Photo of Arvin Puyan, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Arvin Puyan
Registered Psychotherapist, RSW, MACP, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
As a psychotherapist, I provide compassionate support for clients facing depression, anxiety, OCD, work stress, and relationship challenges. In a safe and collaborative environment, I work to understand each individual's unique needs and goals. Together, we explore underlying patterns and develop tailored coping strategies. Through empathy and trust, I empower clients to enhance self-awareness, cultivate resilience, and foster positive change. My aim is to facilitate a journey of self-discovery and growth, guiding clients towards greater emotional well-being and fulfillment.
As a psychotherapist, I provide compassionate support for clients facing depression, anxiety, OCD, work stress, and relationship challenges. In a safe and collaborative environment, I work to understand each individual's unique needs and goals. Together, we explore underlying patterns and develop tailored coping strategies. Through empathy and trust, I empower clients to enhance self-awareness, cultivate resilience, and foster positive change. My aim is to facilitate a journey of self-discovery and growth, guiding clients towards greater emotional well-being and fulfillment.
(365) 305-0034 View (365) 305-0034
Photo of Shabana B, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Richmond Hill, ON
Shabana B
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B
My work focuses on a wide range of struggles including Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship and Family struggles, and Stress.
I received her undergraduate degree in Health Science and later graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. I am currently a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). During my internship, I worked with teens, adults, and couples.
My work focuses on a wide range of struggles including Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship and Family struggles, and Stress.
I received her undergraduate degree in Health Science and later graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. I am currently a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). During my internship, I worked with teens, adults, and couples.
(289) 236-0761 View (289) 236-0761
Photo of Therapy with Carol, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Therapy with Carol
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BSc
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
I help you cope with anxiety and depression. I do this in stages. The first stage is to offer tools to regulate your emotions before they become unmanageable and lead to panic attacks or isolation. In the second stage I help you discover things about yourself that you are not fully aware of. With this self discovery, you will understand WHY you do what you do in life, HOW you became the person that you are today and HOW to transform certain aspects of yourself that no longer serve you to become the amazing person you were born to be.
I help you cope with anxiety and depression. I do this in stages. The first stage is to offer tools to regulate your emotions before they become unmanageable and lead to panic attacks or isolation. In the second stage I help you discover things about yourself that you are not fully aware of. With this self discovery, you will understand WHY you do what you do in life, HOW you became the person that you are today and HOW to transform certain aspects of yourself that no longer serve you to become the amazing person you were born to be.
(647) 360-9270 View (647) 360-9270
Photo of Lotus Pathways Psychotherapy | Shagun Sharma, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Lotus Pathways Psychotherapy | Shagun Sharma
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C  (Online Only)
My professional experience includes working with a wide range of therapeutic issues, such as: depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, cultural-specific issues, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and more.
I believe mental health must recognize individualism. This is influenced by my own experience as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. My key values include empowering clients while creating a safe, collaborative approach. You are the storyteller of your life, and my role is to support you while you write, edit, and enhance the pages. My clients have shared that I provide a genuine, non-judgmental presence and atmosphere while they explore their thoughts and emotions, gain insight into their behaviours, and develop effective steps to enhance their well-being. You can expect a therapeutic setting that is professional, yet relaxed.
My professional experience includes working with a wide range of therapeutic issues, such as: depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, cultural-specific issues, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and more.
I believe mental health must recognize individualism. This is influenced by my own experience as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. My key values include empowering clients while creating a safe, collaborative approach. You are the storyteller of your life, and my role is to support you while you write, edit, and enhance the pages. My clients have shared that I provide a genuine, non-judgmental presence and atmosphere while they explore their thoughts and emotions, gain insight into their behaviours, and develop effective steps to enhance their well-being. You can expect a therapeutic setting that is professional, yet relaxed.
(647) 722-5903 View (647) 722-5903
Photo of Counselling for Success, Registered Social Worker in Richmond Hill, ON
Counselling for Success
Registered Social Worker, SSW, OCT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
I am committed to provide counseling for the success of people in their lives and manage to uphold a cohesive and fun atmosphere, also I respect diversity, confidentiality and maintain ethical boundaries. In my practice at a nonprofit community centre, I participated in educational wellness and community support programs to assist people in many occasions. Also, I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults and families who may be struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, school refusal, test anxiety and career concerns. I also conduct self assessments to better understand children and adults' learning profiles and examine problems with learning or attention.
I am committed to provide counseling for the success of people in their lives and manage to uphold a cohesive and fun atmosphere, also I respect diversity, confidentiality and maintain ethical boundaries. In my practice at a nonprofit community centre, I participated in educational wellness and community support programs to assist people in many occasions. Also, I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults and families who may be struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, school refusal, test anxiety and career concerns. I also conduct self assessments to better understand children and adults' learning profiles and examine problems with learning or attention.
(647) 694-1178 View (647) 694-1178
Photo of About: Anxiety, Depression, Stress- Sarah Pirrotta, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Richmond Hill, ON
About: Anxiety, Depression, Stress- Sarah Pirrotta
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CCC, MACP, BFA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4E  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues can be isolating and exhausting. Are you feeling stuck in repetitive cycles of anxiety, depression, anger, intrusive negative thoughts, emotional distress and dysregulation? Are you engaging in unhealthy behaviours to cope? Struggling with relationships? Is it difficult for you to love yourself, to connect with the present, to achieve your goals? Perhaps you just feel stuck overall and don’t know how to move forward from this place you find yourself in. "Stuck" can be a hard and lonely place to be - I want to help you. I believe that knowledge is power!
Anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues can be isolating and exhausting. Are you feeling stuck in repetitive cycles of anxiety, depression, anger, intrusive negative thoughts, emotional distress and dysregulation? Are you engaging in unhealthy behaviours to cope? Struggling with relationships? Is it difficult for you to love yourself, to connect with the present, to achieve your goals? Perhaps you just feel stuck overall and don’t know how to move forward from this place you find yourself in. "Stuck" can be a hard and lonely place to be - I want to help you. I believe that knowledge is power!
(289) 723-1527 View (289) 723-1527
Photo of Núria Ribas, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Núria Ribas
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
Do you feel ...overwhelmed? ...numb? ...stressed? ...anxious? ...depressed? ...angry? ...hopeless? ...ashamed? ...lost? ...haunted by the past? ...alone? At times we can become stuck in these painful emotions, and we desperately wish to avoid them. We temporarily block them or distract ourselves only for them to return with a vengeance. Instead, when we turn towards them to hear and heal what is underneath, the painful emotions can be truly transformed. In this way, we can use emotions as a guide and overcome the obstacles in reaching our full potential.
Do you feel ...overwhelmed? ...numb? ...stressed? ...anxious? ...depressed? ...angry? ...hopeless? ...ashamed? ...lost? ...haunted by the past? ...alone? At times we can become stuck in these painful emotions, and we desperately wish to avoid them. We temporarily block them or distract ourselves only for them to return with a vengeance. Instead, when we turn towards them to hear and heal what is underneath, the painful emotions can be truly transformed. In this way, we can use emotions as a guide and overcome the obstacles in reaching our full potential.
(416) 450-6127 View (416) 450-6127
Photo of Aminah Al-Hashimi, Registered Social Worker in Richmond Hill, ON
Aminah Al-Hashimi
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4E  (Online Only)
I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with 17 years of experience in the field of mental health, and have worked alongside children, youth, adults , and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict, relationships, adjustment to life’s transitions, and trauma. I believe the individual is the expert of their own lives and sometimes may need support to navigate through their own inner struggles. Healing occurs differently for everyone, and there is never a one-size fits all approach. Allow me to help you each step of the way and to work in collaboration to improve your overall quality of life.
I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with 17 years of experience in the field of mental health, and have worked alongside children, youth, adults , and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict, relationships, adjustment to life’s transitions, and trauma. I believe the individual is the expert of their own lives and sometimes may need support to navigate through their own inner struggles. Healing occurs differently for everyone, and there is never a one-size fits all approach. Allow me to help you each step of the way and to work in collaboration to improve your overall quality of life.
(289) 276-4754 View (289) 276-4754
Photo of Fabiola Duran, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Fabiola Duran
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Fabiola. I have more than twenty five years of working experience (12 years in Canada, 10 years in the US, 5 years in Colombia) with Spanish and English speaking couples, individuals, and families in the areas of grief, infidelity, trauma, PTSD, divorce, anger management, sleep or insomnia, pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, domestic violence, drug addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, among others. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
My name is Fabiola. I have more than twenty five years of working experience (12 years in Canada, 10 years in the US, 5 years in Colombia) with Spanish and English speaking couples, individuals, and families in the areas of grief, infidelity, trauma, PTSD, divorce, anger management, sleep or insomnia, pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, domestic violence, drug addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, among others. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
(647) 496-1036 View (647) 496-1036
Photo of Dr Carolyne Lee @ FLEX Psychology, Psychologist in Richmond Hill, ON
Dr Carolyne Lee @ FLEX Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4B
Many people experience difficulty managing their emotions or feel “stuck” in life. Collaboratively, we will work together towards meaningful change. My approach is informed by Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies. I provide therapy to teens and adults, with particular expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma/abuse.
Many people experience difficulty managing their emotions or feel “stuck” in life. Collaboratively, we will work together towards meaningful change. My approach is informed by Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies. I provide therapy to teens and adults, with particular expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma/abuse.
(289) 809-6177 View (289) 809-6177
Photo of Hedy Anvari, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Richmond Hill, ON
Hedy Anvari
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
I help couples who aren’t satisfied in their relationship and individuals living with stress, anxiety and depression.
The path to becoming your best self is not easy. It requires work and dedication. But it's rewarding. I want to remind you that the journey is just as important as the destination, and for you, the healing can begin right now. I offer a safe and secure physical and virtual space for us to work through your life up to now. Together we identify themes that contribute to maladaptive patterns of thought and behaviour. Through an integrative approach to therapy we unpack past traumas and connect core beliefs. We become acquainted or reacquainted with your truest self and we begin laying the bricks towards living a more congruent life.
I help couples who aren’t satisfied in their relationship and individuals living with stress, anxiety and depression.
The path to becoming your best self is not easy. It requires work and dedication. But it's rewarding. I want to remind you that the journey is just as important as the destination, and for you, the healing can begin right now. I offer a safe and secure physical and virtual space for us to work through your life up to now. Together we identify themes that contribute to maladaptive patterns of thought and behaviour. Through an integrative approach to therapy we unpack past traumas and connect core beliefs. We become acquainted or reacquainted with your truest self and we begin laying the bricks towards living a more congruent life.
(289) 276-7171 View (289) 276-7171
Photo of Heba Ragheb, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Heba Ragheb
Registered Psychotherapist, HBSc, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, disconnected or struggling with difficult emotions (i.e. depression, anxiety, burnout or anger), I can certainly support you. We all get hit with hardships. It takes courage to seek help. I am happy to work with you to relieve your stress, achieve wellness and improve you quality of life. My area of specialty includes working with individuals, couples and families to manage and heal from the impact of depression, anxiety and trauma. I have an eclectic approach that combines several modalities i.e. CBT, Psychodynamic & Narrative therapy). I also offer group counselling & supervision services.
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, disconnected or struggling with difficult emotions (i.e. depression, anxiety, burnout or anger), I can certainly support you. We all get hit with hardships. It takes courage to seek help. I am happy to work with you to relieve your stress, achieve wellness and improve you quality of life. My area of specialty includes working with individuals, couples and families to manage and heal from the impact of depression, anxiety and trauma. I have an eclectic approach that combines several modalities i.e. CBT, Psychodynamic & Narrative therapy). I also offer group counselling & supervision services.
(647) 370-3784 View (647) 370-3784
Photo of Bhatia Psychology Group, Psychologist in Richmond Hill, ON
Bhatia Psychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
Bhatia Psychology Group provides individual and couples therapy to help you build a mentally healthier and happier life. Our team features clinical psychologists, social workers, and registered psychotherapists. We more than therapists — we are caring, compassionate and committed individuals guiding you on a path to happiness, self-love and inner peace. We are here to help if you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges or more.
Bhatia Psychology Group provides individual and couples therapy to help you build a mentally healthier and happier life. Our team features clinical psychologists, social workers, and registered psychotherapists. We more than therapists — we are caring, compassionate and committed individuals guiding you on a path to happiness, self-love and inner peace. We are here to help if you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges or more.
(289) 805-3520 View (289) 805-3520
Photo of Natalie Ho, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Natalie Ho
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I have experience providing services in both short-term and long-term contexts to adults who have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief.
The last few years have been hard on all of us. We have all grieved in some capacity, whether it be over the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or simply the life that we knew before the world was changed by the pandemic. As someone who has been in therapy myself, I know how important it is to have a safe space in which we can process the ups and downs of life.
I have experience providing services in both short-term and long-term contexts to adults who have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief.
The last few years have been hard on all of us. We have all grieved in some capacity, whether it be over the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or simply the life that we knew before the world was changed by the pandemic. As someone who has been in therapy myself, I know how important it is to have a safe space in which we can process the ups and downs of life.
(289) 272-8502 View (289) 272-8502
Photo of Stacey Neumin, Psychological Associate in Richmond Hill, ON
Stacey Neumin
Psychological Associate, DipCS, CPsychA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C  (Online Only)
In my practice I support people struggling with relationship and marital concerns, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, workplace stress, career transition as well as work/life balance.
If you are dealing with a crisis, are feeling confused and overwhelmed, or have suffered a loss, or a relationship struggle, then please contact me. I have been counselling 20+ years with adults, and I welcome the privilege of working with you, supporting you to reclaim your inner strength. I believe I combine integrity, compassion and clinical skill to offer you effective, thought provoking therapy. And I will provide you with feedback and tools to make a difference in your current circumstances. I welcome hearing from you.
In my practice I support people struggling with relationship and marital concerns, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, workplace stress, career transition as well as work/life balance.
If you are dealing with a crisis, are feeling confused and overwhelmed, or have suffered a loss, or a relationship struggle, then please contact me. I have been counselling 20+ years with adults, and I welcome the privilege of working with you, supporting you to reclaim your inner strength. I believe I combine integrity, compassion and clinical skill to offer you effective, thought provoking therapy. And I will provide you with feedback and tools to make a difference in your current circumstances. I welcome hearing from you.
(855) 465-1532 View (855) 465-1532
Photo of Amreeta Kaur - The Inner Compass Therapist, Registered Social Worker in Richmond Hill, ON
Amreeta Kaur - The Inner Compass Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I provide a non-judgmental space, a gentle but direct approach, for you to learn how to understand your emotions, manage feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, develop an inner dialogue that is kinder and more forgiving, as well as learn to feel confident in who you are.
What if you can stop feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and start feeling more secure and confident? What if you are no longer striving to please others and are able to stop worrying about whether others are judging you? I can help you to overcome these nagging insecurities and listen to your inner compass so that you can build motivation, courageously make choices and connect with others authentically.
I provide a non-judgmental space, a gentle but direct approach, for you to learn how to understand your emotions, manage feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, develop an inner dialogue that is kinder and more forgiving, as well as learn to feel confident in who you are.
What if you can stop feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and start feeling more secure and confident? What if you are no longer striving to please others and are able to stop worrying about whether others are judging you? I can help you to overcome these nagging insecurities and listen to your inner compass so that you can build motivation, courageously make choices and connect with others authentically.
(647) 931-4223 View (647) 931-4223
Photo of Patty Palozzi, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Patty Palozzi
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RPC
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
Personal Pathway sets the path towards healing and supports you along the way. Our work may include: fostering meaningful relationships, anxiety, depression, and loss. It will allow you to be more flexible and adaptive. To get unstuck, reintroducing emotional movement in your life, to feel worthy and wanting to gravitate towards joy, peace and personal freedom.
Personal Pathway sets the path towards healing and supports you along the way. Our work may include: fostering meaningful relationships, anxiety, depression, and loss. It will allow you to be more flexible and adaptive. To get unstuck, reintroducing emotional movement in your life, to feel worthy and wanting to gravitate towards joy, peace and personal freedom.
(855) 463-7371 View (855) 463-7371
Photo of Rom Malik, Registered Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON
Rom Malik
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
Our life experiences have shaped our perceptions, coping methods and relationships. For 25+ years I have researched symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety): how they develop from life experiences, and how to dismantle them in therapy. Together, we will work to assist you in overcoming your sadness, fears, worries, and low self-esteem while helping you navigate stressors at home, work and family. I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental and friendly space. We can build on your courage to support your healing and growth. Therapy offers freedom to explore with compassion, to find stability, and to create new possibilities.
Our life experiences have shaped our perceptions, coping methods and relationships. For 25+ years I have researched symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety): how they develop from life experiences, and how to dismantle them in therapy. Together, we will work to assist you in overcoming your sadness, fears, worries, and low self-esteem while helping you navigate stressors at home, work and family. I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental and friendly space. We can build on your courage to support your healing and growth. Therapy offers freedom to explore with compassion, to find stability, and to create new possibilities.
(647) 931-1563 View (647) 931-1563
Photo of Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif, Counsellor in Richmond Hill, ON
Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
(365) 298-0225 View (365) 298-0225
Photo of Mahtab Yazdani, Registered Social Worker in Richmond Hill, ON
Mahtab Yazdani
Registered Social Worker, BSW, Hons, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
I understand that at any stage of life whether married or single, issues do arise that are challenging & stressful. If you feel your connection with your partner is not strong as it used to be, If you have been traumatized by life events, unexpected changes & you are thinking things are getting out of control, feel anxious ,angry or sad, you can contact me, together we can construct the best path to improve your relationship, heal your heart and calm your anxious body & mind. I want you to remember that you are worthy of a healthy relationship, and I want you to know that depression or anxiety are curable.
I understand that at any stage of life whether married or single, issues do arise that are challenging & stressful. If you feel your connection with your partner is not strong as it used to be, If you have been traumatized by life events, unexpected changes & you are thinking things are getting out of control, feel anxious ,angry or sad, you can contact me, together we can construct the best path to improve your relationship, heal your heart and calm your anxious body & mind. I want you to remember that you are worthy of a healthy relationship, and I want you to know that depression or anxiety are curable.
(289) 278-8548 View (289) 278-8548

See more therapy options for Richmond Hill

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.