Therapists in Hickory Creek, TX
![Photo of Erin Waldrop, MA, LPC, EMDR-T, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3180ae-4cac-4cdc-acbf-9f4139d75b26/1/320x400.png)
Erin Waldrop
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
Hickory Creek, TX 75065
Erin specializes in treating adults, teens, and children experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.
Why Mosaic Way? The stories of our lives that feel broken can be transformed to create something beautiful, like a mosaic vase once shattered. We believe everyone’s story can be beautiful with healing, restoring meaning and fulfillment. We strive to help clients piece together a new path, a Mosaic Way. How can counseling help? Therapy & counseling provide a safe place to process, explore and find resolution. Therapy is more than just talking about your problems. Therapy can teach you new ways to think about the situations that bother you. It can help you cope with feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, shyness, and panic.
Erin specializes in treating adults, teens, and children experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.
Why Mosaic Way? The stories of our lives that feel broken can be transformed to create something beautiful, like a mosaic vase once shattered. We believe everyone’s story can be beautiful with healing, restoring meaning and fulfillment. We strive to help clients piece together a new path, a Mosaic Way. How can counseling help? Therapy & counseling provide a safe place to process, explore and find resolution. Therapy is more than just talking about your problems. Therapy can teach you new ways to think about the situations that bother you. It can help you cope with feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, shyness, and panic.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Andrew Eenigenburg, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460e857d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Eenigenburg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Flower Mound, TX 75028
His clinical experience includes preengagement counseling, premarital counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, and working with individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, addictions, ADHD, identity confusion, trauma, grief and loss, guilt, shame and personality disorders. Andrew served as an Adolescent Therapist at the Excel Center of Lewisville from 2015 to 2018. From 2008 to 2015, Andrew served as an adult Mental Health Case Manager and Hospital Liaison for Denton County MHMR. He and his wife Missy are covenant members of The Village Church Denton.
His clinical experience includes preengagement counseling, premarital counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, and working with individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, addictions, ADHD, identity confusion, trauma, grief and loss, guilt, shame and personality disorders. Andrew served as an Adolescent Therapist at the Excel Center of Lewisville from 2015 to 2018. From 2008 to 2015, Andrew served as an adult Mental Health Case Manager and Hospital Liaison for Denton County MHMR. He and his wife Missy are covenant members of The Village Church Denton.
![Photo of Mahnaz Sadre, PhD, LMFT, LPC-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc5d09b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I will utilize individually suitable approach to provide you with the best tools to battle depression, loss, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-growth.
Relationships have the power to both hurt and heal. As a marriage and family therapist it is my goal to provide you with a confidential, honest, empathetic, and warm environment to facilitate healing past or present wounds. In a world which is constantly changing, coping with change can be unsettling. Through our work, you will discover healthy ways to deal with change, to find stability and to navigate through life. Collaboration, communication and resolving conflict are most essential in relationships. You will develop the skills to communicate your needs and wants effectively and clearly with your spouse, children and co-workers.
I will utilize individually suitable approach to provide you with the best tools to battle depression, loss, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-growth.
Relationships have the power to both hurt and heal. As a marriage and family therapist it is my goal to provide you with a confidential, honest, empathetic, and warm environment to facilitate healing past or present wounds. In a world which is constantly changing, coping with change can be unsettling. Through our work, you will discover healthy ways to deal with change, to find stability and to navigate through life. Collaboration, communication and resolving conflict are most essential in relationships. You will develop the skills to communicate your needs and wants effectively and clearly with your spouse, children and co-workers.
![Photo of Ulizabeth Walker, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ba58d34-5090-41e2-be3b-4c2d68f50027/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ulizabeth Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Flower Mound, TX 75022
My experience with helping people with grief from all types of loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping issues, life transitions and codependency issues, can help you to know the person in the mirror again.
Have you been wondering where your hope has gone to? Life can be turned upside down in a matter of moments and you look in the mirror and don't know who you are anymore. You feel broken and that is okay. My hope is to help you to see that feeling broken is okay and you will not feel shattered forever. I believe a shift in your thought pattern has to take place in order for change to happen. I join empathy and understanding with Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapy to help you on that journey.
My experience with helping people with grief from all types of loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping issues, life transitions and codependency issues, can help you to know the person in the mirror again.
Have you been wondering where your hope has gone to? Life can be turned upside down in a matter of moments and you look in the mirror and don't know who you are anymore. You feel broken and that is okay. My hope is to help you to see that feeling broken is okay and you will not feel shattered forever. I believe a shift in your thought pattern has to take place in order for change to happen. I join empathy and understanding with Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapy to help you on that journey.
![Photo of Terri Schaefer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c3d227d-3320-4632-b7a7-b94a9f67c86a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Terri Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carrollton, TX 75010 (Online Only)
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and finding the right fit is crucial to the therapeutic process. We are licensed and experienced therapists helping individuals and families develop coping skills for anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and other life issues. Our goal is to explore ways to improve the quality of your life, while helping you adjust through various life transitions.
Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and finding the right fit is crucial to the therapeutic process. We are licensed and experienced therapists helping individuals and families develop coping skills for anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and other life issues. Our goal is to explore ways to improve the quality of your life, while helping you adjust through various life transitions.
![Photo of Nicole Marshall, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab79b06-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Marshall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Corinth, TX 76208 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating eating disorders, women's issues, anxiety, trauma and depression. I have 6+ years working within the eating disorder community. I have 8 years working as a therapist. My goal is to help achieve a healthy and loving relationship one's mind and body. I am here to help through your journey and through the process of healing. My passion is to help you enhance you life by learning health coping skills and realizing one's strength and resiliency.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, women's issues, anxiety, trauma and depression. I have 6+ years working within the eating disorder community. I have 8 years working as a therapist. My goal is to help achieve a healthy and loving relationship one's mind and body. I am here to help through your journey and through the process of healing. My passion is to help you enhance you life by learning health coping skills and realizing one's strength and resiliency.
![Photo of Christyna Skidmore, LPC-S, PMH-C, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fe77afc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christyna Skidmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, PMH-C, NCC
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
I also specialize in Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, and School / Work Concerns.
You feel as though you are “going crazy”, you have no sense of control, you keep thinking “you’re not good enough” or “this is your fault”, you are emotionally and physically overwhelmed and tired, and feel as though you have lost your independence and freedom. You don’t know where to turn for help because you feel ashamed for feeling this way. You are dealing with an enormous roller coaster of emotions and feelings of inadequacy and judgment are around every corner everywhere you turn.
I also specialize in Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, and School / Work Concerns.
You feel as though you are “going crazy”, you have no sense of control, you keep thinking “you’re not good enough” or “this is your fault”, you are emotionally and physically overwhelmed and tired, and feel as though you have lost your independence and freedom. You don’t know where to turn for help because you feel ashamed for feeling this way. You are dealing with an enormous roller coaster of emotions and feelings of inadequacy and judgment are around every corner everywhere you turn.
![Photo of Katie Baird, BS, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/489e46ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie works with individuals, groups, couples, and families with issues regarding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bereavement, traumatic events, stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, and substance abuse issues.
Katie works with individuals, groups, couples, and families with issues regarding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bereavement, traumatic events, stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, and substance abuse issues.
![Photo of Jill Davis, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa65c3f1-cbcb-4329-a9ac-fa78fae57770/2/320x400.jpeg)
I help clients in areas such as: ADHD, addiction, recovery from affairs, anger management, anxiety, bipolar, body image and disordered eating, boundary setting, Christian counseling, communication, co-parenting, depression, divorce prevention, divorce recovery, grief, launching, life stage transitions, parent-child relationships, and trauma recovery.
In a time when your hope for peace, emotional relief or relational reconciliation may be lost, I can still see the hope for you. My desire as a therapist is to help you see that hope again yourself. I believe everyone is capable of healing and restoration within his or her relationships and within his or her self. I am honored by the opportunity to serve in my role during times of great difficulty for my clients and I rejoice with them as they begin to see positive change in ways they once thought impossible.
I help clients in areas such as: ADHD, addiction, recovery from affairs, anger management, anxiety, bipolar, body image and disordered eating, boundary setting, Christian counseling, communication, co-parenting, depression, divorce prevention, divorce recovery, grief, launching, life stage transitions, parent-child relationships, and trauma recovery.
In a time when your hope for peace, emotional relief or relational reconciliation may be lost, I can still see the hope for you. My desire as a therapist is to help you see that hope again yourself. I believe everyone is capable of healing and restoration within his or her relationships and within his or her self. I am honored by the opportunity to serve in my role during times of great difficulty for my clients and I rejoice with them as they begin to see positive change in ways they once thought impossible.
![Photo of Lindsey Grela, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83167875-aada-4ece-8313-6cd5cd958a6d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey has experience working in a domestic violence outreach center, a community health crisis center, and a behavioral day treatment program for children and adolescents. As a part of her experience, Lindsey has worked with children and adults struggling with a variety of concerns, including, but not limited to: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Abuse, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Grief, Relationship Concerns, and Personal Identity.
Lindsey has experience working in a domestic violence outreach center, a community health crisis center, and a behavioral day treatment program for children and adolescents. As a part of her experience, Lindsey has worked with children and adults struggling with a variety of concerns, including, but not limited to: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Abuse, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Grief, Relationship Concerns, and Personal Identity.
![Photo of Katie Chadwick, PhD, LP, LCDC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50a23fd7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
No matter how young or old, dealing with life's challenges, big or small, can be difficult to do on our own. We all possess the ability to become resilient so that we not only bounce back from challenges, but grow in the process. Whether you are struggling with a significant life event, past trauma, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, substance abuse, or are just seeking change and growth in your life, therapy can help!
No matter how young or old, dealing with life's challenges, big or small, can be difficult to do on our own. We all possess the ability to become resilient so that we not only bounce back from challenges, but grow in the process. Whether you are struggling with a significant life event, past trauma, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, substance abuse, or are just seeking change and growth in your life, therapy can help!
![Photo of Cathy Champ, MA, LPC-S, LSOTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/477a8d77-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy Champ
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LSOTP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Aubrey, TX 76227
The heart of your struggle is most likely relationship- with yourself or with others. If your struggle is within yourself (anxiety, depression) or with others, (parent/child, partner), I will work along side you to help you identify thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are not working for you and to replace them with healthier patterns. With over 20 years as a counselor, I have experience successfully working with children, adolescents and adults. I offer the choice of an indoor or outdoor space both which provide a peaceful, natural environment to heal.
The heart of your struggle is most likely relationship- with yourself or with others. If your struggle is within yourself (anxiety, depression) or with others, (parent/child, partner), I will work along side you to help you identify thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are not working for you and to replace them with healthier patterns. With over 20 years as a counselor, I have experience successfully working with children, adolescents and adults. I offer the choice of an indoor or outdoor space both which provide a peaceful, natural environment to heal.
![Photo of Michele Smiley Greer, PhD, LPC-S, LPC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48b0f217-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Smiley Greer
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, LPC-S, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denton, TX 76210
Greer's specialities include depression, anxiety, family/couples, and trauma.
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a systems trained therapist, Dr. Greer's goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, she will assist you in unearthing long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Dr. Greer's counseling utilizes interactive, experiential , and cognitive behavioral techniques. Dr. Greer believes therapy is collaboration between the client and therapist.
Greer's specialities include depression, anxiety, family/couples, and trauma.
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a systems trained therapist, Dr. Greer's goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, she will assist you in unearthing long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Dr. Greer's counseling utilizes interactive, experiential , and cognitive behavioral techniques. Dr. Greer believes therapy is collaboration between the client and therapist.
![Photo of Mae-Lin Yu Mendoza, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e454034-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mae-Lin Yu Mendoza
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75056
I specialize in seeing individuals who are dealing with the following issues: depression and anxiety, Bipolar disorders, relationship issues, childhood sexual abuse/trauma, career transitions, unplanned pregnancy, grief and loss, and behavioral problems. I have training in Biblical studies (a one year certificate in Bible and Ministry) which provides a foundation for Biblically-based counseling. I do treat clients who express a non-spiritual focus.
I specialize in seeing individuals who are dealing with the following issues: depression and anxiety, Bipolar disorders, relationship issues, childhood sexual abuse/trauma, career transitions, unplanned pregnancy, grief and loss, and behavioral problems. I have training in Biblical studies (a one year certificate in Bible and Ministry) which provides a foundation for Biblically-based counseling. I do treat clients who express a non-spiritual focus.
![Photo of Trisha Fiene-Spain, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c397bd5e-838e-44b3-9158-099bde9146b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trisha Fiene-Spain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Village, TX 75077
My passion as a therapist centers around creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which my clients feel fully accepted and free to explore. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, I am here to offer you a holistic therapeutic approach that is tailored to your unique needs. Struggling alone or in silence can make you feel isolated and stuck. Through the collaborative process of therapy you will learn specific tools to create lasting and positive changes.
My passion as a therapist centers around creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which my clients feel fully accepted and free to explore. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or simply want to live a more fulfilling life, I am here to offer you a holistic therapeutic approach that is tailored to your unique needs. Struggling alone or in silence can make you feel isolated and stuck. Through the collaborative process of therapy you will learn specific tools to create lasting and positive changes.
![Photo of Kristen L Diamond, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4171923d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen L Diamond
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Flower Mound, TX 75028
I have worked with individuals to cope with grief, issues related to infertility, sexual orientation, depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce, and issues related to adolescence.
I work with clients in an interactive, supportive, and solution focused approach. I believe that clients benefit from learning about their own existing strengths, as well as the different approaches which can help them achieve their goals. This applies whether I'm working with adults, couples, adolescents, sexual abuse survivors, individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, or addiction issues. I always try to be straightforward, honest, and down-to-earth. I emphasize that everybody sometimes experiences stress and problems in daily life, and that most of these issues can be worked through.
I have worked with individuals to cope with grief, issues related to infertility, sexual orientation, depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce, and issues related to adolescence.
I work with clients in an interactive, supportive, and solution focused approach. I believe that clients benefit from learning about their own existing strengths, as well as the different approaches which can help them achieve their goals. This applies whether I'm working with adults, couples, adolescents, sexual abuse survivors, individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, or addiction issues. I always try to be straightforward, honest, and down-to-earth. I emphasize that everybody sometimes experiences stress and problems in daily life, and that most of these issues can be worked through.
![Photo of Priya Kaur Tahim, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40179494-b525-4d86-b2ac-b599c883cbd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Priya Kaur Tahim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Flower Mound, TX 75022
My primary areas of expertise include working with individuals suffering from anxiety/depression, couples conflict, rebuilding intimacy in your relationship, infertility, PCOS, and self-esteem.
Therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to provide an open, safe environment to help instill support, understanding and empowerment throughout your therapeutic journey. Whether you’re looking to build confidence as an individual or within your relationship, together we can build the tools you need to succeed. I believe in fostering hope and creating a safe space for individuals/couples/families to process, as well as find healthy solutions.My passion is helping others find confidence within themselves, and/or within relationships.
My primary areas of expertise include working with individuals suffering from anxiety/depression, couples conflict, rebuilding intimacy in your relationship, infertility, PCOS, and self-esteem.
Therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to provide an open, safe environment to help instill support, understanding and empowerment throughout your therapeutic journey. Whether you’re looking to build confidence as an individual or within your relationship, together we can build the tools you need to succeed. I believe in fostering hope and creating a safe space for individuals/couples/families to process, as well as find healthy solutions.My passion is helping others find confidence within themselves, and/or within relationships.
![Photo of Lisa R Davisson - Lisa Davisson, LPC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/542cb7fa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Davisson, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Colony, TX 75056
I strive to create a caring, compassionate, understanding, and supportive environment where you can feel safe and comfortable enough to discuss your important issues. I deeply respect you and your inner resources and ability to move towards growth and wholeness. My goal is to help you mobilize your hidden strengths while affirming your ability to grow using a custom tailored approach that will best fit your needs and help you reach your goals. During our initial sessions we will work together to create a treatment plan and set goals for therapy.
I strive to create a caring, compassionate, understanding, and supportive environment where you can feel safe and comfortable enough to discuss your important issues. I deeply respect you and your inner resources and ability to move towards growth and wholeness. My goal is to help you mobilize your hidden strengths while affirming your ability to grow using a custom tailored approach that will best fit your needs and help you reach your goals. During our initial sessions we will work together to create a treatment plan and set goals for therapy.
![Photo of Sophia Cannon (92 Reasons), MCRC, CCTP, CRC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33553c23-fed3-446f-9f6e-34531105a2c2/1/320x400.png)
Sophia Cannon (92 Reasons)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCRC, CCTP, CRC, LPC
Verified Verified
Denton, TX 76205
We know what it’s like being a client. At 92 Reasons Counseling and Offender Education Classes, we understand the courage it takes to share your trials, innermost fears, and secrets. Our unique team of clinicians are not only licensed professionals but also genuine survivors. We practice empathy before advice, taking the time to understand your story. Our counselors are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We believe applied education produces better outcomes than learned theories, therefore we teach you what to do, to maintain feeling better. Let us join you on your path to recovery and empowerment.
We know what it’s like being a client. At 92 Reasons Counseling and Offender Education Classes, we understand the courage it takes to share your trials, innermost fears, and secrets. Our unique team of clinicians are not only licensed professionals but also genuine survivors. We practice empathy before advice, taking the time to understand your story. Our counselors are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We believe applied education produces better outcomes than learned theories, therefore we teach you what to do, to maintain feeling better. Let us join you on your path to recovery and empowerment.
![Photo of Chip Sutherland, MA, LPC, CPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f612f1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chip Sutherland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75033
So 2024 is here...hopefully better. But something still feels off. You're not nuts (yet) but you're stuck somewhere between stressed and emotional wreck. But we've got this. Happiness, success, fun & play are within reach. You just need to re-find your momentum in life, work, career & relationships. Are zero energy & zero motivation holding you back? Maybe some brain fog? Your struggle is admirable and it sucks. But misery IS optional. Let's start kicking back at life. End the negative thinking, let's learn different/better ways of thinking/behaving to get what you want in life. Surviving is just okay-but thriving is SO much better!
So 2024 is here...hopefully better. But something still feels off. You're not nuts (yet) but you're stuck somewhere between stressed and emotional wreck. But we've got this. Happiness, success, fun & play are within reach. You just need to re-find your momentum in life, work, career & relationships. Are zero energy & zero motivation holding you back? Maybe some brain fog? Your struggle is admirable and it sucks. But misery IS optional. Let's start kicking back at life. End the negative thinking, let's learn different/better ways of thinking/behaving to get what you want in life. Surviving is just okay-but thriving is SO much better!
See more therapy options for Hickory Creek
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.