Depression Counselling in Reading

Photo of Vanessa Boudier, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Vanessa Boudier
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG7
Whether your challenge or need is great or small, an experienced, confidential and sensitive approach awaits you here - this could be the key to helping you back to experiencing happiness, resilience, balance and calm.
It's a natural part of life that at times we experience some challenges, disruptions, stressors or significant life changes. When this happens it can feel overwhelming. Returning to an even keel can be supported with the help of a tried, tested and trusted integrative counsellor. With over 20 years of full time experience plus providing supervision to other therapists, I can offer you an unbiased, experienced and confidential space for you to work through and get back on track using any of Counselling, NLP, Hypnotherapy, EMDR helping you to return to a more balanced, calmer life. Feel free to call me anytime.
Whether your challenge or need is great or small, an experienced, confidential and sensitive approach awaits you here - this could be the key to helping you back to experiencing happiness, resilience, balance and calm.
It's a natural part of life that at times we experience some challenges, disruptions, stressors or significant life changes. When this happens it can feel overwhelming. Returning to an even keel can be supported with the help of a tried, tested and trusted integrative counsellor. With over 20 years of full time experience plus providing supervision to other therapists, I can offer you an unbiased, experienced and confidential space for you to work through and get back on track using any of Counselling, NLP, Hypnotherapy, EMDR helping you to return to a more balanced, calmer life. Feel free to call me anytime.
0118 214 0859 View 0118 214 0859
Photo of Alex Jurgensen, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Alex Jurgensen
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
In our sessions, I offer a safe, supportive and confidential space for you to unpack those heavy feelings, without judgment.
Hi, I’m Alex, a BACP-registered counsellor with a passion for helping people navigate life’s emotional challenges. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, or simply struggling to navigate a difficult situation, I’m here to support you.
In our sessions, I offer a safe, supportive and confidential space for you to unpack those heavy feelings, without judgment.
Hi, I’m Alex, a BACP-registered counsellor with a passion for helping people navigate life’s emotional challenges. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, or simply struggling to navigate a difficult situation, I’m here to support you.
01707 245330 View 01707 245330
Photo of Lada Shustova-Carter, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lada Shustova-Carter
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG6
Counselling will offer you a safe space to talk about your issues and I will provide you with unconditional regard and a confidential, non-judgemental approach to discuss whatever aspects of your life you feel need help in bringing out.
Are you feeling lost or misunderstood? Do you have days when it feels like it's a bit too much to cope with? Some of us may experience anxiety, a disorientation and concerns about our overall mental well-being. Some also may be feeling the negative impact on family relationships, while some may be struggling with jobs and finances.
Counselling will offer you a safe space to talk about your issues and I will provide you with unconditional regard and a confidential, non-judgemental approach to discuss whatever aspects of your life you feel need help in bringing out.
Are you feeling lost or misunderstood? Do you have days when it feels like it's a bit too much to cope with? Some of us may experience anxiety, a disorientation and concerns about our overall mental well-being. Some also may be feeling the negative impact on family relationships, while some may be struggling with jobs and finances.
0118 338 5140 View 0118 338 5140
Photo of Catherine Neil, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Catherine Neil
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG10
By deciding upon simple, achievable goals in each session you will be able to notice a significant, rapid improvement in your mood and outlook.
Have you been feeling stuck, or in a low mood recently? Has life been getting on top of you? Or has a particular unexpected life event completely thrown you - leaving you questioning everything? Sometimes we can feel angry, low, anxious or tearful and we need to seek some professional support to help us develop a clear perspective and a way through to coping again. One client I supported said: "Seeing Catherine was without a doubt one of the best things I've done in my life. Her calm bespoke guidance & wisdom has helped me feel human and made me a better father and husband."
By deciding upon simple, achievable goals in each session you will be able to notice a significant, rapid improvement in your mood and outlook.
Have you been feeling stuck, or in a low mood recently? Has life been getting on top of you? Or has a particular unexpected life event completely thrown you - leaving you questioning everything? Sometimes we can feel angry, low, anxious or tearful and we need to seek some professional support to help us develop a clear perspective and a way through to coping again. One client I supported said: "Seeing Catherine was without a doubt one of the best things I've done in my life. Her calm bespoke guidance & wisdom has helped me feel human and made me a better father and husband."
01962 571069 View 01962 571069
Photo of Gurvinder Kaur Dhesi, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Gurvinder Kaur Dhesi
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG4
Most of us have times in our lives when things get on top of us and we find it hard to cope.
As a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, my therapeutic aim is to enable you to enhance your life and live more fully. We will work collaboratively to identify the sources of your emotional difficulties. I will help you to gain a deeper insight into your struggle while getting to the root of the problem. I offer short-term and long-term counselling and psychotherapy from my private practice in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 in-person and online. My practice is easily accessible by car from Slough, Maidenhead, Winsor, and West London via the A404(M) and Newbury via the M4 or by train from Reading Station.
Most of us have times in our lives when things get on top of us and we find it hard to cope.
As a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, my therapeutic aim is to enable you to enhance your life and live more fully. We will work collaboratively to identify the sources of your emotional difficulties. I will help you to gain a deeper insight into your struggle while getting to the root of the problem. I offer short-term and long-term counselling and psychotherapy from my private practice in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 in-person and online. My practice is easily accessible by car from Slough, Maidenhead, Winsor, and West London via the A404(M) and Newbury via the M4 or by train from Reading Station.
0118 230 2143 View 0118 230 2143
Photo of Rosie Hanson - Green Feather Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Green Feather Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG31
I am committed to providing psychotherapeutic counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, where you can feel supported, listened to and accepted.
Sometimes life can be tough and is not always fair. I get that completely. I have been there and I can help. I trained as a counsellor to support people just like me. I also work with children and young people and love helping them to grow. Hello, I'm Rosie and I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. I believe that we all have the ability to grow, heal and change, regardless of what we have experienced in life. I always put the needs of my clients first and will work alongside you, at your own pace, to support you, or your child to work through your issues. I offer creative counselling, using sand, clay and symbols.
I am committed to providing psychotherapeutic counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, where you can feel supported, listened to and accepted.
Sometimes life can be tough and is not always fair. I get that completely. I have been there and I can help. I trained as a counsellor to support people just like me. I also work with children and young people and love helping them to grow. Hello, I'm Rosie and I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. I believe that we all have the ability to grow, heal and change, regardless of what we have experienced in life. I always put the needs of my clients first and will work alongside you, at your own pace, to support you, or your child to work through your issues. I offer creative counselling, using sand, clay and symbols.
0118 230 2633 View 0118 230 2633
Photo of Michelle Daniels, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Michelle Daniels
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG8
I work from the perspective that making sense of one's inner world, emotional life, and early relationships can improve mood, change one’s perspective, and alleviate distressing psychological symptoms.
I'm an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, with a specialism in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and 10 years of experience working in the NHS. I have worked across a variety of settings, primarily in specialist NHS outpatient psychotherapy services, with individuals, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational difficulties including anxiety, depression, personality disorder, chronic grief, early / childhood trauma, and eating disorder, amongst others. I offer psychotherapy with adults across the age range either individually or together as parents of young adult (18-25yr old) children.
I work from the perspective that making sense of one's inner world, emotional life, and early relationships can improve mood, change one’s perspective, and alleviate distressing psychological symptoms.
I'm an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, with a specialism in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and 10 years of experience working in the NHS. I have worked across a variety of settings, primarily in specialist NHS outpatient psychotherapy services, with individuals, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational difficulties including anxiety, depression, personality disorder, chronic grief, early / childhood trauma, and eating disorder, amongst others. I offer psychotherapy with adults across the age range either individually or together as parents of young adult (18-25yr old) children.
0118 207 2588 View 0118 207 2588
Photo of David Allen, MBACP, Counsellor
David Allen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
Besides my private practice, I am a facilitator on a counselling training course and until recently I worked in a secondary school in Reading.
We might all experience times in our life when we're struggling to cope, and when we do, talking our problems through with someone who understands us can be just the thing that lifts the weight from our shoulders and allows us to find a new path forward. Although I try to shy away from labels and diagnosis, I've helped people suffering from anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and anger management issues, and more. It's vital that you feel comfortable talking to your counsellor, and so I offer a half price first session to help you decide if I'm the right person for you.
Besides my private practice, I am a facilitator on a counselling training course and until recently I worked in a secondary school in Reading.
We might all experience times in our life when we're struggling to cope, and when we do, talking our problems through with someone who understands us can be just the thing that lifts the weight from our shoulders and allows us to find a new path forward. Although I try to shy away from labels and diagnosis, I've helped people suffering from anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and anger management issues, and more. It's vital that you feel comfortable talking to your counsellor, and so I offer a half price first session to help you decide if I'm the right person for you.
0118 338 3934 View 0118 338 3934
Photo of Kelly Dodd, MBACP, Counsellor
Kelly Dodd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
Counselling offers you an opportunity to regain control and move towards a happier and balanced life.
As a therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space where both teenagers and adults can reflect on their concerns and explore the changes they wish to make. Together, we’ll work to manage and overcome stress, anxiety, and depression, while also addressing deeper challenges such as unresolved trauma, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem.
Counselling offers you an opportunity to regain control and move towards a happier and balanced life.
As a therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space where both teenagers and adults can reflect on their concerns and explore the changes they wish to make. Together, we’ll work to manage and overcome stress, anxiety, and depression, while also addressing deeper challenges such as unresolved trauma, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem.
0118 230 5732 View 0118 230 5732
Photo of Kate Butler - Kate Butler Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Kate Butler Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG2
It can feel hard to reach out for help, and having supported my own children through trauma and emotional difficulties, I understand how important it is that you find the right counsellor.
Are you a teenager or a young person who is struggling with emotions and thoughts that are making life difficult? Or maybe you're finding it difficult to deal with something traumatic that has happened to you? Perhaps you're a parent, worried about your teenager or young adult? I'm a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist helping teenagers, young people and parents to overcome trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. I provide a safe, calm and supportive space to allow you or your child to work through what is causing difficulties and find a way forward.
It can feel hard to reach out for help, and having supported my own children through trauma and emotional difficulties, I understand how important it is that you find the right counsellor.
Are you a teenager or a young person who is struggling with emotions and thoughts that are making life difficult? Or maybe you're finding it difficult to deal with something traumatic that has happened to you? Perhaps you're a parent, worried about your teenager or young adult? I'm a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist helping teenagers, young people and parents to overcome trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. I provide a safe, calm and supportive space to allow you or your child to work through what is causing difficulties and find a way forward.
0118 230 5940 View 0118 230 5940
Photo of Andrea Guida, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Andrea Guida
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Reading RG30
Using (CBT), we work with how our thoughts influence our feelings, behaviours and physical reactions.
Are you a parent of a young person who is feeling anxious, withdrawn or depressed? Is your child experiencing panic attacks, refusing to go to school or avoiding social situations? And you – are you experiencing stress, sleeping problems, constant worrying, feeling overwhelmed? We live in challenging times in which our mental health has suffered. As an experienced therapist I understand these difficulties and how it impairs your quality of life. I appreciate your effort to look for help. I know that those difficulties can be transformed into self-discovery and personal growth, with motivation and appropriate guidance
Using (CBT), we work with how our thoughts influence our feelings, behaviours and physical reactions.
Are you a parent of a young person who is feeling anxious, withdrawn or depressed? Is your child experiencing panic attacks, refusing to go to school or avoiding social situations? And you – are you experiencing stress, sleeping problems, constant worrying, feeling overwhelmed? We live in challenging times in which our mental health has suffered. As an experienced therapist I understand these difficulties and how it impairs your quality of life. I appreciate your effort to look for help. I know that those difficulties can be transformed into self-discovery and personal growth, with motivation and appropriate guidance
0118 230 9338 View 0118 230 9338
Photo of Caitlyn Teeney, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Caitlyn Teeney
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG31  (Online Only)
I have a deep commitment to supporting those affected by trauma and am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of my clients.
Do you want support in identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns, replacing them with healthier more balanced ways of thinking and acting? I can help. I specialise in CBT, focusing on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In our sessions, you’ll find a supportive, collaborative environment. We’ll set practical goals, track progress, and adjust as needed, aiming to empower you with skills to handle life’s challenges confidently. Specialisations: • Anxiety and Stress: Build resilience and effective coping strategies.
I have a deep commitment to supporting those affected by trauma and am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of my clients.
Do you want support in identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns, replacing them with healthier more balanced ways of thinking and acting? I can help. I specialise in CBT, focusing on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In our sessions, you’ll find a supportive, collaborative environment. We’ll set practical goals, track progress, and adjust as needed, aiming to empower you with skills to handle life’s challenges confidently. Specialisations: • Anxiety and Stress: Build resilience and effective coping strategies.
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Photo of Zoe Silk, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Zoe Silk
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG2
I hope that you will find my therapy room both warm and comfortable.
I am very passionate about my work and what I love most is seeing my clients progress. Observing their changes and seeing how good they feel within themselves is a wonderful journey to share. I offer support with all kinds of issues. You may be suffering with an anxiety disorder, depression perhaps, an issue within a relationship, an addiction or something else. Whatever your issue is, my aim is to spend time getting to know you, finding the root cause to your problem and any other factors that may have to be taken into consideration. Then, together we can work towards a solid plan for you to more you forward as an individual.
I hope that you will find my therapy room both warm and comfortable.
I am very passionate about my work and what I love most is seeing my clients progress. Observing their changes and seeing how good they feel within themselves is a wonderful journey to share. I offer support with all kinds of issues. You may be suffering with an anxiety disorder, depression perhaps, an issue within a relationship, an addiction or something else. Whatever your issue is, my aim is to spend time getting to know you, finding the root cause to your problem and any other factors that may have to be taken into consideration. Then, together we can work towards a solid plan for you to more you forward as an individual.
01202 117054 View 01202 117054
Photo of Georgina Sturmer, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Georgina Sturmer
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG1
I'm a warm, friendly, down-to-earth counsellor, and it's a privilege for me to work alongside my clients while they move towards their goals in life.
Hi, I’m Georgina, a Counsellor who helps women to understand what is holding them back from being happier and more confident in their life and relationships. I specialise in supporting women through the challenges that they may face during different parts of their life, including relationship difficulties, pregnancy, fertility, miscarriage, PMDD, illness, trauma, postnatal depression, domestic abuse and loss. I offer open-ended therapy, where we work together for as long as you feel that you need.
I'm a warm, friendly, down-to-earth counsellor, and it's a privilege for me to work alongside my clients while they move towards their goals in life.
Hi, I’m Georgina, a Counsellor who helps women to understand what is holding them back from being happier and more confident in their life and relationships. I specialise in supporting women through the challenges that they may face during different parts of their life, including relationship difficulties, pregnancy, fertility, miscarriage, PMDD, illness, trauma, postnatal depression, domestic abuse and loss. I offer open-ended therapy, where we work together for as long as you feel that you need.
01923 961116 View 01923 961116
Photo of Helma Marlow - Helma Marlow, MBACP, Counsellor
Helma Marlow
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reading RG1
I can help you explore your life, relationships and feelings by listening and hearing you in a different way to others in your life, leading you to gain a deep understanding of yourself by identifying & changing unhelpful patterns.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or stressed? Perhaps you are struggling with bereavement, past trauma or low self esteem? Do you have communication problems in your marriage or other relationships? Do you have negative thoughts? Maybe you feel you need help in making adjustments? These are things I can help you with.. Taking the first step in reaching out for help is often daunting, but I can support you in this. Counselling can lead to exploring other options and choices in your life, whilst rediscovering your unique qualities, and who you really are. I find my clients notice improvements in their lives after a few sessions.
I can help you explore your life, relationships and feelings by listening and hearing you in a different way to others in your life, leading you to gain a deep understanding of yourself by identifying & changing unhelpful patterns.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or stressed? Perhaps you are struggling with bereavement, past trauma or low self esteem? Do you have communication problems in your marriage or other relationships? Do you have negative thoughts? Maybe you feel you need help in making adjustments? These are things I can help you with.. Taking the first step in reaching out for help is often daunting, but I can support you in this. Counselling can lead to exploring other options and choices in your life, whilst rediscovering your unique qualities, and who you really are. I find my clients notice improvements in their lives after a few sessions.
020 3984 7834 View 020 3984 7834
Photo of Barbara Paczkowska, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Barbara Paczkowska
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG1
I continually strive to deepen my knowledge and understanding of current techniques of delivering the best therapy for my clients by participating in numerous training courses and seminars organized by the world's top specialists.
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
I continually strive to deepen my knowledge and understanding of current techniques of delivering the best therapy for my clients by participating in numerous training courses and seminars organized by the world's top specialists.
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
01753 907660 View 01753 907660
Photo of Sarah Comerford, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Comerford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG30
It is essential that your counsellor is someone with whom you feel safe and able to share important parts of your life with, I understand this can be a difficult and daunting process.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have experienced trauma and feel ready to explore this further. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
It is essential that your counsellor is someone with whom you feel safe and able to share important parts of your life with, I understand this can be a difficult and daunting process.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have experienced trauma and feel ready to explore this further. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
01344 596171 View 01344 596171
Photo of Kyla De Graauw - able psychology, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
able psychology
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
I work from a person-centered approach, which draws on your own unique strengths and preference.
Try as we might, life is not always easy & there may be times when we need additional support. Whether you are looking to work through a particular concern, or feel that you would benefit from a confidential, and non-judgemental space where you are free to vent and debrief, I am wholeheartedly here for you. I work with couples to address areas such as communication, conflict, betrayal, trust, & desire, as well as with adults to work through symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, & self-criticism. Complimentary consultations offered to all who are interested in engaging.
I work from a person-centered approach, which draws on your own unique strengths and preference.
Try as we might, life is not always easy & there may be times when we need additional support. Whether you are looking to work through a particular concern, or feel that you would benefit from a confidential, and non-judgemental space where you are free to vent and debrief, I am wholeheartedly here for you. I work with couples to address areas such as communication, conflict, betrayal, trust, & desire, as well as with adults to work through symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, & self-criticism. Complimentary consultations offered to all who are interested in engaging.
01784 778353 View 01784 778353
Photo of Sarah Jane Plant, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sarah Jane Plant
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
I know that taking the first step can be scary.
There are times in life when we need help. When we feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, sad. Situations we are unable to make sense of. I offer an initial free consultation. This gives you the opportunity to find out about the therapy I offer. Research suggests that the therapeutic relationship itself is more important for a good out come than a particular type of therapy. This means that I am going to help you feel safe, accepted and treated with respect and perhaps challenge you in a positive and constructive way, then you are more likely to make good use of our sessions.
I know that taking the first step can be scary.
There are times in life when we need help. When we feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, sad. Situations we are unable to make sense of. I offer an initial free consultation. This gives you the opportunity to find out about the therapy I offer. Research suggests that the therapeutic relationship itself is more important for a good out come than a particular type of therapy. This means that I am going to help you feel safe, accepted and treated with respect and perhaps challenge you in a positive and constructive way, then you are more likely to make good use of our sessions.
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Photo of Dr Mandeep Bachu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Mandeep Bachu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
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

See more therapy options for Reading

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.