Depression Counselling in Lincoln

Photo of Jane Pickersgill, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Jane Pickersgill
Counsellor, MSc, ACC Reg
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN5  (Online Only)
I have significant experience working with relationships, depression, fertility issues and anxiety.
What's the closest crocodile to your canoe? In other words, what's worrying you? Is there something feeling overwhelming that keeps you from going where you want to on your journey through life? That's your crocodile. Thankfully though, a canoe is a 2-person boat. At Canoe Counselling, I join you as a guide and help, to go at your pace, in the direction you want, for as long as we choose. Person-Centred therapy holds the idea of relationship at the very centre of the work we do together - I may offer suggestions and guidance, and will support you to the best of my ability, but ultimately you are the one who gets us there!
I have significant experience working with relationships, depression, fertility issues and anxiety.
What's the closest crocodile to your canoe? In other words, what's worrying you? Is there something feeling overwhelming that keeps you from going where you want to on your journey through life? That's your crocodile. Thankfully though, a canoe is a 2-person boat. At Canoe Counselling, I join you as a guide and help, to go at your pace, in the direction you want, for as long as we choose. Person-Centred therapy holds the idea of relationship at the very centre of the work we do together - I may offer suggestions and guidance, and will support you to the best of my ability, but ultimately you are the one who gets us there!
01529 401182 View 01529 401182
Photo of Daniel James Palmer, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Daniel James Palmer
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
I have experience working with survivors of sexual abuse at Trust House Grantham, I have also worked with people at Lincoln Trauma centre where i work with all different type of clients that include PTSD, Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Stress, relationship and work issues plus many more.
Hey my name is Dan and I offer a counselling service in Sleaford, Grantham and Lincoln. Sometimes Life is difficult and you may not know what to do. You may feel you have no one to talk to or you are not comfortable talking to friends and family. You may prefer to come and talk to someone who can offer you an emphatic and non-judgmental environment for you to discuss your problems and experiences in life.
I have experience working with survivors of sexual abuse at Trust House Grantham, I have also worked with people at Lincoln Trauma centre where i work with all different type of clients that include PTSD, Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Stress, relationship and work issues plus many more.
Hey my name is Dan and I offer a counselling service in Sleaford, Grantham and Lincoln. Sometimes Life is difficult and you may not know what to do. You may feel you have no one to talk to or you are not comfortable talking to friends and family. You may prefer to come and talk to someone who can offer you an emphatic and non-judgmental environment for you to discuss your problems and experiences in life.
01529 404436 View 01529 404436
Photo of Dr Sarah Toft Flourish Psychological Services Ltd, Psychologist in Lincoln, England
Dr Sarah Toft Flourish Psychological Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Having worked for 20 years in the NHS and in recent years within my private practice, I have a wealth of experience working with adults to improve their Psychological well-being, addressing a range of areas, including; anxiety, insomnia, panic, depression, self esteem, relationship concerns, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. If you wish to make changes in your life, to feel calmer, more confident and less down, then therapy could help you with this.
Having worked for 20 years in the NHS and in recent years within my private practice, I have a wealth of experience working with adults to improve their Psychological well-being, addressing a range of areas, including; anxiety, insomnia, panic, depression, self esteem, relationship concerns, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. If you wish to make changes in your life, to feel calmer, more confident and less down, then therapy could help you with this.
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Photo of Christopher McGill, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Christopher McGill
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN6
It is my aim to create a compassionate & safe space where you feel truly listened to & heard. Here we can explore thoughts, feelings & behaviours that may be making life harder with the aim to bring acceptance and then change. I have worked extensively with heightened levels of anxiety, anger issues, depression, patterns of unhelpful behaviours & helped clients to develop & maintain healthier relationships. As an experienced Humanistic therapist I believe that traumatic memories & painful relationships can block our self worth and lead us to take in & believe unhelpful & inaccurate self narratives.
It is my aim to create a compassionate & safe space where you feel truly listened to & heard. Here we can explore thoughts, feelings & behaviours that may be making life harder with the aim to bring acceptance and then change. I have worked extensively with heightened levels of anxiety, anger issues, depression, patterns of unhelpful behaviours & helped clients to develop & maintain healthier relationships. As an experienced Humanistic therapist I believe that traumatic memories & painful relationships can block our self worth and lead us to take in & believe unhelpful & inaccurate self narratives.
01636 556102 View 01636 556102
Photo of Csilla Varga, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Csilla Varga
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Hi, my name is Csilla, I am a qualified counsellor, I welcome you in a safe and confidential space to work with me either in person or online. Whatever is that you are going through, whether you are feeling anxious, depressed or if you are experiencing problems or difficulties either in your personal life or at work, we can explore these safely and confidentially. In therapy every feeling, thought or sensation you might feel is welcome.
Hi, my name is Csilla, I am a qualified counsellor, I welcome you in a safe and confidential space to work with me either in person or online. Whatever is that you are going through, whether you are feeling anxious, depressed or if you are experiencing problems or difficulties either in your personal life or at work, we can explore these safely and confidentially. In therapy every feeling, thought or sensation you might feel is welcome.
01529 404569 View 01529 404569
Photo of Monika Allen, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Monika Allen
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
If you want to change your situation on the outside, it’s good to start by looking at what you can change on the inside. Perhaps you have serious difficulties finding peace and joy in your life. Your sense of well-being, physically and mentally, may be reduced or destroyed. You might find yourself sliding into unhealthy or even self-destructive behaviours. Your persistent self-doubt leads to anxiety and depression, causing relationship problems and anger issues. You have a feeling that you do not quite know who you are.  Or perhaps you just know “something is not quite right in my life” but you can’t pinpoint what it is.
If you want to change your situation on the outside, it’s good to start by looking at what you can change on the inside. Perhaps you have serious difficulties finding peace and joy in your life. Your sense of well-being, physically and mentally, may be reduced or destroyed. You might find yourself sliding into unhealthy or even self-destructive behaviours. Your persistent self-doubt leads to anxiety and depression, causing relationship problems and anger issues. You have a feeling that you do not quite know who you are.  Or perhaps you just know “something is not quite right in my life” but you can’t pinpoint what it is.
01469 420934 View 01469 420934
Photo of Jasmine Malam, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Jasmine Malam
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln LN1
People come to counselling for many reasons, you may be experiencing trauma - past or present, anxiety, depression, miscarriage, marriage difficulties, abortion or bereavement.
Does life feel overwhelming, stressful and challenging? You may be finding yourself getting distracted worrying about your relationship, battling anxiety and depression, experiencing a bereavement , or struggling with your self-worth and confidence. You are here, taking that brave first step in looking for a counsellor, showing strength and determination to create positive change. My choice to become a counsellor came from my own personal experience of struggle. After attending therapy and working with a counsellor to understand my own experiences, I recognised the power of talk therapy in helping people heal.
People come to counselling for many reasons, you may be experiencing trauma - past or present, anxiety, depression, miscarriage, marriage difficulties, abortion or bereavement.
Does life feel overwhelming, stressful and challenging? You may be finding yourself getting distracted worrying about your relationship, battling anxiety and depression, experiencing a bereavement , or struggling with your self-worth and confidence. You are here, taking that brave first step in looking for a counsellor, showing strength and determination to create positive change. My choice to become a counsellor came from my own personal experience of struggle. After attending therapy and working with a counsellor to understand my own experiences, I recognised the power of talk therapy in helping people heal.
01924 663086 View 01924 663086
Photo of Martin James Smith, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Martin James Smith
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
I have been in private practice for over 20 years specialising in anxiety issues as well as helping people with depression, sleep and stress related issues. My approach is a solution focused one which looks at how to help you move on quickly and effectively. I utilise a range of techniques with the focus on looking at things that work for you and help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible.
I have been in private practice for over 20 years specialising in anxiety issues as well as helping people with depression, sleep and stress related issues. My approach is a solution focused one which looks at how to help you move on quickly and effectively. I utilise a range of techniques with the focus on looking at things that work for you and help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible.
0115 697 1197 View 0115 697 1197
Photo of David Langdown, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
David Langdown
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN4
From stress, anxiety and depression, to challenges around pregnancy and parenting, illness and bereavement, relationships, addiction and even suicide.
We dream of success, money, holidays, happy families and good health, but life doesn't always go to plan. When we are hit with the unexpected, a loss, a relationship that goes wrong, unbearable work pressures, troubled by unresolved experiences of the past or hopelessness about the future, our mental health is affected. We can feel sad, overwhelmed, fearful. We lose confidence and self-esteem. Our physical health suffers too and we can become dependent on medication, alcohol or other non-prescribed solutions. Counselling is a way out, providing support in a confidential, non-judgmental, understanding and empathetic relationship.
From stress, anxiety and depression, to challenges around pregnancy and parenting, illness and bereavement, relationships, addiction and even suicide.
We dream of success, money, holidays, happy families and good health, but life doesn't always go to plan. When we are hit with the unexpected, a loss, a relationship that goes wrong, unbearable work pressures, troubled by unresolved experiences of the past or hopelessness about the future, our mental health is affected. We can feel sad, overwhelmed, fearful. We lose confidence and self-esteem. Our physical health suffers too and we can become dependent on medication, alcohol or other non-prescribed solutions. Counselling is a way out, providing support in a confidential, non-judgmental, understanding and empathetic relationship.
01778 309974 View 01778 309974
Photo of Laura Marie Hancock, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Laura Marie Hancock
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Specialist areas of work include negative, irrational thoughts, personal development, low self-esteem/self-worth, bereavement, depression, stress, anxiety, confidence, assertiveness work and relationship issues.
As a Registered Counsellor Of BACP and a wellbeing therapist, I have the privilege of supporting clients through their journeys of self-discovery, which is an honour to do so. I offer a safe, confidential and empathetic space. You can be rest assured there is no judgement here. Life can sometimes be uneasy, unsettled and often traumatic, this can lead us to feel stuck and at times lost. Counselling is an aid to help you recognise and empower yourself back to a functioning and fulfilled life. My aim is to offer you support you. Additionally, I offer live 121 coaching and online courses please visit academy.mindbloomcoaching.co.uk
Specialist areas of work include negative, irrational thoughts, personal development, low self-esteem/self-worth, bereavement, depression, stress, anxiety, confidence, assertiveness work and relationship issues.
As a Registered Counsellor Of BACP and a wellbeing therapist, I have the privilege of supporting clients through their journeys of self-discovery, which is an honour to do so. I offer a safe, confidential and empathetic space. You can be rest assured there is no judgement here. Life can sometimes be uneasy, unsettled and often traumatic, this can lead us to feel stuck and at times lost. Counselling is an aid to help you recognise and empower yourself back to a functioning and fulfilled life. My aim is to offer you support you. Additionally, I offer live 121 coaching and online courses please visit academy.mindbloomcoaching.co.uk
01472 907205 View 01472 907205
Photo of Andrelax, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Andrelax
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln LN1
I deal with all issues: depression, anxiety, relaxation, panic disorders, phobias, school refusal, anger, PTSD, OCD, public speaking, children, well-being, grief counselling, relationship counselling and adoloscents.
Human givens practitioners offer practical, solution-focused help that deals with mental and emotional distress in the here and now. They won’t waste time just endlessly listening to you or attempting to dredge up real or imagined miserable memories from the past. Nor do they deal in time-wasting so-called voyages of ‘self-discovery’… Their psychotherapy training ensures that they have a sound body of evidence-based knowledge and the proven skills to help both adults and children as quickly as possible with a wide variety of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I deal with all issues: depression, anxiety, relaxation, panic disorders, phobias, school refusal, anger, PTSD, OCD, public speaking, children, well-being, grief counselling, relationship counselling and adoloscents.
Human givens practitioners offer practical, solution-focused help that deals with mental and emotional distress in the here and now. They won’t waste time just endlessly listening to you or attempting to dredge up real or imagined miserable memories from the past. Nor do they deal in time-wasting so-called voyages of ‘self-discovery’… Their psychotherapy training ensures that they have a sound body of evidence-based knowledge and the proven skills to help both adults and children as quickly as possible with a wide variety of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
0115 697 1253 View 0115 697 1253
Photo of Breakthrough2Change, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Breakthrough2Change
Counsellor, MSc, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
If you are struggling with anxiety (worry), low mood or depression, relationship problems or distress, or suffering from the effects of trauma, I might be able to help you. I am a psychotherapist (person-centred experiential therapist) with additional training in Emotion Focused Individual therapy & Emotionally Focused Couple therapy. As my approach is emotion focused, my ideal client (individual or couple) would be willing to explore & work-through their painful emotions/feelings within therapy sessions by working with the therapist to achieve better mental, emotional relational well-being & resolution of problematic experiences.
If you are struggling with anxiety (worry), low mood or depression, relationship problems or distress, or suffering from the effects of trauma, I might be able to help you. I am a psychotherapist (person-centred experiential therapist) with additional training in Emotion Focused Individual therapy & Emotionally Focused Couple therapy. As my approach is emotion focused, my ideal client (individual or couple) would be willing to explore & work-through their painful emotions/feelings within therapy sessions by working with the therapist to achieve better mental, emotional relational well-being & resolution of problematic experiences.
01205 336971 View 01205 336971
Photo of Lorna Day Counselling, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Lorna Day Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1  (Online Only)
I specialise in bereavement and loss and also work with anxiety and depression, low self esteem and many other issues which can also be a part of loss.
I have trained to counsel my clients online. I know from the work that I have done that it helps people to talk to someone like me. Maybe this is because you don’t know me personally so it is easier to talk of what is bothering you. I can work with you so that you can resolve issues, learn ways of coping , talk about what is upsetting you and get on with the rest of your life feeling more peaceful and less stressed . I work with many issues some of which include bereavement, loss, anger, anxiety, depression, relationships, divorce, sadness.
I specialise in bereavement and loss and also work with anxiety and depression, low self esteem and many other issues which can also be a part of loss.
I have trained to counsel my clients online. I know from the work that I have done that it helps people to talk to someone like me. Maybe this is because you don’t know me personally so it is easier to talk of what is bothering you. I can work with you so that you can resolve issues, learn ways of coping , talk about what is upsetting you and get on with the rest of your life feeling more peaceful and less stressed . I work with many issues some of which include bereavement, loss, anger, anxiety, depression, relationships, divorce, sadness.
01205 333973 View 01205 333973
Photo of Rebecca Blanchard, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Rebecca Blanchard
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN2
I’ve worked with clients on a broad range of issues, including: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-harm, trauma, relationship issues and loss.
Whether your feelings are connected to a recent loss, breakdown in a relationship, anxiety related to work/studies, trauma, abuse or addiction – psychotherapy has the potential to help you. As a qualified psychotherapist, I provide a safe space where you can explore your feelings, memories and experiences, understanding the unconscious defences you’ve used to protect yourself in your everyday life. Together, we will make sense of them and work towards helping you find new and alternative ways of coping in the future.
I’ve worked with clients on a broad range of issues, including: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-harm, trauma, relationship issues and loss.
Whether your feelings are connected to a recent loss, breakdown in a relationship, anxiety related to work/studies, trauma, abuse or addiction – psychotherapy has the potential to help you. As a qualified psychotherapist, I provide a safe space where you can explore your feelings, memories and experiences, understanding the unconscious defences you’ve used to protect yourself in your everyday life. Together, we will make sense of them and work towards helping you find new and alternative ways of coping in the future.
01522 306733 View 01522 306733
Photo of Hidden Gem Psychology Service, Psychotherapist in Lincoln, England
Hidden Gem Psychology Service
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln LN6  (Online Only)
I am passionate about trauma-informed care and utilise a whole-person approach. Trauma can often underpin common mental health difficulties, and I can work with you to process the source of your difficulties and/or focus on your current symptoms. You may wish to focus on your current experiences of depression, anxiety, etc., or wish to address the underlying difficulties that have led to these. I also have a keen interest in complex trauma, dissociation, childhood emotional neglect, medically unexplained symptoms, functional neurological disorder, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and other physical difficulties.
I am passionate about trauma-informed care and utilise a whole-person approach. Trauma can often underpin common mental health difficulties, and I can work with you to process the source of your difficulties and/or focus on your current symptoms. You may wish to focus on your current experiences of depression, anxiety, etc., or wish to address the underlying difficulties that have led to these. I also have a keen interest in complex trauma, dissociation, childhood emotional neglect, medically unexplained symptoms, functional neurological disorder, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and other physical difficulties.
01427 808045 View 01427 808045
Photo of Holly Hagan-Walker, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Holly Hagan-Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN2
Are you looking for someone to help you ride the wave of life and make sense of the storms? I offer a tailored approach to counselling and will support you through whatever difficulties you are facing. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, loss, relationship worries, family struggles, work stress and anything else in between, I can help you make sense of the storms and find a way to ride the wave. I can work short-term (6, 12 or 20 sessions) or long-term - whatever works best for you. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions, and can be flexible to suit what works best for you. I work with adults aged 17+.
Are you looking for someone to help you ride the wave of life and make sense of the storms? I offer a tailored approach to counselling and will support you through whatever difficulties you are facing. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, loss, relationship worries, family struggles, work stress and anything else in between, I can help you make sense of the storms and find a way to ride the wave. I can work short-term (6, 12 or 20 sessions) or long-term - whatever works best for you. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions, and can be flexible to suit what works best for you. I work with adults aged 17+.
01322 952245 View 01322 952245
Photo of Marta Bannister, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Marta Bannister
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN5
I have experience in working with a variety of life experiences, including relationship difficulties, bereavement, work-related stress, as well as feelings of anxiety, depression and being overwhelmed.
You might be here because anxiety and stress are keeping you up at night; or perhaps you have lost someone and are not sure how to go on. You might feel your stomach sinking every time you think about going back to work, or maybe it is something entirely different that has prompted you to put the word “counsellor” in your search engine. Counselling can be life changing and can help you deal with the issues you are experiencing. Therapy can help you gain more control in your life, make sense of things that have happened and give you tools to live a happier and more fulfilled life.
I have experience in working with a variety of life experiences, including relationship difficulties, bereavement, work-related stress, as well as feelings of anxiety, depression and being overwhelmed.
You might be here because anxiety and stress are keeping you up at night; or perhaps you have lost someone and are not sure how to go on. You might feel your stomach sinking every time you think about going back to work, or maybe it is something entirely different that has prompted you to put the word “counsellor” in your search engine. Counselling can be life changing and can help you deal with the issues you are experiencing. Therapy can help you gain more control in your life, make sense of things that have happened and give you tools to live a happier and more fulfilled life.
020 3835 2293 View 020 3835 2293
Photo of Diane McCarthy, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Diane McCarthy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln LN5
Hello I'm Diane a professional counsellor, I offer a safe, empathetic, non judgemental & confidential environment where you can share & explore whatever may be troubling you. By listening and paying special attention to what you are saying we can unravel any confused thoughts, feelings and beliefs, helping you to develop a greater understanding of yourself, your life & your relationships, empowering you to take control over your future. I am experienced and trained in a wide range of Counselling issues such as:- Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, depression, anxiety, stress (inc work related), Couples and relationships, bullying, family issues, divorce, separation, low self esteem & confidence and many others.
Hello I'm Diane a professional counsellor, I offer a safe, empathetic, non judgemental & confidential environment where you can share & explore whatever may be troubling you. By listening and paying special attention to what you are saying we can unravel any confused thoughts, feelings and beliefs, helping you to develop a greater understanding of yourself, your life & your relationships, empowering you to take control over your future. I am experienced and trained in a wide range of Counselling issues such as:- Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, depression, anxiety, stress (inc work related), Couples and relationships, bullying, family issues, divorce, separation, low self esteem & confidence and many others.
01507 304199 View 01507 304199
Photo of Elysian Psychology, Psychologist in Lincoln, England
Elysian Psychology
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN2
We cover a range of issues including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bereavement & post-traumatic stress disorder.
The aim of Elysian Psychology is to relieve psychological distress and emotional pain by providing therapy which is individually tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on the expertise of our specialist team of highly qualified Psychologists, alongside prompt and efficient customer service. We aim to provide you with the highest level of care at a time when you may need it most. We are a team of highly specialist Clinical Psychologists and therapists offering private psychological talking therapy in Nottingham.
We cover a range of issues including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bereavement & post-traumatic stress disorder.
The aim of Elysian Psychology is to relieve psychological distress and emotional pain by providing therapy which is individually tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on the expertise of our specialist team of highly qualified Psychologists, alongside prompt and efficient customer service. We aim to provide you with the highest level of care at a time when you may need it most. We are a team of highly specialist Clinical Psychologists and therapists offering private psychological talking therapy in Nottingham.
0800 688 9937 View 0800 688 9937
Photo of Maggie Slater, Counsellor in Lincoln, England
Maggie Slater
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Hello, my name is Maggie, I’m a qualified counsellor, and based in Derbyshire. I specialise in working with children and adolescents, also working with adults, experiencing concerns, such as depression, anxiety, bereavement and stress. I provide a safe and confidential place for you to discuss worries and concerns and find a way to move forward. Whilst working with children/adolescents, I like to work with family, incorporating this in the sessions, by one or both parents attending some of the counselling sessions, if this is appropriate. I believe working all together can and does improve the building of a healthy relationship.
Hello, my name is Maggie, I’m a qualified counsellor, and based in Derbyshire. I specialise in working with children and adolescents, also working with adults, experiencing concerns, such as depression, anxiety, bereavement and stress. I provide a safe and confidential place for you to discuss worries and concerns and find a way to move forward. Whilst working with children/adolescents, I like to work with family, incorporating this in the sessions, by one or both parents attending some of the counselling sessions, if this is appropriate. I believe working all together can and does improve the building of a healthy relationship.
01522 440482 View 01522 440482

See more therapy options for Lincoln


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.