Depression Counselling in Radstock

Photo of Maria Greenan, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Maria Greenan
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, psychosis and bipolar disorder.
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural psychotherapist of over 25years. I work in community Adult Mental Health Services and at a University, I have worked in CAMHS services in the NHS and in private settings. I also offer CBT clinical supervision to peers. I have extensive experience working closely with clients and their families to help people identify what they want to achieve from therapy and help them achieve their therapy targets.
I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, psychosis and bipolar disorder.
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural psychotherapist of over 25years. I work in community Adult Mental Health Services and at a University, I have worked in CAMHS services in the NHS and in private settings. I also offer CBT clinical supervision to peers. I have extensive experience working closely with clients and their families to help people identify what they want to achieve from therapy and help them achieve their therapy targets.
01749 608406 View 01749 608406
Photo of Dr James Kiff, Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Dr James Kiff
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Serves Area
When we feel stuck, experience difficult emotions, or the challenges we are negotiating are distressing, finding a space to work through and move beyond such difficulties can feel overwhelming in itself. Through working together with you, I aim to create a space where you can explore, make sense of and manage distress, address challenges, build psychological resilience and mental well-being, while supporting you to develop skills and strategies for long-term mental health benefits.
When we feel stuck, experience difficult emotions, or the challenges we are negotiating are distressing, finding a space to work through and move beyond such difficulties can feel overwhelming in itself. Through working together with you, I aim to create a space where you can explore, make sense of and manage distress, address challenges, build psychological resilience and mental well-being, while supporting you to develop skills and strategies for long-term mental health benefits.
01373 482303 View 01373 482303
Photo of Helen Cousins - Midsomer Counselling, Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Midsomer Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer long term or short term counselling and specialise in working with people struggling with a wide range of issues, including: Anxiety, Bereavement/Loss, Childhood Abuse and Trauma, Depression, Domestic Abuse, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self Harm, Stress, Unresolved Childhood Issues
Nervous about coming to counselling for the first time? I keep my counselling affordable and accessible with a FREE initial consultation. There’s no pressure or obligation — just a chance to talk things through and decide whether counselling feels right for you and whether we are the right fit.
I offer long term or short term counselling and specialise in working with people struggling with a wide range of issues, including: Anxiety, Bereavement/Loss, Childhood Abuse and Trauma, Depression, Domestic Abuse, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self Harm, Stress, Unresolved Childhood Issues
Nervous about coming to counselling for the first time? I keep my counselling affordable and accessible with a FREE initial consultation. There’s no pressure or obligation — just a chance to talk things through and decide whether counselling feels right for you and whether we are the right fit.
01761 250997 View 01761 250997
Photo of Michele Bentley - Michele Bentley at Wild Oak Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Michele Bentley at Wild Oak Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Does life feel a bit unmanageable at the moment? Are you using unhealthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as binge-eating, too much alcohol or substance use and ‘addictive’ behaviours? As a warm, down-to-earth counsellor, I can support you to feel more balanced, boost your self-esteem, and explore ways to cope more easily with challenges and transitions (such as trauma, bereavement, infertility or other types of loss). Counselling with me is holistic and flexible, and can include mindfulness and creativity. Whether in the barn or out in nature, together we can find positive ways to improve your wellbeing.
Does life feel a bit unmanageable at the moment? Are you using unhealthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as binge-eating, too much alcohol or substance use and ‘addictive’ behaviours? As a warm, down-to-earth counsellor, I can support you to feel more balanced, boost your self-esteem, and explore ways to cope more easily with challenges and transitions (such as trauma, bereavement, infertility or other types of loss). Counselling with me is holistic and flexible, and can include mindfulness and creativity. Whether in the barn or out in nature, together we can find positive ways to improve your wellbeing.
01749 706366 View 01749 706366
Photo of Stanka Krnacova, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Stanka Krnacova
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel like it is difficult to reach your partner emotionally, are you being stone walled, afraid of conflict or are you people pleasing for a quiet life? Do you have a pattern of being submissive, passive aggressive or unable to effectively communicate your wants and needs? Do you feel like you and your partner don’t understand each other or feel as if you have married your mother or father? Couples therapy aims to uncover reactionary aspects of yourself that lead to discontent and a loss of connection and intimacy in your relationship. We will examine unhelpful dynamics and behavioural patterns and explore where you are stuck
Do you feel like it is difficult to reach your partner emotionally, are you being stone walled, afraid of conflict or are you people pleasing for a quiet life? Do you have a pattern of being submissive, passive aggressive or unable to effectively communicate your wants and needs? Do you feel like you and your partner don’t understand each other or feel as if you have married your mother or father? Couples therapy aims to uncover reactionary aspects of yourself that lead to discontent and a loss of connection and intimacy in your relationship. We will examine unhelpful dynamics and behavioural patterns and explore where you are stuck
07897 601897 View 07897 601897
Photo of Laura Watkins, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Laura Watkins
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Serves Area
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s happening in your life, at a pace that feels right for you. Our 50-minute sessions are your time — a dedicated space where whatever feels important to you will be met with care, curiosity, and respect. People often seek therapy when life feels overwhelming, confusing, or stuck. You might be experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief, or simply a sense that things aren’t how you want them to be. As an integrative psychotherapist in training I adapt my methods depending on what feels most helpful.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s happening in your life, at a pace that feels right for you. Our 50-minute sessions are your time — a dedicated space where whatever feels important to you will be met with care, curiosity, and respect. People often seek therapy when life feels overwhelming, confusing, or stuck. You might be experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief, or simply a sense that things aren’t how you want them to be. As an integrative psychotherapist in training I adapt my methods depending on what feels most helpful.
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Photo of Nicholas William Fredrick lovelace - brighter pathways, Counsellor, MBACP
brighter pathways
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am a qualified counsellor and teacher, I have studied Counselling and Substance Misuse at FdSc level and have a Diploma in Social Work, as well as having a wide range of work and life experience. My down to earth nature empowers me to be accessible, approachable and non-judgmental which is an essential part of a successful working therapeutic relationship. Aiding people to work through their own life challenges is my absolute passion and driving force behind Brighter Pathways Counselling.
I am a qualified counsellor and teacher, I have studied Counselling and Substance Misuse at FdSc level and have a Diploma in Social Work, as well as having a wide range of work and life experience. My down to earth nature empowers me to be accessible, approachable and non-judgmental which is an essential part of a successful working therapeutic relationship. Aiding people to work through their own life challenges is my absolute passion and driving force behind Brighter Pathways Counselling.
0117 456 2551 View 0117 456 2551
Photo of Rachael Cannon - Applgreen Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Applgreen Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
You show up. You keep managing. But privately, you wonder how much longer you can keep going like this. I work with adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are holding it together on the outside while running low on the inside. Burnout that crept up slowly. Work stress that follows you home. Relationship patterns that repeat no matter how much you try to change them. I also work with people who have recently discovered or beginning to suspect that they may be autistic, ADHD or AuDHD or who simply feel like they're performing a version of themselves rather than bringing their true selves.
You show up. You keep managing. But privately, you wonder how much longer you can keep going like this. I work with adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are holding it together on the outside while running low on the inside. Burnout that crept up slowly. Work stress that follows you home. Relationship patterns that repeat no matter how much you try to change them. I also work with people who have recently discovered or beginning to suspect that they may be autistic, ADHD or AuDHD or who simply feel like they're performing a version of themselves rather than bringing their true selves.
01480 782716 View 01480 782716
Photo of Haydn Mark Derek Wilkins - Emergence Counselling, Counsellor, ACC Reg
Emergence Counselling
Counsellor, ACC Reg
Serves Area
I have counselling experience in many fields, including loss, self-worth, anxiety & depression, spiritual problems, work-related issues, relationships, life goals, and 'trauma-informed'.
What do you need? It is sometimes helpful to ask yourself - "What are my main goals as I go for counselling? What is important to me right now? How would I like to change?" Often all someone needs is some quality time and space to be able to be themselves, and be heard - not feeling judged no matter what they say, and feel some compassion from somebody who cares. In the busy and sometimes harsh world in which we live, I provide that space for you to come as you are, work with your expressed goals, rediscover a new way forward, and deal with the problems you are experiencing. Often people find a positive change in this scenario.
I have counselling experience in many fields, including loss, self-worth, anxiety & depression, spiritual problems, work-related issues, relationships, life goals, and 'trauma-informed'.
What do you need? It is sometimes helpful to ask yourself - "What are my main goals as I go for counselling? What is important to me right now? How would I like to change?" Often all someone needs is some quality time and space to be able to be themselves, and be heard - not feeling judged no matter what they say, and feel some compassion from somebody who cares. In the busy and sometimes harsh world in which we live, I provide that space for you to come as you are, work with your expressed goals, rediscover a new way forward, and deal with the problems you are experiencing. Often people find a positive change in this scenario.
01225 530248 View 01225 530248
Photo of Lucy Rutterford, Counsellor, MBACP
Lucy Rutterford
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am a play and creative arts therapist, with additional training in sandplay therapy. I work with children aged 4-14 years and increasingly with children who are aged 8+. Play is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children. Older children often talk more about what is going on for them too and creative arts therapy (such as sandplay and art) helps deepen self-awareness and self-expression. I offer a safe, gentle and sensitive space for children and young people to be accepted however they are. I have experience in working with a range of presenting issues and difficulties and work collaboratively with parents.
I am a play and creative arts therapist, with additional training in sandplay therapy. I work with children aged 4-14 years and increasingly with children who are aged 8+. Play is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children. Older children often talk more about what is going on for them too and creative arts therapy (such as sandplay and art) helps deepen self-awareness and self-expression. I offer a safe, gentle and sensitive space for children and young people to be accepted however they are. I have experience in working with a range of presenting issues and difficulties and work collaboratively with parents.
01373 481549 View 01373 481549

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Pamela Sanderson, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Pamela Sanderson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Bristol BS1
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? I’m a fully qualified psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting people through life’s toughest challenges. In a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space, we explore what matters to you, uncover strengths you didn’t know you had, and work together to turn stress, worry, and uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and real progress. Every session is focused on your journey, your pace, and your growth, helping you reconnect with yourself and move forward with balance, purpose, and renewed energy.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? I’m a fully qualified psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting people through life’s toughest challenges. In a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space, we explore what matters to you, uncover strengths you didn’t know you had, and work together to turn stress, worry, and uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and real progress. Every session is focused on your journey, your pace, and your growth, helping you reconnect with yourself and move forward with balance, purpose, and renewed energy.
01962 571043 View 01962 571043
Photo of Cat White - CBTfit - Mind & Body, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
CBTfit - Mind & Body
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
As a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist my main focus is helping clients understand and manage their problems within this framework. CBT is an active therapy, present focused, collaborative and structured allowing the clients to become ‘their own therapist’. This type of therapy empowers the client to take responsibility for their own therapeutic journey, acquiring the skills and techniques to maintain changes made in therapy for the long term. I adhere to the standards of conduct, performance and ethics required by my accrediting body the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
As a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist my main focus is helping clients understand and manage their problems within this framework. CBT is an active therapy, present focused, collaborative and structured allowing the clients to become ‘their own therapist’. This type of therapy empowers the client to take responsibility for their own therapeutic journey, acquiring the skills and techniques to maintain changes made in therapy for the long term. I adhere to the standards of conduct, performance and ethics required by my accrediting body the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
01239 801766 View 01239 801766
Photo of Dr Claudia Schmidt, Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Dr Claudia Schmidt
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Bristol BS9
Depression.
Sometimes difficulties can have a major impact on our well-being, relationships or work. Maybe friends and family can offer some support but we may also choose to see a qualified and experienced practitioner, who can provide a safe space in which to work with whatever is going on for us. I have a wide range of experience, including working in the NHS, at university as Associate Lecturer (14 years) and in a GP practice as a Lead Therapist and Supervisor, delivering Relational Integrative Therapy. I draw on Psychodynamic and Person-Centred approaches, Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational CBT and CFT (Compassion-Focussed Therapy).
Depression.
Sometimes difficulties can have a major impact on our well-being, relationships or work. Maybe friends and family can offer some support but we may also choose to see a qualified and experienced practitioner, who can provide a safe space in which to work with whatever is going on for us. I have a wide range of experience, including working in the NHS, at university as Associate Lecturer (14 years) and in a GP practice as a Lead Therapist and Supervisor, delivering Relational Integrative Therapy. I draw on Psychodynamic and Person-Centred approaches, Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational CBT and CFT (Compassion-Focussed Therapy).
0117 456 5697 View 0117 456 5697
Photo of Zak Reeves, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Zak Reeves
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Bristol BS8
The atmosphere that I aim to create in therapy is one of dynamic collaboration. This means that whilst you will ultimately determine the focus of our work, I will also be an active part of this process, regularly offering insight, reflections and relevant theoretical understandings. I believe that working in this way fosters vitality, helping to create movement in our sessions and in your life. To say more about me as a practitioner, I am a UKCP registered Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist-in-Training in my sixth year of study at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC).
The atmosphere that I aim to create in therapy is one of dynamic collaboration. This means that whilst you will ultimately determine the focus of our work, I will also be an active part of this process, regularly offering insight, reflections and relevant theoretical understandings. I believe that working in this way fosters vitality, helping to create movement in our sessions and in your life. To say more about me as a practitioner, I am a UKCP registered Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist-in-Training in my sixth year of study at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC).
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Photo of Michael Brown, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Michael Brown
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome. I’m currently working exclusively online, offering accessible sessions wherever you are. I work with a broad range of experiences including anxiety, low mood, identity questions, relationship tension, chronic fatigue, and recovery. You might feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, overwhelmed by emotion, or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself. My approach is person-centred and mindfulness-based—gentle, relational, and grounded in nervous system awareness. Together, we’ll explore what matters with care, honesty, and soft pacing.
Welcome. I’m currently working exclusively online, offering accessible sessions wherever you are. I work with a broad range of experiences including anxiety, low mood, identity questions, relationship tension, chronic fatigue, and recovery. You might feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, overwhelmed by emotion, or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself. My approach is person-centred and mindfulness-based—gentle, relational, and grounded in nervous system awareness. Together, we’ll explore what matters with care, honesty, and soft pacing.
0141 673 5458 View 0141 673 5458
Photo of Andrew Ayers - Andrew Ayers Talking Therapies Ltd, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Andrew Ayers Talking Therapies Ltd
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have extensive experience in working with anxiety and Mood disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety (Excessive worry); Social Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Phobia's (animals, weather, emetophobia etc); OCD; Eating Disorders (Bulimia, Binge Eating disorder, Restrictive Eating); PTSD; Depression and Low self esteem.
I have worked as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist since completing my training in 2002, and have practiced in a variety of NHS settings (GP Surgery's, Specialist Psychotherapy services), Higher Education, and in a private capacity. I am also trained in EMDR and other third wave Approaches, including ACT and Schema focused interventions.
I have extensive experience in working with anxiety and Mood disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety (Excessive worry); Social Anxiety; Panic Attacks; Phobia's (animals, weather, emetophobia etc); OCD; Eating Disorders (Bulimia, Binge Eating disorder, Restrictive Eating); PTSD; Depression and Low self esteem.
I have worked as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist since completing my training in 2002, and have practiced in a variety of NHS settings (GP Surgery's, Specialist Psychotherapy services), Higher Education, and in a private capacity. I am also trained in EMDR and other third wave Approaches, including ACT and Schema focused interventions.
01225 985715 View 01225 985715
Photo of Marianne Trent, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Marianne Trent
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
8 Endorsed
Online Only
I also work with associated grief, depression & anxiety including OCD.
I love working with people, getting to know you and hearing your story. I believe that we are all unique. One of the things I love most about my work is the privilege of seeing someone begin to thrive and to enjoy their life again. I love helping to find some inner calm, clarity of thought and to be practicing self compassion as part of their everyday lives. I work in a bespoke way, tailor making my approach to each person. However, that said, everyone's needs compassion and so a compassion focused therapy approach runs through all of my work. I am most definitely a human first and a psychologist second.
I also work with associated grief, depression & anxiety including OCD.
I love working with people, getting to know you and hearing your story. I believe that we are all unique. One of the things I love most about my work is the privilege of seeing someone begin to thrive and to enjoy their life again. I love helping to find some inner calm, clarity of thought and to be practicing self compassion as part of their everyday lives. I work in a bespoke way, tailor making my approach to each person. However, that said, everyone's needs compassion and so a compassion focused therapy approach runs through all of my work. I am most definitely a human first and a psychologist second.
024 7518 9423 View 024 7518 9423
Photo of Dr Cassy Crabtree, Psychologist, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Dr Cassy Crabtree
Psychologist, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Online Only
Life has a way of piling onto us and sometimes its hard to recognize the effects of our experiences over time. This can lead to developing unhelpful coping skills in the moment, that are not conducive to a healthy and happy life. We need to adapt and find other ways of coping once the storm has passed, which can be difficult to do on your own. As a qualified psychologist, I have experience in working with inpatient and community settings over the last 6 years. I specialize in working with Personality Disorder (BPD, ASPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD), and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, LD, Autism).
Life has a way of piling onto us and sometimes its hard to recognize the effects of our experiences over time. This can lead to developing unhelpful coping skills in the moment, that are not conducive to a healthy and happy life. We need to adapt and find other ways of coping once the storm has passed, which can be difficult to do on your own. As a qualified psychologist, I have experience in working with inpatient and community settings over the last 6 years. I specialize in working with Personality Disorder (BPD, ASPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD), and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, LD, Autism).
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Photo of Naomi Aston, Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Naomi Aston
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist (CPsychol), I guide driven individuals like you to rediscover their inner strength and create a life of greater meaning and joy. I can help you feel understood and connected to your true self, regain a sense of inner stability and strength, and be sure of your next steps and how to move forward.
As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist (CPsychol), I guide driven individuals like you to rediscover their inner strength and create a life of greater meaning and joy. I can help you feel understood and connected to your true self, regain a sense of inner stability and strength, and be sure of your next steps and how to move forward.
020 4572 2923 View 020 4572 2923
Photo of Kym Birtwell-Thompson - Indigo Moon, Counsellor, MBACP
Indigo Moon
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I am an experienced counsellor and specialise in various areas including: Domestic Abuse Narcissistic Abuse Anxiety and Depression OCD Loss and Grief Addiction Post-Natal and Peri-Natal issues Sexuality
I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore whatever may be troubling them. My working model is centrally embedded within the Person-Centred model. I also draw upon other modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Existentialism and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) depending on the unique needs of my clients. I focus on establishing a trusting relationship with my clients and working in a safe and ethical way prioritising my clients well-being.
I am an experienced counsellor and specialise in various areas including: Domestic Abuse Narcissistic Abuse Anxiety and Depression OCD Loss and Grief Addiction Post-Natal and Peri-Natal issues Sexuality
I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore whatever may be troubling them. My working model is centrally embedded within the Person-Centred model. I also draw upon other modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Existentialism and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) depending on the unique needs of my clients. I focus on establishing a trusting relationship with my clients and working in a safe and ethical way prioritising my clients well-being.
0117 325 3819 View 0117 325 3819
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.