Depression Therapists in Halifax, NS

Photo of Gillian Ann O'Brien, MACP, MEd, BA, Counsellor
Gillian Ann O'Brien
Counsellor, MACP, MEd, BA
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3K
Life has many ups and downs, learn to maintain a healthy life balance.
My ideal client is at the bottom of their “to do” list. They are overworked and pushing themselves beyond capacity. They are likely suffering from symptoms of burnout, stress, anxiety and/or depression. These clients often struggle to understand their own needs because they have neglected themselves, and their mental health for far too long.
Life has many ups and downs, learn to maintain a healthy life balance.
My ideal client is at the bottom of their “to do” list. They are overworked and pushing themselves beyond capacity. They are likely suffering from symptoms of burnout, stress, anxiety and/or depression. These clients often struggle to understand their own needs because they have neglected themselves, and their mental health for far too long.
(782) 222-5827 View (782) 222-5827
Photo of Joe Savidge, RCT-C, Counsellor
Joe Savidge
Counsellor, RCT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3K
An early influence on my career involved several years working on a paediatric hospital ward; today, working with youth and adults, I continue to find success by drawing on the playful curiosity and compassionate empathy that helped me there.
Sometimes our problems seem to take on a life of their own; they can drag us down, even paralyzing us under a weight of sadness and worry. Perhaps you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you are struggling to cope. If this sounds like you, we can talk. With years of experience in clinical healthcare and university-counselling settings, I am adept at working with a wide range of mental health and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. My services are offered in collaboration with Wolf Counselling Therapy.
An early influence on my career involved several years working on a paediatric hospital ward; today, working with youth and adults, I continue to find success by drawing on the playful curiosity and compassionate empathy that helped me there.
Sometimes our problems seem to take on a life of their own; they can drag us down, even paralyzing us under a weight of sadness and worry. Perhaps you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you are struggling to cope. If this sounds like you, we can talk. With years of experience in clinical healthcare and university-counselling settings, I am adept at working with a wide range of mental health and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. My services are offered in collaboration with Wolf Counselling Therapy.
(782) 400-0330 View (782) 400-0330
Photo of Nicole L. Morrissey, MEd, CCC, RCT-C, Counsellor
Nicole L. Morrissey
Counsellor, MEd, CCC, RCT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3K
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in the innate strength, wisdom, and inner resources of each individual, and I am honoured that I get to support individuals in 'remembering' and embracing these qualities within themselves.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, relationship difficulties, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
I believe in the innate strength, wisdom, and inner resources of each individual, and I am honoured that I get to support individuals in 'remembering' and embracing these qualities within themselves.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, relationship difficulties, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
(782) 800-5383 View (782) 800-5383
Photo of Halit Ozer, RP, MPS, BE, Registered Psychotherapist
Halit Ozer
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MPS, BE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3M
“Knowing ourselves “ is the key to enjoy life, based on my spiritual experience of 25 years.
I thrive on navigating my clients through times of emotional distress, depression, anxiety, searching for meaning and purpose, need of connectedness, questioning of identity, values, looking for hope and peace. I feel confident in helping people find inner peace, mental tranquility and emotional calm through counselling and psychotherapy. I believe that a human being who is in search of reducing stress levels, boosting the quality of life, and achieving spiritual and mental sophistication and emotional stability would appreciate guidance and companionship. I would be glad to be at the service of my clients who feel this way.
“Knowing ourselves “ is the key to enjoy life, based on my spiritual experience of 25 years.
I thrive on navigating my clients through times of emotional distress, depression, anxiety, searching for meaning and purpose, need of connectedness, questioning of identity, values, looking for hope and peace. I feel confident in helping people find inner peace, mental tranquility and emotional calm through counselling and psychotherapy. I believe that a human being who is in search of reducing stress levels, boosting the quality of life, and achieving spiritual and mental sophistication and emotional stability would appreciate guidance and companionship. I would be glad to be at the service of my clients who feel this way.
(902) 907-5491 View (902) 907-5491
Photo of Daniel LeBouthillier, PhD, RPsych, Psychologist
Daniel LeBouthillier
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
My approach is warm and non-judgemental.
I am a Clinical Psychologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I work with adults (ages 18 years and older) experiencing a variety of emotional difficulties and conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessions/compulsions, posttraumatic stress, low self-esteem, performance anxiety, perfectionism, excessive worry, and procrastination. I am happy to provide services in English or French.
My approach is warm and non-judgemental.
I am a Clinical Psychologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I work with adults (ages 18 years and older) experiencing a variety of emotional difficulties and conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessions/compulsions, posttraumatic stress, low self-esteem, performance anxiety, perfectionism, excessive worry, and procrastination. I am happy to provide services in English or French.
View
Photo of Erin Montgomery, MEd, MTA, FAMI, CCC, RCT, Counsellor
Erin Montgomery
Counsellor, MEd, MTA, FAMI, CCC, RCT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3K
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialized training in CBT, ACT, AEDP, & EMDR for trauma & dissociation.
My work includes a deep commitment to the well-being of my clients. I work with those who are 19 and older and offer individual as well as group sessions. I understand that repetitive and prolonged stress levels affect our mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual selves. In my specialized practice, I support people whose difficult life experiences have resulted in post traumatic and dissociative responses, as well as anxiety and depression. I assist my clients to make the shift from surviving to thriving. I often work experientially in sessions in addition to talking. We'll collaborate on a plan that works for you.
I have specialized training in CBT, ACT, AEDP, & EMDR for trauma & dissociation.
My work includes a deep commitment to the well-being of my clients. I work with those who are 19 and older and offer individual as well as group sessions. I understand that repetitive and prolonged stress levels affect our mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual selves. In my specialized practice, I support people whose difficult life experiences have resulted in post traumatic and dissociative responses, as well as anxiety and depression. I assist my clients to make the shift from surviving to thriving. I often work experientially in sessions in addition to talking. We'll collaborate on a plan that works for you.
(902) 448-2138 View (902) 448-2138
Photo of Zuraida Dada, CPsych, RPsych, CHRP, Psychologist
Zuraida Dada
Psychologist, CPsych, RPsych, CHRP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have personal experience overcoming anxiety, stress and trauma (e.
Accepting new clients. Seasoned psychologist with over 20 years experience. CAP John C Service 2021 award recipient. Registered WCB/WSIB provider. I offer in person & virtual counselling to adult individuals. I treat anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, return to work/fitness for work, career counselling, psychological assessments, executive coaching & life, transition & relationship coaching. I am committed to guiding you to understand yourself better, identify your strengths, improve your resiliency & your coping strategies- resulting in your self- growth, overcoming your life challenges & living a meaningful & fulfilling life.
I have personal experience overcoming anxiety, stress and trauma (e.
Accepting new clients. Seasoned psychologist with over 20 years experience. CAP John C Service 2021 award recipient. Registered WCB/WSIB provider. I offer in person & virtual counselling to adult individuals. I treat anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, return to work/fitness for work, career counselling, psychological assessments, executive coaching & life, transition & relationship coaching. I am committed to guiding you to understand yourself better, identify your strengths, improve your resiliency & your coping strategies- resulting in your self- growth, overcoming your life challenges & living a meaningful & fulfilling life.
(782) 312-1147 View (782) 312-1147
Photo of Michelle Slade, MACP, RCT-C, Registered Psychotherapist
Michelle Slade
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RCT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3S
Therapy is about letting your guard down, saying the things you think but never voice and being real about your life.
Sometimes life feels like a lot. It could be a past experience that keeps running through your head, a transition that was more challenging than you expected or an ongoing issue in a personal or work relationship that is keeping you from fully living. The longer you push away, dismiss or ignore the painful feelings, the harder it becomes to live the life you imagined for yourself. The effects of trauma, anxiety and depression will take their toll on you and those around you. I work with people who are ready to take the first step towards healing.
Therapy is about letting your guard down, saying the things you think but never voice and being real about your life.
Sometimes life feels like a lot. It could be a past experience that keeps running through your head, a transition that was more challenging than you expected or an ongoing issue in a personal or work relationship that is keeping you from fully living. The longer you push away, dismiss or ignore the painful feelings, the harder it becomes to live the life you imagined for yourself. The effects of trauma, anxiety and depression will take their toll on you and those around you. I work with people who are ready to take the first step towards healing.
(782) 201-3836 View (782) 201-3836
Photo of Alicia Berze-Butts, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alicia Berze-Butts
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3J
She highly values taking a collaborative, client-centred approach to therapy and maintains a warm and empathetic interpersonal style in order to provide a comfortable environment where clients can feel safe, supported, and understood.
Alicia offers quality training and experience providing assessments and psychotherapy for adult clients (ages 17+ years) with a wide variety of mental health challenges, including issues with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, self-esteem, body image, work/school stress, grief, and interpersonal relationships (e.g., relationships with romantic partners, friends, and/or family members).
She highly values taking a collaborative, client-centred approach to therapy and maintains a warm and empathetic interpersonal style in order to provide a comfortable environment where clients can feel safe, supported, and understood.
Alicia offers quality training and experience providing assessments and psychotherapy for adult clients (ages 17+ years) with a wide variety of mental health challenges, including issues with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, self-esteem, body image, work/school stress, grief, and interpersonal relationships (e.g., relationships with romantic partners, friends, and/or family members).
(782) 201-0622 View (782) 201-0622
Photo of Julia Smith - Insight Mental Health Counselling, MEd, RCT, CCC, Counsellor
Insight Mental Health Counselling
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
We are skilled therapists that have years of experience.
We help teenagers and adults who want to confident and happy but are feeling weighed down by anxiety, stress and depression. We also help couples who want healthy and supportive relationships but instead find themselves feeling misunderstood, unheard and unhappy.
We are skilled therapists that have years of experience.
We help teenagers and adults who want to confident and happy but are feeling weighed down by anxiety, stress and depression. We also help couples who want healthy and supportive relationships but instead find themselves feeling misunderstood, unheard and unhappy.
(782) 202-0100 View (782) 202-0100
Photo of Brandon Tolliver, BA, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Brandon Tolliver
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MA
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3S
Reaching out for help takes courage.
Accepting New Clients! If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges or dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I'm here to help. Therapy can provide the guidance, tools and skills you need for personal growth and your mental health. My approach is diverse, client-centered and tailored to your individual needs. I’ve seen the positive effects of therapy and believe it can greatly improve your quality of life. I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Together, we can develop strategies to manage your symptoms and achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you.
Reaching out for help takes courage.
Accepting New Clients! If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges or dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I'm here to help. Therapy can provide the guidance, tools and skills you need for personal growth and your mental health. My approach is diverse, client-centered and tailored to your individual needs. I’ve seen the positive effects of therapy and believe it can greatly improve your quality of life. I specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Together, we can develop strategies to manage your symptoms and achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you.
(782) 222-5287 View (782) 222-5287
Photo of Erin Dempsey, PhD, Cand R, Psychologist
Erin Dempsey
Psychologist, PhD, Cand R
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3K
I have received advanced training and supervision in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.
The many twists and turns of life can be challenging to process and navigate. You may have experienced new or longstanding adversity that can make relationships challenging, cause overwhelming anxiety, or lead you to become withdrawn and depressed. I will collaborate with you to develop a warm, compassionate therapeutic relationship to help you explore how your body and mind respond to the complex emotions that emerge with such life adversity. For most of us, these patterns are automatic, but as you get to know yourself you can uncover new choices and options for meaningful, lasting change.
I have received advanced training and supervision in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.
The many twists and turns of life can be challenging to process and navigate. You may have experienced new or longstanding adversity that can make relationships challenging, cause overwhelming anxiety, or lead you to become withdrawn and depressed. I will collaborate with you to develop a warm, compassionate therapeutic relationship to help you explore how your body and mind respond to the complex emotions that emerge with such life adversity. For most of us, these patterns are automatic, but as you get to know yourself you can uncover new choices and options for meaningful, lasting change.
(782) 400-0441 View (782) 400-0441
Photo of Andrea Krygier, RPsych, Psychologist
Andrea Krygier
Psychologist, RPsych
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a bilingual psychologist, I offer services in both English and Spanish, providing a safe and inclusive space for clients from diverse backgrounds.
Currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions! With 30 years of experience, I’m a Registered Psychologist committed to helping individuals, couples, and families live fulfilling lives. I offer a warm, empathetic approach, empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve growth. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic illness, work stress, existential crises, and relationship issues. I also support clients with acculturation, LGBTQIA concerns, trauma, fertility struggles, and chronic pain.
As a bilingual psychologist, I offer services in both English and Spanish, providing a safe and inclusive space for clients from diverse backgrounds.
Currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions! With 30 years of experience, I’m a Registered Psychologist committed to helping individuals, couples, and families live fulfilling lives. I offer a warm, empathetic approach, empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve growth. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic illness, work stress, existential crises, and relationship issues. I also support clients with acculturation, LGBTQIA concerns, trauma, fertility struggles, and chronic pain.
(782) 812-1291 View (782) 812-1291
Photo of Danielle Jakubiak, MA, MMus, MTA, RCT, CCC, Counsellor
Danielle Jakubiak
Counsellor, MA, MMus, MTA, RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3H
My practice is grounded in collaborative and holistic approaches to healing.
You may face sadness, worry, repetitive thoughts, following experiences that are tough to talk about, violence and trauma resulting in numbness, isolation. Maybe you want to dig deeper, to better understand these events and how they are impacting your life now. You may feel increasingly ready to move through and beyond the difficulties you face, to embrace what feels more like the real you. I am trained to work creatively with folks who are in the midst of life’s challenges, to help them process and cope with their emotions. I know how to work with trauma, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, depression and anxiety.
My practice is grounded in collaborative and holistic approaches to healing.
You may face sadness, worry, repetitive thoughts, following experiences that are tough to talk about, violence and trauma resulting in numbness, isolation. Maybe you want to dig deeper, to better understand these events and how they are impacting your life now. You may feel increasingly ready to move through and beyond the difficulties you face, to embrace what feels more like the real you. I am trained to work creatively with folks who are in the midst of life’s challenges, to help them process and cope with their emotions. I know how to work with trauma, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, depression and anxiety.
(902) 702-3680 View (902) 702-3680
Photo of Lee Park, MA , BAHons, RCT-C21, Counsellor
Lee Park
Counsellor, MA , BAHons, RCT-C21
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3J
I lead clients through emotional processing.
The ability to connect with you is a true privilege, blessing. I have deep passion to consistently improve, offer the highest standards of services, my approach is individualized, culturally, context sensitive. I work with children, teens, students, new graduates, individuals, couples, families. I treat anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, post trauma, assist those in life changes. I see my role to create a safe, warm, non judgemental, relaxed space so you find your best self, be motivated to work on your own, carrying out compassion, empathy, a clear understanding of a therapy approach, tools. www.canadaonlinetherapy.com
I lead clients through emotional processing.
The ability to connect with you is a true privilege, blessing. I have deep passion to consistently improve, offer the highest standards of services, my approach is individualized, culturally, context sensitive. I work with children, teens, students, new graduates, individuals, couples, families. I treat anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, post trauma, assist those in life changes. I see my role to create a safe, warm, non judgemental, relaxed space so you find your best self, be motivated to work on your own, carrying out compassion, empathy, a clear understanding of a therapy approach, tools. www.canadaonlinetherapy.com
(902) 608-8663 View (902) 608-8663
Photo of Celine Robert, MSc, MAS, BSc, Psychologist
Celine Robert
Psychologist, MSc, MAS, BSc
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3J
I understand that feeling stuck can make therapy look like trying to climb a mountain.
Maybe you have tried many things and still feel there is something getting in the way of being the person you want to be. Maybe you are continuously looking for strategies to help you feel better but still feel stuck with difficult emotions and feelings. Maybe life threw obstacles in your way that turned your world upside-down. Sometimes, the obstacles can even come from inside in the form of negative, critical, anxious, or depressed thoughts and feelings. All this can keep you from connecting with others, making decisions, doing daily life activities, feeling confident about yourself, or finding meaning in life.
I understand that feeling stuck can make therapy look like trying to climb a mountain.
Maybe you have tried many things and still feel there is something getting in the way of being the person you want to be. Maybe you are continuously looking for strategies to help you feel better but still feel stuck with difficult emotions and feelings. Maybe life threw obstacles in your way that turned your world upside-down. Sometimes, the obstacles can even come from inside in the form of negative, critical, anxious, or depressed thoughts and feelings. All this can keep you from connecting with others, making decisions, doing daily life activities, feeling confident about yourself, or finding meaning in life.
(902) 901-2796 View (902) 901-2796
Photo of Eleanor McGroarty At One To One Wellness, RPsych, Psychologist
Eleanor McGroarty At One To One Wellness
Psychologist, RPsych
Verified Verified
Online Only
While I have a deep understanding of human suffering and loss, I appreciate that each person is unique in how they experience the world.
As your psychologist, I'll help you develop skills and insights for positive, lasting change. I'll be fully present and tuned in to understand your experiences, pain, fears, and hopes. We will be a team, your feedback will be used to design your treatment and ensure that it is helpful. Our sessions will provide a space for you to process what's going on in your mind, while equipping you with tools to reduce and manage physical and mental distress and pain. We can explore if other treatments such as physiotherapy, massage and osteopathy with our great team at One to One Wellness may help you to feel better and stronger in your life.
While I have a deep understanding of human suffering and loss, I appreciate that each person is unique in how they experience the world.
As your psychologist, I'll help you develop skills and insights for positive, lasting change. I'll be fully present and tuned in to understand your experiences, pain, fears, and hopes. We will be a team, your feedback will be used to design your treatment and ensure that it is helpful. Our sessions will provide a space for you to process what's going on in your mind, while equipping you with tools to reduce and manage physical and mental distress and pain. We can explore if other treatments such as physiotherapy, massage and osteopathy with our great team at One to One Wellness may help you to feel better and stronger in your life.
(782) 201-5111 View (782) 201-5111
Photo of Jessica Wine, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jessica Wine
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I assist individuals facing challenges like stress, grief, anxiety, depression, or abuse by providing the necessary support and guidance to make it through.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, grief, loss, anxiety, or depression? Struggling with challenges at work or in your relationship? If you're seeking guidance to navigate these difficulties, I'm here to help. With 30 years of experience in providing therapy to adults, couples, and teens, I offer deep insights and a passionate commitment to supporting you through life's challenges. This is your chance to talk to a professional who will listen and help you gain clarity and perspective on your situation. I am a dedicated listener who loves helping others and firmly believes in your worth and potential to create a better life.
I assist individuals facing challenges like stress, grief, anxiety, depression, or abuse by providing the necessary support and guidance to make it through.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, grief, loss, anxiety, or depression? Struggling with challenges at work or in your relationship? If you're seeking guidance to navigate these difficulties, I'm here to help. With 30 years of experience in providing therapy to adults, couples, and teens, I offer deep insights and a passionate commitment to supporting you through life's challenges. This is your chance to talk to a professional who will listen and help you gain clarity and perspective on your situation. I am a dedicated listener who loves helping others and firmly believes in your worth and potential to create a better life.
(902) 905-2425 View (902) 905-2425
Photo of Maria DeNicola, MACP, RCT, CCC, SEP, Counsellor
Maria DeNicola
Counsellor, MACP, RCT, CCC, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
I bring unconditional positive regard, curiosity, empathy, and compassion to my practice.
I specialize in trauma therapy and work with individuals on their journey of healing, growth, and wellness. I use a collaborative, holistic, and body-oriented approach to support clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, irritability, sleep impairments, digestion issues, chronic pain, grief, and relationship difficulties.
I bring unconditional positive regard, curiosity, empathy, and compassion to my practice.
I specialize in trauma therapy and work with individuals on their journey of healing, growth, and wellness. I use a collaborative, holistic, and body-oriented approach to support clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, irritability, sleep impairments, digestion issues, chronic pain, grief, and relationship difficulties.
(902) 901-5459 View (902) 901-5459
Photo of Colleen Bob, MEd, RCT, CCC, Counsellor
Colleen Bob
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3H
As a member of the queer community, I have a keen interest in how socio-cultural factors impact wellbeing.
Feeling stuck in a cycle of negativity, insecurity, or hopelessness? Do you long to improve your relationship with yourself and others? Through therapy, old patterns give way as you gain more access and understanding of your emotions, and a stronger and wiser version of yourself becomes available. I hold space for your healing and growth and also for your unique values, beliefs, and lived experience. In addition to individual therapy, I also offer couples counseling, where we work to understand negative patterns that keep you in conflict, and begin to create new patterns of connection, safety, and trust.
As a member of the queer community, I have a keen interest in how socio-cultural factors impact wellbeing.
Feeling stuck in a cycle of negativity, insecurity, or hopelessness? Do you long to improve your relationship with yourself and others? Through therapy, old patterns give way as you gain more access and understanding of your emotions, and a stronger and wiser version of yourself becomes available. I hold space for your healing and growth and also for your unique values, beliefs, and lived experience. In addition to individual therapy, I also offer couples counseling, where we work to understand negative patterns that keep you in conflict, and begin to create new patterns of connection, safety, and trust.
(902) 423-1935 View (902) 423-1935
1
...

See more therapy options for Halifax

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.