Therapists in Connellsville, PA
![Photo of Matthew J Yatsko, LPC, NCC, CMDP, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be85e0ab-b0da-41f2-99f7-c815a1fd3c1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew J Yatsko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CMDP, CCTP
Verified Verified
Connellsville, PA 15425
I have over twenty years of experience and specialize in depression, bipolar, and trauma.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it shouldnʼt be so hard to live a better life.
I have over twenty years of experience and specialize in depression, bipolar, and trauma.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it shouldnʼt be so hard to live a better life.
![Photo of Megan Petak - Momentum Couples and Family Therapy LLC., LPC, LCSW, LSW, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e6c6764-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Momentum Couples and Family Therapy LLC.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Connellsville, PA 15425
Momentum Couples and Family Therapy provides a wide range of mental health services including, but not limited to the following: conflicts or problems with a partner, difficulty adjusting to a new school, trying to cope with a divorce or separation, family conflict with children or need of parental support, struggling with decisions about marriage, physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; past or present, loneliness, anxiety, fear or thoughts of suicide, low self-esteem, assertiveness and decision making, depression, sexual orientation, lack of motivation, out of control thoughts/ behaviors, difficulty with attention/concentration, coping with medical illness, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
Momentum Couples and Family Therapy provides a wide range of mental health services including, but not limited to the following: conflicts or problems with a partner, difficulty adjusting to a new school, trying to cope with a divorce or separation, family conflict with children or need of parental support, struggling with decisions about marriage, physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; past or present, loneliness, anxiety, fear or thoughts of suicide, low self-esteem, assertiveness and decision making, depression, sexual orientation, lack of motivation, out of control thoughts/ behaviors, difficulty with attention/concentration, coping with medical illness, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
![Photo of Robert Michael Behanna, LPC, CCDP Di, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d6fbfc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robert Michael Behanna
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCDP Di, MA
Verified Verified
Connellsville, PA 15425
Does your present situation appear hopeless and without solution? Our hearts can become sick when we lose our sense of hope. Sometimes we need help in identifying and developing strategies for meaningful change. Hello, my name is Bob BeHanna and I currently work with adults and adolescents ages 5 and up suffering from many different issues. I primarily focus on issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, Trauma and relationship problems. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.
Does your present situation appear hopeless and without solution? Our hearts can become sick when we lose our sense of hope. Sometimes we need help in identifying and developing strategies for meaningful change. Hello, my name is Bob BeHanna and I currently work with adults and adolescents ages 5 and up suffering from many different issues. I primarily focus on issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, Trauma and relationship problems. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.
![Photo of Richard Hoffman - Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54a1099d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Connellsville, PA 15425
Christian Counseling Associates (CCA) provides individual, marriage, and family counseling. We serve Christians who want their faith integrated into the counseling process and those holding any beliefs or attitudes toward spirituality. Our counselors will help you identify the core issues that have caused your emotional and personal problems, and immediately develop strategies to resolve these issues. CCA is able to provide a full range of clinical services. Please visit our website at www.ccawpa.com for a complete description of our faith based counseling services, locations, and counseling staff.
Christian Counseling Associates (CCA) provides individual, marriage, and family counseling. We serve Christians who want their faith integrated into the counseling process and those holding any beliefs or attitudes toward spirituality. Our counselors will help you identify the core issues that have caused your emotional and personal problems, and immediately develop strategies to resolve these issues. CCA is able to provide a full range of clinical services. Please visit our website at www.ccawpa.com for a complete description of our faith based counseling services, locations, and counseling staff.
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Scott Tracy has maintained a private counseling practice in Fayette County for nearly twenty years. Dr. Tracy earned his doctoral degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and serves as a professor of counseling in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Dr. Tracy utilizes an integrated counseling approach that involves traditional cognitive and behavioral counseling along with holistic techniques. Yoga, diet, exercise, stress management training, art therapy, dream analysis, massage and meditation are some examples of holistic techniques that complement traditional counseling. All of these are offered at the Tracy Counseling Center. Daisy, our emotional support dog, is also available for session participation.
Dr. Scott Tracy has maintained a private counseling practice in Fayette County for nearly twenty years. Dr. Tracy earned his doctoral degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and serves as a professor of counseling in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Dr. Tracy utilizes an integrated counseling approach that involves traditional cognitive and behavioral counseling along with holistic techniques. Yoga, diet, exercise, stress management training, art therapy, dream analysis, massage and meditation are some examples of holistic techniques that complement traditional counseling. All of these are offered at the Tracy Counseling Center. Daisy, our emotional support dog, is also available for session participation.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Andrew Dyer, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/956e97c0-b036-4627-a6a7-b161d296ada0/1/320x400.png)
Are you experiencing depression/anxiety, career issues, substance use issues, relationship issues, and familial issues? Your needs may include identifying and implementing new ways of coping, exploring career options, finding a treatment facility, or acquiring new insights regarding your spouse/family member. A client would work with me to address areas in their life that are contributing to stressors.
Are you experiencing depression/anxiety, career issues, substance use issues, relationship issues, and familial issues? Your needs may include identifying and implementing new ways of coping, exploring career options, finding a treatment facility, or acquiring new insights regarding your spouse/family member. A client would work with me to address areas in their life that are contributing to stressors.
![Photo of Daniel Brooks, LPC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f79df3c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in helping individuals experiencing the effects of stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma, relationship issues, and emotion dysregulation.
Current circumstances have left many people more prone to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. If you are someone who is currently finding aspects of life to be overwhelming at times, you are certainly not alone and I am here to help. In helping clients navigate their way through current life challenges, my approach is integrative and I utilize complementary evidence-based treatments in addressing the needs of clients. With compassion and the understanding that each person's experiences are unique, I provide a personalized treatment approach to each client.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in helping individuals experiencing the effects of stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma, relationship issues, and emotion dysregulation.
Current circumstances have left many people more prone to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. If you are someone who is currently finding aspects of life to be overwhelming at times, you are certainly not alone and I am here to help. In helping clients navigate their way through current life challenges, my approach is integrative and I utilize complementary evidence-based treatments in addressing the needs of clients. With compassion and the understanding that each person's experiences are unique, I provide a personalized treatment approach to each client.
![Photo of Peter-William Myers, LPC , CNIT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcf10397-fbf2-41ec-b850-670a4d2c9541/1/320x400.png)
Peter-William Myers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , CNIT
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Are you feeling stuck in life, battling depression and anxiety, or experiencing relationship issues? I will walk alongside you in whatever journey you are on to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be, from learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, or improving your relationships.
Are you feeling stuck in life, battling depression and anxiety, or experiencing relationship issues? I will walk alongside you in whatever journey you are on to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be, from learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, or improving your relationships.
![Photo of Michael Stephens Phd Lpc, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01168cdf-c997-48de-b59a-1092b603c421/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Stephens Phd Lpc
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
I see clients for a variety of reasons which include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, identity concerns, gender and sexuality, self-esteem, family problems, struggles with mood, and major life transitions/stress.
I work from a Narrative Therapy approach to counseling which is a helpful tool to assist clients to look at their lives critically and holistically while processing the changes they want in their lives and relationships. I work collaboratively to unearth themes of problems AND strengths, the strategies my clients have already attempted to work through their problems, strengthen self-identity and awareness, and explore desired life changes by breaking them into manageable tasks. I also work systemically with couples and families to build more supportive & connected relationships.
I see clients for a variety of reasons which include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, identity concerns, gender and sexuality, self-esteem, family problems, struggles with mood, and major life transitions/stress.
I work from a Narrative Therapy approach to counseling which is a helpful tool to assist clients to look at their lives critically and holistically while processing the changes they want in their lives and relationships. I work collaboratively to unearth themes of problems AND strengths, the strategies my clients have already attempted to work through their problems, strengthen self-identity and awareness, and explore desired life changes by breaking them into manageable tasks. I also work systemically with couples and families to build more supportive & connected relationships.
![Photo of Erin Donnelly, PsyD, MEd, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50089881-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Donnelly
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Allison Park, PA 15101 (Online Only)
Each of us is a complex product of our past and present environments and experiences. Generally, we act or cope in ways that are adaptive or necessary under given circumstances. When our default methods of coping are no longer effective or our circumstances change, we begin experiencing distress in specific realms of our lives. This distress might manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, pain, relationship or sexual difficulties, social isolation, declining performance and/or impairment in daily functioning. As there is an undeniable connection between our psychological and physical wellbeing, I approach treatment in an integrative, collaborative and personality-based manner.
Each of us is a complex product of our past and present environments and experiences. Generally, we act or cope in ways that are adaptive or necessary under given circumstances. When our default methods of coping are no longer effective or our circumstances change, we begin experiencing distress in specific realms of our lives. This distress might manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, pain, relationship or sexual difficulties, social isolation, declining performance and/or impairment in daily functioning. As there is an undeniable connection between our psychological and physical wellbeing, I approach treatment in an integrative, collaborative and personality-based manner.
![Photo of Monica Dunlap - Dunlap & Associates Counseling and Art Therapy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cf32c20-0193-4b78-b604-c564d26738f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dunlap & Associates Counseling and Art Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
We have experience working with those who face Academic Struggles, Addictions, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Behavioral Problems, Breakups, Codependency, Communication, Dating, Divorce, Depression, Grief, Hoarding, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parenting Issues, Relational Problems, Self-Injurious Behavior, Trauma, Work conflicts, etc.
NOW OFFERING ART THERAPY. Many people have had negative experiences with counseling, making them hesitant to seek help again. We are especially skilled at working with those who are uncomfortable with the idea of therapy. Clients have described us as “Therapists for people who don’t like therapy”. We try to understand people on an individual level & adapt our skills to meet their needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, & nonjudgmental atmosphere. Therapy should not be simply "learning coping skills", to deal with negative feelings, it should involve working to root of the problem to facilitate long-lasting change.
We have experience working with those who face Academic Struggles, Addictions, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Behavioral Problems, Breakups, Codependency, Communication, Dating, Divorce, Depression, Grief, Hoarding, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parenting Issues, Relational Problems, Self-Injurious Behavior, Trauma, Work conflicts, etc.
NOW OFFERING ART THERAPY. Many people have had negative experiences with counseling, making them hesitant to seek help again. We are especially skilled at working with those who are uncomfortable with the idea of therapy. Clients have described us as “Therapists for people who don’t like therapy”. We try to understand people on an individual level & adapt our skills to meet their needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, & nonjudgmental atmosphere. Therapy should not be simply "learning coping skills", to deal with negative feelings, it should involve working to root of the problem to facilitate long-lasting change.
![Photo of Don Laird - eTalkTherapy, LLC, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b818e85e-0ec2-48c2-a704-f662d40c44c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
eTalkTherapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Wexford, PA 15090 (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or alone? Do relationship problems have you feeling frustrated or stuck? Are you experiencing burnout or fatigue in life or at work? Maybe all the above? Our caring and professional therapists are here to help you starting today. eTalkTherapy provides affordable, private, convenient, and quality counseling from experienced and licensed mental health therapists. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss of meaning, relationships or just need to talk, we are here to listen. Schedule a free phone consultation or your first appointment today.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or alone? Do relationship problems have you feeling frustrated or stuck? Are you experiencing burnout or fatigue in life or at work? Maybe all the above? Our caring and professional therapists are here to help you starting today. eTalkTherapy provides affordable, private, convenient, and quality counseling from experienced and licensed mental health therapists. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss of meaning, relationships or just need to talk, we are here to listen. Schedule a free phone consultation or your first appointment today.
![Photo of Zack Byam, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35798215-14a5-45f3-830f-08cad8c891f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zack Byam
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monroeville, PA 15146 (Online Only)
I have a background in working with children ages 10+, adolescents and adults in many aspects of mental health: anxiety and depression, ADHD, stress, PTSD, and relationships and communication skills.
Are you “stuck”—either on something that’s changed in your life, in the world around us, or just in general? Maybe something just feels strange or unsettling. Change is intimidating, even when we take it one step at a time, and often we can’t see the full picture without stepping away from the lens for a wider view. Sometimes, you just need another perspective - one that's neutral and doesn't "take sides." Your situation, just like you, is unique, and I can help you through it. I’m here to honor your struggle and help you build on the skills you have. I can help you respect or heal past decisions and help you to define new ones.
I have a background in working with children ages 10+, adolescents and adults in many aspects of mental health: anxiety and depression, ADHD, stress, PTSD, and relationships and communication skills.
Are you “stuck”—either on something that’s changed in your life, in the world around us, or just in general? Maybe something just feels strange or unsettling. Change is intimidating, even when we take it one step at a time, and often we can’t see the full picture without stepping away from the lens for a wider view. Sometimes, you just need another perspective - one that's neutral and doesn't "take sides." Your situation, just like you, is unique, and I can help you through it. I’m here to honor your struggle and help you build on the skills you have. I can help you respect or heal past decisions and help you to define new ones.
![Photo of Veronica Dance - Purpose Builders LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27c757b7-5b9b-45b2-a77c-a0c71be68e40/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specializing in men's issues, women issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, ambivalence, children's behavioral issues, Christian counseling, and life transitions.
Why am I here? Why does everything seem so hard and complex? If you find yourself asking questions like these than Purpose Builders can help you find the answers. So often there is a disconnect between a person's aspirations and their realities of life. Purpose Builders LLC provides behavioral health services to individuals, couples, and groups (children, teenagers, and adults) who desire change and progress in their lives. Purpose Builders invest in people, not programs through counseling, coaching and mentoring. Purpose Builders believe a person's wellbeing should include physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
Specializing in men's issues, women issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, ambivalence, children's behavioral issues, Christian counseling, and life transitions.
Why am I here? Why does everything seem so hard and complex? If you find yourself asking questions like these than Purpose Builders can help you find the answers. So often there is a disconnect between a person's aspirations and their realities of life. Purpose Builders LLC provides behavioral health services to individuals, couples, and groups (children, teenagers, and adults) who desire change and progress in their lives. Purpose Builders invest in people, not programs through counseling, coaching and mentoring. Purpose Builders believe a person's wellbeing should include physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
![Photo of Henry Guy Ternier - Think Better Therapy, MSCP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e98c354d-6695-4930-97f3-89bb8f64f788/2/320x400.jpeg)
Think Better Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Everyone comes to a point in their life where they find themselves struggling to reach their potential. Whether this struggle includes feelings of depression or anxiety, or it involves a deeper issue, no one has to go through the struggle alone. Sometimes we go through unexpected changes, whether in our professional life, our personal relationships, or even the state of the world. It is times like these where having the right support matters most.
Everyone comes to a point in their life where they find themselves struggling to reach their potential. Whether this struggle includes feelings of depression or anxiety, or it involves a deeper issue, no one has to go through the struggle alone. Sometimes we go through unexpected changes, whether in our professional life, our personal relationships, or even the state of the world. It is times like these where having the right support matters most.
![Photo of Jennifer DiNunno, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d7b6e03-347d-4063-ae97-04a51ce8700b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer DiNunno
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Taking new clients! I treat clients who experience anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic disorders, self-esteem-related issues as well as life transitions, and sexual addiction. I am also LGBTQIA+-affirming. I utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic theories, as well as Humanistic therapy. I work to provide a safe space for my clients to be able to be themselves within a judgment-free zone and work towards being their best selves.
Taking new clients! I treat clients who experience anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic disorders, self-esteem-related issues as well as life transitions, and sexual addiction. I am also LGBTQIA+-affirming. I utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic theories, as well as Humanistic therapy. I work to provide a safe space for my clients to be able to be themselves within a judgment-free zone and work towards being their best selves.
![Photo of Vincent A Pietropaoli, PsyD, LPC, NCC, CTMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5170ca2f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vincent A Pietropaoli
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, NCC, CTMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethel Park, PA 15102 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have more than five years of counseling experience working with individuals of all ages and many presenting problems. I have the most extensive experience working with people with mood related problems (such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and others) and those who have experienced traumatic events.
I have more than five years of counseling experience working with individuals of all ages and many presenting problems. I have the most extensive experience working with people with mood related problems (such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and others) and those who have experienced traumatic events.
![Photo of Charles Cribben, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71bc1c32-6fdc-4c23-bce6-bb5ec5331f26/1/320x400.jpeg)
Charles Cribben
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
I received my master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has spent my counseling career working with adolescents, children, adults, and families. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, and family-based treatment settings. I have been able to incorporate life experience and my professional expertise to work with individuals and families. I have experience treating problematic interactions and relationships in the home, school, and community. I have experience treating grief and loss, family structures, traumatic events, depression, and anxiety to name a few.
I received my master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has spent my counseling career working with adolescents, children, adults, and families. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, and family-based treatment settings. I have been able to incorporate life experience and my professional expertise to work with individuals and families. I have experience treating problematic interactions and relationships in the home, school, and community. I have experience treating grief and loss, family structures, traumatic events, depression, and anxiety to name a few.
![Photo of Michael J. Connelly - Positive Pathways Counseling, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f608d9b0-957c-4474-a145-ec2b93cc06bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Positive Pathways Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
West Homestead, PA 15120 (Online Only)
Specialist in treating OCD, Anxiety, Depression and Men’s Issues.
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. This is a quote by Dale Carnegie. It is what we truly believe to be true. Hope is always present even when you can't see it. We pride ourselves in helping others see the hope and courage they have inside of them.
Specialist in treating OCD, Anxiety, Depression and Men’s Issues.
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. This is a quote by Dale Carnegie. It is what we truly believe to be true. Hope is always present even when you can't see it. We pride ourselves in helping others see the hope and courage they have inside of them.
![Photo of Dylan A. Morrell, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b83b0cd2-7b55-425b-8cbf-19f172a9c233/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dylan A. Morrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Are you feeling anxious daily, perhaps depressed, and overwhelmed? Would you like to find a more content place in your life? If you have issues being yourself, as well as setting boundaries with others and yourself, it may be time for therapeutic intervention.
Are you feeling anxious daily, perhaps depressed, and overwhelmed? Would you like to find a more content place in your life? If you have issues being yourself, as well as setting boundaries with others and yourself, it may be time for therapeutic intervention.
See more therapy options for Connellsville
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Connellsville
- Belle Vernon
- Brownsville
- California
- Charleroi
- Greensburg
- Latrobe
- Monessen
- Monongahela
- Mount Pleasant
- New Stanton
- Uniontown
- Youngwood
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.