the space necessary to transform those discoveries into meaningful change. Together, we can understand and work through those feelings, thoughts, and experiences that create so much tension in your daily life.
![Photo of Courtney Franklin, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/740d8d30-114c-4024-ac7f-762c5534f584/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults on a variety of issues. My primary interest lies in supporting children and youth as they navigate mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, while also helping them build upon their strengths to achieve goals.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults on a variety of issues. My primary interest lies in supporting children and youth as they navigate mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, while also helping them build upon their strengths to achieve goals.
![Photo of Emily Marziani, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ced8101-3b1c-4fb8-9261-0fee13c6f4ce/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Marziani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chalfont, PA 18914 (Online Only)
If you are having a difficult time navigating life in America in 2024, you are not alone. So many of us are feeling scared, anxious, depressed and stressed. Together we can navigate the choppy waters of your personal world and society at large. Many of my clients are dealing with personal traumas, grief and loss, medical illnesses and are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are going through a life transition, have emotions and memories to process or are struggling to cope, I am here to help you along your journey.
If you are having a difficult time navigating life in America in 2024, you are not alone. So many of us are feeling scared, anxious, depressed and stressed. Together we can navigate the choppy waters of your personal world and society at large. Many of my clients are dealing with personal traumas, grief and loss, medical illnesses and are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are going through a life transition, have emotions and memories to process or are struggling to cope, I am here to help you along your journey.
![Photo of Christina Carson-Sacco, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9aa5f1c8-7f14-43c8-af61-b5468d9d5533/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that a good match between the client and therapist is key to therapeutic success. My approach is very straight-forward and down-to-earth. I help individuals, couples and families build the skills needed to overcome emotional challenges, relationship difficulties and to move through life changes, creating healthier lives. I assist families having difficulty relating to one another, through parenting strategies or a couples focus. I have expertise working with divorced families, adolescents, anxiety/ depression, and school challenges. I have experience with dysautonomia disorders. I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
I believe that a good match between the client and therapist is key to therapeutic success. My approach is very straight-forward and down-to-earth. I help individuals, couples and families build the skills needed to overcome emotional challenges, relationship difficulties and to move through life changes, creating healthier lives. I assist families having difficulty relating to one another, through parenting strategies or a couples focus. I have expertise working with divorced families, adolescents, anxiety/ depression, and school challenges. I have experience with dysautonomia disorders. I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
![Photo of Bill Montgomery, LMFT, CGT, PhD-Sys, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3baa8415-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bill Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CGT, PhD-Sys
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chalfont, PA 18914
Bill has received recognition for his work with couples, as well as individual adults and teenagers. He helps people find their way out of depression, anxiety, panic, anger, stress, mistrust, addiction of all types, trauma, harmful behavior, attention issues, and more. He works with individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds.
Bill helps bring positive change in relationships. He understands that clients often feel helpless or stuck and helps people rediscover their inner strength. He provides emotional tools and ideas to help improve their relationships and their lives. He has written a book covering some of these tools and concepts.
Bill has received recognition for his work with couples, as well as individual adults and teenagers. He helps people find their way out of depression, anxiety, panic, anger, stress, mistrust, addiction of all types, trauma, harmful behavior, attention issues, and more. He works with individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds.
Bill helps bring positive change in relationships. He understands that clients often feel helpless or stuck and helps people rediscover their inner strength. He provides emotional tools and ideas to help improve their relationships and their lives. He has written a book covering some of these tools and concepts.
See more therapy options for Chalfont
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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.