Therapists in Lebanon, TN
![Photo of Missy Loftis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ec836a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a marriage and family therapist, I see individuals, families, and couples. My experience is in working with anxiety, depression, marital conflict, divorce recovery, and various forms of trauma including domestic violence situations. My goal with every client is to provide a safe space which invites the client to connect with the deeper emotions underlying presenting issues. I see each client as a unique and complex individual and collaborate with the client to tailor a treatment plan to meet therapy goals.
As a marriage and family therapist, I see individuals, families, and couples. My experience is in working with anxiety, depression, marital conflict, divorce recovery, and various forms of trauma including domestic violence situations. My goal with every client is to provide a safe space which invites the client to connect with the deeper emotions underlying presenting issues. I see each client as a unique and complex individual and collaborate with the client to tailor a treatment plan to meet therapy goals.
![Photo of Aleyda Sanchez - Central Care Counseling Services LLC, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c564e361-13cf-43a6-8142-8dc95f7dc654/1/320x400.jpeg)
Central Care Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lebanon, TN 37087
In this life there is always something that makes us change. Human nature says that it is love or the loss of something or someone. If you think you need help to achieve your goals or make the necessary changes to be successful, you have to give yourself a chance. During therapy you have the necessary space to talk about the different barriers that are a challenge for you. I work with different people who are going through different personal situations, having challenges with their families, or struggling in their marriage.
In this life there is always something that makes us change. Human nature says that it is love or the loss of something or someone. If you think you need help to achieve your goals or make the necessary changes to be successful, you have to give yourself a chance. During therapy you have the necessary space to talk about the different barriers that are a challenge for you. I work with different people who are going through different personal situations, having challenges with their families, or struggling in their marriage.
![Photo of Hannah Starr, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe3812ae-361b-4424-83a7-25eb371e439a/1/320x400.jpeg)
It takes courage to reach out for help. I am passionate about partnering and walking alongside others in some of their most difficult moments to help them reach a sense of hope and healing. I believe we are designed to heal. My greatest priority is creating an atmosphere of safety where my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. There may have been places in your story where you learned tools to help you survive and those tools are no longer helpful but actually keeping you from living from a place of wholeness.
It takes courage to reach out for help. I am passionate about partnering and walking alongside others in some of their most difficult moments to help them reach a sense of hope and healing. I believe we are designed to heal. My greatest priority is creating an atmosphere of safety where my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. There may have been places in your story where you learned tools to help you survive and those tools are no longer helpful but actually keeping you from living from a place of wholeness.
![Photo of Rachel Kemp - Rachel Kemp at HeartWell Counseling, LLC, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fffedabe-ef26-4900-ac94-1589d8161adb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Kemp at HeartWell Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Lebanon, TN 37087
I strive to ensure that my clients feel heard, and are able to reach the potential that they may or may not realize they have. HeartWell Counseling, LLC wants to pull our hearts out of the darkness of our wells and into our purpose.
I strive to ensure that my clients feel heard, and are able to reach the potential that they may or may not realize they have. HeartWell Counseling, LLC wants to pull our hearts out of the darkness of our wells and into our purpose.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jessica Davidson, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/604859ad-f5ab-490a-9e82-dbe876a0bce5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Davidson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37221
I have worked with children with diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD and ODD.
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
I have worked with children with diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD and ODD.
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
![Photo of Lauren Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74a2d4b3-9eeb-410a-ae8e-2a86849494cc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Lauren works with anxiety, depression, grief, issues with religion and spirituality, and life transitions, and specializes in Trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD.
Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her degree from Trevecca University in Nashville. Lauren offers holistic therapy for individuals through a trauma-focused lens. She strives to assist clients in creating change through positive regard, warmth, and safety. Lauren seeks to help clients who have experienced trauma, feel stuck, or struggle to find worth in themselves. She considers it an honor to accompany clients on their journey toward healing. In addition to providing therapy, Lauren is an AAMFT-approved Supervisor in training, under Dr. Laura Anderson, LMFT.
Lauren works with anxiety, depression, grief, issues with religion and spirituality, and life transitions, and specializes in Trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD.
Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her degree from Trevecca University in Nashville. Lauren offers holistic therapy for individuals through a trauma-focused lens. She strives to assist clients in creating change through positive regard, warmth, and safety. Lauren seeks to help clients who have experienced trauma, feel stuck, or struggle to find worth in themselves. She considers it an honor to accompany clients on their journey toward healing. In addition to providing therapy, Lauren is an AAMFT-approved Supervisor in training, under Dr. Laura Anderson, LMFT.
![Photo of Steve Thayer - Steve Thayer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a71b479-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Steve Thayer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hixson, TN 37343 (Online Only)
Individual & Relationship Counseling primarily by video or on the phone. Most insurance plans pay the cost for these services. Anxiety, depression, fears, marriage counseling, grief, addictions, infidelity, faith issues, and life and professional adjustments, are all problems that counseling can help. I can also provide services for those in Georgia (MFT001548), Florida (MT4610), Delaware (FT-0010138), & Virginia (0717002131)
Individual & Relationship Counseling primarily by video or on the phone. Most insurance plans pay the cost for these services. Anxiety, depression, fears, marriage counseling, grief, addictions, infidelity, faith issues, and life and professional adjustments, are all problems that counseling can help. I can also provide services for those in Georgia (MFT001548), Florida (MT4610), Delaware (FT-0010138), & Virginia (0717002131)
![Photo of Lisa L Frady, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb7b269-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, children, families and couples who face domestic violence, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ, parenting, loss/grief, divorce, anger management, family dysfunction, blending families, and military life style/reintegration.
Many therapists like myself venture into the mental health field motivated by their own experiences. Growing up in a family that struggled with addictions, grief/loss, co-dependency, violence and dysfunction, I existed in life feeling lonely, worthless, and empty for too many years. I turned my life upside down and reconstructed my life based upon me as I was truly created. Living life whole, as a spiritually connected being, brought me to love, accept and respect myself. In this place LIFE IS GOOD! I know the path that leads to this place.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, children, families and couples who face domestic violence, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ, parenting, loss/grief, divorce, anger management, family dysfunction, blending families, and military life style/reintegration.
Many therapists like myself venture into the mental health field motivated by their own experiences. Growing up in a family that struggled with addictions, grief/loss, co-dependency, violence and dysfunction, I existed in life feeling lonely, worthless, and empty for too many years. I turned my life upside down and reconstructed my life based upon me as I was truly created. Living life whole, as a spiritually connected being, brought me to love, accept and respect myself. In this place LIFE IS GOOD! I know the path that leads to this place.
![Photo of Kimery Cockrell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467af45d-6e3a-4c49-9294-ac94d96361e8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am Kimery with Sonderhaus Counseling. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in perinatal mental health, I offer compassionate and collaborative support to individuals navigating the challenges of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety as well as complex trauma and attachment wounds. I tend to see adult clients who are navigating the challenges of these concerns as well as issues related to parenthood/parenting, domestic violence, and interpersonal relationships. I utilize a variety of approaches to help you learn, cope, process and heal.
Hi! I am Kimery with Sonderhaus Counseling. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in perinatal mental health, I offer compassionate and collaborative support to individuals navigating the challenges of prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety as well as complex trauma and attachment wounds. I tend to see adult clients who are navigating the challenges of these concerns as well as issues related to parenthood/parenting, domestic violence, and interpersonal relationships. I utilize a variety of approaches to help you learn, cope, process and heal.
Tree of Life Counseling & Consulting Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, MHSP, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
Brentwood, TN 37027 (Online Only)
Life isn’t easy. Sometimes, the strongest people amongst us need a little help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and or any other issue you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Life isn’t easy. Sometimes, the strongest people amongst us need a little help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and or any other issue you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
![Photo of Barbie Hessel, EdD, LCSW, SEP, RSP, CPATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc68ad1c-de00-47f4-a772-27e7cf58ca41/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbie Hessel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW, SEP, RSP, CPATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
Waitlist for new clients
It is natural to experience a range of emotions; some flooding us thoroughly, and others frozen at our core. Sometimes we all feel challenged by life itself. This is why it can be helpful to seek out a therapist. My counseling practice is focused on helping adults and teens who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The foundation of my practice is layered. In order to effectively work together, I believe that it is important to understand your past, as it informs your present. Much of our resilience stems from our interactions with attachment figures—It is necessary to consider the context of our life.
It is natural to experience a range of emotions; some flooding us thoroughly, and others frozen at our core. Sometimes we all feel challenged by life itself. This is why it can be helpful to seek out a therapist. My counseling practice is focused on helping adults and teens who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The foundation of my practice is layered. In order to effectively work together, I believe that it is important to understand your past, as it informs your present. Much of our resilience stems from our interactions with attachment figures—It is necessary to consider the context of our life.
![Photo of Elizabeth J. Burton, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/537274b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth J. Burton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hi! I’m Elizabeth and am so glad you are here looking for a safe space to heal and process life. I support adults navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, behavioral issues, and trauma recovery. I specialize in therapy for attachment & relationship dynamics, trauma & abuse, and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders for expectant and postpartum parents.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth and am so glad you are here looking for a safe space to heal and process life. I support adults navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, behavioral issues, and trauma recovery. I specialize in therapy for attachment & relationship dynamics, trauma & abuse, and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders for expectant and postpartum parents.
![Photo of Danielle Paschall, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11b76a87-9aac-4474-af9e-4e23df3d130f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Paschall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sparta, TN 38583 (Online Only)
I pride myself in providing a safe and supportive space to work side by side to overcome traumas and barriers. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety and trauma using integrated therapies. Through clinical experience, compassion and empathy, I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
I pride myself in providing a safe and supportive space to work side by side to overcome traumas and barriers. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety and trauma using integrated therapies. Through clinical experience, compassion and empathy, I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
![Photo of Rebekah Demonbreun Cook - Insights Counseling, BS, MSSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dde953cb-e215-4c5a-9be1-691f1ca768a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Insights Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BS, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Smyrna, TN 37167 (Online Only)
Providing care for depression, anxiety, and all mental health diagnoses.
“I really care about the happiness and well being of each one of my clients. After 15 years of practice, I still feel thankful for each new relationship. The privilege of helping people discover their true selves and to assist them in being their very best is a delight and a blessing.”
Providing care for depression, anxiety, and all mental health diagnoses.
“I really care about the happiness and well being of each one of my clients. After 15 years of practice, I still feel thankful for each new relationship. The privilege of helping people discover their true selves and to assist them in being their very best is a delight and a blessing.”
![Photo of Rachael A Benson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f83928f2-ba99-49aa-b02c-92375ae6e1ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael A Benson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
From challenging relationships to severe depression, there is no problem too big or too small to bring to therapy.
I am in the practice of helping people understand themselves and find pathways towards healing and success. Therefore, I have the honor of meeting you just as you are and seeing a glimpse of your inner world, what shaped you, and molded you into a complex individual and being. My desire is to understand where you have come from and where you would like to go. Through understanding we can begin the work of creating a path toward deeper reflection, healing and thriving.
From challenging relationships to severe depression, there is no problem too big or too small to bring to therapy.
I am in the practice of helping people understand themselves and find pathways towards healing and success. Therefore, I have the honor of meeting you just as you are and seeing a glimpse of your inner world, what shaped you, and molded you into a complex individual and being. My desire is to understand where you have come from and where you would like to go. Through understanding we can begin the work of creating a path toward deeper reflection, healing and thriving.
![Photo of Katie Benner, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09c54208-160f-45f0-afbe-04e31bdeefe4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a passion working with those struggling with a variety of needs like anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment struggles, and those struggling with toxic and unhealthy relationships.
Hi! I'm Katie, a therapist in Murfreesboro, TN. I love working with kids (10+), teens, and adults who may be struggling with some difficult emotions or circumstances! I do my best to offer a comfortable space for you to be yourself so that over time, we can foster a therapeutic relationship that will allow for growth and change in your life and your relationships. I love to offer a Christian perspective to clients who prefer to integrate their faith into their therapeutic journey. If that's not your preference or you do not identify as Christian, no worries! I would still love to work with you while integrating your perspectives.
I have a passion working with those struggling with a variety of needs like anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment struggles, and those struggling with toxic and unhealthy relationships.
Hi! I'm Katie, a therapist in Murfreesboro, TN. I love working with kids (10+), teens, and adults who may be struggling with some difficult emotions or circumstances! I do my best to offer a comfortable space for you to be yourself so that over time, we can foster a therapeutic relationship that will allow for growth and change in your life and your relationships. I love to offer a Christian perspective to clients who prefer to integrate their faith into their therapeutic journey. If that's not your preference or you do not identify as Christian, no worries! I would still love to work with you while integrating your perspectives.
![Photo of Missy Caldwell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56393669-1ef2-44f2-945f-625c589bffc5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Missy has worked in the field of mental health for over fifteen years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is experienced in working with individuals, couples and youth in the areas of trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, body image, personal growth and self care. In addition to being a mental health clinician, Missy is a registered yoga teacher, with well over 500 hours of training, and an additional 300 hour certification in yoga therapy.
Missy has worked in the field of mental health for over fifteen years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is experienced in working with individuals, couples and youth in the areas of trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, body image, personal growth and self care. In addition to being a mental health clinician, Missy is a registered yoga teacher, with well over 500 hours of training, and an additional 300 hour certification in yoga therapy.
![Photo of Dianne C. Bradley, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3ca7a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dianne C. Bradley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
Discretion, trust, and a sense of safety are paramount for successful therapy. Working with couples, individuals, and families, my goal is to provide an environment of privacy and safety. Those who participate in therapy find that it can be the impetus for improvement in every area of life. I discreetly work with those with high public profiles in areas that include marriage counseling, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, depression, attachment wounds, trauma, and relationship distress.Many, whom have not considered systemic therapy previously often experience improved relationships in every aspect of their lives, including individuals in executive leadership and upper management positions, as well as entrepreneurs.
Discretion, trust, and a sense of safety are paramount for successful therapy. Working with couples, individuals, and families, my goal is to provide an environment of privacy and safety. Those who participate in therapy find that it can be the impetus for improvement in every area of life. I discreetly work with those with high public profiles in areas that include marriage counseling, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, depression, attachment wounds, trauma, and relationship distress.Many, whom have not considered systemic therapy previously often experience improved relationships in every aspect of their lives, including individuals in executive leadership and upper management positions, as well as entrepreneurs.
![Photo of Vanessa Pierre-Parker, MA, LMFT, TF-CBT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d40aa2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Pierre-Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my specializations include issues relating to day-to-day stressors, childhood trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression; pre-marital/post-marital counseling, conflict/infidelity; Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); families challenged with multi-generational conflict, blended families and parenting.
I believe when clients have a safe place with genuine understanding and free of judgement, they are able to be their true selves and do their best work. With support and some guidance, clients have the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, build self-awareness and experience true connection which can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. I believe if you are willing, you have the ability to take action and kindle the fire inside of you to kick-start the changes you want to see in your life. I am passionate about helping to empower you to achieve your goals by bringing hope and possibility through psychotherapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my specializations include issues relating to day-to-day stressors, childhood trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression; pre-marital/post-marital counseling, conflict/infidelity; Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); families challenged with multi-generational conflict, blended families and parenting.
I believe when clients have a safe place with genuine understanding and free of judgement, they are able to be their true selves and do their best work. With support and some guidance, clients have the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, build self-awareness and experience true connection which can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. I believe if you are willing, you have the ability to take action and kindle the fire inside of you to kick-start the changes you want to see in your life. I am passionate about helping to empower you to achieve your goals by bringing hope and possibility through psychotherapy.
![Photo of Cassandra Riddle, LPC, MHSP, T, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/368fd637-63ca-4fa1-b0bf-3fd6d80eb6e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra believes that at the root of most anxiety, depression, emotional/behavioral issues, addiction, relationship issues is unhealed emotional wounds.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
Cassandra believes that at the root of most anxiety, depression, emotional/behavioral issues, addiction, relationship issues is unhealed emotional wounds.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
See more therapy options for Lebanon
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.