Depression Counselling in Knowle

Photo of Helen Gillies, MSc, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor
Helen Gillies
Counsellor, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knowle B93
It can be daunting and overwhelming trying to find the right therapist for you, especially when life could already feel overwhelming.
Your place in this world matters. Choosing a therapist is an important part of your journey, my objective is to create a space in which you feel safe and comfortable to express yourself. Being integrative means that I am trained in more than one approach to counselling, allowing me to be flexible with the approach that works for you. Through counselling, we can create the space to explore parts of yourself that you might feel unable to share with others. I have helped people with experience of trauma, depression, social anxiety and more. I offer face to face and online sessions.
It can be daunting and overwhelming trying to find the right therapist for you, especially when life could already feel overwhelming.
Your place in this world matters. Choosing a therapist is an important part of your journey, my objective is to create a space in which you feel safe and comfortable to express yourself. Being integrative means that I am trained in more than one approach to counselling, allowing me to be flexible with the approach that works for you. Through counselling, we can create the space to explore parts of yourself that you might feel unable to share with others. I have helped people with experience of trauma, depression, social anxiety and more. I offer face to face and online sessions.
024 7542 4994 View 024 7542 4994
Photo of Lianne Crofts - Magenta Owl, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Magenta Owl
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
Together we can find ways to build on your strengths and overcome your personal challenges; at a pace to suit you.
In my work, I encourage awareness of the importance of self-care from the outset. With lived experience of both Autism and ADHD, I focus on neurodivergence and how it can impact wellbeing and self-esteem. Together, we devise strategies and tools to help with life balance. Each individual is unique; and so it is vital that clients take responsibility for their own growth. I set "homework" tasks for between sessions; utilising CBT in a collaborative process of goal-realisation and self-development, whether working online or in-person. If you are committed to deepening self-understanding, contact me to arrange an initial appointment.
Together we can find ways to build on your strengths and overcome your personal challenges; at a pace to suit you.
In my work, I encourage awareness of the importance of self-care from the outset. With lived experience of both Autism and ADHD, I focus on neurodivergence and how it can impact wellbeing and self-esteem. Together, we devise strategies and tools to help with life balance. Each individual is unique; and so it is vital that clients take responsibility for their own growth. I set "homework" tasks for between sessions; utilising CBT in a collaborative process of goal-realisation and self-development, whether working online or in-person. If you are committed to deepening self-understanding, contact me to arrange an initial appointment.
01527 962131 View 01527 962131
Photo of Polly Jennens, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Polly Jennens
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
It may be that you have a specific problem that you want to tackle or you may just feel that your life could be better - either way, we can work together to make positive changes in your life.
Are you feeling "how do I deal with this" or "how can I change things" and you just don't know where to start.........then I can help. Counselling can make a huge difference to how you live your life. People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons and you're certainly not alone if you are finding making the first move quite daunting. I provide a quiet, safe space where you can freely discuss your fears, worries, hopes and dreams without judgement. This will allow you to gain a greater understanding of where you are now, where you want to be and how to get there.
It may be that you have a specific problem that you want to tackle or you may just feel that your life could be better - either way, we can work together to make positive changes in your life.
Are you feeling "how do I deal with this" or "how can I change things" and you just don't know where to start.........then I can help. Counselling can make a huge difference to how you live your life. People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons and you're certainly not alone if you are finding making the first move quite daunting. I provide a quiet, safe space where you can freely discuss your fears, worries, hopes and dreams without judgement. This will allow you to gain a greater understanding of where you are now, where you want to be and how to get there.
01789 331102 View 01789 331102
Photo of Elizabeth Sanders, MBACP, Counsellor
Elizabeth Sanders
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
I strive to build a positive, non-judgmental, empathic relationship with all my clients to help get them back on track.
Hello and thank you for looking at my profile. My name is Liz and I run a small counselling practice covering Warwickshire and the West Midlands. I offer a calm, safe, reassuring presence to work with you to make sense of difficulties in your life and move towards a more positive future. We cannot change what happens to us, but we can change how we respond. Counselling can help with a wide range of issues such as bereavement, loss of purpose or identity, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, ill health, low self-worth or self-esteem, relationship challenges or a sense of something missing in life.
I strive to build a positive, non-judgmental, empathic relationship with all my clients to help get them back on track.
Hello and thank you for looking at my profile. My name is Liz and I run a small counselling practice covering Warwickshire and the West Midlands. I offer a calm, safe, reassuring presence to work with you to make sense of difficulties in your life and move towards a more positive future. We cannot change what happens to us, but we can change how we respond. Counselling can help with a wide range of issues such as bereavement, loss of purpose or identity, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, ill health, low self-worth or self-esteem, relationship challenges or a sense of something missing in life.
01827 948337 View 01827 948337
Photo of Balwinder Hunjan, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Balwinder Hunjan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
Finding the right therapist, to build trust and have a safe relationship to explore your stressors or concerns can feel challenging and overwhelming.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or stressed? Do you feel that nobody understands? What or how do you change things? I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor/ Psychotherapist. I work with clients from various cross-sections of the community and with a varied age group. I am culturally sensitive and understand the needs and expectations of different cultural groups. I provide a safe, confidential and empathic environment for you to discuss issues which may be affecting you. I have considerable experience working with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
Finding the right therapist, to build trust and have a safe relationship to explore your stressors or concerns can feel challenging and overwhelming.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or stressed? Do you feel that nobody understands? What or how do you change things? I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor/ Psychotherapist. I work with clients from various cross-sections of the community and with a varied age group. I am culturally sensitive and understand the needs and expectations of different cultural groups. I provide a safe, confidential and empathic environment for you to discuss issues which may be affecting you. I have considerable experience working with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
0121 827 7766 View 0121 827 7766
Photo of Amanda Crocker, ACC Reg, Counsellor
Amanda Crocker
Counsellor, ACC Reg
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
Being able to make sense of our circumstances, emotions and how we feel about ourselves can be difficult and daunting. Talking therapy can provide you with the safe and private opportunity to talk through situations and feelings that may be affecting you, your mental health, your work, your relationships, or any other aspect of your life. By listening to you in a non-judgemental way, I can provide the safe, supportive environment in which we can work together to help you explore your feelings and understand yourself better.
Being able to make sense of our circumstances, emotions and how we feel about ourselves can be difficult and daunting. Talking therapy can provide you with the safe and private opportunity to talk through situations and feelings that may be affecting you, your mental health, your work, your relationships, or any other aspect of your life. By listening to you in a non-judgemental way, I can provide the safe, supportive environment in which we can work together to help you explore your feelings and understand yourself better.
01675 621408 View 01675 621408
Photo of Dr Alison Hayes, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Alison Hayes
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knowle B93
I practice from Knowle and Leamington Spa and can offer a daytime or evening face to face 50-minutes appointment.
Looking for help is a courageous act. It involves turning towards our pain, bringing our curiosity to the fore and listening out for what our distress is telling us. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to tread a path that can help us to move forward creatively to become ourselves more fully. I have over twenty five years experience working as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with adults. During my career I have worked with adults experiencing the full range of mental health difficulties which you might go to see your GP about. Working privately provides an opportunity to work together in an organic way.
I practice from Knowle and Leamington Spa and can offer a daytime or evening face to face 50-minutes appointment.
Looking for help is a courageous act. It involves turning towards our pain, bringing our curiosity to the fore and listening out for what our distress is telling us. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to tread a path that can help us to move forward creatively to become ourselves more fully. I have over twenty five years experience working as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with adults. During my career I have worked with adults experiencing the full range of mental health difficulties which you might go to see your GP about. Working privately provides an opportunity to work together in an organic way.
01564 335075 View 01564 335075
Photo of Pippa Trace, BACP, Counsellor
Pippa Trace
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knowle B93
My name is Pippa, and I am a fully qualified and experienced psychotherapist in Birmingham, with therapy rooms in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.
People seek counselling and psychotherapy for various reasons. Not everyone knows what is bothering them. Often it is the difficulties and challenges of daily life that become overwhelming and unmanageable, impacting relationships, work and decision making. It is sometimes beyond the control of the individual to address those issues without professional help.
My name is Pippa, and I am a fully qualified and experienced psychotherapist in Birmingham, with therapy rooms in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.
People seek counselling and psychotherapy for various reasons. Not everyone knows what is bothering them. Often it is the difficulties and challenges of daily life that become overwhelming and unmanageable, impacting relationships, work and decision making. It is sometimes beyond the control of the individual to address those issues without professional help.
0121 285 7924 View 0121 285 7924
Photo of Helen Andrews, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Helen Andrews
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Knowle B93
I know it is hard to know how worried to be, and to know who is the best person to help, so I am happy to start with a 'phone call so we can explore your concerns and different options for getting help, if it seems appropriate.
I specialise in working with children & their families, particularly young children. Parents contact me because they are concerned about their child's behaviour or development, sometimes they can see that their child is worried, cross or seems sad. Often parents have questions about how best to respond to their child in different situations, or want to learn more about different parenting approaches. Parents also worry about relationships within the family; whether they feel as close to their child as they thought they would, or whether difficult times have put a strain on relationships. These are all good reasons to get in touch.
I know it is hard to know how worried to be, and to know who is the best person to help, so I am happy to start with a 'phone call so we can explore your concerns and different options for getting help, if it seems appropriate.
I specialise in working with children & their families, particularly young children. Parents contact me because they are concerned about their child's behaviour or development, sometimes they can see that their child is worried, cross or seems sad. Often parents have questions about how best to respond to their child in different situations, or want to learn more about different parenting approaches. Parents also worry about relationships within the family; whether they feel as close to their child as they thought they would, or whether difficult times have put a strain on relationships. These are all good reasons to get in touch.
01883 778996 View 01883 778996

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Adrian Murray - Adrian Murray Counselling , MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Adrian Murray Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B93
Making contact can be one of the hardest things you ever do but working with someone who listens and understands where you are in your life in a non judgemental empathic way could be the best thing you ever do.
We all struggle with many things from all kinds of abuse in our lives, be that Anxiety, Depression, various trauma, from major or minor incidents, along with equality issues, organisational issues, bereavement, self harm, family issues, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), personality disorders, and many other issues. No matter how low or out of control these issues make us feel, with the right support and relationship we can get through these difficult times in our lives. You do not have to go through this on your own. I can listen and support without any judgement. I can offer advice and my experience.
Making contact can be one of the hardest things you ever do but working with someone who listens and understands where you are in your life in a non judgemental empathic way could be the best thing you ever do.
We all struggle with many things from all kinds of abuse in our lives, be that Anxiety, Depression, various trauma, from major or minor incidents, along with equality issues, organisational issues, bereavement, self harm, family issues, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), personality disorders, and many other issues. No matter how low or out of control these issues make us feel, with the right support and relationship we can get through these difficult times in our lives. You do not have to go through this on your own. I can listen and support without any judgement. I can offer advice and my experience.
01842 771097 View 01842 771097
Photo of Dianne McCormick, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dianne McCormick
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Solihull B93  (Online Only)
Where appropriate, I share thoughts, perceptions and feelings that may shed new light, insight and direction on areas of exploration.
"Dianne helped my husband and I bridge seemingly impossible gaps in our understanding of each other and ability to communicate despite considerable differences. Dianne took us from a place where we encountered apparently unresolvable emotional blockages daily, from a place of frustration and chronic misunderstanding to a place where we were able to appreciate each other's feelings and show love to one another increasingly unreservedly. She was skilfully professional, without ever faltering in compassion or humanity. She has given us the tools we needed to succeed in our marriage and we are hugely grateful for her help. " Annon
Where appropriate, I share thoughts, perceptions and feelings that may shed new light, insight and direction on areas of exploration.
"Dianne helped my husband and I bridge seemingly impossible gaps in our understanding of each other and ability to communicate despite considerable differences. Dianne took us from a place where we encountered apparently unresolvable emotional blockages daily, from a place of frustration and chronic misunderstanding to a place where we were able to appreciate each other's feelings and show love to one another increasingly unreservedly. She was skilfully professional, without ever faltering in compassion or humanity. She has given us the tools we needed to succeed in our marriage and we are hugely grateful for her help. " Annon
View
Photo of Louise Brookes, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Brookes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B91  (Online Only)
Do you need somebody to talk to? Are you unsure where to start? I can support you by discussing a range of issues at your own pace.
Maybe you’re looking for support right now? Maybe you have anxiety or depression? Do you want to manage different transitions in life, or perhaps your confidence feels low? I work with a variety of topics, utilising techniques to best suit you. Talking about your difficulties may feel overwhelming. However, I provide a safe space for you to be listened to and to help you to see things differently. I believe you’re the expert in you and will support you to explore things at a pace to suit you. I’m a registered member of BACP. 50 minute sessions as standard but 30-minutes available on request.
Do you need somebody to talk to? Are you unsure where to start? I can support you by discussing a range of issues at your own pace.
Maybe you’re looking for support right now? Maybe you have anxiety or depression? Do you want to manage different transitions in life, or perhaps your confidence feels low? I work with a variety of topics, utilising techniques to best suit you. Talking about your difficulties may feel overwhelming. However, I provide a safe space for you to be listened to and to help you to see things differently. I believe you’re the expert in you and will support you to explore things at a pace to suit you. I’m a registered member of BACP. 50 minute sessions as standard but 30-minutes available on request.
0121 661 5955 View 0121 661 5955
Photo of Harpal Singh, BACP, Counsellor
Harpal Singh
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B93
In my practice I will listen to you and be empathic and non-judgemental.
Are you feeling really low and depressed and anxious but don't know why? You are stuck and do not know how to overcome this feeling....Thinking about counselling can be quite daunting and not knowing what to expect can be quite frightening.
In my practice I will listen to you and be empathic and non-judgemental.
Are you feeling really low and depressed and anxious but don't know why? You are stuck and do not know how to overcome this feeling....Thinking about counselling can be quite daunting and not knowing what to expect can be quite frightening.
024 7542 0534 View 024 7542 0534
Photo of Gemma Allen - GLA Counselling & Therapy Services, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
GLA Counselling & Therapy Services
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Solihull B91
I am a naturally empathic individual and have had opportunities to have therapy myself and really gets to know what makes me tick, because of this you can expect a genuine interaction.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and have the skills to work either with a non-directive approach or I can be solution focused and offer insight. I am also a qualified addiction therapist and recovery coach and I am able to work with broad range of people who may have experienced abuse, trauma self-esteem issues, domestic abuse and all levels of anxiety or depression. I believe wholeheartedly that we all have within us the tools we need to move forward in life given the right environment, support and relationship. I believe that together and with a tailored approach to suit you we can work through what it is you need to work through.
I am a naturally empathic individual and have had opportunities to have therapy myself and really gets to know what makes me tick, because of this you can expect a genuine interaction.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and have the skills to work either with a non-directive approach or I can be solution focused and offer insight. I am also a qualified addiction therapist and recovery coach and I am able to work with broad range of people who may have experienced abuse, trauma self-esteem issues, domestic abuse and all levels of anxiety or depression. I believe wholeheartedly that we all have within us the tools we need to move forward in life given the right environment, support and relationship. I believe that together and with a tailored approach to suit you we can work through what it is you need to work through.
01675 620471 View 01675 620471
Photo of Annette Lilley, MBACP, Counsellor
Annette Lilley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B91
I understand that beginning counselling can feel scary so please call, text or email depending on what feels most comfortable for you, and we can discuss your needs and whether we feel that we can work together.
At times we can feel overwhelmed by life events, relationships or distressing thoughts and feelings. Sometimes we believe that we are never going to feel better and lose hope that change can happen. If we have experienced long term distress we might feel that we are broken and unfixable. I can work with you to process painful experiences, help you to connect more with yourself and others to improve your relationships and to get more of what you want from life. I work in a relational way, meaning that we will focus on the relationship between us to understand more about the way you relate to others and yourself.
I understand that beginning counselling can feel scary so please call, text or email depending on what feels most comfortable for you, and we can discuss your needs and whether we feel that we can work together.
At times we can feel overwhelmed by life events, relationships or distressing thoughts and feelings. Sometimes we believe that we are never going to feel better and lose hope that change can happen. If we have experienced long term distress we might feel that we are broken and unfixable. I can work with you to process painful experiences, help you to connect more with yourself and others to improve your relationships and to get more of what you want from life. I work in a relational way, meaning that we will focus on the relationship between us to understand more about the way you relate to others and yourself.
01564 335978 View 01564 335978
Photo of Sobia Janjua - SJ Psychotherapy, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
SJ Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Solihull B91  (Online Only)
Taking the first step to address your problems can be anxiety provoking.
Hello, my name is Sobia and I'm an Accredited Psychotherapist with 17 years experience. Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you are finding it hard to come to terms with major life events, difficult experiences or traumas. If you are looking to make sense of your experiences, emotions or to change how you think or deal with difficulties in your life, then maybe therapy is the way forward for you. I provide a safe, contained, compassionate and person centred therapeutic environment for you to share and explore your difficulties.
Taking the first step to address your problems can be anxiety provoking.
Hello, my name is Sobia and I'm an Accredited Psychotherapist with 17 years experience. Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you are finding it hard to come to terms with major life events, difficult experiences or traumas. If you are looking to make sense of your experiences, emotions or to change how you think or deal with difficulties in your life, then maybe therapy is the way forward for you. I provide a safe, contained, compassionate and person centred therapeutic environment for you to share and explore your difficulties.
0121 387 0239 View 0121 387 0239
Photo of Ann-Marie Munday, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Ann-Marie Munday
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Solihull B93
I offer a space which is compassionate, non-judgemental and respectful.
Do you ever find yourself feeling empty, depressed, numb or anxious. Unhappy or unfulfilled in relationships. That life feels out of control, or its hard to find what you want or how to get it. Feeling plagued by difficult thoughts of the past, nightmares or flashbacks. I specialise in providing psychological therapy to adults experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. I would work with you to carefully understand the difficulties you bring, and help you to make the emotional and psychological changes you want, enabling you to lead the fulfilled life you long for and deserve.
I offer a space which is compassionate, non-judgemental and respectful.
Do you ever find yourself feeling empty, depressed, numb or anxious. Unhappy or unfulfilled in relationships. That life feels out of control, or its hard to find what you want or how to get it. Feeling plagued by difficult thoughts of the past, nightmares or flashbacks. I specialise in providing psychological therapy to adults experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. I would work with you to carefully understand the difficulties you bring, and help you to make the emotional and psychological changes you want, enabling you to lead the fulfilled life you long for and deserve.
07392 685282 View 07392 685282
Photo of Yad Poole - rHIse Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
rHIse Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B93
No single approach is the right one for every individual.
Through a valuing and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship rHIse Therapy aims to provide the space for clients to gently heal and discover new possibilities in their lives. Below is a comprehensive but, not exhaustive list of different issues and life experiences that rHIse Therapy supports: Bereavement & Loss, Anxiety & Stress,  Depression or Low Mood, Self Confidence & Self Esteem, Self Harm, Physical & Emotional Trauma, Relationship Difficulties, Bullying or Harassment, Work Place Difficulties, Family Relationships or attachment Issues, Behaviour Difficulties, Adolescent Development and Teenage Difficulties.
No single approach is the right one for every individual.
Through a valuing and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship rHIse Therapy aims to provide the space for clients to gently heal and discover new possibilities in their lives. Below is a comprehensive but, not exhaustive list of different issues and life experiences that rHIse Therapy supports: Bereavement & Loss, Anxiety & Stress,  Depression or Low Mood, Self Confidence & Self Esteem, Self Harm, Physical & Emotional Trauma, Relationship Difficulties, Bullying or Harassment, Work Place Difficulties, Family Relationships or attachment Issues, Behaviour Difficulties, Adolescent Development and Teenage Difficulties.
01675 620514 View 01675 620514
Photo of Julia Angoy, MBACP, Counsellor
Julia Angoy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Solihull B91  (Online Only)
I offer a safe, non-judgemental, respectful approach which goes beyond culture and background.
I am a fully qualified and experienced relationship counsellor, working with both couples and individuals for over 10 years. I trained and qualified with the Relate Institute and share their philosophy on the importance of happy and healthy relationships contributing to positive emotional well being. I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I specialise in all matters which can impact on the success of a relationship, these can include breakdown in communication, managing change, affairs, conflict, trust issues, respect, intimacy, loss, separation and divorce.
I offer a safe, non-judgemental, respectful approach which goes beyond culture and background.
I am a fully qualified and experienced relationship counsellor, working with both couples and individuals for over 10 years. I trained and qualified with the Relate Institute and share their philosophy on the importance of happy and healthy relationships contributing to positive emotional well being. I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I specialise in all matters which can impact on the success of a relationship, these can include breakdown in communication, managing change, affairs, conflict, trust issues, respect, intimacy, loss, separation and divorce.
0121 817 7943 View 0121 817 7943
Photo of Hayley Trower, PhD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Hayley Trower
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Solihull B91  (Online Only)
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting.
I offer holistic integrative psychotherapy, which focuses on the mind, body, spirit, and environment as four pillars of human health. A whole-person perspective can help you to see the connections between all aspects of your life so that you can better understand your own health and wellness. I specialise in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, confidence issues, relationship issues, and addiction. I'm a registered member of the BACP, and I have a postgraduate level 6 certificate in holistic integrative psychotherapy.
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting.
I offer holistic integrative psychotherapy, which focuses on the mind, body, spirit, and environment as four pillars of human health. A whole-person perspective can help you to see the connections between all aspects of your life so that you can better understand your own health and wellness. I specialise in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, confidence issues, relationship issues, and addiction. I'm a registered member of the BACP, and I have a postgraduate level 6 certificate in holistic integrative psychotherapy.
01842 771021 View 01842 771021

See more therapy options for Knowle

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.