Therapists in Venice, CA
Iris Nathaniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291
I'm trained to help issues such as anxiety , depression and panic disorder.
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
I'm trained to help issues such as anxiety , depression and panic disorder.
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
Sam Cohen Paz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Hi, welcome, I’m Sam. If you’re researching online and are on this website reading this, you’re likely truly ready for support. I invite you to reach out. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy and of course welcome people of all sexualities/gender identities. I also see people on reproductive journeys using assisted reproduction. I offer a warm, accepting, and nonjudgmental space. Our work together will invite you to find a way forward, with your soul as guide. I will also provide clinical tools to assist going forward. We do this in a collaborative fashion, where I meet each individual client/clients where they are at.
Hi, welcome, I’m Sam. If you’re researching online and are on this website reading this, you’re likely truly ready for support. I invite you to reach out. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy and of course welcome people of all sexualities/gender identities. I also see people on reproductive journeys using assisted reproduction. I offer a warm, accepting, and nonjudgmental space. Our work together will invite you to find a way forward, with your soul as guide. I will also provide clinical tools to assist going forward. We do this in a collaborative fashion, where I meet each individual client/clients where they are at.
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Itay Kohane
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
אני כאן בשבילך. אני מודע לכך שלא פשוט לפנות לקבלת תמיכה ומודה לך על ההתעניינות בעבודה שלי. בפגישות שלנו נגיע לתובנות נוספות על עצמך ועל אתגרים בחייך, ונמצא פתרונות למכשולים בדרך למטרות שלך. סקרנות ואמפתיה ילוו אותנו לאורך כל הטיפול. אני עובד עם מבוגרים וילדים, בטיפול יחידני, זוגי ומשפחתי. תחומי ההתמחות שלי מפורטים כאן ובאתר שלי. אני גם מדריך פוסט-דוקטורנטים לפסיכולוגיה קלינית שיכולים להציע טיפול מצוין במידה ואין לי זמינות.
אני כאן בשבילך. אני מודע לכך שלא פשוט לפנות לקבלת תמיכה ומודה לך על ההתעניינות בעבודה שלי. בפגישות שלנו נגיע לתובנות נוספות על עצמך ועל אתגרים בחייך, ונמצא פתרונות למכשולים בדרך למטרות שלך. סקרנות ואמפתיה ילוו אותנו לאורך כל הטיפול. אני עובד עם מבוגרים וילדים, בטיפול יחידני, זוגי ומשפחתי. תחומי ההתמחות שלי מפורטים כאן ובאתר שלי. אני גם מדריך פוסט-דוקטורנטים לפסיכולוגיה קלינית שיכולים להציע טיפול מצוין במידה ואין לי זמינות.
Steve Lehrman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (Online Only)
Ani mayveen Ivrit, v'gahm M'daber Ivrit. Ayneni Moomcheh b'Ivrit, aval yachol l'daber, ool'haksheev b'Ivrit. So I don't imagine that I could conduct entire sessions in Hebrew, but I do believe I can understand and discuss issues in Hebrew to some extent. I also have a background in Jewish learning and philosophy, which has been helpful to many clients of that background.
Ani mayveen Ivrit, v'gahm M'daber Ivrit. Ayneni Moomcheh b'Ivrit, aval yachol l'daber, ool'haksheev b'Ivrit. So I don't imagine that I could conduct entire sessions in Hebrew, but I do believe I can understand and discuss issues in Hebrew to some extent. I also have a background in Jewish learning and philosophy, which has been helpful to many clients of that background.
Rina Schul
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90095
נעים להכיר. שמי רינה. במקורי אני ישראלית, חיה בארה״ב כבר הרבה שנים. בהכשרתי אני פסיכולוגית קלינית, עם נסיון רב בטיפול ובלווי תהליכים טיפוליים במגוון אוכלוסית וגילאים. אשמח ללוות אותך בתהליך טיפולי שעשוי להקל ולשפר את איכות חייך. מנסיוני האישי ומנסיון רבים אחרים המעבר לחיים בתרבות האמריקאית ובשפה האנגלית כרוך לעיתים רבות בקשיי הסתגלות, עליה בחרדה ובדיכאון ובהשפעה על קשרים בינאישיים. אני מתמחה בטיפול בזרים ומהגרים. בטיפול איתי נבחן את מכלול חווית הרילוקיישן או ההגירה ונעבוד על שיפור ההסתגלות וההרגשה.
נעים להכיר. שמי רינה. במקורי אני ישראלית, חיה בארה״ב כבר הרבה שנים. בהכשרתי אני פסיכולוגית קלינית, עם נסיון רב בטיפול ובלווי תהליכים טיפוליים במגוון אוכלוסית וגילאים. אשמח ללוות אותך בתהליך טיפולי שעשוי להקל ולשפר את איכות חייך. מנסיוני האישי ומנסיון רבים אחרים המעבר לחיים בתרבות האמריקאית ובשפה האנגלית כרוך לעיתים רבות בקשיי הסתגלות, עליה בחרדה ובדיכאון ובהשפעה על קשרים בינאישיים. אני מתמחה בטיפול בזרים ומהגרים. בטיפול איתי נבחן את מכלול חווית הרילוקיישן או ההגירה ונעבוד על שיפור ההסתגלות וההרגשה.
Tamar Levran-Galai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
היי, אני תמר, פסיכותרפיסטית ועוסקת בטיפול רגשי וייעוץ מעל 10 שנים בישראל ובקליפורניה. עובדת עם מבוגרים, ילדים, זוגות, ומשפחות עם מגוון רחב של התמודדויות עם אירועי חיים, אתגרי נפש ומשברים משפחתיים. כולנו חווים מאבקים בדרכנו. אנחנו נדרשים להתמודדות והסתגלות אל מול אירועי חיים ומציאות משתנה. משברים, פחדים, תחושות של כעס, אבל, דיכאון, בדידות, וחרדה אינם צריכים להישאר ללא מענה. בעת התמודדות עם קשיים, טיפול רגשי יכול לספק מרחב פרטי להתבוננות, לעזור בהסתגלות, לייצר הטבה בתסמינים, הקלה רגשית, וויסות הרגשות, קבלת החלטות ובחירות מתאימות יותר.
היי, אני תמר, פסיכותרפיסטית ועוסקת בטיפול רגשי וייעוץ מעל 10 שנים בישראל ובקליפורניה. עובדת עם מבוגרים, ילדים, זוגות, ומשפחות עם מגוון רחב של התמודדויות עם אירועי חיים, אתגרי נפש ומשברים משפחתיים. כולנו חווים מאבקים בדרכנו. אנחנו נדרשים להתמודדות והסתגלות אל מול אירועי חיים ומציאות משתנה. משברים, פחדים, תחושות של כעס, אבל, דיכאון, בדידות, וחרדה אינם צריכים להישאר ללא מענה. בעת התמודדות עם קשיים, טיפול רגשי יכול לספק מרחב פרטי להתבוננות, לעזור בהסתגלות, לייצר הטבה בתסמינים, הקלה רגשית, וויסות הרגשות, קבלת החלטות ובחירות מתאימות יותר.
Lilach Dior Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90044
אנשים רבים סובלים מהתקפים של חרדה. מי שחווה התקף חרדה זוכר אותו היטב. התקף חרדה הוא הפעלה פתאומית של פחד חריף, המתפתח במהירות ומגיע לשיאו בתוך דקות ספורות. האפיזודה מלווה בארבעה או יותר מהסימפטומים הבאים: דפיקות לב, הזעה, רעד, קוצר נשימה, תחושת מחנק, כאבים בחזה, בחילה, כאבי בטן או פרפרים ולעיתים סחרחורת או תחושה של עילפון
אנשים רבים סובלים מהתקפים של חרדה. מי שחווה התקף חרדה זוכר אותו היטב. התקף חרדה הוא הפעלה פתאומית של פחד חריף, המתפתח במהירות ומגיע לשיאו בתוך דקות ספורות. האפיזודה מלווה בארבעה או יותר מהסימפטומים הבאים: דפיקות לב, הזעה, רעד, קוצר נשימה, תחושת מחנק, כאבים בחזה, בחילה, כאבי בטן או פרפרים ולעיתים סחרחורת או תחושה של עילפון
Hili Mann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90095
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties with self and others. Our first meeting by phone or video call will provide us the opportunity to discuss issues you seek to address. I practice from a psychoanalytic approach which means we will explore and deepen our understanding of your experience including unconscious influences on thought, feeling, behavior, and their impact on your present-day situation. My intention working with you is to enhance your awareness for the purpose of creating meaningful improvement, ultimately leading toward greater freedom and joy in living.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties with self and others. Our first meeting by phone or video call will provide us the opportunity to discuss issues you seek to address. I practice from a psychoanalytic approach which means we will explore and deepen our understanding of your experience including unconscious influences on thought, feeling, behavior, and their impact on your present-day situation. My intention working with you is to enhance your awareness for the purpose of creating meaningful improvement, ultimately leading toward greater freedom and joy in living.
Kari Gila Sacks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I believe you've arrived here for a reason, and we're about to find out why. Together, we can explore the issues that are sacred to you and hopefully release you to a better emotional place. The basis of living strong is having a consciousness of purpose and meaning. I'm here to support this process of discovering heightened meaning within you. I have walked alongside folks facing deeply painful human challenges: grief over loss of all kinds, life transitions, aging, caregiver stress, single motherhood, overcoming depression and anxiety and trauma. I look forward to working with you to make your life better.
I believe you've arrived here for a reason, and we're about to find out why. Together, we can explore the issues that are sacred to you and hopefully release you to a better emotional place. The basis of living strong is having a consciousness of purpose and meaning. I'm here to support this process of discovering heightened meaning within you. I have walked alongside folks facing deeply painful human challenges: grief over loss of all kinds, life transitions, aging, caregiver stress, single motherhood, overcoming depression and anxiety and trauma. I look forward to working with you to make your life better.
Dr. Mira Mayer Counseling Psychologist
PhD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436 (Online Only)
My approach to counseling is eclectic. I combine a variety of theories and skills suited to each individual needs.. My services include, but not limited to: stress, depression, grief and loss, trauma, divorce, relationship issues, loneliness etc, My primary goal is to help others turn their wounds into wisdom.. and obtain a happier healthier and more fulfilled life..My experience is extensive. Ranging from being a professor for graduate students at California State University for the past 25 years and preparing students to become therapists in schools and community settings. I have a doctorate degree and am a psychologist& Counselor
My approach to counseling is eclectic. I combine a variety of theories and skills suited to each individual needs.. My services include, but not limited to: stress, depression, grief and loss, trauma, divorce, relationship issues, loneliness etc, My primary goal is to help others turn their wounds into wisdom.. and obtain a happier healthier and more fulfilled life..My experience is extensive. Ranging from being a professor for graduate students at California State University for the past 25 years and preparing students to become therapists in schools and community settings. I have a doctorate degree and am a psychologist& Counselor
Leora Sallis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90046
I have over 20 years of experience supporting folks dealing with anxiety, depression and major life transitions. My approach is client centered, strengths based and trauma informed. Theoretical frameworks include CBT, IFS, family systems and EMDR. I am a staunch believer in human resilience. My approach is a collaborative one built on mutual respect, openness and curiosity. Through our work together I partner with clients on their journey toward greater clarity, self awareness and healing.
I have over 20 years of experience supporting folks dealing with anxiety, depression and major life transitions. My approach is client centered, strengths based and trauma informed. Theoretical frameworks include CBT, IFS, family systems and EMDR. I am a staunch believer in human resilience. My approach is a collaborative one built on mutual respect, openness and curiosity. Through our work together I partner with clients on their journey toward greater clarity, self awareness and healing.
Tomer Zilbershtein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I am experienced in working with both teens and adults, helping my clients address challenges such as depression and anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
Struggling with our mental health can often leave us feeling alone and misunderstood by others in our lives. You do not need to face these challenges alone. Cultivating an authentic human connection and building a therapeutic relationship is fundamental in creating a safe and comfortable space for my clients to explore their issues, promoting growth and change in their lives. You deserve to feel heard, to learn more about yourself, make changes in your life, and grow.
I am experienced in working with both teens and adults, helping my clients address challenges such as depression and anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
Struggling with our mental health can often leave us feeling alone and misunderstood by others in our lives. You do not need to face these challenges alone. Cultivating an authentic human connection and building a therapeutic relationship is fundamental in creating a safe and comfortable space for my clients to explore their issues, promoting growth and change in their lives. You deserve to feel heard, to learn more about yourself, make changes in your life, and grow.
Sharon Feigenbaum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
Atalie Abramovici
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship struggles, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep understanding of mindfulness, the significance of culture and language, and the intricacies of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, I aspire to help you explore yourself, maximize your wellbeing, and cultivate tools and practices that propel you to lead a life you love living.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship struggles, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep understanding of mindfulness, the significance of culture and language, and the intricacies of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, I aspire to help you explore yourself, maximize your wellbeing, and cultivate tools and practices that propel you to lead a life you love living.
Harel Papikian
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90035
I also welcome clients wishing to work through and resolve their struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual challenges, sexual orientation, stress, stage of life and more.
Hello, I am Dr. Harel, and I would like to commend you on your courage of taking the first step toward transformation and growth. Your acknowledgement of the need for change makes you into an excellent client. My clinical experiences shows that we are our own biggest obstacle on the path toward the life we truly want, whether it is deeply fulfilling relationships and marriages, satisfying and exciting careers, vibrant health, etc. The moment we totally commit to our own wellbeing with intention to do whatever it takes to live our best life, we have completed 50% of the journey. It is that simple.
I also welcome clients wishing to work through and resolve their struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual challenges, sexual orientation, stress, stage of life and more.
Hello, I am Dr. Harel, and I would like to commend you on your courage of taking the first step toward transformation and growth. Your acknowledgement of the need for change makes you into an excellent client. My clinical experiences shows that we are our own biggest obstacle on the path toward the life we truly want, whether it is deeply fulfilling relationships and marriages, satisfying and exciting careers, vibrant health, etc. The moment we totally commit to our own wellbeing with intention to do whatever it takes to live our best life, we have completed 50% of the journey. It is that simple.
Dr. Adi Zief-Balteriski: Depression Anxiety And Trauma
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90035
My name is Dr. Adi. I specialize in helping adults and teens who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as those experiencing grief, existential crises, and relationship issues. I offer a personalized and safe space for individuals and couples to explore these complex emotions and experiences, guiding them towards healing and growth and respecting their identity and experiences. I work with individuals that are motivated to achieve greater well-being and resilience.
My name is Dr. Adi. I specialize in helping adults and teens who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as those experiencing grief, existential crises, and relationship issues. I offer a personalized and safe space for individuals and couples to explore these complex emotions and experiences, guiding them towards healing and growth and respecting their identity and experiences. I work with individuals that are motivated to achieve greater well-being and resilience.
Betty Nourparvar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, EMDR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I specialize in Trauma & PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Attachment Disorders and Co-dependency, Grief counseling, Infertility & pregnancy loss, self-esteem, & life-transitions.
Welcome! Therapy can be a profound journey of transformation. It is my goal to create a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where my clients have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to gain the insight needed to make lasting changes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the mental health field for over 15 years and have acquired formal training in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, outpatient psychiatric clinics, Community-Based Adult Services programs and school settings.
I specialize in Trauma & PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Attachment Disorders and Co-dependency, Grief counseling, Infertility & pregnancy loss, self-esteem, & life-transitions.
Welcome! Therapy can be a profound journey of transformation. It is my goal to create a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where my clients have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to gain the insight needed to make lasting changes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the mental health field for over 15 years and have acquired formal training in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, outpatient psychiatric clinics, Community-Based Adult Services programs and school settings.
Nina R. Sessler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90035
I work with adults on a range of issues from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, to challenges in marriage and parenting.
Like any relationship, a good fit with your therapist is the foundation for getting started. In an atmosphere of safety and support, I’ll help you understand yourself in new ways, empowering you to change areas of your life that once felt stuck or overwhelming. Together, we’ll navigate these challenges while also being curious about the patterns and deeper meanings beneath the surface.
I work with adults on a range of issues from anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, to challenges in marriage and parenting.
Like any relationship, a good fit with your therapist is the foundation for getting started. In an atmosphere of safety and support, I’ll help you understand yourself in new ways, empowering you to change areas of your life that once felt stuck or overwhelming. Together, we’ll navigate these challenges while also being curious about the patterns and deeper meanings beneath the surface.
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
If you are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Complex Trauma or phobia and anxiety and are looking for EMDR therapy approach then please contact me.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
If you are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Complex Trauma or phobia and anxiety and are looking for EMDR therapy approach then please contact me.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC , E500RYT, EMDR, ISTDP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
If you are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Complex Trauma or phobia and anxiety and are looking for EMDR therapy approach then please contact me.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
If you are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Complex Trauma or phobia and anxiety and are looking for EMDR therapy approach then please contact me.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
See more therapy options for Venice
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Depression Therapists
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 recognize 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral 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.