Depression Therapists in Seneca, SC
![Photo of Monika Pursell - MakeSPACE Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d80a338f-401a-4329-bae3-b363ec64d915/1/320x400.jpeg)
MakeSPACE Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself repeating the same patterns over and over again in your personal life, professional life, and in your day to day routines? Does it feel like you're working against yourself even though you KNOW what the problem is you can't seem to break out of how you're feeling? Therapy provides a space where you name and address barriers to change. I have over seven years of experience working with a wide variety of struggles, including complex trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Most importantly I apply a holistic approach and collaborate with clients on how you can lead your best life, as you define it.
Do you find yourself repeating the same patterns over and over again in your personal life, professional life, and in your day to day routines? Does it feel like you're working against yourself even though you KNOW what the problem is you can't seem to break out of how you're feeling? Therapy provides a space where you name and address barriers to change. I have over seven years of experience working with a wide variety of struggles, including complex trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Most importantly I apply a holistic approach and collaborate with clients on how you can lead your best life, as you define it.
![Photo of Brooke Nicole Lankford - Bespin Counseling Center, MEd, LPCS, LPC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c55d8c47-8ebc-41a0-a3c4-024650e79269/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bespin Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCS, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678
** EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ** ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ** I have worked with Individuals and Family Systems since 2003. I enjoy working with family systems, parent child relationships, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Often times we can feel anxious or sad about some parts of our life and need someone to talk with about how we are feeling.
** EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ** ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ** I have worked with Individuals and Family Systems since 2003. I enjoy working with family systems, parent child relationships, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Often times we can feel anxious or sad about some parts of our life and need someone to talk with about how we are feeling.
![Photo of Susan P Shafer, MEd , LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd8e676e-797a-43f7-bc80-d50eda50d4a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan P Shafer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29672 (Online Only)
As a dually licensed professional counselor and clinical addiction specialist, I have been in practice for over twenty-five years. My strengths include providing warmth, compassion and connection. I have worked with a wide range of adult challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma psychosis and substance abuse.
As a dually licensed professional counselor and clinical addiction specialist, I have been in practice for over twenty-five years. My strengths include providing warmth, compassion and connection. I have worked with a wide range of adult challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma psychosis and substance abuse.
![Photo of Joann Ezra Gavalda, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec5634be-65d6-4de4-8c91-4321842a1f72/2/320x400.jpeg)
At certain points in life, we all need support. Change is possible! As long as there is life, there is hope! Whether faced with a disappoint, daily stress, relationship conflict, addictive behavior, past trauma, or depression and anxiety, we all need help at times. Within the safety of a therapeutic relationship, I will be happy to join in your journey to help restore purpose, peace and balance to your life; to help you find strength to overcome challenges. I'm here to listen, to understand and to offer my professional knowledge, skills, and passion for life to YOU! It would be my privilege to help you find the solutions you seek.
At certain points in life, we all need support. Change is possible! As long as there is life, there is hope! Whether faced with a disappoint, daily stress, relationship conflict, addictive behavior, past trauma, or depression and anxiety, we all need help at times. Within the safety of a therapeutic relationship, I will be happy to join in your journey to help restore purpose, peace and balance to your life; to help you find strength to overcome challenges. I'm here to listen, to understand and to offer my professional knowledge, skills, and passion for life to YOU! It would be my privilege to help you find the solutions you seek.
![Photo of Bentley Gambrell - Bentley Gambrell, Foothills Family Counseling , MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69746f45-a544-44a9-bb1b-9dd5212dd359/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bentley Gambrell, Foothills Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678
Foothills offers a range of services from individual, couples, and family to work with a range of issues from grief, change, mental health struggles, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and struggles with communication.
At Foothills Family Counseling our goal is to equip individuals with the opportunity to get to know themselves, how to communicate that to others, and have a healthier relationship with themselves and with the ones they love. Whether it is an issue in yourself, with your spouse, or children, we serve age 6 and up and provide spaces for children to play as they work toward their goals, a separate space for individual and couples counseling that provides a calm and relaxing environment for self-reflection and working through the hard stuff, and for families we have a large family room to spread out and allow space and comfort for all
Foothills offers a range of services from individual, couples, and family to work with a range of issues from grief, change, mental health struggles, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and struggles with communication.
At Foothills Family Counseling our goal is to equip individuals with the opportunity to get to know themselves, how to communicate that to others, and have a healthier relationship with themselves and with the ones they love. Whether it is an issue in yourself, with your spouse, or children, we serve age 6 and up and provide spaces for children to play as they work toward their goals, a separate space for individual and couples counseling that provides a calm and relaxing environment for self-reflection and working through the hard stuff, and for families we have a large family room to spread out and allow space and comfort for all
![Photo of Lynne Cory, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed89a341-3b93-4f29-949b-bce13535bd98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lynne specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, relationships, aging, life transitions, women’s issues, grief/loss, and career counseling.
Assisting in helping you create a better quality of life through self-empowerment and authentic choice would be my hope for you. Often, we feel overwhelmed when we struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and unexpected life challenges. This can cause us to question our value in various aspects of life. Approaching the counseling process through curiosity, kindness, and self-compassion may lead to improved self-awareness and insight.
Lynne specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, relationships, aging, life transitions, women’s issues, grief/loss, and career counseling.
Assisting in helping you create a better quality of life through self-empowerment and authentic choice would be my hope for you. Often, we feel overwhelmed when we struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and unexpected life challenges. This can cause us to question our value in various aspects of life. Approaching the counseling process through curiosity, kindness, and self-compassion may lead to improved self-awareness and insight.
![Photo of Mary Ashley Allen, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a573d3a1-a7a7-4e33-a597-b814f0112662/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in focuses like Grief/Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Spiritual Direction/Guidance, Integrating Spirituality and Psychology, Sexuality, Relationship Transitions, Early Adulthood.
If you receive an email from me, you’ll see my signature contains a certain phrase: “The best is yet to come." When you hear the phrase “the best is yet to come,” what comes to mind? Some may find themselves humming a tune by Tony Bennett. And if that was before your time, you may simply scoff at the naive hopefulness of the phrase. Then again, you may cry because you’re not sure you believe there are better days ahead. I will hold space and celebrate with you wherever you are. I have seen and known the highs and lows and middles in life, and I have experienced the transformational power of showing up just as you are.
I specialize in focuses like Grief/Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Spiritual Direction/Guidance, Integrating Spirituality and Psychology, Sexuality, Relationship Transitions, Early Adulthood.
If you receive an email from me, you’ll see my signature contains a certain phrase: “The best is yet to come." When you hear the phrase “the best is yet to come,” what comes to mind? Some may find themselves humming a tune by Tony Bennett. And if that was before your time, you may simply scoff at the naive hopefulness of the phrase. Then again, you may cry because you’re not sure you believe there are better days ahead. I will hold space and celebrate with you wherever you are. I have seen and known the highs and lows and middles in life, and I have experienced the transformational power of showing up just as you are.
![Photo of William (Bill) Reynolds Jr., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1902b846-7d00-4b36-8b81-8d43ff0838b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience with the following, but not limited to: Couples, Families, Individuals, Adolescents, Grief, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Christian/Faith Based Counseling, Trauma, PTSD, Parenting, Stress, and Self-Esteem.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I specialize in couples who are seeking marriage enrichment, or trying to overcome difficulties in their relationships, or learning how to connect emotionally. I also work with individuals. My goal is to help clients in their struggles, which will help them reach their full potential in society. I know that life is a journey and sometimes we can get stuck in life. I provide a safe environment where the clients can learn and work on coping skills, so they will feel empowered in life. I focus on goals that the clients want to work on without feeling judged.
I have experience with the following, but not limited to: Couples, Families, Individuals, Adolescents, Grief, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Christian/Faith Based Counseling, Trauma, PTSD, Parenting, Stress, and Self-Esteem.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I specialize in couples who are seeking marriage enrichment, or trying to overcome difficulties in their relationships, or learning how to connect emotionally. I also work with individuals. My goal is to help clients in their struggles, which will help them reach their full potential in society. I know that life is a journey and sometimes we can get stuck in life. I provide a safe environment where the clients can learn and work on coping skills, so they will feel empowered in life. I focus on goals that the clients want to work on without feeling judged.
![Photo of Kellie Lassig, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0ee4568-93aa-4281-ae95-0a01640c3ec3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kellie Lassig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29678 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Kellie, and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I am licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina. Some of the individuals I work with are those who have experienced anxiety, depression, stress, social anxiety, and/or other life changes/adjustments. I am a big believer in identifying what works for each individual. No single person is the same as another. I do my best to meet clients where they are and also work to provide a safe, open, and non-judgmental environment for them.
Hello! I'm Kellie, and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I am licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina. Some of the individuals I work with are those who have experienced anxiety, depression, stress, social anxiety, and/or other life changes/adjustments. I am a big believer in identifying what works for each individual. No single person is the same as another. I do my best to meet clients where they are and also work to provide a safe, open, and non-judgmental environment for them.
![Photo of Chana Ashlan Land, MEd, LPC, LPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497164b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Chana Ashlan Land
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678
Change is a choice. I believe everyone, at some point in our lives, can benefit from counseling and make positive changes. Life happens and it can be very, very difficult and even totally overwhelming from time to time. Counseling can help you navigate through those challenging times no matter the circumstances. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, overcoming abuse or a history of violence, behavioral issues, grief, difficulty adjusting, or just need to learn more healthy and effective coping skills, do consider giving counseling a try. If you want to change and are willing to truly try, that is all it takes.
Change is a choice. I believe everyone, at some point in our lives, can benefit from counseling and make positive changes. Life happens and it can be very, very difficult and even totally overwhelming from time to time. Counseling can help you navigate through those challenging times no matter the circumstances. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, overcoming abuse or a history of violence, behavioral issues, grief, difficulty adjusting, or just need to learn more healthy and effective coping skills, do consider giving counseling a try. If you want to change and are willing to truly try, that is all it takes.
![Photo of Paulette Herbert, EdD, LISW-S, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df1ed144-57d6-47a3-8aea-34bc130952e9/1/320x400.png)
Paulette Herbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LISW-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29678
Lonely, anxious, depressed, frustrated, angry, confused? Psychotherapy can be an important step toward seeking change, resolving issues and focusing on personal growth. Each person who begins therapy has different needs and goals making the therapeutic relationship unique. Life brings challenges, obstacles and burdens that can cause many feelings and emotions; sometimes paralyzing us towards a direction. Therapy is not a mystery but rather a process where healing is facilitated in a caring environment.
Lonely, anxious, depressed, frustrated, angry, confused? Psychotherapy can be an important step toward seeking change, resolving issues and focusing on personal growth. Each person who begins therapy has different needs and goals making the therapeutic relationship unique. Life brings challenges, obstacles and burdens that can cause many feelings and emotions; sometimes paralyzing us towards a direction. Therapy is not a mystery but rather a process where healing is facilitated in a caring environment.
![Photo of Nicole Elena Grimm, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/459080b6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist I create a safe, welcoming environment that will enable you to create positive change in your life, family and community. Working together we will identify avenues to engage in a value driven life. At times feelings of anxiety and depression act as barriers to our goals and values. Through a variety of techniques, such as mindfulness, ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy) and art therapy these barriers can be eliminated.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist I create a safe, welcoming environment that will enable you to create positive change in your life, family and community. Working together we will identify avenues to engage in a value driven life. At times feelings of anxiety and depression act as barriers to our goals and values. Through a variety of techniques, such as mindfulness, ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy) and art therapy these barriers can be eliminated.
![Photo of Mary S Cumming - The Family Doctor, EdD, LPC, NCC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f16def6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Family Doctor
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, NCC, MAC
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29672 (Online Only)
Welcome to The Family Doctor - my two specialties are Marriage/Family Therapy & Addictions Therapy. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, couple conflicts or an addiction please give us a call. We can find you a solution for your struggle. We also offer educational seminars such as Parenting-Discipline and Boundaries, Addiction in the Workplace, Couples Communication, or Understanding our Family of Origin. We work with individuals, couples or families.
Welcome to The Family Doctor - my two specialties are Marriage/Family Therapy & Addictions Therapy. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, couple conflicts or an addiction please give us a call. We can find you a solution for your struggle. We also offer educational seminars such as Parenting-Discipline and Boundaries, Addiction in the Workplace, Couples Communication, or Understanding our Family of Origin. We work with individuals, couples or families.
![Photo of Paulette Herbert - Carolina Counseling Professionals, EdD, RPT-S, LISW-CP, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5802187-7d48-4cb0-89aa-484c6a5d751e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolina Counseling Professionals
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, RPT-S, LISW-CP, LMSW
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29678
Here at Carolina Counseling Professionals, we will work with you to help you develop the strategies you need to get back on the path that leads to happiness and success. Together, we will work to address the issues you are facing so that you can feel confident and ready to take on a new direction in life. We will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing, their underlying causes, and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be. If you're ready to get back on the path that leads to a more fulfilling life, then you've come to the right place.
Here at Carolina Counseling Professionals, we will work with you to help you develop the strategies you need to get back on the path that leads to happiness and success. Together, we will work to address the issues you are facing so that you can feel confident and ready to take on a new direction in life. We will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing, their underlying causes, and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be. If you're ready to get back on the path that leads to a more fulfilling life, then you've come to the right place.
![Photo of Dawn Boulas, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b72d5b44-5025-41e7-90a8-4f27946f9a54/1/320x400.jpeg)
I would like to work with you on your mental health journey. My experiences have taught me empathy and compassion. Safety and curiosity are used when exploring ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Together we can safely approach the thoughts, feelings and sensations moving within the body. I use evidence-based therapy models like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative, CBT and Solution-Focused Therapies to help clients safely move toward change. I focus on the strengths and needs of the client. You are able to feel empowered in your life. Together healing is possible.
I would like to work with you on your mental health journey. My experiences have taught me empathy and compassion. Safety and curiosity are used when exploring ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Together we can safely approach the thoughts, feelings and sensations moving within the body. I use evidence-based therapy models like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative, CBT and Solution-Focused Therapies to help clients safely move toward change. I focus on the strengths and needs of the client. You are able to feel empowered in your life. Together healing is possible.
![Photo of Nan W Cooley, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511da6e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about children, teens, and parents. I chose to specialize in Child Clinical Psychology because I find children and adolescents to be fun to work with and incredibly strong and inspiring. I particularly enjoy working with those with anxiety and mood difficulties, and have extensive experience working with those with a history of traumatic experiences including abuse. Psychologists are extensively trained in both diagnostics - identifying disorders - and therapy, as well as how to use one to guide the other. I gather information from all areas of child's life to understand the child as a whole person.
I am passionate about children, teens, and parents. I chose to specialize in Child Clinical Psychology because I find children and adolescents to be fun to work with and incredibly strong and inspiring. I particularly enjoy working with those with anxiety and mood difficulties, and have extensive experience working with those with a history of traumatic experiences including abuse. Psychologists are extensively trained in both diagnostics - identifying disorders - and therapy, as well as how to use one to guide the other. I gather information from all areas of child's life to understand the child as a whole person.
![Photo of Erin Holtzclaw, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50cdc7eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Holtzclaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678 (Online Only)
In each person's life a little rain must fall. At times, however, it may feel as though you are ill equipped to weather the storm. Gaining new coping skills, strengthening self-esteem and adopting new behaviors are just some of the possible outcomes of successful counseling. I consider it an honor to hear your story and work with you towards change. Whether you are battling anxiety, low self-esteem, going through a transition such as a career change or are dealing with past wounds, my hope is that you'll find a safe place to land as we work together to find a place that brings fulfillment and helps you reach your goals.
In each person's life a little rain must fall. At times, however, it may feel as though you are ill equipped to weather the storm. Gaining new coping skills, strengthening self-esteem and adopting new behaviors are just some of the possible outcomes of successful counseling. I consider it an honor to hear your story and work with you towards change. Whether you are battling anxiety, low self-esteem, going through a transition such as a career change or are dealing with past wounds, my hope is that you'll find a safe place to land as we work together to find a place that brings fulfillment and helps you reach your goals.
![Photo of Jeremy Nunnelley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa0ee43-6fbe-4e79-82a4-7951f14b4098/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jeremy Nunnelley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29678 (Online Only)
With over 16 years experience as a licensed therapist, I'm passionate about building rapport and, from this basis, providing high-quality treatment. In working with couples, I maintain a good therapeutic relationship with both clients and take a balanced approach where each partner is empowered to speak up and share in their progress. When working with anxiety, I assist clients in defining what anxiety is and what it does so that they can recognize and challenge it as they develop new coping skills. In treating trauma, I help clients feel empowered to step into their work before starting Brainspotting or EMDR sessions.
With over 16 years experience as a licensed therapist, I'm passionate about building rapport and, from this basis, providing high-quality treatment. In working with couples, I maintain a good therapeutic relationship with both clients and take a balanced approach where each partner is empowered to speak up and share in their progress. When working with anxiety, I assist clients in defining what anxiety is and what it does so that they can recognize and challenge it as they develop new coping skills. In treating trauma, I help clients feel empowered to step into their work before starting Brainspotting or EMDR sessions.
![Photo of Sue Rose, MEd, MS, NCC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d1a9350-7088-437b-82ef-c3f5b2c32a84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Change can be expected or unexpected, happy or sad, exciting or traumatizing. You need support during life transitions and changes. Together we can process, reflect, plan, and move along in this crazy thing called life. I want to help you rediscover your authentic self and become the best version of you in your next phase. Life changes or transitions can include marriage, divorce, remarriage, blending families, birth of a child, going to college, sending kids to college, moving, changing jobs, retiring, aging, illness, and so on. I am licensed in both South Carolina and Georgia.
Change can be expected or unexpected, happy or sad, exciting or traumatizing. You need support during life transitions and changes. Together we can process, reflect, plan, and move along in this crazy thing called life. I want to help you rediscover your authentic self and become the best version of you in your next phase. Life changes or transitions can include marriage, divorce, remarriage, blending families, birth of a child, going to college, sending kids to college, moving, changing jobs, retiring, aging, illness, and so on. I am licensed in both South Carolina and Georgia.
![Photo of Susan Jenkins, MA, LPC-A, NCC, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b976182-e02b-464f-9e40-f77b0efc8587/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Jenkins
LPC Intern, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29678 (Online Only)
You have a captivating story. It's true! One of the biggest influences on our life stories is our relationships. A leading therapist states, “The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” Sometimes it becomes difficult to enjoy our relationships or the fullness of our lives. Maybe the people and places that are supposed to be the safest (family, home, school, church) have brought stress or frustration. It is helpful to understand the impact of our past experiences. I would love to learn about your story, past and present, to hear your dreams for your future, and to offer you a safe space to talk about life.
You have a captivating story. It's true! One of the biggest influences on our life stories is our relationships. A leading therapist states, “The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” Sometimes it becomes difficult to enjoy our relationships or the fullness of our lives. Maybe the people and places that are supposed to be the safest (family, home, school, church) have brought stress or frustration. It is helpful to understand the impact of our past experiences. I would love to learn about your story, past and present, to hear your dreams for your future, and to offer you a safe space to talk about life.
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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.