Depression Counselling in Milton Keynes

Photo of Karen Johnson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Karen Johnson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK10
I can provide a safe space, in which you can feel accepted, understood and listened to with kindness, empathy and compassion.
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
I can provide a safe space, in which you can feel accepted, understood and listened to with kindness, empathy and compassion.
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
01788 229475 View 01788 229475
Photo of Bongiwe Sibanda - Reset Minds Therapies, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Reset Minds Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK9  (Online Only)
Reaching out for help when you are struggling can be a daunting and unfamiliar experience.
Hi there. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulties with your emotions or dealing with the after effects of traumatic experiences? Perhaps you may have specific goals that you would like to work towards, relating to your career or lifestyle and you are struggling to meet these goals on your own. My name is Bongi, and I work with adults, children and adolescents who experience these difficulties and support them to overcome, these challenges. My aim as a therapist is to help people to reclaim control of their own perceptions, emotions and behaviours in order to reach their goals, thrive and live a fulfilling life.
Reaching out for help when you are struggling can be a daunting and unfamiliar experience.
Hi there. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulties with your emotions or dealing with the after effects of traumatic experiences? Perhaps you may have specific goals that you would like to work towards, relating to your career or lifestyle and you are struggling to meet these goals on your own. My name is Bongi, and I work with adults, children and adolescents who experience these difficulties and support them to overcome, these challenges. My aim as a therapist is to help people to reclaim control of their own perceptions, emotions and behaviours in order to reach their goals, thrive and live a fulfilling life.
01752 741387 View 01752 741387
Photo of Dr Jaspreet Tehara, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jaspreet Tehara
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton Keynes MK11
I am always looking to listen and understand the complexities of the people I work with in order to best aide their growth and development through the trials and experiences of life.
Regarding any work you bring to the session, I would like to work with you in a co-productive manner in order to address issues as we understand them. I begin with offering phone consultation (15 mins- free) followed by assessment sessions which help to identify what could be areas of concern, and create a psycholgical formulation in co-production with you (which can be modified as we progress through our journey). From there we move ahead with a plan that addresses what you're looking to achieve, be that time limited (and specific) or open ended (and exploratory).
I am always looking to listen and understand the complexities of the people I work with in order to best aide their growth and development through the trials and experiences of life.
Regarding any work you bring to the session, I would like to work with you in a co-productive manner in order to address issues as we understand them. I begin with offering phone consultation (15 mins- free) followed by assessment sessions which help to identify what could be areas of concern, and create a psycholgical formulation in co-production with you (which can be modified as we progress through our journey). From there we move ahead with a plan that addresses what you're looking to achieve, be that time limited (and specific) or open ended (and exploratory).
01908 410724 View 01908 410724
Photo of Rebecca Suzanne Holland - Becky Counselling, BACP, Counsellor
Becky Counselling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK12
Life can be hard sometimes, everyone experiences struggles and although they can seem small, they feel so overwhelming when you’re in the midst of it.
Hi, I’m Becky. As a counsellor I can offer you a safe space to talk freely, getting things off your chest in a confidential environment or a chance to explore your feelings or things that are on your mind. I don’t offer advice but will guide you in becoming more self aware, understanding your feelings and thoughts and finding answers for yourself. At this time, with lockdown and all the things that come with this, things can feel uncertain and lonely. I am offering sessions over zoom, starting with a free telephone consultation and concessions for sessions to encourage everyone to reach out and ask for the help that they need.
Life can be hard sometimes, everyone experiences struggles and although they can seem small, they feel so overwhelming when you’re in the midst of it.
Hi, I’m Becky. As a counsellor I can offer you a safe space to talk freely, getting things off your chest in a confidential environment or a chance to explore your feelings or things that are on your mind. I don’t offer advice but will guide you in becoming more self aware, understanding your feelings and thoughts and finding answers for yourself. At this time, with lockdown and all the things that come with this, things can feel uncertain and lonely. I am offering sessions over zoom, starting with a free telephone consultation and concessions for sessions to encourage everyone to reach out and ask for the help that they need.
01752 746513 View 01752 746513
Photo of Shadreck Masocha, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Shadreck Masocha
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK3
I am easy to talk to, open minded and non-judgemental.
I am an experienced psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & EMDR therapy with 15 years of clinical experience. I have worked extensively in the National Health Service as a clinician and team manager with responsibilities over other therapists. I am also a qualified life coach and mentor. 
I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of depression and anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic, health anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia and long term health conditions
I am easy to talk to, open minded and non-judgemental.
I am an experienced psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & EMDR therapy with 15 years of clinical experience. I have worked extensively in the National Health Service as a clinician and team manager with responsibilities over other therapists. I am also a qualified life coach and mentor. 
I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of depression and anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic, health anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia and long term health conditions
01225 432678 View 01225 432678
Photo of Asha Weir, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Asha Weir
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK5
For people outside the area, or those who are unable to travel, I also offer sessions via telephone or Skype.
I am a psychologist and counsellor who has spent a very rewarding 19 years building my practice in the beautiful city of Milton Keynes, helping men and women, teenagers and children, couples and families. I deal with a wide variety of issues and situations including couples therapy, relationship counselling, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, stress management, confidence building, teenage and child behaviours, and bullying in the workplace.
For people outside the area, or those who are unable to travel, I also offer sessions via telephone or Skype.
I am a psychologist and counsellor who has spent a very rewarding 19 years building my practice in the beautiful city of Milton Keynes, helping men and women, teenagers and children, couples and families. I deal with a wide variety of issues and situations including couples therapy, relationship counselling, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, stress management, confidence building, teenage and child behaviours, and bullying in the workplace.
01908 082329 View 01908 082329
Photo of Edak E Effiom, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Edak E Effiom
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK10
I show empathy and authenticity so clients feel valued and empowered and I engage in paid supervision to ensure I deliver quality service to clients.
When you make the decision to talk to a total stranger about your difficulties, it can sometimes provoke anxiety. However, as your therapist, my goal is to not make you feel judged, by providing a safe, confidential space for you to express those difficult feelings that you may never have been able to do. My aim is for you to feel connected with aspects of your self, which might make you feel more able to explore more complex issues of your life experience, so that you can make better sense of your world and your way of being and interacting with the connections you make within that world.
I show empathy and authenticity so clients feel valued and empowered and I engage in paid supervision to ensure I deliver quality service to clients.
When you make the decision to talk to a total stranger about your difficulties, it can sometimes provoke anxiety. However, as your therapist, my goal is to not make you feel judged, by providing a safe, confidential space for you to express those difficult feelings that you may never have been able to do. My aim is for you to feel connected with aspects of your self, which might make you feel more able to explore more complex issues of your life experience, so that you can make better sense of your world and your way of being and interacting with the connections you make within that world.
01788 228348 View 01788 228348
Photo of Mat Schencks, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mat Schencks
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK11
Working with an experienced therapist who can help you understand your experience can be profoundly healing.
I offer a caring and non-judgmental relationship in which you can explore the issues, experiences, thoughts and feelings that have brought you to seek help. We will explore the situations and challenges you are facing in your life. Speaking about what is difficult is the beginning of feeling better. Core Process Psychotherapy combines the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism with western approaches to psychology. This compassionate and relational approach emphasises our wholeness, and our inherent resilience and balance - however hidden these qualities may sometimes seem. I work with both individuals and couples.
Working with an experienced therapist who can help you understand your experience can be profoundly healing.
I offer a caring and non-judgmental relationship in which you can explore the issues, experiences, thoughts and feelings that have brought you to seek help. We will explore the situations and challenges you are facing in your life. Speaking about what is difficult is the beginning of feeling better. Core Process Psychotherapy combines the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism with western approaches to psychology. This compassionate and relational approach emphasises our wholeness, and our inherent resilience and balance - however hidden these qualities may sometimes seem. I work with both individuals and couples.
01908 015946 View 01908 015946
Photo of Ravi Sankar - Doctor Mind Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Doctor Mind Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK14
I have learned the importance of self-reflection to become unstuck in my life.
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist and psychological therapist with over 15 years NHS experience. I now work full-time in private practice. I help lots of people manage stressful life events and deal with many psychological problems. I will help you to develop a rich understanding of your emotional difficulties, to learn what has made you stuck, and how to respond flexibly to various challenges. How we think really affects what we feel and then do. I treat many problems including anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Sometimes we need to reflect on how we keep falling into the same traps to move forward in our life.
I have learned the importance of self-reflection to become unstuck in my life.
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist and psychological therapist with over 15 years NHS experience. I now work full-time in private practice. I help lots of people manage stressful life events and deal with many psychological problems. I will help you to develop a rich understanding of your emotional difficulties, to learn what has made you stuck, and how to respond flexibly to various challenges. How we think really affects what we feel and then do. I treat many problems including anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Sometimes we need to reflect on how we keep falling into the same traps to move forward in our life.
01908 015917 View 01908 015917
Photo of Ian Glenister, MBACP, Counsellor
Ian Glenister
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK1
Picking up the phone to reach out to a counsellor for the first time can be very daunting! Yet it may turn out to be the best decision you have made.
Perhaps you are feeling lost, in a 'strange place' or no longer feel yourself to be the person you once were. You'd like to understand why this is and talk about your difficult feelings with someone who is non-judgmental and who can help you better understand them.
Picking up the phone to reach out to a counsellor for the first time can be very daunting! Yet it may turn out to be the best decision you have made.
Perhaps you are feeling lost, in a 'strange place' or no longer feel yourself to be the person you once were. You'd like to understand why this is and talk about your difficult feelings with someone who is non-judgmental and who can help you better understand them.
07401 253576 View 07401 253576
Photo of Dr Edit Sevic Andrek, PhD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Dr Edit Sevic Andrek
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton Keynes MK10  (Online Only)
I work online from Scotland, but am insured to work with clients anywhere in the world.
Are you feeling isolated or unheard while facing infertility, miscarriage, or other major life changes? Are you overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next? I provide specialised support for children, individuals and couples navigating these challenges, drawing from personal experience. I understand how these experiences can impact your sense of self, trigger deep fears, and unearth unresolved traumas. I also assist those dealing with anxiety or depression. Together, we can work through these emotions and find a pathway to healing and resilience.
I work online from Scotland, but am insured to work with clients anywhere in the world.
Are you feeling isolated or unheard while facing infertility, miscarriage, or other major life changes? Are you overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next? I provide specialised support for children, individuals and couples navigating these challenges, drawing from personal experience. I understand how these experiences can impact your sense of self, trigger deep fears, and unearth unresolved traumas. I also assist those dealing with anxiety or depression. Together, we can work through these emotions and find a pathway to healing and resilience.
0141 673 7601 View 0141 673 7601
Photo of Colin Keith Johnson, ACC-AC, Counsellor
Colin Keith Johnson
Counsellor, ACC-AC
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK1
It can be hard to take the first step and contact a counsellor.
Life can at times seem overwhelming and if that's true for you then meeting with a caring, supportive counsellor can really help. Maybe you've experienced a loss or there's a trauma from your past which is still disturbing you. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, lack of confidence or you just want space to work through your feelings and why you behave in the way you do. You could be someone who doesn’t want to talk in depth about a past event, if so, you could benefit from EMDR therapy where traumatic memories are processed through guided eye movements. Whatever the issue is I am a good listener and want to help if I can.
It can be hard to take the first step and contact a counsellor.
Life can at times seem overwhelming and if that's true for you then meeting with a caring, supportive counsellor can really help. Maybe you've experienced a loss or there's a trauma from your past which is still disturbing you. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, lack of confidence or you just want space to work through your feelings and why you behave in the way you do. You could be someone who doesn’t want to talk in depth about a past event, if so, you could benefit from EMDR therapy where traumatic memories are processed through guided eye movements. Whatever the issue is I am a good listener and want to help if I can.
01525 654779 View 01525 654779
Photo of Helen Heather, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Heather
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK1
It's not easy, taking that first step, but this is a journey I will walk alongside you.
I support people in finding hope for the future rather than existing in the past. Sometimes it can feel as though we are playing a role for other people, rather than being our genuine selves. Things can become overwhelming and feel as though you are having to face things on your own. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression or grief. You're not alone. By seeking counselling, you are taking a first step towards having a better understanding of your needs and how to meet them, work through past experiences and feel more in control of your future. If this resonates with you, read on...
It's not easy, taking that first step, but this is a journey I will walk alongside you.
I support people in finding hope for the future rather than existing in the past. Sometimes it can feel as though we are playing a role for other people, rather than being our genuine selves. Things can become overwhelming and feel as though you are having to face things on your own. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression or grief. You're not alone. By seeking counselling, you are taking a first step towards having a better understanding of your needs and how to meet them, work through past experiences and feel more in control of your future. If this resonates with you, read on...
01234 230236 View 01234 230236
Photo of Julie Arnold, DCounsPsych, BACP, Psychotherapist
Julie Arnold
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton Keynes MK18
I have professional and personal experience, working with autism and neurodiversity.
Hello, I work with a range of issues, including anxiety and depression. Being heard and accepted for being who you truly are, can feel incredibly empowering. When this is taken away, our thoughts can trigger unhelpful behaviours, increasing low mood. Which in turn can play havoc with our emotions. When we feel lonely and isolated, overwhelming feelings can flood our thoughts and fears. I can offer you a safe, warm, and confidential space to explore any issues that may contribute towards your anxiety and depression. I am here to listen to you in an non-judgemental way, and to support you with any changes you wish to make.
I have professional and personal experience, working with autism and neurodiversity.
Hello, I work with a range of issues, including anxiety and depression. Being heard and accepted for being who you truly are, can feel incredibly empowering. When this is taken away, our thoughts can trigger unhelpful behaviours, increasing low mood. Which in turn can play havoc with our emotions. When we feel lonely and isolated, overwhelming feelings can flood our thoughts and fears. I can offer you a safe, warm, and confidential space to explore any issues that may contribute towards your anxiety and depression. I am here to listen to you in an non-judgemental way, and to support you with any changes you wish to make.
01442 501237 View 01442 501237
Photo of Vicki Petrou - Omoiyari Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Omoiyari Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK1  (Online Only)
My focus is on meeting you exactly where you are on your path.
Existing as a Neurodivergent person in a Neurotypical world can certainly come with a number of challenges. As a Neurodivergent person myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in starting therapy. Being proudly and openly neurodivergent I hope to create comfort for my clients in the knowledge that I get it, the struggle is real. Whether decoding social cues, or managing everyday stress, I bring an understanding heart and tailored strategies to our sessions. Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with Adults and Young people facing diverse struggles.
My focus is on meeting you exactly where you are on your path.
Existing as a Neurodivergent person in a Neurotypical world can certainly come with a number of challenges. As a Neurodivergent person myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in starting therapy. Being proudly and openly neurodivergent I hope to create comfort for my clients in the knowledge that I get it, the struggle is real. Whether decoding social cues, or managing everyday stress, I bring an understanding heart and tailored strategies to our sessions. Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with Adults and Young people facing diverse struggles.
01536 907061 View 01536 907061
Photo of Kate Megase, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Kate Megase
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK1
I use different counselling approaches such as; Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Gestalt approach.
I am a psychotherapist specialising in couple and relationship therapy. I also work with individuals and I provide clinical supervision to other therapists. I am the author of a self-help book called Dump the Baggage. I specialise in issues associated with: Couples and relationship therapy, Anxiety/ Depression, Trauma, and Low self-esteem. I am committed to providing an excellent service to help my clients: Develop healthy relationships, Fulfil overall therapeutic goals within six sessions, and Provide clear techniques and strategies along with unique ways and ideas to treat stress, anxiety and depression & Improve self-esteem.
I use different counselling approaches such as; Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Gestalt approach.
I am a psychotherapist specialising in couple and relationship therapy. I also work with individuals and I provide clinical supervision to other therapists. I am the author of a self-help book called Dump the Baggage. I specialise in issues associated with: Couples and relationship therapy, Anxiety/ Depression, Trauma, and Low self-esteem. I am committed to providing an excellent service to help my clients: Develop healthy relationships, Fulfil overall therapeutic goals within six sessions, and Provide clear techniques and strategies along with unique ways and ideas to treat stress, anxiety and depression & Improve self-esteem.
01798 305047 View 01798 305047
Photo of Dr Mandeep Bachu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Mandeep Bachu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK10
I offer face-to-face, online and telephone sessions.
I am a clinical psychologist trained in a diverse range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a special interest in Schema Therapy. I have received formal training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) as well as experience of delivering Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) interventions. I have 11 years of experience working within the NHS with children and adults with a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
I offer face-to-face, online and telephone sessions.
I am a clinical psychologist trained in a diverse range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a special interest in Schema Therapy. I have received formal training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) as well as experience of delivering Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) interventions. I have 11 years of experience working within the NHS with children and adults with a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
01344 951923 View 01344 951923
Photo of Neena Ramful - Dr Neena Ramful, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Neena Ramful
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK17  (Online Only)
Coming to therapy take courage and vulnerability.
I work with children and adults who experience a range of mild to severe difficulties including: Anxiety | Panic attacks | Generalised Anxiety disorder | Social anxiety | Phobias | Obsessive compulsive disorder | Depression | Low self-esteem | Tics | Pain Management | Headaches | Stress | Adjustment to health diagnosis |
Coming to therapy take courage and vulnerability.
I work with children and adults who experience a range of mild to severe difficulties including: Anxiety | Panic attacks | Generalised Anxiety disorder | Social anxiety | Phobias | Obsessive compulsive disorder | Depression | Low self-esteem | Tics | Pain Management | Headaches | Stress | Adjustment to health diagnosis |
020 3984 8324 View 020 3984 8324
Photo of Catherine Russell, MBACP, Counsellor
Catherine Russell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK9
I am able to offer support during challenging and distressing times in a calm, confidential and supportive environment where you will feel heard and understood.
I believe everyone should have access to high quality counselling at exactly the time they need it, without having to wait. I am a qualified counsellor with many years experience working with a wide range of issues and with people who come from a variety of backgrounds. This experience includes bereavement, domestic violence, low self-esteem, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, addictions, self-harm, trauma, abuse, social and family interactions, carer support, misophonia, divorce and separation, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
I am able to offer support during challenging and distressing times in a calm, confidential and supportive environment where you will feel heard and understood.
I believe everyone should have access to high quality counselling at exactly the time they need it, without having to wait. I am a qualified counsellor with many years experience working with a wide range of issues and with people who come from a variety of backgrounds. This experience includes bereavement, domestic violence, low self-esteem, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, addictions, self-harm, trauma, abuse, social and family interactions, carer support, misophonia, divorce and separation, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
01908 015911 View 01908 015911
Photo of Mariam Hassan Omar - Mimicounselling.co.uk, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Mimicounselling.co.uk
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton Keynes MK6
I offer a safe space to explore where you feel stuck , or want to grow and even discover , the authentic YOU.
Hi my name is Mariam , I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression and other areas. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to help you discover the unique YOU. I work mainly with adults who struggle with everyday life stressors such as financial concerns, relationship struggles, family issues, medical concerns, job concerns, or other concerns. I believe my background
I offer a safe space to explore where you feel stuck , or want to grow and even discover , the authentic YOU.
Hi my name is Mariam , I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression and other areas. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to help you discover the unique YOU. I work mainly with adults who struggle with everyday life stressors such as financial concerns, relationship struggles, family issues, medical concerns, job concerns, or other concerns. I believe my background
0121 728 2344 View 0121 728 2344
1

See more therapy options for Milton Keynes

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.