Therapists in Vancouver, BC

Photo of Magdalena Natalie Kristelijn, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Magdalena Natalie Kristelijn
Counsellor, RPC-C, C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
Life is an absolutely bonkers, breathtaking, soul wrenching and exquisite journey and we’re all in it together. I wholeheartedly believe we are stronger than we think and capable of healing and living a fulfilled and balanced life. I am passionate about grief and loss, and all that may come with that: depression, anxiety, loss of perspective and purpose. My style is to approach things with curiosity, acceptance and a dash of humor.
Life is an absolutely bonkers, breathtaking, soul wrenching and exquisite journey and we’re all in it together. I wholeheartedly believe we are stronger than we think and capable of healing and living a fulfilled and balanced life. I am passionate about grief and loss, and all that may come with that: depression, anxiety, loss of perspective and purpose. My style is to approach things with curiosity, acceptance and a dash of humor.
(587) 416-1509 View (587) 416-1509
Photo of Lien Dilewijns, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Lien Dilewijns
Counsellor, MC, EMDR, Somatic, RCC, CCPA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5V  (Online Only)
I have experience working with individuals with childhood trauma, individuals experiencing domestic violence, and individuals living with anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
I am an RCC and somatic attachment psychotherapist with the BCACC. I specialize in adult ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief & loss, anxiety, and depression. I work with individuals and couples. I strive to provide a counseling space that fosters safety, encourages growth, and supports each individual’s innate healing potential. I value allyship with the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.​ I focus on long-term healing by unpacking current triggers through finding the root cause which is often linked to deep routed childhood trauma.
I have experience working with individuals with childhood trauma, individuals experiencing domestic violence, and individuals living with anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
I am an RCC and somatic attachment psychotherapist with the BCACC. I specialize in adult ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief & loss, anxiety, and depression. I work with individuals and couples. I strive to provide a counseling space that fosters safety, encourages growth, and supports each individual’s innate healing potential. I value allyship with the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.​ I focus on long-term healing by unpacking current triggers through finding the root cause which is often linked to deep routed childhood trauma.
(587) 410-4231 View (587) 410-4231
Photo of Veronica Berezowsky, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Veronica Berezowsky
Counsellor, R-DMT, RCC, RSMT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6J
I work with women who are ready to commit to a deep & conscious spiritual process of healing & transformation. Whether wanting to recover from trauma, feeling lost inside, depressed, anxious, empty, I am committed to supporting your journey. Convinced that no healing happens if body is not involved, my approach weaves somatic therapy, EMDR & cyclical awareness from a humanistic & client centred stance and keeps developing as I keep deepening my research in the areas of trauma, attachment theory, ancestral legacies of trauma & energy healing.
I work with women who are ready to commit to a deep & conscious spiritual process of healing & transformation. Whether wanting to recover from trauma, feeling lost inside, depressed, anxious, empty, I am committed to supporting your journey. Convinced that no healing happens if body is not involved, my approach weaves somatic therapy, EMDR & cyclical awareness from a humanistic & client centred stance and keeps developing as I keep deepening my research in the areas of trauma, attachment theory, ancestral legacies of trauma & energy healing.
(604) 706-1816 View (604) 706-1816
Photo of Lilet Duivenvoorden, Registered Psychotherapist in Vancouver, BC
Lilet Duivenvoorden
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6H  (Online Only)
I think every person has issues from time to time in their life that may benefit from the support of a non-judgemental and non-biased opinion. I believe that I can help you work through your difficulties by helping you find solutions to those problems. It is my goal to offer you with the tools and techniques needed to attain your entire personal well-being. My approach is laid-back and simple that is often comfortable for clients. I offer individual counseling for anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Also for couple/marital relationship conflict. My life/work experience is what I can offer to my clients.
I think every person has issues from time to time in their life that may benefit from the support of a non-judgemental and non-biased opinion. I believe that I can help you work through your difficulties by helping you find solutions to those problems. It is my goal to offer you with the tools and techniques needed to attain your entire personal well-being. My approach is laid-back and simple that is often comfortable for clients. I offer individual counseling for anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Also for couple/marital relationship conflict. My life/work experience is what I can offer to my clients.
(855) 465-4593 View (855) 465-4593
Photo of Nadine Jans, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Nadine Jans
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I specialize in over-eating and emotional and binge eating, body shame, dementia care-giving, depression, trauma, anxiety, guilt and self-esteem/confidence issues. Get Practical and powerful tools and strategies to break free from self-sabotage and finally live life fully. In sessions we work on deep inner healing of unhelpful beliefs, depression, shame, guilt, over-eating, self sabotage or self loathing (with ACT, brainspotting, and/or IFS/inner child work etc.). I've seen powerful results with many clients and I want this for you too. Let me help you get the tools to feel grounded and confident.
I specialize in over-eating and emotional and binge eating, body shame, dementia care-giving, depression, trauma, anxiety, guilt and self-esteem/confidence issues. Get Practical and powerful tools and strategies to break free from self-sabotage and finally live life fully. In sessions we work on deep inner healing of unhelpful beliefs, depression, shame, guilt, over-eating, self sabotage or self loathing (with ACT, brainspotting, and/or IFS/inner child work etc.). I've seen powerful results with many clients and I want this for you too. Let me help you get the tools to feel grounded and confident.
(604) 409-8940 View (604) 409-8940
Photo of Healing Waves Counselling, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Healing Waves Counselling
Counsellor, MC, RCC, ACCT, CCPA, CPTA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5V
We also support individuals, couples and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, parenting issues, eating disorders, self-esteem, and negative self talk.
Healing Waves Counselling was created to provide people with a different type of healing experience. We live in such a fast-paced society where we are constantly striving to compete, do better, and make more money that we forget to be present. We want people to be able to work through their trauma and have them feel comfortable in their own skin, to reconnect people with themselves, reconnect with nature and the earth. Reconnecting to the environment and our surroundings can be so healing and grounding. We are here to walk with the client side by side on their journey. They are the experts of their own
We also support individuals, couples and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, parenting issues, eating disorders, self-esteem, and negative self talk.
Healing Waves Counselling was created to provide people with a different type of healing experience. We live in such a fast-paced society where we are constantly striving to compete, do better, and make more money that we forget to be present. We want people to be able to work through their trauma and have them feel comfortable in their own skin, to reconnect people with themselves, reconnect with nature and the earth. Reconnecting to the environment and our surroundings can be so healing and grounding. We are here to walk with the client side by side on their journey. They are the experts of their own
(672) 784-5869 View (672) 784-5869
Photo of Lara Lammers, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Lara Lammers
Counsellor, RPC-C, BScN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6K
My focus is to support you to build inner safety so you can embody your power and essence. I work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and focus on highly sensitive and sensitized individuals. The challenges I work with include emotional (terror, anger, shame), grief & loss, nervous system patterns, relationships, anxiety, depression, self-worth, and spiritual. I support clients to expand their capacity for self-regulation to come to embodied safety. From there, I support clients to process core wounds, unmet needs, and survival patterns to build their resilience and come home to their bodies, themselves, and their lives.
My focus is to support you to build inner safety so you can embody your power and essence. I work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and focus on highly sensitive and sensitized individuals. The challenges I work with include emotional (terror, anger, shame), grief & loss, nervous system patterns, relationships, anxiety, depression, self-worth, and spiritual. I support clients to expand their capacity for self-regulation to come to embodied safety. From there, I support clients to process core wounds, unmet needs, and survival patterns to build their resilience and come home to their bodies, themselves, and their lives.
(506) 560-2167 View (506) 560-2167
Photo of Monique Verhoef, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Monique Verhoef
Counsellor, RTC, MTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6J
Hey you! I just want you to know that you have the right to be here, to express and talk about your emotions, and to become who you really are. Yes, in my previous career I too have been a victim of bullies at work. But it always stayed beneath the surface until I lost my beloved pets whom always given me strength, unconditional love and loyalty. I felt lonely, stuck and helpless. That's where I realized that I needed connect with my authentic self and learn to deal with the grief...and work on the emotional wounds bullies have left me with years ago.
Hey you! I just want you to know that you have the right to be here, to express and talk about your emotions, and to become who you really are. Yes, in my previous career I too have been a victim of bullies at work. But it always stayed beneath the surface until I lost my beloved pets whom always given me strength, unconditional love and loyalty. I felt lonely, stuck and helpless. That's where I realized that I needed connect with my authentic self and learn to deal with the grief...and work on the emotional wounds bullies have left me with years ago.
(778) 724-0522 View (778) 724-0522
Photo of Elisabeth van Assum Counselling, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Elisabeth van Assum Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MEd, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5N
www.elisabethvanassum.com. I engage with people experiencing challenges with life transition issues: middle age, education, career, family, separation, gender transition, fertility, depressive periods, moving, death, physical changes, illness…etc. Life transitions, although always inevitable and often unsettling, offer opportunities for insight, change, growth, wisdom and joy. I fundamentally believe that if you do the work, you will get the insights you need to make the best choices for yourself.
www.elisabethvanassum.com. I engage with people experiencing challenges with life transition issues: middle age, education, career, family, separation, gender transition, fertility, depressive periods, moving, death, physical changes, illness…etc. Life transitions, although always inevitable and often unsettling, offer opportunities for insight, change, growth, wisdom and joy. I fundamentally believe that if you do the work, you will get the insights you need to make the best choices for yourself.
(604) 229-3806 View (604) 229-3806
Photo of MindRight Counselling & Consulting Inc, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
MindRight Counselling & Consulting Inc
Counsellor, MEd, MA, MSc, PHCP, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6H
MindRight Counselling & Consulting is focused on helping men, women, children/youth, couples, and families deal with issues that negatively impact their quality of living. We provide therapeutic support, guidance, and psychoeducation to assist our clients to develop personal insight and work towards making a positive change in their overall lives. We service all clients from the Lower Mainland of BC while having 5 office locations in Richmond, Vancouver, and Burnaby with 10 Associate Counsellors ready to help you. Please visit our website for more information on our team and additional locations.
MindRight Counselling & Consulting is focused on helping men, women, children/youth, couples, and families deal with issues that negatively impact their quality of living. We provide therapeutic support, guidance, and psychoeducation to assist our clients to develop personal insight and work towards making a positive change in their overall lives. We service all clients from the Lower Mainland of BC while having 5 office locations in Richmond, Vancouver, and Burnaby with 10 Associate Counsellors ready to help you. Please visit our website for more information on our team and additional locations.
(778) 901-6245 View (778) 901-6245

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nathalie Scott, Registered Social Worker in Vancouver, BC
Nathalie Scott
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, BC V6V
I offer child & adult psychotherapy for trauma, anxiety and grief and depression. I’m dedicated to helping you or your child thrive again. I also aim to strengthen family relationships along the way.
I offer child & adult psychotherapy for trauma, anxiety and grief and depression. I’m dedicated to helping you or your child thrive again. I also aim to strengthen family relationships along the way.
(579) 501-1641 View (579) 501-1641
Photo of Masha Rademakers, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Masha Rademakers
Counsellor, Ma, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7P
Thank you for making the courageous step to seek therapy. I am passionate about supporting children (8+) and parents, youths and adults with concerns related to OCD and anxiety, but also offer support to individuals who are dealing with stress, panic, grief, loss, heartbreak, trauma, depression and life transitions. I am trained to provide specialized I-CBT treatment for OCD and have helped many clients to take charge of their OCD and anxiety. I have experience working with diverse populations, and I welcome folks from all walks of life to connect with me.
Thank you for making the courageous step to seek therapy. I am passionate about supporting children (8+) and parents, youths and adults with concerns related to OCD and anxiety, but also offer support to individuals who are dealing with stress, panic, grief, loss, heartbreak, trauma, depression and life transitions. I am trained to provide specialized I-CBT treatment for OCD and have helped many clients to take charge of their OCD and anxiety. I have experience working with diverse populations, and I welcome folks from all walks of life to connect with me.
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Online Therapists

Photo of Healing Place Counselling Centre, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Healing Place Counselling Centre
Counsellor, MA, CCS, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
Surrey, BC V3S
As well, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Welcome to the counselling services at Celtic Place and Healing Place. Counselling provides a space and opportunity for you to explore thoughts and feelings, behaviours and relationships that may be troubling you or causing difficulty in your life. Counselling also offers a source of support in times of crisis and during difficult times such as you may be experiencing now. Some of the ways in which counselling can be beneficial is through bringing deeper personal insight, helping find better ways of coping with problems and it also can help you improve your relationships.
As well, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Welcome to the counselling services at Celtic Place and Healing Place. Counselling provides a space and opportunity for you to explore thoughts and feelings, behaviours and relationships that may be troubling you or causing difficulty in your life. Counselling also offers a source of support in times of crisis and during difficult times such as you may be experiencing now. Some of the ways in which counselling can be beneficial is through bringing deeper personal insight, helping find better ways of coping with problems and it also can help you improve your relationships.
(778) 200-2911 View (778) 200-2911
Photo of Annabelle Picard, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Annabelle Picard
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8R
I specialize in Autism, ADHD, FASD, anxiety, depression, parental support, self-esteem, and emotional regulation skills.
I strongly believes that everyone is doing the best they can with the strategies they have. I am deeply committed to meeting every person where they are at and supporting them through exploration that is both collaborative and proactive in nature, towards what you deem a more fulfilling path forward. As a mother of two children, I empathizes with the emotional weight and responsibility of parenting. My practice is focused on intensifying the connection between caregiver and child and providing practical, feel-good tools and strategies. I work with children, teens, individuals and their families aged 5 plus.
I specialize in Autism, ADHD, FASD, anxiety, depression, parental support, self-esteem, and emotional regulation skills.
I strongly believes that everyone is doing the best they can with the strategies they have. I am deeply committed to meeting every person where they are at and supporting them through exploration that is both collaborative and proactive in nature, towards what you deem a more fulfilling path forward. As a mother of two children, I empathizes with the emotional weight and responsibility of parenting. My practice is focused on intensifying the connection between caregiver and child and providing practical, feel-good tools and strategies. I work with children, teens, individuals and their families aged 5 plus.
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Photo of Sophia M Van Vuuren, Psychologist in Vancouver, BC
Sophia M Van Vuuren
Psychologist, MA, RPsych
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8T
Children and Teens present more with anxiety, depression, cutting or anger outbursts, which needs to be addressed before they slip into a self-destructive suicidal spiral.
Psychotherapy is the confidential process where you can get insight from an experienced registered Psychologist in understanding how life-stressors can interfere with your thinking patterns, feelings, beliefs, needs, behaviour and relationships. Prolonged exposure to stress, unhappiness, conflict, trauma, abuse or problematic relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, grief, anger or other behavioural problems. Brain research clearly indicated that early psychological intervention can prevent mental and physical illnesses. Clients now have the opportunity to be proactive and learn the skills on how to protect their mental health, restore their competence and happiness and develop a strong sense of well-being and resiliency.
Children and Teens present more with anxiety, depression, cutting or anger outbursts, which needs to be addressed before they slip into a self-destructive suicidal spiral.
Psychotherapy is the confidential process where you can get insight from an experienced registered Psychologist in understanding how life-stressors can interfere with your thinking patterns, feelings, beliefs, needs, behaviour and relationships. Prolonged exposure to stress, unhappiness, conflict, trauma, abuse or problematic relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, grief, anger or other behavioural problems. Brain research clearly indicated that early psychological intervention can prevent mental and physical illnesses. Clients now have the opportunity to be proactive and learn the skills on how to protect their mental health, restore their competence and happiness and develop a strong sense of well-being and resiliency.
(778) 767-5948 View (778) 767-5948
Photo of Lynn Windels, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Lynn Windels
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C
Seeking counselling is not always an easy step, but it is definitely rewarding. My passion is to help adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, high sensitivity (HSP), immigration-related psychological challenges, and relationship difficulties. During our sessions we will explore healthy coping strategies for the challenges that you are facing. Your journey is unique, and I feel honoured to be by your side.
Seeking counselling is not always an easy step, but it is definitely rewarding. My passion is to help adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, high sensitivity (HSP), immigration-related psychological challenges, and relationship difficulties. During our sessions we will explore healthy coping strategies for the challenges that you are facing. Your journey is unique, and I feel honoured to be by your side.
(249) 488-1893 View (249) 488-1893
Photo of Guido Timmermans, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Guido Timmermans
Counsellor, MA(Psy), CCC, MScEng, PrE(SA)
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V9B
My therapy is about overcoming feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or pain and developing ways to get the life you want. Many of us feel anxious and depressed about what is going on or worry about the future. If you are hurting those you love, you can change that. Do you need to handle your anger better? That is possible. Are you trying to survive a major loss? There is a way. If you have lost hope or don't know how to go about making these crucial adjustments, in our discussions you will develop insights to overcome these challenges, and learn about what needs to be done to achieve your goals, step by step.
My therapy is about overcoming feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or pain and developing ways to get the life you want. Many of us feel anxious and depressed about what is going on or worry about the future. If you are hurting those you love, you can change that. Do you need to handle your anger better? That is possible. Are you trying to survive a major loss? There is a way. If you have lost hope or don't know how to go about making these crucial adjustments, in our discussions you will develop insights to overcome these challenges, and learn about what needs to be done to achieve your goals, step by step.
(866) 533-3743 View (866) 533-3743
Photo of Van der Heul Counselling, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Van der Heul Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MCP, BSc
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V1M
Fleur is a highly experienced counsellor who specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults, who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression. Fleur also provides Executive Function Coaching. Some individuals have weaknesses in executive functions and regardless of how bright they are, they struggle to perform academically. Executive Function Coaching helps individuals with homework planning/completion, study skills, organization, time management, project completion (e.g. essays), and motivation.
Fleur is a highly experienced counsellor who specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults, who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression. Fleur also provides Executive Function Coaching. Some individuals have weaknesses in executive functions and regardless of how bright they are, they struggle to perform academically. Executive Function Coaching helps individuals with homework planning/completion, study skills, organization, time management, project completion (e.g. essays), and motivation.
(604) 359-1075 View (604) 359-1075
Photo of Merel Scheepens, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Merel Scheepens
Counsellor, MA, CCC, RCC, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Surrey, BC V3S  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you want to find your own life back, I would love to be your guide. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor, I specialize in PTSD and Complex Trauma. I have done extensive training in working with trauma with adolescents and adults. I am trustworthy. I work with the newest trauma therapy modalities. I use a combination of parts work (Internal Family Systems), Somatic therapy, eye-brain techniques, Emotional Focused Therapy and Attachment theory, and have level 2 of Complex Trauma Certification Training (CCPT-2). I have lived in four different countries and aim to be culturally informed, strength-based, and collaborative.
If you want to find your own life back, I would love to be your guide. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor, I specialize in PTSD and Complex Trauma. I have done extensive training in working with trauma with adolescents and adults. I am trustworthy. I work with the newest trauma therapy modalities. I use a combination of parts work (Internal Family Systems), Somatic therapy, eye-brain techniques, Emotional Focused Therapy and Attachment theory, and have level 2 of Complex Trauma Certification Training (CCPT-2). I have lived in four different countries and aim to be culturally informed, strength-based, and collaborative.
(226) 400-4847 View (226) 400-4847
Photo of Karolien Vandersmissen, Counsellor in Vancouver, BC
Karolien Vandersmissen
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V9C
I provide therapy for individuals and couples who are navigating life’s challenges and want to create meaningful change. Issues rarely stand alone, but affect and are influenced by various other aspects of daily life, such as our physical wellbeing, relationships, work, environmental and societal factors. I offer a judgment-free environment in which clients feel welcome, safe and heard. Through a collaborative, holistic approach we explore the challenges you are facing while incorporating and developing your inner strengths and resources and finding ways to increase your control.
I provide therapy for individuals and couples who are navigating life’s challenges and want to create meaningful change. Issues rarely stand alone, but affect and are influenced by various other aspects of daily life, such as our physical wellbeing, relationships, work, environmental and societal factors. I offer a judgment-free environment in which clients feel welcome, safe and heard. Through a collaborative, holistic approach we explore the challenges you are facing while incorporating and developing your inner strengths and resources and finding ways to increase your control.
(548) 490-2198 View (548) 490-2198

See more therapy options for Vancouver

Depression Counsellors

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 recognise 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 behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural 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.