Depression Counselling in North Ferriby

Photo of Ortaya Counselling Service, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Ortaya Counselling Service
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
North Ferriby HU14
Some of the areas I have experience in working with include Anxiety, Depression, Anger, PTSD, Trauma (including Sexual Abuse).
Hello. I am a professionally qualified, Person Centred Counsellor, based in Hessle, East Yorkshire. This form of therapy promotes a non-directive, empathetic,non-judgemental approach which can empower and motivate, assisting you to make informed choices. We can work together at a pace tailored to you, to explore and find clarity in the difficulties you may be experiencing. I run my practice from my own home, ensuring a private, peaceful space to explore the difficulities, both past and present. I can provide a space where you feel listened to and truly heard which in itself can be a healing experience.
Some of the areas I have experience in working with include Anxiety, Depression, Anger, PTSD, Trauma (including Sexual Abuse).
Hello. I am a professionally qualified, Person Centred Counsellor, based in Hessle, East Yorkshire. This form of therapy promotes a non-directive, empathetic,non-judgemental approach which can empower and motivate, assisting you to make informed choices. We can work together at a pace tailored to you, to explore and find clarity in the difficulties you may be experiencing. I run my practice from my own home, ensuring a private, peaceful space to explore the difficulities, both past and present. I can provide a space where you feel listened to and truly heard which in itself can be a healing experience.
07480 589113 View 07480 589113
Photo of Dr Liz Linn, Psychologist in North Ferriby, England
Dr Liz Linn
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
North Ferriby HU14  (Online Only)
There is no question life is stressful - but the good news is that help is available. You do not have to struggle alone. We all need a neutral, non-judgmental person to talk things through with. I believe that knowing you are not alone, and having that safe place to express your fears, or uncover how the past influences you today, is essential for mental health.
There is no question life is stressful - but the good news is that help is available. You do not have to struggle alone. We all need a neutral, non-judgmental person to talk things through with. I believe that knowing you are not alone, and having that safe place to express your fears, or uncover how the past influences you today, is essential for mental health.
017683 47696 View 017683 47696

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Beverley Counselling & Psychotherapy, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Beverley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
I'm Caroline Hudson, a BACP accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience in a range of settings. I run a therapy centre in Beverley which offers individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples counselling and family therapy with experienced counsellors and psychotherapists.
My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
I'm Caroline Hudson, a BACP accredited counsellor with over 20 years experience in a range of settings. I run a therapy centre in Beverley which offers individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples counselling and family therapy with experienced counsellors and psychotherapists.
07479 273517 View 07479 273517
Photo of Counselling with Gillian, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Counselling with Gillian
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
Are you facing a difficult stage in your life, feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, coping with a loss or bereavement, in a troublesome relationship? I offer a safe, confidential space so you can explore what is going on you can move forward. I am a qualified experienced counsellor working in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire within easy reach of the town centre and the surrounding areas of Beverley. I offer affordable one to one counselling for individual adults and couples.
Are you facing a difficult stage in your life, feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, coping with a loss or bereavement, in a troublesome relationship? I offer a safe, confidential space so you can explore what is going on you can move forward. I am a qualified experienced counsellor working in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire within easy reach of the town centre and the surrounding areas of Beverley. I offer affordable one to one counselling for individual adults and couples.
01964 775801 View 01964 775801
Photo of Alastair Michael Smedley, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Alastair Michael Smedley
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Clinical Gestalt Psychotherapist with over 15 years experience of working in both private practice and with EAP organisations and providers of NHS Primary care. I have worked with a broad and diverse range of issues ranging from mild to severe anxiety and depression requiring short and long term interventions, through to in depth Psychotherapy for those with trauma, Shame and related histories and developmental difficulties. I have also completed a Post graduate Diploma in Trauma therapy. I work within Gestalt principles and philosophical ideas, this means working in the here and now and moment to moment with the client.
I am a Clinical Gestalt Psychotherapist with over 15 years experience of working in both private practice and with EAP organisations and providers of NHS Primary care. I have worked with a broad and diverse range of issues ranging from mild to severe anxiety and depression requiring short and long term interventions, through to in depth Psychotherapy for those with trauma, Shame and related histories and developmental difficulties. I have also completed a Post graduate Diploma in Trauma therapy. I work within Gestalt principles and philosophical ideas, this means working in the here and now and moment to moment with the client.
07480 801586 View 07480 801586
Photo of Jo Gibson in North Ferriby, England
Jo Gibson
Verified Verified
Hull HU5
I work with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, gender, identity, LGBTQ+ issues and trauma.
Acknowledging that you are struggling to cope with the daily life is hard and the first step to taking control of your life. Often people don’t feel that their problems are worth contacting a therapist about, as "others have it worse" and try to push the uncomfortable feelings away and carry on. Therapy isn't about blaming yourself or passing responsibility it's about working together with another individual to validate your experiences and understand your patterns of behaviour. We will then work together to help you make positive changes for a more fulfilled life. I am a therapist and supervisor and work with teens and adults.
I work with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, gender, identity, LGBTQ+ issues and trauma.
Acknowledging that you are struggling to cope with the daily life is hard and the first step to taking control of your life. Often people don’t feel that their problems are worth contacting a therapist about, as "others have it worse" and try to push the uncomfortable feelings away and carry on. Therapy isn't about blaming yourself or passing responsibility it's about working together with another individual to validate your experiences and understand your patterns of behaviour. We will then work together to help you make positive changes for a more fulfilled life. I am a therapist and supervisor and work with teens and adults.
01482 699740 View 01482 699740
Photo of Klaudia Lubieniecka, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Klaudia Lubieniecka
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hull HU5
Hello and welcome! My name is Klaudia. Finding the right therapist is so important. I know from my own therapeutic journey what a massive difference to the quality of life and mental health can a suitable therapist make. If you think you might be struggling with anxiety & depression, trauma coupled with PTSD, with low self-esteem or gender identity, we can have an up to 30-minute free chat over the phone or online. Maybe I'm the therapist you are looking for. :) I usually take clients on the back-to-the-past journey and help them unearth events, patterns and scripts that are holding them back and causing them emotional pain.
Hello and welcome! My name is Klaudia. Finding the right therapist is so important. I know from my own therapeutic journey what a massive difference to the quality of life and mental health can a suitable therapist make. If you think you might be struggling with anxiety & depression, trauma coupled with PTSD, with low self-esteem or gender identity, we can have an up to 30-minute free chat over the phone or online. Maybe I'm the therapist you are looking for. :) I usually take clients on the back-to-the-past journey and help them unearth events, patterns and scripts that are holding them back and causing them emotional pain.
01482 736139 View 01482 736139
Photo of Stuart McLeod, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Stuart McLeod
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hull HU1
I specialise in trauma, depression and anxiety although work daily with; bereavement, loss, all types of abuse, anger, low confidence, childhood issues and more - with individuals and couples.
Often, I hear the phrase “others have it far worse than me…” and where there may be a truth in that phrase, I believe YOU are just as important. This is the ethos of my practice. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to talk, be heard, your personal experience validated and for positive change to occur. I have also experienced personal therapy so understand how daunting the first step can be; at first I found it scary, challenging but always supportive and it gave me a greater self-belief and deeper understanding of myself that I continue using today.
I specialise in trauma, depression and anxiety although work daily with; bereavement, loss, all types of abuse, anger, low confidence, childhood issues and more - with individuals and couples.
Often, I hear the phrase “others have it far worse than me…” and where there may be a truth in that phrase, I believe YOU are just as important. This is the ethos of my practice. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to talk, be heard, your personal experience validated and for positive change to occur. I have also experienced personal therapy so understand how daunting the first step can be; at first I found it scary, challenging but always supportive and it gave me a greater self-belief and deeper understanding of myself that I continue using today.
01482 947658 View 01482 947658
Photo of Laura Marie Hancock, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Laura Marie Hancock
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hull HU1
Specialist areas of work include negative, irrational thoughts, personal development, low self-esteem/self-worth, bereavement, depression, stress, anxiety, confidence, assertiveness work and relationship issues.
As a Registered Counsellor Of BACP and a wellbeing therapist, I have the privilege of supporting clients through their journeys of self-discovery, which is an honour to do so. I offer a safe, confidential and empathetic space. You can be rest assured there is no judgement here. Life can sometimes be uneasy, unsettled and often traumatic, this can lead us to feel stuck and at times lost. Counselling is an aid to help you recognise and empower yourself back to a functioning and fulfilled life. My aim is to offer you support you. Additionally, I offer live 121 coaching and online courses please visit academy.mindbloomcoaching.co.uk
Specialist areas of work include negative, irrational thoughts, personal development, low self-esteem/self-worth, bereavement, depression, stress, anxiety, confidence, assertiveness work and relationship issues.
As a Registered Counsellor Of BACP and a wellbeing therapist, I have the privilege of supporting clients through their journeys of self-discovery, which is an honour to do so. I offer a safe, confidential and empathetic space. You can be rest assured there is no judgement here. Life can sometimes be uneasy, unsettled and often traumatic, this can lead us to feel stuck and at times lost. Counselling is an aid to help you recognise and empower yourself back to a functioning and fulfilled life. My aim is to offer you support you. Additionally, I offer live 121 coaching and online courses please visit academy.mindbloomcoaching.co.uk
01472 907205 View 01472 907205
Photo of Cloud Counselling, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Cloud Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hull HU4
Some level of stress and anxiety are normal but are these feelings becoming overwhelming? Are you are feeling stuck or lost or maybe lacking a purpose? Do you have low self esteem or low confidence? Are you feeling depressed? Is some past experience or trauma holding you back from living a fulfilling life?If any of this resonates with you please get in touch.
Hello my name is Mary, I am an Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. One of the hardest things is to admit you need help and then to ask for it, but we all need help at some point in our lives. I feel privileged to be able to work with both adults and teens. I pride myself in providing a supportive, friendly, non-judgemental, safe and confidential space for my clients. I will be by your side on your therapy journey which may feel uncomfortable at times but I also believe there is a place in the therapy room for smiles. My friendly private practice is run with Clinical Supervision, fully insured and accredited by the NCPS.
Some level of stress and anxiety are normal but are these feelings becoming overwhelming? Are you are feeling stuck or lost or maybe lacking a purpose? Do you have low self esteem or low confidence? Are you feeling depressed? Is some past experience or trauma holding you back from living a fulfilling life?If any of this resonates with you please get in touch.
Hello my name is Mary, I am an Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. One of the hardest things is to admit you need help and then to ask for it, but we all need help at some point in our lives. I feel privileged to be able to work with both adults and teens. I pride myself in providing a supportive, friendly, non-judgemental, safe and confidential space for my clients. I will be by your side on your therapy journey which may feel uncomfortable at times but I also believe there is a place in the therapy room for smiles. My friendly private practice is run with Clinical Supervision, fully insured and accredited by the NCPS.
01482 251673 View 01482 251673
Photo of Monika Allen, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Monika Allen
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Goxhill DN19
If you want to change your situation on the outside, it’s good to start by looking at what you can change on the inside. Perhaps you have serious difficulties finding peace and joy in your life. Your sense of well-being, physically and mentally, may be reduced or destroyed. You might find yourself sliding into unhealthy or even self-destructive behaviours. Your persistent self-doubt leads to anxiety and depression, causing relationship problems and anger issues. You have a feeling that you do not quite know who you are.  Or perhaps you just know “something is not quite right in my life” but you can’t pinpoint what it is.
If you want to change your situation on the outside, it’s good to start by looking at what you can change on the inside. Perhaps you have serious difficulties finding peace and joy in your life. Your sense of well-being, physically and mentally, may be reduced or destroyed. You might find yourself sliding into unhealthy or even self-destructive behaviours. Your persistent self-doubt leads to anxiety and depression, causing relationship problems and anger issues. You have a feeling that you do not quite know who you are.  Or perhaps you just know “something is not quite right in my life” but you can’t pinpoint what it is.
01469 420934 View 01469 420934
Photo of Carl Jones Counselling & Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Carl Jones Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cottingham HU16
I work with people who are facing difficult life issues, some feel depressed and/or anxious, and unsure how to get out of the life position they find themselves in. Others experience problems managing difficult emotions caused by grief or loss and find themselves in a maze of emotions that feel impossible to navigate. Some experience relational problems; families, partners, work colleagues and other relationships can sometimes be at the centre of hard to mange emotions. I tailor therapy to your needs, we can set goals, explore how we and others function in relationships, or use techniques; I leave these choices to you.
I work with people who are facing difficult life issues, some feel depressed and/or anxious, and unsure how to get out of the life position they find themselves in. Others experience problems managing difficult emotions caused by grief or loss and find themselves in a maze of emotions that feel impossible to navigate. Some experience relational problems; families, partners, work colleagues and other relationships can sometimes be at the centre of hard to mange emotions. I tailor therapy to your needs, we can set goals, explore how we and others function in relationships, or use techniques; I leave these choices to you.
01482 453374 View 01482 453374
Photo of Claire Eve Morrish, Psychologist in North Ferriby, England
Claire Eve Morrish
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Cottingham HU16
Waitlist for new clients
You may be seeking help for a number of reasons: You may be feeling unhappy or angry without understanding why; you may be feeling anxious or depressed; you may be experiencing mood swings which are difficult to manage; you may be experiencing hallucinations. Whatever your problem, you are in distress and looking for help in restoring your sense of well-being. As a Clinical Psychologist, trained in a variety of different therapeutic modalities, I will explore with you the reasons for your distress, and agree a programme of treatment adapted to your particular needs.
You may be seeking help for a number of reasons: You may be feeling unhappy or angry without understanding why; you may be feeling anxious or depressed; you may be experiencing mood swings which are difficult to manage; you may be experiencing hallucinations. Whatever your problem, you are in distress and looking for help in restoring your sense of well-being. As a Clinical Psychologist, trained in a variety of different therapeutic modalities, I will explore with you the reasons for your distress, and agree a programme of treatment adapted to your particular needs.
01904 917659 View 01904 917659
Photo of Adeola Iluyomade, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Adeola Iluyomade
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hull HU10
I have extensive experience through working in specialist organizations within the voluntary sector dealing with complex issues relating to childhood developments, family , sexual violence, relationships, post traumatic stress and/or depression amongst others.
I offer a space to talk, giving you time out to reflect and to explore self-development. As an Integrative Relational Therapeutic Counsellor, I draw on different models of therapy including Psychodynamic, Systemic, Interpersonal Process, CBT, Transactional Analysis amongst others in supporting you to reach your desired goals to maximise your full potentials. Meaning, you will find my approach friendly, empowering and conversational in style. I take great care in ensuring that you feel safe, respected and valued. I offer flexibility of short or long term therapy as tailored round your needs. I adhere to the ethics & codes of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
I have extensive experience through working in specialist organizations within the voluntary sector dealing with complex issues relating to childhood developments, family , sexual violence, relationships, post traumatic stress and/or depression amongst others.
I offer a space to talk, giving you time out to reflect and to explore self-development. As an Integrative Relational Therapeutic Counsellor, I draw on different models of therapy including Psychodynamic, Systemic, Interpersonal Process, CBT, Transactional Analysis amongst others in supporting you to reach your desired goals to maximise your full potentials. Meaning, you will find my approach friendly, empowering and conversational in style. I take great care in ensuring that you feel safe, respected and valued. I offer flexibility of short or long term therapy as tailored round your needs. I adhere to the ethics & codes of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
0113 467 9309 View 0113 467 9309
Photo of David Linford-Smith, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
David Linford-Smith
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hull HU5
I support clients facing a range of personal challenges, including bereavement and loss, anxiety and depression, PTSD, as well as those wanting to explore a deeper personal development and growth. I work with clients who are looking to better understand themselves and their relationships with others, those healing from complex trauma, and people recovering from emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse. I work creatively with my clients providing a sacred, safe and brave space for deep transformational healing. Together, we will work holistically with the body, mind, and spirit to explore and better understand our human experience.
I support clients facing a range of personal challenges, including bereavement and loss, anxiety and depression, PTSD, as well as those wanting to explore a deeper personal development and growth. I work with clients who are looking to better understand themselves and their relationships with others, those healing from complex trauma, and people recovering from emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse. I work creatively with my clients providing a sacred, safe and brave space for deep transformational healing. Together, we will work holistically with the body, mind, and spirit to explore and better understand our human experience.
01482 251792 View 01482 251792
Photo of Taking Care of you Counselling , Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Taking Care of you Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
Difficulties in life catch us up at some stage, so why not make time just for you, working at your pace, exploring what is making life difficult just now. I support clients with difficult relationships, life events, Abuse of any form past/present, bereavements, illness, & all losses. The concerns of becoming a new mum, or older children leaving home & you with mixed feelings. I have extensive knowledge of Domestic/Emotional/Physical Abuse, Loss from illness, Change or Bereavement, Divorce or Post-natal depression, Bullying, work related stress. I am available to consider anything you might need, just reach out, I'm listening...
Difficulties in life catch us up at some stage, so why not make time just for you, working at your pace, exploring what is making life difficult just now. I support clients with difficult relationships, life events, Abuse of any form past/present, bereavements, illness, & all losses. The concerns of becoming a new mum, or older children leaving home & you with mixed feelings. I have extensive knowledge of Domestic/Emotional/Physical Abuse, Loss from illness, Change or Bereavement, Divorce or Post-natal depression, Bullying, work related stress. I am available to consider anything you might need, just reach out, I'm listening...
01262 416739 View 01262 416739
Photo of Hidden Gem Psychology Service, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Hidden Gem Psychology Service
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hull HU1  (Online Only)
I am passionate about trauma-informed care and utilise a whole-person approach. Trauma can often underpin common mental health difficulties, and I can work with you to process the source of your difficulties and/or focus on your current symptoms. You may wish to focus on your current experiences of depression, anxiety, etc., or wish to address the underlying difficulties that have led to these. I also have a keen interest in complex trauma, dissociation, childhood emotional neglect, medically unexplained symptoms, functional neurological disorder, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and other physical difficulties.
I am passionate about trauma-informed care and utilise a whole-person approach. Trauma can often underpin common mental health difficulties, and I can work with you to process the source of your difficulties and/or focus on your current symptoms. You may wish to focus on your current experiences of depression, anxiety, etc., or wish to address the underlying difficulties that have led to these. I also have a keen interest in complex trauma, dissociation, childhood emotional neglect, medically unexplained symptoms, functional neurological disorder, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and other physical difficulties.
01427 808045 View 01427 808045
Photo of Sally Kay, Counsellor in North Ferriby, England
Sally Kay
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
I have extensive experience with issues of bereavement and grief, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, domestic abuse and self-confidence, to name but a few.
Are you unhappy? I provide face-to-face counselling in Nunthorpe to help you understand why. You want things to change, but you don't know what or how. Somewhere everything went off track. You’re not fulfilled but you don’t seem to have the time for anything you want to do. Perhaps you’re lacking confidence or don’t know where you’re trying to get to. You’re trying to ignore the nagging feeling of gloom, but it’s bringing you down. I can help you to understand what is holding you back. I can help you to see things more clearly, to be the best that you can be and make the happy and satisfying life you want to have a reality.
I have extensive experience with issues of bereavement and grief, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, domestic abuse and self-confidence, to name but a few.
Are you unhappy? I provide face-to-face counselling in Nunthorpe to help you understand why. You want things to change, but you don't know what or how. Somewhere everything went off track. You’re not fulfilled but you don’t seem to have the time for anything you want to do. Perhaps you’re lacking confidence or don’t know where you’re trying to get to. You’re trying to ignore the nagging feeling of gloom, but it’s bringing you down. I can help you to understand what is holding you back. I can help you to see things more clearly, to be the best that you can be and make the happy and satisfying life you want to have a reality.
01287 555103 View 01287 555103
Photo of Alex Lloyd, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Alex Lloyd
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Beverley HU17
I am an experienced and fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Cognitive Analytic (CAT) Therapist. I am experienced in working with a wide range of difficulties, including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (such as phobias, generalised anxiety, OCD), eating problems, body image issues, relationship difficulties and trauma/PTSD. My therapy approach is semi structured, and driven by an individual and personalised formulation, typically drawing from CBT, compassion focused therapy (CFT) cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) approaches and EMDR. I offer both long and short term therapy.
I am an experienced and fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Cognitive Analytic (CAT) Therapist. I am experienced in working with a wide range of difficulties, including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (such as phobias, generalised anxiety, OCD), eating problems, body image issues, relationship difficulties and trauma/PTSD. My therapy approach is semi structured, and driven by an individual and personalised formulation, typically drawing from CBT, compassion focused therapy (CFT) cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) approaches and EMDR. I offer both long and short term therapy.
01759 487734 View 01759 487734
Photo of Chris Colcomb, Psychotherapist in North Ferriby, England
Chris Colcomb
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cottingham HU16
I know from my own ongoing therapy journey just how challenging it can be to make the first contact with a counsellor. I offer a free session of 30 minutes online or on the phone so you can 'meet' me in the comfort of your own home, without obligation. You may be suffering from anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma, addiction or be experiencing any other mental health difficulty. I am here to join you on your journey to feeling better. I’ll help you move forward in a way that is right for you.
I know from my own ongoing therapy journey just how challenging it can be to make the first contact with a counsellor. I offer a free session of 30 minutes online or on the phone so you can 'meet' me in the comfort of your own home, without obligation. You may be suffering from anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma, addiction or be experiencing any other mental health difficulty. I am here to join you on your journey to feeling better. I’ll help you move forward in a way that is right for you.
01482 251769 View 01482 251769
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.