Depression Therapists in Furlong, PA
![Photo of Jennifer Cunnane, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47bbb67e-f9da-4562-956f-9e130fbc3abe/7/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Cunnane
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Furlong, PA 18925
Are feeling disconnected, misunderstood, worried or stressed? Are you struggling with a relationship? Are you a parent concerned about your child's behavior or emotional health? If you are experiencing negative thoughts or emotions related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, career challenges or a life transition and are tired of navigating your circumstances alone, I can help. Together, we will build on your strengths and develop skills and strategies to target your current concerns.
Are feeling disconnected, misunderstood, worried or stressed? Are you struggling with a relationship? Are you a parent concerned about your child's behavior or emotional health? If you are experiencing negative thoughts or emotions related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, career challenges or a life transition and are tired of navigating your circumstances alone, I can help. Together, we will build on your strengths and develop skills and strategies to target your current concerns.
![Photo of Mary Jo O’Connor, MS-----, TAKING, NEW, CLIENTS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72b00e34-0add-46aa-9cd6-ea8fb0cc4b66/5/320x400.jpeg)
More relevant is my own personal journey with bulimia, co-dependency, multiple addictions, infertility, depression &low self esteem.
I work with all gender clients, 13yrs and up. As men and women, young and old, we are multitaskers, we take care of others while neglecting ourselves. Self-care-self-love is foreign. Many self-medicate with food, alcohol, pills, shopping, social media, relationships, the list can go on. This creates a cycle of shame, remorse, and regret. We realize- I am not happy-how come? The people I work with are trying to answer that question. They are looking for someone else or something else to make them happy. An external fix/distraction to avoid feeling upset. And yet the outcome continues to be is anxiety, depression, substance abuse
More relevant is my own personal journey with bulimia, co-dependency, multiple addictions, infertility, depression &low self esteem.
I work with all gender clients, 13yrs and up. As men and women, young and old, we are multitaskers, we take care of others while neglecting ourselves. Self-care-self-love is foreign. Many self-medicate with food, alcohol, pills, shopping, social media, relationships, the list can go on. This creates a cycle of shame, remorse, and regret. We realize- I am not happy-how come? The people I work with are trying to answer that question. They are looking for someone else or something else to make them happy. An external fix/distraction to avoid feeling upset. And yet the outcome continues to be is anxiety, depression, substance abuse
![Photo of Derek Pendleton, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cf0588f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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 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 Rachel Somberg Nilsen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/823347ee-1ef6-4b46-8ec6-071be3509b7c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and the success of therapy often depends on the "match" between client and therapist. Contact me and determine whether I might be a good fit for you. I work with individuals in a collaborative manner who are feeling stuck, sad, anxious, overwhelmed with changes in their lives or who are struggling in relationships. I most often focus on issues related to depression, anxiety, adjustment/life transitions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and body image.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and the success of therapy often depends on the "match" between client and therapist. Contact me and determine whether I might be a good fit for you. I work with individuals in a collaborative manner who are feeling stuck, sad, anxious, overwhelmed with changes in their lives or who are struggling in relationships. I most often focus on issues related to depression, anxiety, adjustment/life transitions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and body image.
![Photo of Kathleen Mccafferty, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36d5bbe7-b9f7-4976-aba7-309fad061e81/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen Mccafferty
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Furlong, PA 18925 (Online Only)
I specialize in solution focused counseling for a variety of problems with: workplace and career issues, grief and loss, relationship and marital issues, parenting, elder care, depression, stress and anxiety.
Are you having trouble focusing? Is your job or relationship not satisfying? Is your family telling you that you just haven't been yourself lately? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel stuck it might be a good time to talk to an objective counselor who can help you sort out what is going on so that you can create the life that you really want to live.
I specialize in solution focused counseling for a variety of problems with: workplace and career issues, grief and loss, relationship and marital issues, parenting, elder care, depression, stress and anxiety.
Are you having trouble focusing? Is your job or relationship not satisfying? Is your family telling you that you just haven't been yourself lately? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel stuck it might be a good time to talk to an objective counselor who can help you sort out what is going on so that you can create the life that you really want to live.
![Photo of Greg Emrich, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49cb2e46-3bb6-4201-a874-00fa11d0e1be/3/320x400.jpeg)
I also have experience as a University Counselor working with students ages 17-35 dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, and life transitions.
Every now and then we all need a little extra support to deal with life's challenges. Whether it be everyday stress, life transitions, the loss of a loved one, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or any other mental health concern, I will work together with you to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and patterns that may be contributing to your struggles. My name is Greg Emrich, and I am a pre- licensed therapist who earned my Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Arcadia University. I have experience working with individuals of various ages dealing with a wide variety of issues.
I also have experience as a University Counselor working with students ages 17-35 dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, and life transitions.
Every now and then we all need a little extra support to deal with life's challenges. Whether it be everyday stress, life transitions, the loss of a loved one, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or any other mental health concern, I will work together with you to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and patterns that may be contributing to your struggles. My name is Greg Emrich, and I am a pre- licensed therapist who earned my Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Arcadia University. I have experience working with individuals of various ages dealing with a wide variety of issues.
![Photo of Leonard A Carlino, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb0bc86-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I know it's difficult to select a psychologist, someone to share your most intimate problems with, just from a list of names. Many of my clients have told me how at ease they are in my presence.
I've been helping people like you for 40+ years. During this time, I've developed many approaches to fit the particular needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach is now eclectic including a humanistic application of cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise in body psychotherapy (Bioenergetics Analysis) which is especially helpful in stress & trauma related problems.
I know it's difficult to select a psychologist, someone to share your most intimate problems with, just from a list of names. Many of my clients have told me how at ease they are in my presence.
I've been helping people like you for 40+ years. During this time, I've developed many approaches to fit the particular needs of each client. Originally trained in psychodynamic therapy, my therapeutic approach is now eclectic including a humanistic application of cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise in body psychotherapy (Bioenergetics Analysis) which is especially helpful in stress & trauma related problems.
![Photo of Tina M Cole, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07a22f6e-34f6-4fbc-9116-0a4497770b34/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tina M Cole
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Furlong, PA 18925 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you ready to feel better, and want to try a different approach. Are you tired of cookie cutter hit and miss interventions that aren't enough. Ready to get off the merry-go-round and stop telling and retelling the same stories that are keeping you stuck. The road ahead of you will be challenging, but I will navigate this terrain with you. Brainspotting is a somatic/body/brain based approach, and is my favorite intervention to use. Schedule a fee consultation to get a sense of working with me would be like. Call or self schedule a free consultation from my website.
Are you ready to feel better, and want to try a different approach. Are you tired of cookie cutter hit and miss interventions that aren't enough. Ready to get off the merry-go-round and stop telling and retelling the same stories that are keeping you stuck. The road ahead of you will be challenging, but I will navigate this terrain with you. Brainspotting is a somatic/body/brain based approach, and is my favorite intervention to use. Schedule a fee consultation to get a sense of working with me would be like. Call or self schedule a free consultation from my website.
![Photo of Christina Pfeifer - Ellie Mental Health- Warrington, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0840c8a-4933-425b-8ed1-7a9d15f07a35/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Mental Health- Warrington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Furlong, PA 18925
Ellie Mental Health in Warrington, Pennsylvania isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We are accepting of all people.
Ellie Mental Health in Warrington, Pennsylvania isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We are accepting of all people.
![Photo of Alexa Borrows, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0f17bfa-170f-4be5-a628-2ebf297dbd79/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Borrows
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Furlong, PA 18925
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
![Photo of Valerie D'Alonzo, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/156a9190-fea7-48f2-be34-7669b5c3516d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She has also completed post Master’s coursework in Marriage and Family Therapy and Learning, Cognition and Development at both The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University. Valerie has worked as a school counselor with experience in middle and high school settings. Most recently, Valerie has been working as a clinical counselor with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 8-25.
Valerie has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She has also completed post Master’s coursework in Marriage and Family Therapy and Learning, Cognition and Development at both The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University. Valerie has worked as a school counselor with experience in middle and high school settings. Most recently, Valerie has been working as a clinical counselor with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 8-25.
More Therapists Nearby
![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 Annie Yocum, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b548e6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Welcome. I see individual therapy as a process of joining someone in dealing with difficult situations or problems. I will listen carefully and strive to provide an emotionally safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and work through your concerns. Experiencing a genuine connection in a relaxed and non-stigmatizing atmosphere is an important part of therapy, and we can see if we are a "good match" to work together.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Welcome. I see individual therapy as a process of joining someone in dealing with difficult situations or problems. I will listen carefully and strive to provide an emotionally safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and work through your concerns. Experiencing a genuine connection in a relaxed and non-stigmatizing atmosphere is an important part of therapy, and we can see if we are a "good match" to work together.
![Photo of Virginia Wolper, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3965c162-e2de-405b-a932-ad03d3c30d6f/1/320x400.png)
Ginny, in addition to working with trauma survivors, has worked with people struggling with panic attacks, discrimination, family and relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, issues with attachment, conduct disorders, issues regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and substance abuse.
Ginny Wolper (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has an extensive history in working with survivors of trauma, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. She is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which she uses to teach her clients how to manage their symptoms and process the traumatic events they have endured. In addition to TF-CBT and DBT, Ginny often uses other modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), insight-oriented therapy, psychodynamic practices, and internal family systems (IFS).
Ginny, in addition to working with trauma survivors, has worked with people struggling with panic attacks, discrimination, family and relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, issues with attachment, conduct disorders, issues regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and substance abuse.
Ginny Wolper (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has an extensive history in working with survivors of trauma, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. She is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which she uses to teach her clients how to manage their symptoms and process the traumatic events they have endured. In addition to TF-CBT and DBT, Ginny often uses other modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), insight-oriented therapy, psychodynamic practices, and internal family systems (IFS).
![Photo of Melissa Rowan, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25def9f8-6f9d-49d1-821c-7889bcd706dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Rowan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
Melissa also has a strong background in working with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, struggles navigating major life transitions, and recovery from trauma.
Melissa provides individual therapy with the goal of assisting her clients in making beneficial and gainful improvements in their lives. With an unbiased, empathetic, and genuine approach, Melissa will work with clients to identify and achieve their desired therapeutic goals starting from the first session. She primarily utilizes components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused, and person-centered therapy, with an emphasis on building upon an individual's strengths. Melissa is also certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which can be effective in the treatment of OCD and anxiety.
Melissa also has a strong background in working with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, struggles navigating major life transitions, and recovery from trauma.
Melissa provides individual therapy with the goal of assisting her clients in making beneficial and gainful improvements in their lives. With an unbiased, empathetic, and genuine approach, Melissa will work with clients to identify and achieve their desired therapeutic goals starting from the first session. She primarily utilizes components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused, and person-centered therapy, with an emphasis on building upon an individual's strengths. Melissa is also certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which can be effective in the treatment of OCD and anxiety.
![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 Heather Craney, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4466114-14b0-45db-80d1-cf5abadab1cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather has worked with a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, ODD, traumarelated disorders, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Heather obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University, and also holds a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Holy Family University. She has been practicing in the field since 2015. Her previous experience includes working with children and adolescents in Residential Treatment Facilities and Intensive Behavioral Health Services. Heather also has experience working with adults in a counseling setting. She has experience with individual and family therapy.
Heather has worked with a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, ODD, traumarelated disorders, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Heather obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University, and also holds a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Holy Family University. She has been practicing in the field since 2015. Her previous experience includes working with children and adolescents in Residential Treatment Facilities and Intensive Behavioral Health Services. Heather also has experience working with adults in a counseling setting. She has experience with individual and family therapy.
![Photo of Colleen Verriest, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f624019-ff81-409b-a376-df4b830222da/1/320x400.jpeg)
What brings each person to therapy is unique. When you are looking to process or work through a change in your life, it is important to feel a sense of comfort and confidence in a clinician. Grief, loss, family changes, professional changes, relationship challenges, feelings of depression or anxiety are some examples of what might be behind your interest in beginning therapy. It is courageous to take this first step. I will support your individual process in a personalized way, honoring your feelings and journey with unconditional support. One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy or finding the right therapist.
What brings each person to therapy is unique. When you are looking to process or work through a change in your life, it is important to feel a sense of comfort and confidence in a clinician. Grief, loss, family changes, professional changes, relationship challenges, feelings of depression or anxiety are some examples of what might be behind your interest in beginning therapy. It is courageous to take this first step. I will support your individual process in a personalized way, honoring your feelings and journey with unconditional support. One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy or finding the right therapist.
![Photo of 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.
See more therapy options for Furlong
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Furlong
- Buckingham
- Carversville
- Doylestown
- Jamison
- New Britain
- New Hope
- Newtown
- Richboro
- Solebury
- Southampton
- Warminster
- Warrington
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.