Depression Counselling in Barnt Green

Photo of Christopher Crehan, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Christopher Crehan
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Barnt Green B45  (Online Only)
I will see you within a week of your initial inquiry so unlike the NHS you are not waiting for weeks when you need to see someone right away.
When seeking therapy, finding the right therapist is the first and most important step. With the correct therapist you can feel understood and safe when discussing difficult issues in your life. I am a fully qualified and accredited hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. Offering professional listening skills and support for mental health and well-being to help you achieve the life you deserve. I have been practicing for several years and i am trained in a variety of modalities and techniques that can help with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, motivation, weight management, confidence, healing and much more.
I will see you within a week of your initial inquiry so unlike the NHS you are not waiting for weeks when you need to see someone right away.
When seeking therapy, finding the right therapist is the first and most important step. With the correct therapist you can feel understood and safe when discussing difficult issues in your life. I am a fully qualified and accredited hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. Offering professional listening skills and support for mental health and well-being to help you achieve the life you deserve. I have been practicing for several years and i am trained in a variety of modalities and techniques that can help with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, motivation, weight management, confidence, healing and much more.
0121 827 5246 View 0121 827 5246
Photo of Hilary Carter, MBACP, Counsellor
Hilary Carter
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Barnt Green B45
I offer a range of session formats to accommodate your lifestyle, whether you prefer in-person meetings, or remote sessions via telephone or video.
I approach therapy with an open mind, honesty, and loyalty, tailoring my work to suit your unique needs. As an integrative counsellor, I draw from various therapeutic approaches, with a strong foundation in person-centred therapy. My approach is flexible, often incorporating more directive methods like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) when necessary. Sandycroft Centre is a wellbeing hub in Redditch that offer a wide range of services including counselling. My clients there presented with a wide range of issues from relationship issues, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, and grief.
I offer a range of session formats to accommodate your lifestyle, whether you prefer in-person meetings, or remote sessions via telephone or video.
I approach therapy with an open mind, honesty, and loyalty, tailoring my work to suit your unique needs. As an integrative counsellor, I draw from various therapeutic approaches, with a strong foundation in person-centred therapy. My approach is flexible, often incorporating more directive methods like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) when necessary. Sandycroft Centre is a wellbeing hub in Redditch that offer a wide range of services including counselling. My clients there presented with a wide range of issues from relationship issues, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, and grief.
0117 463 7754 View 0117 463 7754
Photo of Julie Hannan, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Julie Hannan
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Barnt Green B45  (Online Only)
If you find yourself repeating the same patterns in your life in relationships or work or experiencing strong bouts of anxiety or depression time and time again, then it's essential to understand and identify the triggers and origins of these actions, behaviours and feelings so they can be stopped - let's do this together!.
Hi, I have been working as a private psychologist for 15 years with adults experiencing difficulties. I work solely online via Zoom. I have a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy and a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT. I worked as a Director and Board member of a multi-national organisation and retrained as a psychologist working as a Director of a voluntary counselling organisation in Birmingham and at several NHS hospitals in the West Midlands. I have a very positive optimistic approach to working with clients believing that in the right environment anything is possible. I really enjoy my work.
If you find yourself repeating the same patterns in your life in relationships or work or experiencing strong bouts of anxiety or depression time and time again, then it's essential to understand and identify the triggers and origins of these actions, behaviours and feelings so they can be stopped - let's do this together!.
Hi, I have been working as a private psychologist for 15 years with adults experiencing difficulties. I work solely online via Zoom. I have a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy and a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT. I worked as a Director and Board member of a multi-national organisation and retrained as a psychologist working as a Director of a voluntary counselling organisation in Birmingham and at several NHS hospitals in the West Midlands. I have a very positive optimistic approach to working with clients believing that in the right environment anything is possible. I really enjoy my work.
01684 211508 View 01684 211508
Photo of Liz Saunders, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Liz Saunders
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Barnt Green B45
I have 21 years experience working in the fields of both mental health and addictions, working in a variety of clinical settings.
Hi and welcome to my profile! I am a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) with the BABCP. We can all experience difficult times in our lives that we may require help and support with.  When we experience distress we can often have negative feelings and thoughts which can influence how we might react and manage a certain situation. We can often find ourselves in a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours that can be hard to break.  CBT works on a 'here and now' basis, exploring your current difficulties and give you effective coping strategies to be able to make changes in your life and move forwards.
I have 21 years experience working in the fields of both mental health and addictions, working in a variety of clinical settings.
Hi and welcome to my profile! I am a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) with the BABCP. We can all experience difficult times in our lives that we may require help and support with.  When we experience distress we can often have negative feelings and thoughts which can influence how we might react and manage a certain situation. We can often find ourselves in a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours that can be hard to break.  CBT works on a 'here and now' basis, exploring your current difficulties and give you effective coping strategies to be able to make changes in your life and move forwards.
07588 663628 View 07588 663628
Photo of Kate Hall, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Kate Hall
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barnt Green B45
Hello, my name is Kate and I am a fully qualified person centred counsellor. When seeking therapy finding the right counsellor is the first and most important step. I can provide you with a professional and safe environment where we can explore together what you would like to share. I offer online, telephone or face to face counselling sessions which I run from The Sandycroft Centre in Redditch. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. I am happy to respond to phone, text or email enquiries.
Hello, my name is Kate and I am a fully qualified person centred counsellor. When seeking therapy finding the right counsellor is the first and most important step. I can provide you with a professional and safe environment where we can explore together what you would like to share. I offer online, telephone or face to face counselling sessions which I run from The Sandycroft Centre in Redditch. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. I am happy to respond to phone, text or email enquiries.
01527 913175 View 01527 913175
Photo of Mary Lim, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Mary Lim
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Barnt Green B45
Waitlist for new clients
You can bring any issue to counselling with me and you will not be judged.
Sometimes, things happen that can be too hard to manage by yourself. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, scared or alone? Are your relationships going wrong? Has something bad happened to you? Do you need to make a decision but you're not sure where to turn? Has someone you know died and it's affecting you more than you think it should? Would it help to talk to someone who's outside of the situation?
You can bring any issue to counselling with me and you will not be judged.
Sometimes, things happen that can be too hard to manage by yourself. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, scared or alone? Are your relationships going wrong? Has something bad happened to you? Do you need to make a decision but you're not sure where to turn? Has someone you know died and it's affecting you more than you think it should? Would it help to talk to someone who's outside of the situation?
07473 459100 View 07473 459100

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Joe Mimnagh, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Joe Mimnagh
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B31
Counsellors and psychotherapists are sought for many reasons and the uncertain times we now see ourselves in have added to the anxiety that surrounds us.
I entered the world of psychotherapy so I could manage and eventually overcome the painful emotions and thoughts that I had experienced. If this is the case for you, then psychotherapy can help you explore uncomfortable feelings that have held you back from living life to the full. Life often throws the unexpected at us, be it through relationships, either personal or professional, we sometimes find it difficult to cope alone and need the support to help us through this difficult time.
Counsellors and psychotherapists are sought for many reasons and the uncertain times we now see ourselves in have added to the anxiety that surrounds us.
I entered the world of psychotherapy so I could manage and eventually overcome the painful emotions and thoughts that I had experienced. If this is the case for you, then psychotherapy can help you explore uncomfortable feelings that have held you back from living life to the full. Life often throws the unexpected at us, be it through relationships, either personal or professional, we sometimes find it difficult to cope alone and need the support to help us through this difficult time.
0121 728 6469 View 0121 728 6469
Photo of Rose Jennings Art Therapy, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Rose Jennings Art Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B45
I am committed to the ongoing learning and values of anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices including neurodivergent and LGTBQIA+ affirming.
Thank you for taking the time to be here and find out more. Art therapy offers a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences through pictures, play and words. A place for you to slow down and feel supported whilst we work together to understand your needs and process your experiences. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, burnout, overwhelm, shame, loss, relationships or life transitions, art therapy can be a wonderful way to build awareness and new ways of being. You do not need previous experience of art making, only the curiosity to build practices that work for you.
I am committed to the ongoing learning and values of anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices including neurodivergent and LGTBQIA+ affirming.
Thank you for taking the time to be here and find out more. Art therapy offers a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences through pictures, play and words. A place for you to slow down and feel supported whilst we work together to understand your needs and process your experiences. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, burnout, overwhelm, shame, loss, relationships or life transitions, art therapy can be a wonderful way to build awareness and new ways of being. You do not need previous experience of art making, only the curiosity to build practices that work for you.
View
Photo of Carl Flynn Msc Bsc Pg Dip, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Carl Flynn Msc Bsc Pg Dip
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B31
I look forward to working with you in helping you to meet your needs and achieve your goals in life.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, scared, confused, angry, used and abused? Do you need someone to speak with, who will explore your concerns with you and support you to achieve greater balance and happiness in your life? Call me to help you create a brighter future.
I look forward to working with you in helping you to meet your needs and achieve your goals in life.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, scared, confused, angry, used and abused? Do you need someone to speak with, who will explore your concerns with you and support you to achieve greater balance and happiness in your life? Call me to help you create a brighter future.
0121 726 1276 View 0121 726 1276
Photo of Julie Ward - Bromsgrove & Redditch Therapy Centre, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Bromsgrove & Redditch Therapy Centre
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B45
Welcome! We are a team of friendly Bromsgrove and Redditch based counsellors who are committed to helping you change your life for the better. Stress, anxiety, CBT, anger, depression, support for children, teenagers and young adults, support for parents, self-harm, grief, relationship problems, domestic abuse, couples and family therapy, eating disorders. Whatever your issue we will provide the support for you to move forward.
Welcome! We are a team of friendly Bromsgrove and Redditch based counsellors who are committed to helping you change your life for the better. Stress, anxiety, CBT, anger, depression, support for children, teenagers and young adults, support for parents, self-harm, grief, relationship problems, domestic abuse, couples and family therapy, eating disorders. Whatever your issue we will provide the support for you to move forward.
01527 361363 View 01527 361363
Photo of Conall Donegan - Dr Donegan, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Donegan
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Rubery B45  (Online Only)
I strive to make clients their better selves Through these experiences I have gained an understanding of the various issues that can affect one and how sometimes it takes a strong person to reach out and grasp the help that can be provided to them.
Life these days can be difficult. It is only normal to have your bad days, yet, do not allow yourse to defined by these. Perhaps you are searching for more meaning in your life? Perhaps you have developed negative coping strategies from some pain in life or situational stress. Whether you want to build your resilience or begin positive change to excel within your life, I am here to help. I have experience dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression, addiction, eating disorders, compulsions to name a few. Perhaps the time is now, to start the change and if so I can help you to create long lasting formative growth.
I strive to make clients their better selves Through these experiences I have gained an understanding of the various issues that can affect one and how sometimes it takes a strong person to reach out and grasp the help that can be provided to them.
Life these days can be difficult. It is only normal to have your bad days, yet, do not allow yourse to defined by these. Perhaps you are searching for more meaning in your life? Perhaps you have developed negative coping strategies from some pain in life or situational stress. Whether you want to build your resilience or begin positive change to excel within your life, I am here to help. I have experience dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression, addiction, eating disorders, compulsions to name a few. Perhaps the time is now, to start the change and if so I can help you to create long lasting formative growth.
0141 280 7413 View 0141 280 7413
Photo of Julia Shute, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Julia Shute
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B45
I understand that someone seeks therapy when things feel difficult and when relied-on ways of coping are no longer working.
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist working with adult clients who feel held back by the impact of trauma and abuse as a child or adult, and who struggle with problematic thoughts, feelings and relationship patterns. Clients seek therapy with me to address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship/attachment issues, loss/bereavement. I offer clients a psychological formulation of their experiences including aims for therapy to address. I offer individualised therapy to reduce distressing experiences, overcome unhelpful patterns and improve wellbeing.
I understand that someone seeks therapy when things feel difficult and when relied-on ways of coping are no longer working.
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist working with adult clients who feel held back by the impact of trauma and abuse as a child or adult, and who struggle with problematic thoughts, feelings and relationship patterns. Clients seek therapy with me to address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship/attachment issues, loss/bereavement. I offer clients a psychological formulation of their experiences including aims for therapy to address. I offer individualised therapy to reduce distressing experiences, overcome unhelpful patterns and improve wellbeing.
0121 817 7145 View 0121 817 7145
Photo of Dr Leanne Tomkins, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Leanne Tomkins
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bromsgrove B61
I am passionate about supporting you to reach your full potential and 'thrive' in life.
Hello! I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist experienced in working with adults, children and families using a wide range of psychological approaches. I work one to one with adults and children of all ages offering evidence based therapy for a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties. I also work with parents and families to support you to understand and make sense of any emotional well-being concerns you may have for your child and family. Life can be a challenge for most of us at times for lots of different reasons. Accessing the right support can help you to thrive and improve your emotional 'wellness'.
I am passionate about supporting you to reach your full potential and 'thrive' in life.
Hello! I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist experienced in working with adults, children and families using a wide range of psychological approaches. I work one to one with adults and children of all ages offering evidence based therapy for a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties. I also work with parents and families to support you to understand and make sense of any emotional well-being concerns you may have for your child and family. Life can be a challenge for most of us at times for lots of different reasons. Accessing the right support can help you to thrive and improve your emotional 'wellness'.
0121 827 1652 View 0121 827 1652
Photo of Michael Swift, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Michael Swift
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B31
Within my practice, I place authenticity and honesty as my main priority.
Hi, I'm Mike! I value authenticity and transparency in the therapy room. I became a therapist to empower you to make positive and lasting change. I'll be honest, I won't have all the answers, but I'm never afraid to accompany you on the journey to find them. In my practice, I am a compassionate and knowledgeable integrative psychotherapist who has worked in health care organizations for over 10 years. I mainly specialize in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and third wave therapy approaches for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, specific phobias, OCD and health anxiety.
Within my practice, I place authenticity and honesty as my main priority.
Hi, I'm Mike! I value authenticity and transparency in the therapy room. I became a therapist to empower you to make positive and lasting change. I'll be honest, I won't have all the answers, but I'm never afraid to accompany you on the journey to find them. In my practice, I am a compassionate and knowledgeable integrative psychotherapist who has worked in health care organizations for over 10 years. I mainly specialize in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and third wave therapy approaches for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, specific phobias, OCD and health anxiety.
01564 335986 View 01564 335986
Photo of Jessica Sharman, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Jessica Sharman
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B31
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out is hard sometimes, and it can take courage to just consider counselling, never mind open up.
I can offer a warm, empathetic and compassionate environment for us to explore your troubles, and what might be underlying these. I am passionate about mental health and seeing the whole person, as well as the importance of hope, empowerment and finding your own sense of identity and/or meaning in recovery. As an Integrative Counsellor, I draw on a range of theories to work in a way that best suits your needs. I can work with a range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, body image and bereavement, with the aim of helping you make sense of your experiences and cope with an often difficult world.
Reaching out is hard sometimes, and it can take courage to just consider counselling, never mind open up.
I can offer a warm, empathetic and compassionate environment for us to explore your troubles, and what might be underlying these. I am passionate about mental health and seeing the whole person, as well as the importance of hope, empowerment and finding your own sense of identity and/or meaning in recovery. As an Integrative Counsellor, I draw on a range of theories to work in a way that best suits your needs. I can work with a range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, body image and bereavement, with the aim of helping you make sense of your experiences and cope with an often difficult world.
0121 661 7732 View 0121 661 7732
Photo of Charlotte Povey, MBACP, Counsellor
Charlotte Povey
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B31
Can you imagine how different your life could be? To understand yourself better, to be in control of your thoughts and emotions.
Struggles in life are inevitable. Yet feeling overwhelmed by them and not coping isn’t. Sometimes we need extra support and guidance to be able to get past these hurdles. Feeling overwhelmed / worried / anxious? Like you can’t go on anymore? That you aren’t worth it? These are the type of issues that I work with to enable my clients to change this thinking pattern into a more healthier perspective and belief about themselves. To better understand yourself and work towards letting go of the baggage is being carried around on a daily basis. Together we can do this and so much more.
Can you imagine how different your life could be? To understand yourself better, to be in control of your thoughts and emotions.
Struggles in life are inevitable. Yet feeling overwhelmed by them and not coping isn’t. Sometimes we need extra support and guidance to be able to get past these hurdles. Feeling overwhelmed / worried / anxious? Like you can’t go on anymore? That you aren’t worth it? These are the type of issues that I work with to enable my clients to change this thinking pattern into a more healthier perspective and belief about themselves. To better understand yourself and work towards letting go of the baggage is being carried around on a daily basis. Together we can do this and so much more.
0121 728 2303 View 0121 728 2303
Photo of Lissa-Marie Edwards, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lissa-Marie Edwards
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Rubery B45
I understand how difficult and debilitating it can feel, and to feel like you are struggling on your own.
Are you finding yourself in a state of overwhelm? Do you find yourself anxious and struggling with day to day activities. Do you want to feel understood and motivated to be able to do these things. Well I can help! We can work together to make you feel better and more like ‘You’ again.
I understand how difficult and debilitating it can feel, and to feel like you are struggling on your own.
Are you finding yourself in a state of overwhelm? Do you find yourself anxious and struggling with day to day activities. Do you want to feel understood and motivated to be able to do these things. Well I can help! We can work together to make you feel better and more like ‘You’ again.
01527 361390 View 01527 361390
Photo of Dr Rosalind Brock, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rosalind Brock
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B45
I enjoy working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, with sensitivity to individual presentations and histories.
Hello, I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I can offer you a warm, supportive environment in which to explore and understand the issues that have brought you to therapy. Using evidence-based interventions, we can work collaboratively together towards change. I work with adults with a variety of difficulties, but have specialist experience of working with PTSD, C-PTSD/complex trauma, anxiety issues, OCD, phobia, birth trauma and baby loss. I have a wealth of experience from both NHS and private settings to draw on to support you.
I enjoy working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, with sensitivity to individual presentations and histories.
Hello, I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I can offer you a warm, supportive environment in which to explore and understand the issues that have brought you to therapy. Using evidence-based interventions, we can work collaboratively together towards change. I work with adults with a variety of difficulties, but have specialist experience of working with PTSD, C-PTSD/complex trauma, anxiety issues, OCD, phobia, birth trauma and baby loss. I have a wealth of experience from both NHS and private settings to draw on to support you.
0121 728 6567 View 0121 728 6567
Photo of Alison Stevens, MBACP, Counsellor
Alison Stevens
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lickey End B60
You are my priority and together we will explore the difficulties you are facing and the impact this is having on your life.
Hello and thank you for choosing to look at my profile. Are you finding life difficult and challenging? Maybe leaving you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, isolated, with your mind full of thoughts and worries? Maybe you don't really know how you're feeling. It's at times like this that I believe it is beneficial to have someone to talk too, someone who will offer support and really listen, empathically and without judgement. As an experienced Integrative Counsellor my first priority will be to offer you a safe space where you feel accepted. Where you can press pause on life and have time just for you.
You are my priority and together we will explore the difficulties you are facing and the impact this is having on your life.
Hello and thank you for choosing to look at my profile. Are you finding life difficult and challenging? Maybe leaving you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, isolated, with your mind full of thoughts and worries? Maybe you don't really know how you're feeling. It's at times like this that I believe it is beneficial to have someone to talk too, someone who will offer support and really listen, empathically and without judgement. As an experienced Integrative Counsellor my first priority will be to offer you a safe space where you feel accepted. Where you can press pause on life and have time just for you.
01527 368435 View 01527 368435
Photo of Vicky Gallagher, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Vicky Gallagher
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B31
I will help you explore & consider alternative ways of thinking and behaving.
Hi, my name is Vicky, and as a counsellor and someone who has accessed counselling to support myself in the past, I understand how challenging it can be. It is important to feel comfortable and, most of all, not judged. I see my role as a counsellor as helping you work through what it is that brought you to therapy and to help you understand the reasons for your thoughts and feelings.
I will help you explore & consider alternative ways of thinking and behaving.
Hi, my name is Vicky, and as a counsellor and someone who has accessed counselling to support myself in the past, I understand how challenging it can be. It is important to feel comfortable and, most of all, not judged. I see my role as a counsellor as helping you work through what it is that brought you to therapy and to help you understand the reasons for your thoughts and feelings.
0121 728 2395 View 0121 728 2395

See more therapy options for Barnt Green

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.