Depression Therapists in Doylestown, PA
![Photo of Christine Knochenhauer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6fbf6ad-834b-479c-8e13-11182414e49b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Knochenhauer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
Counseling can help you towards living your best life possible and becoming the healthiest version of yourself. People who seek my services include adult, couples, and teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. Having been in private practice for almost 20 years I have helped people with a broad range of issues. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the human spirit, and our ability to improve our lives with help, support and guidance.
Counseling can help you towards living your best life possible and becoming the healthiest version of yourself. People who seek my services include adult, couples, and teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. Having been in private practice for almost 20 years I have helped people with a broad range of issues. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the human spirit, and our ability to improve our lives with help, support and guidance.
![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
Doylestown, PA 18901
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 Cindy Moyer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01ec0089-1211-48f9-8d3f-7084b409bf08/1/320x400.jpeg)
This can result in lack of motivation, new fears, depression, anxiety adhd symptoms and social isolation.
Welcome! I have over a decade of counseling experience working with adolescents and young adults. I offer support to clients who struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, body dysmorphia, traumatic brain injury, concussions from sports, and gender identity Issues. My therapy style is engaging, active, and personable. If you are struggling with anxiety, we will work together to develop strategies you can use when paralyzed with fear and worry. Our practice partners with PS Psychiatry if you feel medication would be helpful to deal with your anxiety, depression, concussion symptoms, or other mental health issues.
This can result in lack of motivation, new fears, depression, anxiety adhd symptoms and social isolation.
Welcome! I have over a decade of counseling experience working with adolescents and young adults. I offer support to clients who struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, body dysmorphia, traumatic brain injury, concussions from sports, and gender identity Issues. My therapy style is engaging, active, and personable. If you are struggling with anxiety, we will work together to develop strategies you can use when paralyzed with fear and worry. Our practice partners with PS Psychiatry if you feel medication would be helpful to deal with your anxiety, depression, concussion symptoms, or other mental health issues.
![Photo of Debra Sime Kilgariff, MA, NCC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee6358f0-ece4-4df1-a657-00e580de4036/4/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome and thank you for your interest in my practice. For the past 25 + years, my work has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families who are struggling and wish to make positive changes in their lives. Many of the people I see are experiencing stress associated with personal, career, academic, or family transitions. Others are trying to navigate through anxiety, depression, loneliness, or conflicts in relationships. My goal is to listen carefully and to provide valuable feedback and support so that clients may rediscover their strength and find solutions to life's often complex challenges.
Welcome and thank you for your interest in my practice. For the past 25 + years, my work has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families who are struggling and wish to make positive changes in their lives. Many of the people I see are experiencing stress associated with personal, career, academic, or family transitions. Others are trying to navigate through anxiety, depression, loneliness, or conflicts in relationships. My goal is to listen carefully and to provide valuable feedback and support so that clients may rediscover their strength and find solutions to life's often complex challenges.
![Photo of Allison Brunner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcc0dc5f-9083-4aa5-a1f7-4ff479968243/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Brunner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
You’re not cursed for the entirety of your life with anxiety, depression, and trauma, or in need of medication forever if you don’t want to be.
“I love my therapist, but we’ve hit a plateau,” potential clients often say when reaching out to me. Or they’re tired of being treated like they’re broken. If you’ve spent years in therapy and are ready to go deeper and experience profound shifts and lasting change, try mindfulness-based, somatic (body-mind) psychotherapy and inner parts work. In short time, most new clients say, “Wow, that was very different from what I expected!”—in a positive way. If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), empath, or old soul yearning to be truly understood and are ready to process more deeply and talk and analyze less, welcome!
You’re not cursed for the entirety of your life with anxiety, depression, and trauma, or in need of medication forever if you don’t want to be.
“I love my therapist, but we’ve hit a plateau,” potential clients often say when reaching out to me. Or they’re tired of being treated like they’re broken. If you’ve spent years in therapy and are ready to go deeper and experience profound shifts and lasting change, try mindfulness-based, somatic (body-mind) psychotherapy and inner parts work. In short time, most new clients say, “Wow, that was very different from what I expected!”—in a positive way. If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), empath, or old soul yearning to be truly understood and are ready to process more deeply and talk and analyze less, welcome!
![Photo of Gabrielle Larin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2cafc075-a1d8-4d45-9603-5059f8bb6ada/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gabrielle Larin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
As a therapist specializing in helping adults and young adults, I assist clients in overcoming challenges related to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. My commitment is to help you discover your self-worth and empower you to build confidence independently. I guide you in uncovering the true feelings behind anxiety, enabling effective coping strategies for the future. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward positive and lasting changes. I'm dedicated to uncovering underlying issues that hinder progress, setting the stage for a healthier future.
As a therapist specializing in helping adults and young adults, I assist clients in overcoming challenges related to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. My commitment is to help you discover your self-worth and empower you to build confidence independently. I guide you in uncovering the true feelings behind anxiety, enabling effective coping strategies for the future. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward positive and lasting changes. I'm dedicated to uncovering underlying issues that hinder progress, setting the stage for a healthier future.
![Photo of Marc Carafa, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f9787b1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you ever wish that life felt more fulfilling? Does it ever feel like you have a hard time knowing who you are, what you are feeling, or what you need? Do you ever wish that you felt more connected with others, and less isolated? There are times in life when we just feel "stuck," and have a hard time finding our way out. Many things can come along in life that get us off the track that we want to be on, whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, or hurtful events from our past.
Do you ever wish that life felt more fulfilling? Does it ever feel like you have a hard time knowing who you are, what you are feeling, or what you need? Do you ever wish that you felt more connected with others, and less isolated? There are times in life when we just feel "stuck," and have a hard time finding our way out. Many things can come along in life that get us off the track that we want to be on, whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, or hurtful events from our past.
![Photo of Jaclyn McNabb, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6390984-0126-4380-b3b0-a0f649f09587/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jaclyn McNabb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
I have 10 years of experience providing therapeutic support to those struggling with anxiety, depression, school related, self-esteem related, and family stress.
Sometimes, you may feel hopeless and need someone to help you see through the darkness. I am here to help you see the strengths that you possess and help restore your hope through therapy. I believe it is possible to work through any life struggle when the right mindset and support systems are in place.
I have 10 years of experience providing therapeutic support to those struggling with anxiety, depression, school related, self-esteem related, and family stress.
Sometimes, you may feel hopeless and need someone to help you see through the darkness. I am here to help you see the strengths that you possess and help restore your hope through therapy. I believe it is possible to work through any life struggle when the right mindset and support systems are in place.
![Photo of Melinda Goodwin, LCSW, CAADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/169ed31b-804f-4e7f-8e0f-f4335d248806/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Melinda Goodwin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I have 21 years of experience doing individual therapy sessions as well as facilitating groups and couples/family sessions. I have spent my career helping individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, relationship issues, family discord and stress. I am very passionate about helping individuals actualize their full potential and work to remove any barriers that may arise.
My name is Melinda Goodwin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I have 21 years of experience doing individual therapy sessions as well as facilitating groups and couples/family sessions. I have spent my career helping individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, relationship issues, family discord and stress. I am very passionate about helping individuals actualize their full potential and work to remove any barriers that may arise.
![Photo of Lee Shadeck, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5421c8b-35e3-4af7-807e-f486eb70eb07/1/320x400.png)
Lee Shadeck
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
![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
Doylestown, PA 18901
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.
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![Photo of Christopher J. Pittelli, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd86d6f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher J. Pittelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
It is my premise that states of mental confusion, depression, anxiety, upset and dissatisfaction with life and our relationships result from internal conflicts leading to a sense that things are not working out in our lives, at times without really knowing why.
Deciding to call a therapist and reach out for support with life's challenges requires courage and a leap of faith in your self. Your desire to end your suffering is where this healing journey begins. Your call or email is the first step. If you are reading this, the time is now. I understand the human condition, the trepidation about going to therapy and the place you are in life right now. I am here for you. Know that aside from decades of professional training as a therapist, I have also been a client for my own personal growth and healing.
It is my premise that states of mental confusion, depression, anxiety, upset and dissatisfaction with life and our relationships result from internal conflicts leading to a sense that things are not working out in our lives, at times without really knowing why.
Deciding to call a therapist and reach out for support with life's challenges requires courage and a leap of faith in your self. Your desire to end your suffering is where this healing journey begins. Your call or email is the first step. If you are reading this, the time is now. I understand the human condition, the trepidation about going to therapy and the place you are in life right now. I am here for you. Know that aside from decades of professional training as a therapist, I have also been a client for my own personal growth and healing.
![Photo of Ariel Virk, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d08b8f6-f1e6-4a88-9883-f258e4665da4/2/320x400.png)
Ariel Virk
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
In my work with adolescents, young adults, and adults, I assist them in understanding their feelings and behaviors in everyday life. I help them learn how to deal with their anxiety, family conflict, self-esteem issues, ADHD symptoms, and depression. I teach them tools to use in difficult situations in school, at home, and socially. Sometimes, clients experience depersonalization, where they are shut down from their emotions, which can result in feeling numb or a lack of motivation, so I will work with the client to help them "feel" again, and I teach them techniques and skills to manage daily stress or triggers.
In my work with adolescents, young adults, and adults, I assist them in understanding their feelings and behaviors in everyday life. I help them learn how to deal with their anxiety, family conflict, self-esteem issues, ADHD symptoms, and depression. I teach them tools to use in difficult situations in school, at home, and socially. Sometimes, clients experience depersonalization, where they are shut down from their emotions, which can result in feeling numb or a lack of motivation, so I will work with the client to help them "feel" again, and I teach them techniques and skills to manage daily stress or triggers.
![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 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 Amanda Walter, MS, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87b805a5-7e1f-4b33-8e62-7b9d7f66029b/1/320x400.jpeg)
The relationship we have with ourselves directly influences the relationships we have with others. Self love, or even meeting ourselves where we're at with self acceptance, can be incredibly difficult for various reasons. I assist my clients in nourishing their relationships with themselves through a mix of inner child work, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy techniques. I have worked with clients in various settings including outpatient office, intensive outpatient, and residential with a focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and borderline personality disorders.
The relationship we have with ourselves directly influences the relationships we have with others. Self love, or even meeting ourselves where we're at with self acceptance, can be incredibly difficult for various reasons. I assist my clients in nourishing their relationships with themselves through a mix of inner child work, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy techniques. I have worked with clients in various settings including outpatient office, intensive outpatient, and residential with a focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and borderline personality disorders.
![Photo of Nicole Codagnone, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f947b04d-3dec-4c40-bf94-57728c75a916/1/320x400.png)
Nicole Codagnone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
![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 Robin B Lynk, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdc021d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Incorporating a mind-body awareness, I have been successful helping people who experience anxiety, depression, intrusive thinking, body image struggles, sexuality issues, or medical/health related concerns enhance their self-care and expand their capacity for joy.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes".....
Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a cage without a key? Are you caught in an unexpected or difficult situation which seems increasingly demanding? Maybe you find yourself caught up in thoughts, memories or behaviors which leave you feeling diminished or scared, and leave others feeling worried about you. Via psychotherapy, we can turn these experiences around by effecting changes in the way you experience yourself and your world.
Incorporating a mind-body awareness, I have been successful helping people who experience anxiety, depression, intrusive thinking, body image struggles, sexuality issues, or medical/health related concerns enhance their self-care and expand their capacity for joy.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes".....
Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a cage without a key? Are you caught in an unexpected or difficult situation which seems increasingly demanding? Maybe you find yourself caught up in thoughts, memories or behaviors which leave you feeling diminished or scared, and leave others feeling worried about you. Via psychotherapy, we can turn these experiences around by effecting changes in the way you experience yourself and your world.
![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.
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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.