Depression Therapists in Travelers Rest, SC
![Photo of Linda Marie Smith, LCPC, CCS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93d084dc-a543-41e6-a8b2-06889376c4eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever felt that no one truly understands how your depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles or burnout affect what you want in life? Are you someone who loves someone with serious mental health and/or addiction issues? My lived experience helps me provide compassionate individual, couples and group counseling, and easily connect to affected others in this life struggle. I offer a relationship based, cognitive behavioral approach to counseling, targeting your goals, offering support and guidance to help get you to a better life.
Have you ever felt that no one truly understands how your depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles or burnout affect what you want in life? Are you someone who loves someone with serious mental health and/or addiction issues? My lived experience helps me provide compassionate individual, couples and group counseling, and easily connect to affected others in this life struggle. I offer a relationship based, cognitive behavioral approach to counseling, targeting your goals, offering support and guidance to help get you to a better life.
![Photo of Rebekah Knauf, MA, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c178396d-1bfb-4041-89ee-e9236a46b788/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to therapy is grounded in honesty, mutual respect, openness, and connection. I specialize in areas of religious abuse, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+, adjustment issues, and overall life stresses. My goal is to allow my clients space for healing, processing, and growth through both EMDR and individual talk therapy. I love helping my clients realize they have more power and control in their lives than they know, take ownership, and gain the tools they need to begin making changes.
My approach to therapy is grounded in honesty, mutual respect, openness, and connection. I specialize in areas of religious abuse, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+, adjustment issues, and overall life stresses. My goal is to allow my clients space for healing, processing, and growth through both EMDR and individual talk therapy. I love helping my clients realize they have more power and control in their lives than they know, take ownership, and gain the tools they need to begin making changes.
![Photo of Gabby Lux, MEd, EdS, NCC, LPCA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0436810-3be7-4da5-9c1e-ec5e163dbf6c/2/320x400.png)
Gabby Lux
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, NCC, LPCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel weighed down or numb in your daily life? Do your anxieties or other recurrent thoughts make it difficult to live the life you wish you could? Are you struggling to know where to begin or what to do to feel better? If you are reading this, you are already one step closer to the understanding, freedom, and happiness you deserve. My name is Gabby Lux, and I consider it an honor to help teens, college students, adults, and parents navigate their life journeys. I primarily see clients experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar, ADHD, peri/postpartum concerns, trauma, and impactful life transitions.
Do you feel weighed down or numb in your daily life? Do your anxieties or other recurrent thoughts make it difficult to live the life you wish you could? Are you struggling to know where to begin or what to do to feel better? If you are reading this, you are already one step closer to the understanding, freedom, and happiness you deserve. My name is Gabby Lux, and I consider it an honor to help teens, college students, adults, and parents navigate their life journeys. I primarily see clients experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar, ADHD, peri/postpartum concerns, trauma, and impactful life transitions.
![Photo of Mary Bennett Pickens, MEd, EdS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3543334c-59d5-4847-8c26-513502e6bb07/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Bennett Pickens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, NCC
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
I have experience working with trauma, infertility, postpartum depression, grief, anxiety, and women's issues.
At Travelers Rest Counseling Associates, we believe that people flourish when they authentically contribute to their communities. But for many, this feels impossible because of depression, anxiety, trauma, marital strife, lack of motivation, or any number of other issues. We can help by listening, treating you with dignity, withholding judgment, and working with you to find ways to live a fulfilling life.
I have experience working with trauma, infertility, postpartum depression, grief, anxiety, and women's issues.
At Travelers Rest Counseling Associates, we believe that people flourish when they authentically contribute to their communities. But for many, this feels impossible because of depression, anxiety, trauma, marital strife, lack of motivation, or any number of other issues. We can help by listening, treating you with dignity, withholding judgment, and working with you to find ways to live a fulfilling life.
![Photo of Norma Bedell, MA, LPC, WPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1f3a214-7463-494a-a839-0cd3c0501da7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Norma Bedell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, WPCC
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Your story may be overshadowed by anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.
My goal to help & encourage others grew out of teaching, training, & serving children, youth, & parents for more than 20 years in the education and ministry fields. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to encourage & walk alongside children, adolescents, & adults as they navigate life's challenges towards fearless hope, fearless grace, & fearless transformation.
Your story may be overshadowed by anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.
My goal to help & encourage others grew out of teaching, training, & serving children, youth, & parents for more than 20 years in the education and ministry fields. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to encourage & walk alongside children, adolescents, & adults as they navigate life's challenges towards fearless hope, fearless grace, & fearless transformation.
![Photo of Leo J. Newman, MA, LPC-S, CH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/255f5f4d-0d16-49b2-bd30-2aa69b8ff4ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leo J. Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CH
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Living with a chronic health condition or pain can be overwhelming, scary, and confusing. At times you don't recognize yourself anymore, and you wonder what new limitations the day might bring. You know these struggles are somehow behind your depressed and anxious feelings, and you feel alone...that no one understands. Right now, you have more questions than answers, but you know you'd do anything to get your life back. The roller coaster of doctor visits, medication changes, and emotions is becoming too much and you're ready to get off the roller coaster and feel grounded again.
Living with a chronic health condition or pain can be overwhelming, scary, and confusing. At times you don't recognize yourself anymore, and you wonder what new limitations the day might bring. You know these struggles are somehow behind your depressed and anxious feelings, and you feel alone...that no one understands. Right now, you have more questions than answers, but you know you'd do anything to get your life back. The roller coaster of doctor visits, medication changes, and emotions is becoming too much and you're ready to get off the roller coaster and feel grounded again.
![Photo of Lauren C Kittrell, MA, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f1c2a54-bc2a-4e2c-8fc9-8be945d6b416/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer help for clients who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma, and the like.
Do you ever feel stuck? Do you ever feel weighed down by a present situation or past hurts? Perhaps you've struggled with depression, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts for years but things have gotten worse and you're ready to take that first step towards help. I consider it an honor to be allowed to sit with someone in their pain and help them find a healthy way through the pain towards healing. I am especially passionate about trauma and grief work, but see a variety of clients with differing needs. I would love to hear from you about how I might be able to help you through your current challenges.
I offer help for clients who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma, and the like.
Do you ever feel stuck? Do you ever feel weighed down by a present situation or past hurts? Perhaps you've struggled with depression, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts for years but things have gotten worse and you're ready to take that first step towards help. I consider it an honor to be allowed to sit with someone in their pain and help them find a healthy way through the pain towards healing. I am especially passionate about trauma and grief work, but see a variety of clients with differing needs. I would love to hear from you about how I might be able to help you through your current challenges.
![Photo of John E. Epps, MSW, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/985c83cd-cc8d-4b1a-8245-0ea0dca6267c/1/320x400.png)
John E. Epps
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690 (Online Only)
I am skilled in working with clients who are struggling with issues related to: Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, LGBTQ issues, Bipolar Disorder, Relationships, Sexuality, Gender Identify, Acceptance, Adjustment Disorder, Trauma, Grief and Stress.
I am accepting new patients for Telehealth appointments. Please email me and I will get back with you ASAP! You're welcome to call, but emails are easier to respond to. I love working with clients to help them see their inherent human value and to help them achieve their goals. I believe that healing is absolutely possible and will commit to helping clients on that journey. Together, we will address those critical self-thoughts and work towards replacing them with authentic and affirming thoughts. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to learn and grow and heal. I work with clients ages 16 and older.
I am skilled in working with clients who are struggling with issues related to: Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, LGBTQ issues, Bipolar Disorder, Relationships, Sexuality, Gender Identify, Acceptance, Adjustment Disorder, Trauma, Grief and Stress.
I am accepting new patients for Telehealth appointments. Please email me and I will get back with you ASAP! You're welcome to call, but emails are easier to respond to. I love working with clients to help them see their inherent human value and to help them achieve their goals. I believe that healing is absolutely possible and will commit to helping clients on that journey. Together, we will address those critical self-thoughts and work towards replacing them with authentic and affirming thoughts. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to learn and grow and heal. I work with clients ages 16 and older.
![Photo of Brittany Miller, MA, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/382ef95e-99cf-4406-8dc9-7084e2653fc8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
As an experienced clinician in the areas of stressful life changes, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD challenges, and particularly post-partum anxiety and depression, I am honored to come alongside you as a guide and source of support and encouragement in your mental health journey.
Life can feel so overwhelming sometimes – the biggest understatement, right? Maybe you feel like the Earth keeps spinning, but your world stopped somewhere along the way because of anxiety, depression, or even symptoms from your ADHD. Feeling paralyzed or stuck by the thoughts racing through your mind is exhausting and can even be debilitating. Maybe you’re a new mom, struggling to find the joy in your role as a mother to a new baby because the anxiety and/or depression makes it feel like you’re drowning in fear, searching for your next breath.
As an experienced clinician in the areas of stressful life changes, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD challenges, and particularly post-partum anxiety and depression, I am honored to come alongside you as a guide and source of support and encouragement in your mental health journey.
Life can feel so overwhelming sometimes – the biggest understatement, right? Maybe you feel like the Earth keeps spinning, but your world stopped somewhere along the way because of anxiety, depression, or even symptoms from your ADHD. Feeling paralyzed or stuck by the thoughts racing through your mind is exhausting and can even be debilitating. Maybe you’re a new mom, struggling to find the joy in your role as a mother to a new baby because the anxiety and/or depression makes it feel like you’re drowning in fear, searching for your next breath.
![Photo of Rachel Rentz Garrett, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fbdf0da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Rentz Garrett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
My primary areas of interest include body image issues and eating disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, faith exploration, and navigating life transitions.
The culture we live in today bombards us with messages that tell us who we should be, how we should look, and what we should do. My goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of self and experience the freedom that comes from living from that foundation. I primarily utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy approach to challenge unhealthy beliefs and help you view you struggles as something that does not define you as a person.
My primary areas of interest include body image issues and eating disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, faith exploration, and navigating life transitions.
The culture we live in today bombards us with messages that tell us who we should be, how we should look, and what we should do. My goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of self and experience the freedom that comes from living from that foundation. I primarily utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy approach to challenge unhealthy beliefs and help you view you struggles as something that does not define you as a person.
![Photo of Shawna Bennett, LPC, LLMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/700b69d9-efce-4d35-a507-16c3c5e65807/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shawna Bennett
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LLMFT
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690 (Online Only)
Depression, stress, anxiety and difficult relationships can make it feel unbearable.
I am licensed in Professional Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, and a Certified Yoga Instructor. I love working with clients who are struggling, yet motivated to make the changes needed to create a more content life. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or experiencing conflict in your relationships - and you are confused about what your next steps might be - set up your free phone consultation today. I can help you get more clarity about what is right for you. Life and relationships are stressful and overwhelming enough, don't walk through your pain alone - let me walk with you and we will find your peace of mind together.
Depression, stress, anxiety and difficult relationships can make it feel unbearable.
I am licensed in Professional Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, and a Certified Yoga Instructor. I love working with clients who are struggling, yet motivated to make the changes needed to create a more content life. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or experiencing conflict in your relationships - and you are confused about what your next steps might be - set up your free phone consultation today. I can help you get more clarity about what is right for you. Life and relationships are stressful and overwhelming enough, don't walk through your pain alone - let me walk with you and we will find your peace of mind together.
15 Second Videos
Tish Lee
Heather Corley
Brandi Dillon, MA, LPC, C-DBT
![Photo of Rebecca J Jackson - Stilwell Counseling LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3331af77-ceb7-43ea-b6b3-8a9dc25e050b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stilwell Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Trauma is a lifelong life changing event that makes one feel separate from the other people, challenges are feeling connected with yourself and others, identifying who you are-not what we think others expect from us.
Trauma is a lifelong life changing event that makes one feel separate from the other people, challenges are feeling connected with yourself and others, identifying who you are-not what we think others expect from us.
![Photo of Kurt Arsenault - Executive Behavioral Health and Consulting, LCSW, LISW-CP, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9187c170-4c85-4e8e-ab7c-9ef3f7c1650b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Executive Behavioral Health and Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, LICSW
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690 (Online Only)
I work with adults confronting a variety of issues which are interfering with their ability to enjoy life. Everything from the stresses of work to unresolved issues from childhood, all can severely limit how we experience our he world. While these difficulties impact people from all walks of life, I specialize in providing therapy and support services for executive-level professionals and those in leadership positions, where the stress and demands from their career are exacerbated by underlying issues. I also work with people looking to advance in their careers and who may benefit from an improved understanding of themselves.
I work with adults confronting a variety of issues which are interfering with their ability to enjoy life. Everything from the stresses of work to unresolved issues from childhood, all can severely limit how we experience our he world. While these difficulties impact people from all walks of life, I specialize in providing therapy and support services for executive-level professionals and those in leadership positions, where the stress and demands from their career are exacerbated by underlying issues. I also work with people looking to advance in their careers and who may benefit from an improved understanding of themselves.
![Photo of Susan Tankersley, MMFT, LMFT, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b306ccd9-7133-4caf-b3d7-22b0fbc34ed7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Tankersley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Waitlist for new clients
In this world you and I are guaranteed to experience some sort of trouble (John 16:33). I am called and have been very well equipped to help individuals, couples, and families learn how to have an abundant life in-spite of the troubles of this world. I have limited space available for new clients. Please call to see if I can help meet your needs.
In this world you and I are guaranteed to experience some sort of trouble (John 16:33). I am called and have been very well equipped to help individuals, couples, and families learn how to have an abundant life in-spite of the troubles of this world. I have limited space available for new clients. Please call to see if I can help meet your needs.
![Photo of Tish Lee, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0caf991-52e2-4a81-9829-f27395187f78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tish Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
You’re stuck and you just don't know what to do about it. It is hard enough to get out of bed everyday but choosing a path for your life seems impossible and drains you of the limited amount of energy and motivation that you have to begin with. Other people can complete daily tasks and chart a life course without overwhelming anxiety, so you conclude that obviously that means there must be something wrong with you. Maybe you can even pinpoint an exact situation or time in your life that sent you spiraling into anxiety, forcing you to become someone you do not even recognize.
You’re stuck and you just don't know what to do about it. It is hard enough to get out of bed everyday but choosing a path for your life seems impossible and drains you of the limited amount of energy and motivation that you have to begin with. Other people can complete daily tasks and chart a life course without overwhelming anxiety, so you conclude that obviously that means there must be something wrong with you. Maybe you can even pinpoint an exact situation or time in your life that sent you spiraling into anxiety, forcing you to become someone you do not even recognize.
![Photo of Isabella Burgess, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8600029-1c06-4aaf-9845-42391342f9c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Taking the step to seek counseling is a significant decision to invest in yourself, but it can be overwhelming! Finding the right counselor to help you navigate life's twists and turns is important. I am committed and passionate about helping clients discover their full potential. I believe that each person is unique, and I value each and every client who entrusts me as their counselor. My therapeutic practice is centered on creating a collaborative and empowering space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and aspirations.
Taking the step to seek counseling is a significant decision to invest in yourself, but it can be overwhelming! Finding the right counselor to help you navigate life's twists and turns is important. I am committed and passionate about helping clients discover their full potential. I believe that each person is unique, and I value each and every client who entrusts me as their counselor. My therapeutic practice is centered on creating a collaborative and empowering space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and aspirations.
![Photo of Andrew Stoudenmire, MMFT, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16f1d314-b66e-4598-9a69-1d80ddc3a2f4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Stoudenmire
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Your transformation and healing are within reach! Welcome! I'm Andrew, a therapist dedicated to providing understanding care to individuals and families navigating a life with neurodiversity. My purpose is to provide a space where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, equipping you with tools to conquer challenges, foster connections, and reclaim joy.
Your transformation and healing are within reach! Welcome! I'm Andrew, a therapist dedicated to providing understanding care to individuals and families navigating a life with neurodiversity. My purpose is to provide a space where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, equipping you with tools to conquer challenges, foster connections, and reclaim joy.
![Photo of Susan C Tankersley - Heritage Institute, MMFT, LMFT, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ad9e99a-c84e-4eed-9ff4-7c2ca03e5428/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heritage Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Heritage Institute is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit teaching clinic. We serve individuals, couples, and families who are overwhelmed and need someone to come along side of them. We have therapists at every stage in the process of licensure. We believe it is a privilege to serve our clients, improving families and the communities we live in.
Heritage Institute is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit teaching clinic. We serve individuals, couples, and families who are overwhelmed and need someone to come along side of them. We have therapists at every stage in the process of licensure. We believe it is a privilege to serve our clients, improving families and the communities we live in.
![Photo of Sam Bethea Cann V, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/509c285d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am not currently accepting new clients - My approach to therapy is compassionate and client-focused in that I provide an individualized therapy experience for each person I work with. I integrate person-centered approaches with cognitive behavioral, narrative and existential principles to help people manage a variety of challenges, symptoms and stressors. I use evidence-based practice to help people reach their unique goals and work through barriers that prevent a person from living their ideal life. I work with individuals to improve interpersonal skills and develop more effective patterns of behavior.
I am not currently accepting new clients - My approach to therapy is compassionate and client-focused in that I provide an individualized therapy experience for each person I work with. I integrate person-centered approaches with cognitive behavioral, narrative and existential principles to help people manage a variety of challenges, symptoms and stressors. I use evidence-based practice to help people reach their unique goals and work through barriers that prevent a person from living their ideal life. I work with individuals to improve interpersonal skills and develop more effective patterns of behavior.
![Photo of Tory Ervin, MMFT, LMFT, CCHP-MH, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aceeb1c8-feb3-40dd-a9d2-b911677faf1d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tory Ervin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT, CCHP-MH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Feeling disconnected from others can be lonely and isolating - especially when you live with the others. The past few years have been traumatic for everyone to some degree and re-discovering the human interactions we all need to promote happiness and longevity is essential whether you are coupled or single - adult or child. Individuals who need a boost to their communication skills, understanding or discovery of self, and couples who are trying to enrich and re-connect energize my practice.
Feeling disconnected from others can be lonely and isolating - especially when you live with the others. The past few years have been traumatic for everyone to some degree and re-discovering the human interactions we all need to promote happiness and longevity is essential whether you are coupled or single - adult or child. Individuals who need a boost to their communication skills, understanding or discovery of self, and couples who are trying to enrich and re-connect energize my practice.
See more therapy options for Travelers Rest
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Travelers Rest
See More Depression TherapistsDepression 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.