Depression Therapists in 34108
Carolyn S Mangan
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
Typical issues include anxiety, depression, marriage & romantic relationships, parenting, divorce, blended families, grief & loss, life transitions & changes, chronic illness or pain, and healing from trauma.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to ask important questions, to look at themselves, their issues and their emotions without judgment, and to be curious about new ways of relating to life. I value collaboration, respect, kindness, and humor in our work together. From this foundation, we explore core beliefs and past experiences that shape who clients are and how they react. We work on noticing and transforming current patterns. As clients gain a deeper connection to themselves and greater insight into their stories and their loved ones, they find new ways to create peace and fulfillment in their lives.
Typical issues include anxiety, depression, marriage & romantic relationships, parenting, divorce, blended families, grief & loss, life transitions & changes, chronic illness or pain, and healing from trauma.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to ask important questions, to look at themselves, their issues and their emotions without judgment, and to be curious about new ways of relating to life. I value collaboration, respect, kindness, and humor in our work together. From this foundation, we explore core beliefs and past experiences that shape who clients are and how they react. We work on noticing and transforming current patterns. As clients gain a deeper connection to themselves and greater insight into their stories and their loved ones, they find new ways to create peace and fulfillment in their lives.
Katie Andersson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, RMHCI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I help clients recover from traumatic events, find relief from depression and anxiety, and find meaning in grief and loss.
Taking the first step to seek counseling can be overwhelming, and it also demonstrates tremendous courage. As a counselor, I consider it an honor to support individuals in finding resilience through life’s challenges. I am passionate about providing trauma-informed care, which means a felt sense of safety and a kind and considerate pace are the most important things in the room. I lead with curiosity and compassion and offer a nonjudgmental space where clients can freely explore their inner world. Whatever your story or need, you can expect your treatment to be highly individualized and to honor you as a unique human being.
I help clients recover from traumatic events, find relief from depression and anxiety, and find meaning in grief and loss.
Taking the first step to seek counseling can be overwhelming, and it also demonstrates tremendous courage. As a counselor, I consider it an honor to support individuals in finding resilience through life’s challenges. I am passionate about providing trauma-informed care, which means a felt sense of safety and a kind and considerate pace are the most important things in the room. I lead with curiosity and compassion and offer a nonjudgmental space where clients can freely explore their inner world. Whatever your story or need, you can expect your treatment to be highly individualized and to honor you as a unique human being.
April Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BS, BA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, angry or stuck? Are you experiencing issues with your relationships: marriage, family, friends, or career? Are you having difficulty making decisions? Is fear, lack of motivation or sabotaging behaviors getting in the way of your true potential? Does the fear of letting go and creating something new feel uncomfortable or impossible? If you have answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, I can help!
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, angry or stuck? Are you experiencing issues with your relationships: marriage, family, friends, or career? Are you having difficulty making decisions? Is fear, lack of motivation or sabotaging behaviors getting in the way of your true potential? Does the fear of letting go and creating something new feel uncomfortable or impossible? If you have answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, I can help!
Beth Kaplan Sommerfeld
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
I view therapy as a collaborative process, as my clients and I work together to identify approaches to improving their lives. By actively listening, providing support and recommendations, then allowing the client to test out new behaviors, we are producing opportunities for new learning and change to occur. I treat adults, both individuals and couples, whose lives are being negatively impacted by depression, anxiety, relationship issues, health issues, and life stress generally. I believe that successful therapy includes supporting and reinforcing clients' strengths as well as addressing problematic symptoms and behaviors.
I view therapy as a collaborative process, as my clients and I work together to identify approaches to improving their lives. By actively listening, providing support and recommendations, then allowing the client to test out new behaviors, we are producing opportunities for new learning and change to occur. I treat adults, both individuals and couples, whose lives are being negatively impacted by depression, anxiety, relationship issues, health issues, and life stress generally. I believe that successful therapy includes supporting and reinforcing clients' strengths as well as addressing problematic symptoms and behaviors.
Psychologist Dr. Phyllis Walters
PhD, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
Walters assists her patients by helping them build resilience, optimism and wisdom so that they may be better prepared to face and manage signs of anxiety impulses, depression despair, obsessive compulsive behaviors, learning difficulties, relationship challenges, loss, addiction, transitions, career and school changes as well as trauma and illness.
Dr. Walters earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Northern Colorado and a Masters degree from the University of Alabama. During her education Dr. Walters completed a variety of training experiences including working in a drug rehabilitation center, public schools, the University Mental Health Clinic where she provided counseling to families, couples, individuals, and children. Dr. Walters also worked in the Neuropyschology Clinic providing neuropsychological assessment. She completed a dissertation titled Traumatic Brain Injury Self Report: Identifying the Relationship between Personality and Risk Taking Behavior.
Walters assists her patients by helping them build resilience, optimism and wisdom so that they may be better prepared to face and manage signs of anxiety impulses, depression despair, obsessive compulsive behaviors, learning difficulties, relationship challenges, loss, addiction, transitions, career and school changes as well as trauma and illness.
Dr. Walters earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Northern Colorado and a Masters degree from the University of Alabama. During her education Dr. Walters completed a variety of training experiences including working in a drug rehabilitation center, public schools, the University Mental Health Clinic where she provided counseling to families, couples, individuals, and children. Dr. Walters also worked in the Neuropyschology Clinic providing neuropsychological assessment. She completed a dissertation titled Traumatic Brain Injury Self Report: Identifying the Relationship between Personality and Risk Taking Behavior.
Diana M Salazar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
My areas of specialty are emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, difficulty adjusting to new life situations, families experiencing divorce and co-parenting, relational difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders such as but not limited to depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
I provide individual, couple's and family therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or social difficulties. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with more than ten years of experience. I co-founded Sunshine State Counseling Center. In my practice, I empower individuals to build and develop their inner strengths by providing compassionate, ethical and professional therapeutic services.
My areas of specialty are emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, difficulty adjusting to new life situations, families experiencing divorce and co-parenting, relational difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders such as but not limited to depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
I provide individual, couple's and family therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or social difficulties. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with more than ten years of experience. I co-founded Sunshine State Counseling Center. In my practice, I empower individuals to build and develop their inner strengths by providing compassionate, ethical and professional therapeutic services.
Susan Welnel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
Typical conditions treated include problems with trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and grief.
Dr. Susan Welnel is a seasoned clinical psychologist who believes in the genuine good in people. Life can be hard, and she enjoys helping people through life’s tougher moments by providing psychoeducation, developing skill building and developing coping strategies. Dr. Welnel is part of a group of skilled mental health providers in a well-established practice in Southwest Florida. At Gravity Psychology, we specialize in providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced mental health providers offers a safe and supportive environment,
Typical conditions treated include problems with trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and grief.
Dr. Susan Welnel is a seasoned clinical psychologist who believes in the genuine good in people. Life can be hard, and she enjoys helping people through life’s tougher moments by providing psychoeducation, developing skill building and developing coping strategies. Dr. Welnel is part of a group of skilled mental health providers in a well-established practice in Southwest Florida. At Gravity Psychology, we specialize in providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced mental health providers offers a safe and supportive environment,
Vanessa M Jaszczerski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
I treat depression, anxiety, post trauma, and substance abuse (both family members as well as individuals new to sobriety).
I enjoy working with individuals who have a gap between the life they envision for themselves and the life they are living. This can range from challenges in relationships, family, career and/or personal life. I have found that when a person develops greater awareness of his or her thoughts, actions and emotions, he or she can begin to make changes to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. The insight developed through psychoanalytic therapy can enable you to experience greater calmness and satisfaction in your day to day life.
I treat depression, anxiety, post trauma, and substance abuse (both family members as well as individuals new to sobriety).
I enjoy working with individuals who have a gap between the life they envision for themselves and the life they are living. This can range from challenges in relationships, family, career and/or personal life. I have found that when a person develops greater awareness of his or her thoughts, actions and emotions, he or she can begin to make changes to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. The insight developed through psychoanalytic therapy can enable you to experience greater calmness and satisfaction in your day to day life.
Alison M. Slater, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
She frequently works with grief, adjustment issues throughout the life cycle, depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered) clients, issues surrounding sexuality & many facets of trauma.
Whether struggling with a specific challenge in life or relationship, or continuing your growth on the ever-expanding spiritual path of life, it is my passion to share this journey with you. I believe strongly in the mind-body connection and utilize mindfulness-based techniques (such as meditation, visualization and body awareness) united with elements of more traditional modalities. Encompassing a holistic approach to therapy, all aspects of the client's life are included to increase balance and self-awareness, identify personal therapeutic goals, and then to co-create the most enriching path toward optimal health.
She frequently works with grief, adjustment issues throughout the life cycle, depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered) clients, issues surrounding sexuality & many facets of trauma.
Whether struggling with a specific challenge in life or relationship, or continuing your growth on the ever-expanding spiritual path of life, it is my passion to share this journey with you. I believe strongly in the mind-body connection and utilize mindfulness-based techniques (such as meditation, visualization and body awareness) united with elements of more traditional modalities. Encompassing a holistic approach to therapy, all aspects of the client's life are included to increase balance and self-awareness, identify personal therapeutic goals, and then to co-create the most enriching path toward optimal health.
Rebecca Torres
Registered Mental Health Counselor Inter, MA, RMHCI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
Are you battling addictions, anxiety, or depression? Are you experiencing conflict in your marriage, family, or with challenging teens? I use EMDR, brain health, and holistic focused therapy to support your needs. Alongside my Master’s level education in Mental Health Counseling, I have 27 years of experience mentoring teens and working with couples and families. This has equipped me with the wisdom and compassion to approach therapy and coaching through the lenses of empathy, care, non-judgment. I have additional experience with couples, adolescents, trauma, addictions, relationships, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem.
Are you battling addictions, anxiety, or depression? Are you experiencing conflict in your marriage, family, or with challenging teens? I use EMDR, brain health, and holistic focused therapy to support your needs. Alongside my Master’s level education in Mental Health Counseling, I have 27 years of experience mentoring teens and working with couples and families. This has equipped me with the wisdom and compassion to approach therapy and coaching through the lenses of empathy, care, non-judgment. I have additional experience with couples, adolescents, trauma, addictions, relationships, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem.
Gabriell Ferko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, trauma, difficult life experiences, relationship, and adjustment-related issues.
I am a firm believer that growth rarely happens within your comfort zone. I help my clients by providing an empathetic environment where they are able to challenge themselves in order to work towards their identified goals. I help my clients understand how underlying issues are impacting their life. I encourage a safe, authentic, and accepting environment, while promoting a collaborative process with my clients.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, trauma, difficult life experiences, relationship, and adjustment-related issues.
I am a firm believer that growth rarely happens within your comfort zone. I help my clients by providing an empathetic environment where they are able to challenge themselves in order to work towards their identified goals. I help my clients understand how underlying issues are impacting their life. I encourage a safe, authentic, and accepting environment, while promoting a collaborative process with my clients.
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Mary Ellen Rand
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
Currently I'm taking clients in Georgia and Florida except Lee and Collier Counties. I've helped many people work through difficult trauma with EMDR and know how effective it is. I'm confident that it can provide resolution to past events. I've helped people overcome addictions, difficult family dynamics and breakdowns in communication. I can teach you skills to manage relationships more effectively so they don't contribute to depression and anxiety. When depression and anxiety do set in, I've learned Mindfulness and CBT practices that can reduce those effects which I look forward to teaching you.
Currently I'm taking clients in Georgia and Florida except Lee and Collier Counties. I've helped many people work through difficult trauma with EMDR and know how effective it is. I'm confident that it can provide resolution to past events. I've helped people overcome addictions, difficult family dynamics and breakdowns in communication. I can teach you skills to manage relationships more effectively so they don't contribute to depression and anxiety. When depression and anxiety do set in, I've learned Mindfulness and CBT practices that can reduce those effects which I look forward to teaching you.
Nina Penza
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
I specialize in helping clients with emotional challenges such as anxiety or depression, as well as in recovering from stressful life situations, such as divorce or any personal problems.
We all have negative experiences or feelings, and if we don't deal with them, we can get stuck in the past or worry about the future. Without realizing, we create patterns of behaviors as we engage with our loved ones and keep repeating the same mistakes, over and over again. Understanding these patterns and learning new ways to communicate are the first steps in making positive changes. There are times when we feel down, confused, stressed or lost. During hard times, we also tend to isolate ourselves and become lonely. However, these are the times when we need someone who will listen, understand and accept us without judgment.
I specialize in helping clients with emotional challenges such as anxiety or depression, as well as in recovering from stressful life situations, such as divorce or any personal problems.
We all have negative experiences or feelings, and if we don't deal with them, we can get stuck in the past or worry about the future. Without realizing, we create patterns of behaviors as we engage with our loved ones and keep repeating the same mistakes, over and over again. Understanding these patterns and learning new ways to communicate are the first steps in making positive changes. There are times when we feel down, confused, stressed or lost. During hard times, we also tend to isolate ourselves and become lonely. However, these are the times when we need someone who will listen, understand and accept us without judgment.
Logan Bell
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
Waitlist for new clients
Struggling with isolation, sadness, or anxiety? Want to become empowered to tackle your concerns head on? I'd love to work with you. I tend to see teenagers, young adults and adults across different cultures and orientations. My recent work has been in the LGBTQ+ population and with grief. I love working with both clients new to counseling in addition to those experienced. I aid my clients in setting realistic goals we can achieve together. My approach is tailored to your individual personality and past experiences. I enjoy helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, a trauma history, relational difficulties, and more.
Struggling with isolation, sadness, or anxiety? Want to become empowered to tackle your concerns head on? I'd love to work with you. I tend to see teenagers, young adults and adults across different cultures and orientations. My recent work has been in the LGBTQ+ population and with grief. I love working with both clients new to counseling in addition to those experienced. I aid my clients in setting realistic goals we can achieve together. My approach is tailored to your individual personality and past experiences. I enjoy helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, a trauma history, relational difficulties, and more.
Molli E. Mercer
Counselor, EdD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
I earned my master's degree in Couples and Family Counseling and my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. Whether you are an individual struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, a couple experiencing a loss of intimacy, or a child adjusting to life transitions, I can help you develop the best solutions to your problems. I specialize in building healthy relationships, healthy expressions of sexuality and sex positivity, play therapy, and utilize a solution-focused approach. I am passionate about working with people from all walks of life to help them move toward the healthiest versions of themselves.
I earned my master's degree in Couples and Family Counseling and my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. Whether you are an individual struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, a couple experiencing a loss of intimacy, or a child adjusting to life transitions, I can help you develop the best solutions to your problems. I specialize in building healthy relationships, healthy expressions of sexuality and sex positivity, play therapy, and utilize a solution-focused approach. I am passionate about working with people from all walks of life to help them move toward the healthiest versions of themselves.
Melissa Sue Rosbottom Emdr Certified Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a powerful combination of brain science and mindfulness, is a highly effective therapy that is used to treat trauma/PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health conditions.
Are you trying to heal from a traumatic or sudden loss? Maybe the loss from a suicide, a tragic accident, a sudden death of a child, spouse, parent? You might still be in shock or disbelief, the tapes of your last moments are on repeat in your mind, or feel engulfed with sadness or even anger. You want to be able to look at pictures of your loved one and smile rather than have your heart break all over again. You want to be present with your family and friends and begin to feel joy again. You want to still feel a connection to your loved one even if it's different than when he/she was alive. We work together to help you live again.
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a powerful combination of brain science and mindfulness, is a highly effective therapy that is used to treat trauma/PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health conditions.
Are you trying to heal from a traumatic or sudden loss? Maybe the loss from a suicide, a tragic accident, a sudden death of a child, spouse, parent? You might still be in shock or disbelief, the tapes of your last moments are on repeat in your mind, or feel engulfed with sadness or even anger. You want to be able to look at pictures of your loved one and smile rather than have your heart break all over again. You want to be present with your family and friends and begin to feel joy again. You want to still feel a connection to your loved one even if it's different than when he/she was alive. We work together to help you live again.
Cassandra Colosimo
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naples, FL 34108
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, school problems, or emotional concerns? Do you need parenting support to handle and navigate life stressors? Every individual's life story carries significant meaning, regardless of their age. I firmly believe that people of all ages should freely share their life experiences without being held back by guilt or shame. I prioritize fostering a non-judgmental, warm, and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and supported as we work collaboratively toward your goals. When working with children I strongly believe including parent training to provide extra support.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, school problems, or emotional concerns? Do you need parenting support to handle and navigate life stressors? Every individual's life story carries significant meaning, regardless of their age. I firmly believe that people of all ages should freely share their life experiences without being held back by guilt or shame. I prioritize fostering a non-judgmental, warm, and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and supported as we work collaboratively toward your goals. When working with children I strongly believe including parent training to provide extra support.
Elizabeth Rosalez
MSEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Elizabeth. Please feel free to call me Eli. Congratulations on beginning your journey toward growth and healing. Finding the right fit is essential for you to feel safe and open to making uncomfortable changes. With rigorous training at the University of Miami and community clinics, I have worked with a variety of clients whose presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, stress, and infidelity. I'm well-versed in evidence-based practices. My area of expertise has focused on couples and individuals aged 13 and older.
Hi there! My name is Elizabeth. Please feel free to call me Eli. Congratulations on beginning your journey toward growth and healing. Finding the right fit is essential for you to feel safe and open to making uncomfortable changes. With rigorous training at the University of Miami and community clinics, I have worked with a variety of clients whose presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, stress, and infidelity. I'm well-versed in evidence-based practices. My area of expertise has focused on couples and individuals aged 13 and older.
Christopher Seavey, LMHC, PA
Counselor, MA, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108 (Online Only)
Christopher Seavey is a licensed psychotherapist and is certified in addictions counseling in Florida and Massachusettes and licensed in drug and alcohol counseling in Massachusettes,and a Nationally Certified Counselor. He is the past president of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, as well as a clinical member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association,a member of the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions, the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Florida Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, and the Massachusetts Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors.
Christopher Seavey is a licensed psychotherapist and is certified in addictions counseling in Florida and Massachusettes and licensed in drug and alcohol counseling in Massachusettes,and a Nationally Certified Counselor. He is the past president of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, as well as a clinical member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association,a member of the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions, the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Florida Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, and the Massachusetts Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors.
Susanna Alis
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Naples, FL 34108
While we can't change difficult situation of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. Whether it's a relationship issue, a parenting challenge, a personal struggle with mood, addiction or a difficult life situation, we will work together to uncover long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life. We will build on your strengths and with support, guidance, and compassion, help you to achieve your goals.
While we can't change difficult situation of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. Whether it's a relationship issue, a parenting challenge, a personal struggle with mood, addiction or a difficult life situation, we will work together to uncover long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life. We will build on your strengths and with support, guidance, and compassion, help you to achieve your goals.
See more therapy options for 34108
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.