Depression Therapists in Ottsville, PA
![Photo of Susan Sklaroff-Van Hook, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd07a99f-f0f3-4d32-a953-7dc002238257/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Sklaroff-Van Hook
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottsville, PA 18942
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety and depression, self-esteem, stress management, and trauma-related issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor and trauma-informed therapist trained in mindfulness self-compassion who works collaboratively with clients to help them make the lasting changes they seek. I create a safe, trusting, and supportive environment so you can feel less isolated and more connected and understood. This becomes the foundation on which we work to help you build your self-awareness and develop the tools to improve the quality of your life. My goal is to help you take what you learn in the therapy setting out into the life you inhabit.
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety and depression, self-esteem, stress management, and trauma-related issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor and trauma-informed therapist trained in mindfulness self-compassion who works collaboratively with clients to help them make the lasting changes they seek. I create a safe, trusting, and supportive environment so you can feel less isolated and more connected and understood. This becomes the foundation on which we work to help you build your self-awareness and develop the tools to improve the quality of your life. My goal is to help you take what you learn in the therapy setting out into the life you inhabit.
![Photo of Kate Pickett, MEd, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c73839a-3dea-4005-b2ba-3f310f07e166/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. I provide individual and relationship counseling through both in person and video sessions. My intention is to provide a warm and accepting atmosphere that allows the people I engage to explore solutions to challenges they face. My experience has taught me to respect the strengths of my clients. I believe in implementing a collaborative process. I have experience as a guidance counselor, college psychology instructor and a board member of the Philadelphia Center for EFT. I completed EMDR training in 2020.
I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. I provide individual and relationship counseling through both in person and video sessions. My intention is to provide a warm and accepting atmosphere that allows the people I engage to explore solutions to challenges they face. My experience has taught me to respect the strengths of my clients. I believe in implementing a collaborative process. I have experience as a guidance counselor, college psychology instructor and a board member of the Philadelphia Center for EFT. I completed EMDR training in 2020.
![Photo of John Muraco, MPS, ATR, RYT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44005e8a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Art Therapy sessions give your child a space to TRULY be themselves. Whether your child needs a space to process difficult life situations, freedom to be uniquely themselves, or wildly creative, I will offer them a safe and open-minded space to do so. We can learn ways to manage stress, fear, and other challenging emotions that are appropriate for their developmental level. They will have access to a wide variety of art materials and the ability to integrate drumming, play, and other expressive modalities depending on their (and parent supported) therapeutic goals.
Art Therapy sessions give your child a space to TRULY be themselves. Whether your child needs a space to process difficult life situations, freedom to be uniquely themselves, or wildly creative, I will offer them a safe and open-minded space to do so. We can learn ways to manage stress, fear, and other challenging emotions that are appropriate for their developmental level. They will have access to a wide variety of art materials and the ability to integrate drumming, play, and other expressive modalities depending on their (and parent supported) therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Leyla Safavi, LMFT, MFA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a6463b4-5dfc-4425-a52f-9f385a283829/2/320x400.png)
Leyla Safavi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MFA, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ottsville, PA 18942
Do you find yourself in a relationship where communication and connection seem impossible? You’re often left wondering how things deteriorated to this point. The hurt, loneliness, and fear of what comes next are overwhelming. Conversations frequently turn into arguments, leading to more disconnection and confusion, filling you with hopelessness and frustration. Despite the love you still have for each other, nothing seems to work anymore. It’s hard to believe your relationship has come to this, especially since you both are smart, hardworking, kind, and caring individuals. Where did things go wrong?
Do you find yourself in a relationship where communication and connection seem impossible? You’re often left wondering how things deteriorated to this point. The hurt, loneliness, and fear of what comes next are overwhelming. Conversations frequently turn into arguments, leading to more disconnection and confusion, filling you with hopelessness and frustration. Despite the love you still have for each other, nothing seems to work anymore. It’s hard to believe your relationship has come to this, especially since you both are smart, hardworking, kind, and caring individuals. Where did things go wrong?
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Larita Mason, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87fb9642-c316-4efb-a639-2585b5e7db19/2/320x400.png)
Larita Mason
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
My focus is working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families that are dealing with family conflict, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma.
Hello, and thank you for taking the first step in your healing journey. You’re likely here because you are unhappy about a situation or circumstance in your life, and you’re looking for support and guidance on making a change for the better. If this is you, you are in the right place. I believe in empowering my clients to take control of their lives, and learn how to make lasting change. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (in DE and PA) with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults.
My focus is working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families that are dealing with family conflict, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma.
Hello, and thank you for taking the first step in your healing journey. You’re likely here because you are unhappy about a situation or circumstance in your life, and you’re looking for support and guidance on making a change for the better. If this is you, you are in the right place. I believe in empowering my clients to take control of their lives, and learn how to make lasting change. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (in DE and PA) with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults.
![Photo of Julia A Hess, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d8d9ecc-354b-4b21-8546-b4994bc57a8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be challenging, but you don't have to endure it alone. I utilize a client-centered, empathetic approach to counseling where you will feel validated and heard. Additionally, I apply a multicultural and feminist view to issues, to help you understand societal impacts on your mental health. I have experience working with Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, life transitions, and identity issues. I work with adults ages 18 and up. I am welcoming towards those in the LGBTQIA+ community. All intersecting identities are welcomed and accepted in my sessions!
Life can be challenging, but you don't have to endure it alone. I utilize a client-centered, empathetic approach to counseling where you will feel validated and heard. Additionally, I apply a multicultural and feminist view to issues, to help you understand societal impacts on your mental health. I have experience working with Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, life transitions, and identity issues. I work with adults ages 18 and up. I am welcoming towards those in the LGBTQIA+ community. All intersecting identities are welcomed and accepted in my sessions!
![Photo of Kerin Oksienik, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d38a334-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kerin Oksienik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901 (Online Only)
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, adjustment disorders, grief, trauma, and relational conflicts.
Life is full of challenges that can make or break us. If you’re feeling stuck, we can work together to turn adversity into opportunity for growth, change, and healing. Our thoughts greatly influence the reality we experience and can perpetuate the cycle of negative thinking when distorted by depression and anxiety. We will explore obstacles holding you back from finding contentment, identify goals to promote the change you want to see in yourself, and build upon strengths you naturally possess to develop resiliency for the future.
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, adjustment disorders, grief, trauma, and relational conflicts.
Life is full of challenges that can make or break us. If you’re feeling stuck, we can work together to turn adversity into opportunity for growth, change, and healing. Our thoughts greatly influence the reality we experience and can perpetuate the cycle of negative thinking when distorted by depression and anxiety. We will explore obstacles holding you back from finding contentment, identify goals to promote the change you want to see in yourself, and build upon strengths you naturally possess to develop resiliency for the future.
![Photo of Michelle Perna, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1121de30-f520-40ba-a0c9-97abcb4ac733/1/320x400.png)
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
![Photo of Shannon Minnick, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17462748-3645-4ec7-a93e-a2acf19b08c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Minnick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perkasie, PA 18944
Over the past 19 years, I have worked with hundreds of adolescents in area community mental health agencies and as a visiting school counselor, and am now offering services privately, specializing in young adults, adolescents, parenting, & women's issues. I help with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parent-child relationships, peer issues, and self-esteem. I treat all of my clients with positive regard, warmth, and kindness. My approach is strengths based and holistic, incorporating evidenced based interventions. I want you to feel free and safe to talk about whatever you would like to in my office.
Over the past 19 years, I have worked with hundreds of adolescents in area community mental health agencies and as a visiting school counselor, and am now offering services privately, specializing in young adults, adolescents, parenting, & women's issues. I help with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parent-child relationships, peer issues, and self-esteem. I treat all of my clients with positive regard, warmth, and kindness. My approach is strengths based and holistic, incorporating evidenced based interventions. I want you to feel free and safe to talk about whatever you would like to in my office.
![Photo of Erin Austin, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87a8d0e4-1094-4e48-aba0-25d7f578a1d2/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, trauma, difficulties adjusting to life transitions, substance abuse, domestic violence, as well as treating individuals that may be involved in the criminal justice system.
I believe that life can be difficult to navigate, and everyone has their own personal story or journey to tell sometimes we just need a safe space for it. I try to place the utmost importance on treating everyone as an individual and understanding what they are personally and individually dealing with at that time. In supporting clients with guidance and empathy in a non-judgmental environment to process these areas of need in order to better cope is not only helpful but paramount to dealing with whatever life might or has thrown your way.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, trauma, difficulties adjusting to life transitions, substance abuse, domestic violence, as well as treating individuals that may be involved in the criminal justice system.
I believe that life can be difficult to navigate, and everyone has their own personal story or journey to tell sometimes we just need a safe space for it. I try to place the utmost importance on treating everyone as an individual and understanding what they are personally and individually dealing with at that time. In supporting clients with guidance and empathy in a non-judgmental environment to process these areas of need in order to better cope is not only helpful but paramount to dealing with whatever life might or has thrown your way.
![Photo of Barbara Byers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e223ba7d-4007-4c93-a4d2-ba0255dd1e94/1/320x400.png)
Barbara Byers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Perkasie, PA 18944 (Online Only)
Barbara Byers, LCSW. My approach to therapy involves building a relationship with the client in order to better understand and assist. I believe in understanding all areas of the client's life in order to provide them with the best experience. I work primarily from a trauma-informed perspective in order to help clients understand themselves and others. I work best with women and men between the ages of 18-45. I work best with trauma survivors and those struggling with relationships, interpersonal issues, family issues, anxiety, and depression.
Barbara Byers, LCSW. My approach to therapy involves building a relationship with the client in order to better understand and assist. I believe in understanding all areas of the client's life in order to provide them with the best experience. I work primarily from a trauma-informed perspective in order to help clients understand themselves and others. I work best with women and men between the ages of 18-45. I work best with trauma survivors and those struggling with relationships, interpersonal issues, family issues, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Tracey Shontz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/942a6094-bb3c-4ecc-8c29-df34e8ce8853/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tracey Shontz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
I help teens and adults struggling with anxiety, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, and depression to become the best versions of themselves.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from California University of Pennsylvania and have been in the mental health field for over 28 years.
I help teens and adults struggling with anxiety, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, and depression to become the best versions of themselves.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from California University of Pennsylvania and have been in the mental health field for over 28 years.
![Photo of Leilany Davila, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bec62e5d-65ee-47f7-a7be-484620c01b87/1/320x400.png)
I treat Anxiety, depression, lack of self-acceptance, and grief problems. I help with the management of anxiety symptoms and depression, helping you to develop coping skills to manage your every day. I help clients identify and challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with positive affirmations. I will teach some mindfulness meditation to help you when anxious & help you obtain a better understanding of your mental health to cope with your emotions.
I treat Anxiety, depression, lack of self-acceptance, and grief problems. I help with the management of anxiety symptoms and depression, helping you to develop coping skills to manage your every day. I help clients identify and challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with positive affirmations. I will teach some mindfulness meditation to help you when anxious & help you obtain a better understanding of your mental health to cope with your emotions.
![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 Daphne Lynn Jakstis - Holistic Counseling Services LLC, LCSW, DBTC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0063e096-d776-4ce3-999f-74b612236c56/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DBTC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
I provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and trauma treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
I provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and trauma treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
![Photo of Corinne DiSalvo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4004374d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Corinne DiSalvo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
I am a nationally certified trauma therapist and also have experience working with diagnoses of depression, anxiety and ADHD, among others.
I am an individual and marriage and family therapist that is licensed to work with couples, adults, children, and adolescents. I have experience working with adults and children individually as well as in couples or family sessions. Therapy is the setting to help build upon your strengths in order to have long-term stress management and sustainable change. I am also able to provide supervision to individuals working towards a degree in Marriage and Family therapy or working towards their license.
I am a nationally certified trauma therapist and also have experience working with diagnoses of depression, anxiety and ADHD, among others.
I am an individual and marriage and family therapist that is licensed to work with couples, adults, children, and adolescents. I have experience working with adults and children individually as well as in couples or family sessions. Therapy is the setting to help build upon your strengths in order to have long-term stress management and sustainable change. I am also able to provide supervision to individuals working towards a degree in Marriage and Family therapy or working towards their license.
![Photo of Shonda Christina Walters, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad8dd064-c249-43df-a46f-dd4b8d087a84/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shonda Christina Walters
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
I am an LPC in PA with experience providing individual therapy to over 100 clients in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, specifically marginalized communities, with struggles like Depression and Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational struggles.
SCtherapy is accepting new clients starting September 2024! Hi there, I’m Shonda. You have made a big step today for your mental health journey. You started (or re-started) to look for a therapist. I can imagine you are hoping for changes in your life. Do you feel stuck and unsure what to do next? Overwhelmed with adulting? Do you find yourself in your head with racing thoughts and worry? Having trouble getting through each day? I empathize with you, and I am here to help!
I am an LPC in PA with experience providing individual therapy to over 100 clients in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, specifically marginalized communities, with struggles like Depression and Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational struggles.
SCtherapy is accepting new clients starting September 2024! Hi there, I’m Shonda. You have made a big step today for your mental health journey. You started (or re-started) to look for a therapist. I can imagine you are hoping for changes in your life. Do you feel stuck and unsure what to do next? Overwhelmed with adulting? Do you find yourself in your head with racing thoughts and worry? Having trouble getting through each day? I empathize with you, and I am here to help!
![Photo of Ellen J Faulkner - Ellen J. Faulkner, Ph.D. Psychotherapy, PhD, NCPsyA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48745abb-59c0-4179-a54a-09e5ebb5ca3b/5/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen J. Faulkner, Ph.D. Psychotherapy
PhD, NCPsyA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18901
My other specialties include working with those suffering with depression and anxiety, life transitions, and those suffering with grief.
After working for over 42 years as a psychotherapist/psychoanalyst I welcome patients who are ready to do in depth work in psychotherapy and find lasting change. Psychoanalysis is an extraordinary opportunity to enrich your life, find the person you were meant to be, and experience the contentment and joy that you have been missing. Whether you are looking for marriage/couples counseling, dealing with personal issues or feel unsatisfied with brief therapy you've experienced, my patients find me to be warm, kind, insightful, accepting, and supportive. My group practice works with both adults and children. www.faulknertherapy.net
My other specialties include working with those suffering with depression and anxiety, life transitions, and those suffering with grief.
After working for over 42 years as a psychotherapist/psychoanalyst I welcome patients who are ready to do in depth work in psychotherapy and find lasting change. Psychoanalysis is an extraordinary opportunity to enrich your life, find the person you were meant to be, and experience the contentment and joy that you have been missing. Whether you are looking for marriage/couples counseling, dealing with personal issues or feel unsatisfied with brief therapy you've experienced, my patients find me to be warm, kind, insightful, accepting, and supportive. My group practice works with both adults and children. www.faulknertherapy.net
![Photo of Elisa King, MHS, MDiv, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49b52299-e2f3-4e30-8834-2cc610abb7e4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elisa King
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHS, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania (LPC) and a firm believer that HOPE anchors the soul! Unfortunately, sometimes feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk rob us of hope and endanger our wellbeing.
Hi there! I'm a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania (LPC) and a firm believer that HOPE anchors the soul! Unfortunately, sometimes feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk rob us of hope and endanger our wellbeing.
![Photo of Erin Fox, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94ebed0c-bffb-477c-b541-7b4dddfbad69/2/320x400.png)
Specializing in Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help address issues like anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Are you facing challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or identity issues? Are you seeking a safe, nonjudgmental space, craving validation, understanding, and guidance? You may be open to self-exploration, aiming for personal growth, seeking insights, coping strategies, and resilience. My ideal client values seeking support and actively participates in therapy. Motivated to improve their lives and relationships, they seek empowerment and self-discovery in therapy.
Specializing in Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help address issues like anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Are you facing challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or identity issues? Are you seeking a safe, nonjudgmental space, craving validation, understanding, and guidance? You may be open to self-exploration, aiming for personal growth, seeking insights, coping strategies, and resilience. My ideal client values seeking support and actively participates in therapy. Motivated to improve their lives and relationships, they seek empowerment and self-discovery in therapy.
See more therapy options for Ottsville
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Ottsville
- Buckingham
- Carversville
- Chalfont
- Doylestown
- New Britain
- New Hope
- Perkasie
- Pipersville
- Quakertown
- Richlandtown
- Sellersville
- Solebury
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.