Depression Counselling in Markfield

Photo of Mary T Shipton, ACC Reg, Counsellor
Mary T Shipton
Counsellor, ACC Reg
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Markfield LE67
Life can be hard, life can be challenging, but you don't have to struggle on your own.
Have you been struggling through life, feeling overwhelmed and wishing you had someone to talk to? It could just be a general sense of feeling down or more deep-rooted feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and depression. If this is you then talking to a trained therapist presents the opportunity for you to explore your issues. My beliefs are that it is important to recognise that no two people’s journeys are the same and because of this I utilise my skills and training to tailor counselling sessions.
Life can be hard, life can be challenging, but you don't have to struggle on your own.
Have you been struggling through life, feeling overwhelmed and wishing you had someone to talk to? It could just be a general sense of feeling down or more deep-rooted feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and depression. If this is you then talking to a trained therapist presents the opportunity for you to explore your issues. My beliefs are that it is important to recognise that no two people’s journeys are the same and because of this I utilise my skills and training to tailor counselling sessions.
0116 326 5674 View 0116 326 5674

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Brunhild Abrahams - Imbeko Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Imbeko Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
Together with you leading the session & my guidance in a compassionate, non-judgemental environment, you would be given an opportunity to re-discover your true-self.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
Together with you leading the session & my guidance in a compassionate, non-judgemental environment, you would be given an opportunity to re-discover your true-self.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
0116 326 1315 View 0116 326 1315
Photo of Adriana Pavelescu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Adriana Pavelescu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE6
Hello, my name is Adriana Pavelescu and I’m a clinical Psychologist and Hypnotherapist.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
Hello, my name is Adriana Pavelescu and I’m a clinical Psychologist and Hypnotherapist.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
01788 229228 View 01788 229228
Photo of Garry Rollins, MBACP, Counsellor
Garry Rollins
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
I understand that we all go through difficulties and make good and bad decisions in very difficult circumstances.
Hello. I am a trained and qualified therapist and counsellor, working within a whole range of issues, especially focusing on clients with hard to address issues. My priority is providing a safe, professional and yet friendly service. Whatever issues you have, give me a call and we can talk and I can let you know whether I am honestly able to help.
I understand that we all go through difficulties and make good and bad decisions in very difficult circumstances.
Hello. I am a trained and qualified therapist and counsellor, working within a whole range of issues, especially focusing on clients with hard to address issues. My priority is providing a safe, professional and yet friendly service. Whatever issues you have, give me a call and we can talk and I can let you know whether I am honestly able to help.
0116 326 2879 View 0116 326 2879
Photo of Nigel Farmer, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Nigel Farmer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11
The service offers a confidential opportunity to facilitate change, make sense of what life has presented to us and find some resolution.
I provide therapy in the East Midlands using an integrative humanistic approach and work with clients both in the short and long term. I have 19 years experience working in NHS, Police, Educational and Charitable sectors. I offer an opportunity for people to lead a more productive, satisfying and fulfilling life. I always aim to offer an appointment within a few days of your initial contact, Give me a call 07788712776 or send me an email if you would like a free no obligation chat at a time convenient for you.
The service offers a confidential opportunity to facilitate change, make sense of what life has presented to us and find some resolution.
I provide therapy in the East Midlands using an integrative humanistic approach and work with clients both in the short and long term. I have 19 years experience working in NHS, Police, Educational and Charitable sectors. I offer an opportunity for people to lead a more productive, satisfying and fulfilling life. I always aim to offer an appointment within a few days of your initial contact, Give me a call 07788712776 or send me an email if you would like a free no obligation chat at a time convenient for you.
01509 279483 View 01509 279483
Photo of Sammy Rupiya - SR Inspiration CBT Practitioner, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
SR Inspiration CBT Practitioner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
This therapist prefers to be identified as CBT Practitioner. I aim to work emphatically and collaboratively engage the client. If you are experiencing the following : Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Abuse , Bereavement, Depression, Marriage or Relationship breakdown, PTSD, Self-Esteem, Stress , and Eating disorders call this practitioner for help. Don't leave it too late. My therapeutic approach using CBT model provides a short-term, goal focused and highly structured approach to therapeutic Assessment, Stabilisation, Planning, Intervention, Resilience and Evaluation. Call now for help. Do not leave it too late.
This therapist prefers to be identified as CBT Practitioner. I aim to work emphatically and collaboratively engage the client. If you are experiencing the following : Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Abuse , Bereavement, Depression, Marriage or Relationship breakdown, PTSD, Self-Esteem, Stress , and Eating disorders call this practitioner for help. Don't leave it too late. My therapeutic approach using CBT model provides a short-term, goal focused and highly structured approach to therapeutic Assessment, Stabilisation, Planning, Intervention, Resilience and Evaluation. Call now for help. Do not leave it too late.
0116 478 2890 View 0116 478 2890
Photo of Emma Spencer - Emma Spencer - Interpersonal Therapist
Emma Spencer - Interpersonal Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loughborough LE11  (Online Only)
I will ensure you have a safe and confidential environment to talk openly in.
Are you looking for a therapy that helps you gain self awareness and feel supported in understanding your relationships/mental health problems? Maybe you feel trapped by your relationships, circumstances or feel a lack of confidence to make a change? Throughout our lives we have many ups and downs, losses and big changes. Sometimes we can feel alone in our problems. You might feel unable to share some of the thoughts and feelings that you’re having with others due to feeling that you may be criticised or ridiculed. I hold a space for us to build connection and trust, whilst you gain emotional maturity and important life skills.
I will ensure you have a safe and confidential environment to talk openly in.
Are you looking for a therapy that helps you gain self awareness and feel supported in understanding your relationships/mental health problems? Maybe you feel trapped by your relationships, circumstances or feel a lack of confidence to make a change? Throughout our lives we have many ups and downs, losses and big changes. Sometimes we can feel alone in our problems. You might feel unable to share some of the thoughts and feelings that you’re having with others due to feeling that you may be criticised or ridiculed. I hold a space for us to build connection and trust, whilst you gain emotional maturity and important life skills.
0115 647 7236 View 0115 647 7236
Photo of Domonic Loone, MBACP, Counsellor
Domonic Loone
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11
I currently have space for new clients, so if you're considering counselling and are unsure where to start, get in touch and we can take it from there.
Sometimes the challenges to our happiness can be complex, arising from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. Other times, it may not feel clear, but you can just sense that it might be time to talk about it. Therapy is a chance to explore what you need, and what might help you navigate through your challenges. I'm a person-centred counsellor and therapist in Nottingham and I am here to support you in empowering exactly that sense.
I currently have space for new clients, so if you're considering counselling and are unsure where to start, get in touch and we can take it from there.
Sometimes the challenges to our happiness can be complex, arising from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. Other times, it may not feel clear, but you can just sense that it might be time to talk about it. Therapy is a chance to explore what you need, and what might help you navigate through your challenges. I'm a person-centred counsellor and therapist in Nottingham and I am here to support you in empowering exactly that sense.
0115 647 1170 View 0115 647 1170
Photo of Abbie Thompson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Abbie Thompson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65
"Abbie has been very understanding of the issues I’ve been discussing and has helped me to talk through ways to help me deal with difficult things in a positive way.
I am an Integrative Psychotherapist with experience working with a wide range of issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement and Relationship Difficulties. I currently work with both adults and adolescents. I can offer integrative theory to best suit to your needs and offer the best therapeutic approach; this can include CBT techniques, Psychodynamic therapy, and the Systemic approach. I have experience working with young people in residential care, in particular children with ASD, ADHD and personality disorders. I can offer both face-to-face and online/telephone appointments.
"Abbie has been very understanding of the issues I’ve been discussing and has helped me to talk through ways to help me deal with difficult things in a positive way.
I am an Integrative Psychotherapist with experience working with a wide range of issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement and Relationship Difficulties. I currently work with both adults and adolescents. I can offer integrative theory to best suit to your needs and offer the best therapeutic approach; this can include CBT techniques, Psychodynamic therapy, and the Systemic approach. I have experience working with young people in residential care, in particular children with ASD, ADHD and personality disorders. I can offer both face-to-face and online/telephone appointments.
01530 442990 View 01530 442990
Photo of Anne Richardson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Anne Richardson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to make sense of life at the moment, and who you are? Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, or stuck. Maybe you're dealing with depression or anxiety, have low self-esteem, or problems in your relationships. Do you want to feel differently, to feel better, but aren’t sure how; or if that's even possible? I will listen to you to learn your story, and together we will unpick the things that are causing you difficulties, challenge any outdated and unhelpful thinking, and find ways to strengthen your sense of self and help you achieve your goals. I will listen with empathy, curiosity, compassion - and without judgement.
Are you struggling to make sense of life at the moment, and who you are? Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, or stuck. Maybe you're dealing with depression or anxiety, have low self-esteem, or problems in your relationships. Do you want to feel differently, to feel better, but aren’t sure how; or if that's even possible? I will listen to you to learn your story, and together we will unpick the things that are causing you difficulties, challenge any outdated and unhelpful thinking, and find ways to strengthen your sense of self and help you achieve your goals. I will listen with empathy, curiosity, compassion - and without judgement.
020 7046 0516 View 020 7046 0516
Photo of Nicky Alexis Daly, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Nicky Alexis Daly
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE12
The fact that you are reading this says that maybe: 1.
Are you struggling with difficult feelings such as fear, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, anger? Do you feel like you are going around in circles and can't see a light at the end of the tunnel? Taking that step to ask for help can be a frightening one, but it can also be them beginning of stepping out of that circle and finding a different perspective. My name is Nicky Daly and I work in a counselling/psychotherapy practice, just 3 minutes drive from J23 of the M1. As a practise we offer short and long term therapy for individuals, couples and children. We have over 30 years experience supporting people in distress.
The fact that you are reading this says that maybe: 1.
Are you struggling with difficult feelings such as fear, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, anger? Do you feel like you are going around in circles and can't see a light at the end of the tunnel? Taking that step to ask for help can be a frightening one, but it can also be them beginning of stepping out of that circle and finding a different perspective. My name is Nicky Daly and I work in a counselling/psychotherapy practice, just 3 minutes drive from J23 of the M1. As a practise we offer short and long term therapy for individuals, couples and children. We have over 30 years experience supporting people in distress.
07581 747542 View 07581 747542
Photo of Jodi Louise Smith, MBACP, Counsellor
Jodi Louise Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11  (Online Only)
If you need a safe space.
As a qualified & experienced counsellor I feel comfortable in dealing with a variety of issues that affect our mental health including anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, relational difficulties, domestic & family abuse (verbal, physical and sexual) addiction, issues surrounding sexuality, gender and identity more widely. Those who seek my help are often looking to change how they feel about a specific event, develop their self understanding and awareness so that they are more able to deal with difficult situations and emotions or to change patterns of behaviour that no longer serve them. I offer both short and long term work.
If you need a safe space.
As a qualified & experienced counsellor I feel comfortable in dealing with a variety of issues that affect our mental health including anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, relational difficulties, domestic & family abuse (verbal, physical and sexual) addiction, issues surrounding sexuality, gender and identity more widely. Those who seek my help are often looking to change how they feel about a specific event, develop their self understanding and awareness so that they are more able to deal with difficult situations and emotions or to change patterns of behaviour that no longer serve them. I offer both short and long term work.
01509 275654 View 01509 275654
Photo of Dr Nazia Taj, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Nazia Taj
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11  (Online Only)
I take a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Welcome, I'm Dr Nazia Taj, a Clinical Psychologist (registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Psychological Society), dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-confidence and trauma. I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences without judgement.
I take a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Welcome, I'm Dr Nazia Taj, a Clinical Psychologist (registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Psychological Society), dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-confidence and trauma. I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences without judgement.
01332 982255 View 01332 982255
Photo of Celia Allan - Celia Allan - Rothley Counselling & Psychotherapy, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Celia Allan - Rothley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE7
I am aware of how difficult it is to reach out when you are struggling, I am passionate about offering a counselling experience that is non-judgmental, compassionate, and caring.
Hello, I’m Celia, I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist based in Rothley, Leicestershire. People seek therapy for many different reasons: depression, anxiety, loss/grief, or facing a major life-changing event. Perhaps you are experiencing family/relationship issues or problems involving money or work difficulties. Maybe you or a relative has been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever your reason rest assured that I am here to support you along the way and to help you to get your life back on track. Sometimes help in the form of professional support can be just what is needed. My aim is for you to feel heard in a safe space.
I am aware of how difficult it is to reach out when you are struggling, I am passionate about offering a counselling experience that is non-judgmental, compassionate, and caring.
Hello, I’m Celia, I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist based in Rothley, Leicestershire. People seek therapy for many different reasons: depression, anxiety, loss/grief, or facing a major life-changing event. Perhaps you are experiencing family/relationship issues or problems involving money or work difficulties. Maybe you or a relative has been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever your reason rest assured that I am here to support you along the way and to help you to get your life back on track. Sometimes help in the form of professional support can be just what is needed. My aim is for you to feel heard in a safe space.
0116 497 7062 View 0116 497 7062
Photo of Asha Davies, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Asha Davies
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
If you are curious to experience what working together may feel like or seek further information.
How we are with ourselves matters. At the core of my counselling work is you. Does trauma, grief or anxiety steer you away from where you are or what you are striving towards? I understand sharing these experiences can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. In a confidential and calm space, I will support you through your thoughts and emotions. At your pace, we will understand and reflect on past and present experiences, inviting compassionate inner dialogue, coping strategies, and movement away from shame and criticism. I will not judge you.
If you are curious to experience what working together may feel like or seek further information.
How we are with ourselves matters. At the core of my counselling work is you. Does trauma, grief or anxiety steer you away from where you are or what you are striving towards? I understand sharing these experiences can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. In a confidential and calm space, I will support you through your thoughts and emotions. At your pace, we will understand and reflect on past and present experiences, inviting compassionate inner dialogue, coping strategies, and movement away from shame and criticism. I will not judge you.
0116 497 6875 View 0116 497 6875
Photo of Rachel Simpson, BACP, Psychotherapist
Rachel Simpson
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11
In your free consultation, we'll form an initial understanding of what you'd like to work on, and our approach for getting you where you want to be.
Are you struggling with anxiety, low mood or self esteem? Do you want to lessen the impact of challenging life events on you, finding your confidence and spontaneity? If you're having difficult thoughts and feelings - therapy can help you gain control, confidence and make changes.
In your free consultation, we'll form an initial understanding of what you'd like to work on, and our approach for getting you where you want to be.
Are you struggling with anxiety, low mood or self esteem? Do you want to lessen the impact of challenging life events on you, finding your confidence and spontaneity? If you're having difficult thoughts and feelings - therapy can help you gain control, confidence and make changes.
07500 572602 View 07500 572602
Photo of Paul Garner, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Paul Garner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE12  (Online Only)
Due to Covid it has shown us that there are great benefits to working online with clients.
I am passionate about counselling and what offering you a safe, non judgemental space can do to explore those internal conflicts impacting your life. I am fully aware, that your anxiety can spike at the thought of talking therapy, so making that appointment can be very difficult. I can offer you a free informal, face to face or telephone chat to see how I work might help you. Your safety and care is my highest priority.
Due to Covid it has shown us that there are great benefits to working online with clients.
I am passionate about counselling and what offering you a safe, non judgemental space can do to explore those internal conflicts impacting your life. I am fully aware, that your anxiety can spike at the thought of talking therapy, so making that appointment can be very difficult. I can offer you a free informal, face to face or telephone chat to see how I work might help you. Your safety and care is my highest priority.
01509 323093 View 01509 323093
Photo of Ellen Sharrocks, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Ellen Sharrocks
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
Working through your emotional difficulties and gaining understanding helps you to gain balance, build self-esteem and put difficult feelings into their proper context.
Everyone can struggle at times - with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or just feeling low. Close relationships can go stale or get into difficulties. Bereavements can knock us sideways - sometimes 'hitting' suddenly even though it happened some years ago. Recent or past traumatic events can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. These are some of the emotional difficulties people struggle with. Close relationships have their ups and downs and emotions, even negative ones, are a normal part of our daily lives. It's when they drag us down, affect our quality of life, become overwhelming, that counselling can be a great help.
Working through your emotional difficulties and gaining understanding helps you to gain balance, build self-esteem and put difficult feelings into their proper context.
Everyone can struggle at times - with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or just feeling low. Close relationships can go stale or get into difficulties. Bereavements can knock us sideways - sometimes 'hitting' suddenly even though it happened some years ago. Recent or past traumatic events can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. These are some of the emotional difficulties people struggle with. Close relationships have their ups and downs and emotions, even negative ones, are a normal part of our daily lives. It's when they drag us down, affect our quality of life, become overwhelming, that counselling can be a great help.
0116 478 4092 View 0116 478 4092
Photo of Dr Sheena Parmar, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Sheena Parmar
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11
Many individuals can find it daunting and scary to talk to someone that they do not know.
Are you experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings such as anxiety, depression, anger and/or sadness? Do you perhaps find it hard to talk about what is going on for you with people around you including your loved ones? You may be noticing that the way you are coping is not helping you to feel better in the long term. I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn how to manage difficult things that are going on for them, and to move forward to a place where they can feel positive and their mind is at ease. I can work with you collaboratively, and help you to achieve your goals.
Many individuals can find it daunting and scary to talk to someone that they do not know.
Are you experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings such as anxiety, depression, anger and/or sadness? Do you perhaps find it hard to talk about what is going on for you with people around you including your loved ones? You may be noticing that the way you are coping is not helping you to feel better in the long term. I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn how to manage difficult things that are going on for them, and to move forward to a place where they can feel positive and their mind is at ease. I can work with you collaboratively, and help you to achieve your goals.
01509 277629 View 01509 277629
Photo of Adam Bruce, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Adam Bruce
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE9  (Online Only)
We will take time to really get to know you as an individual and to understand what has brought you to this point in life.
At times it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed out by life. That can create deep sadness, despair or loss of hope resulting in depression. Feeling fearful and anxious about life and the future can feel too much to cope with and have a really profound affect on everyday life. Sometimes it is recent events that are causing you to feel that you are really struggling while at other times those difficulties are linked to childhood neglect, trauma or abuse. Sometimes how you feel about yourself can result in a lack of confidence or low self esteem which can impact on your ability to feel at peace in the world and in relationship.
We will take time to really get to know you as an individual and to understand what has brought you to this point in life.
At times it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed out by life. That can create deep sadness, despair or loss of hope resulting in depression. Feeling fearful and anxious about life and the future can feel too much to cope with and have a really profound affect on everyday life. Sometimes it is recent events that are causing you to feel that you are really struggling while at other times those difficulties are linked to childhood neglect, trauma or abuse. Sometimes how you feel about yourself can result in a lack of confidence or low self esteem which can impact on your ability to feel at peace in the world and in relationship.
0116 502 0538 View 0116 502 0538
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.