Photo of Christine Pound, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Christine Pound
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
My name is Christine Pound. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Ellijay, Georgia and currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am a compassionate and supportive therapist who is currently working with adults in all phases of life experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those experiencing stress from current or past life challenges. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidenced based practices in a holistic, solution focused approach to help clients strengthen their sense of self–worth and their unique set of healthy coping strategies.
My name is Christine Pound. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Ellijay, Georgia and currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am a compassionate and supportive therapist who is currently working with adults in all phases of life experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those experiencing stress from current or past life challenges. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidenced based practices in a holistic, solution focused approach to help clients strengthen their sense of self–worth and their unique set of healthy coping strategies.
(770) 980-7939 View (770) 980-7939
Photo of Seek Wise Counsel , Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Seek Wise Counsel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331
In my 14+ years as a Therapist I have gathered the skills, experience and clinical expertise in the following areas: Relationship/Marriage Problems, ADHD, Childhood Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Human Sexuality, Anxiety, Self Love, Self Care, Self Acceptance and Identity issues with internal thoughts such as (Who am I, Is it okay to be who I am, am I worthy.
My name is Deon L Sanders and I am the Ower/CEO of Seek Wise Counsel. I and my staff, specialize in African American psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Existential, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Schema Therapy, Gestalt, Trauma Focused CBT and IFS.  My specific training/education in African American Psychology has provided me knowledge and a deeper subconscious understanding of how the residual effects of slavery, and religious trauma hinders our people. We have both Male and Female therapist on staff. To see staff bios and to book free consultations please visit our website seekwisecounseling.com
In my 14+ years as a Therapist I have gathered the skills, experience and clinical expertise in the following areas: Relationship/Marriage Problems, ADHD, Childhood Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Human Sexuality, Anxiety, Self Love, Self Care, Self Acceptance and Identity issues with internal thoughts such as (Who am I, Is it okay to be who I am, am I worthy.
My name is Deon L Sanders and I am the Ower/CEO of Seek Wise Counsel. I and my staff, specialize in African American psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Existential, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Schema Therapy, Gestalt, Trauma Focused CBT and IFS.  My specific training/education in African American Psychology has provided me knowledge and a deeper subconscious understanding of how the residual effects of slavery, and religious trauma hinders our people. We have both Male and Female therapist on staff. To see staff bios and to book free consultations please visit our website seekwisecounseling.com
(678) 252-5351 View (678) 252-5351
Photo of Nineshia Mont-Reynaud, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Nineshia Mont-Reynaud
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
I have 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I enjoy helping adults explore work and life balance, self-esteem issues, and promoting healthy relationships/boundaries. I work with children/teens with anxiety and self-esteem building while working together with their parents to empower them. I have experience teaching effective communication with facilitating premarital/marriage workshops and parenting classes. My clinical training also includes treating adults with depression, trauma, supporting military families/veterans, and postpartum depression.
I have 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I enjoy helping adults explore work and life balance, self-esteem issues, and promoting healthy relationships/boundaries. I work with children/teens with anxiety and self-esteem building while working together with their parents to empower them. I have experience teaching effective communication with facilitating premarital/marriage workshops and parenting classes. My clinical training also includes treating adults with depression, trauma, supporting military families/veterans, and postpartum depression.
(678) 792-0271 View (678) 792-0271
Photo of Kimberly Ayertey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Kimberly Ayertey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 24 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction recovery. I work primarily with adolescents and adults, integrating different treatment modalities to meet clients' needs. My specialties include treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders, life transitions, relationship and family conflict, and unresolved emotional issues. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 24 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction recovery. I work primarily with adolescents and adults, integrating different treatment modalities to meet clients' needs. My specialties include treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders, life transitions, relationship and family conflict, and unresolved emotional issues. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing.
(404) 999-3432 View (404) 999-3432
Photo of Jodi Spires, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Jodi Spires
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
Hi, my name is Jodi Spires. For 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with people learning to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, and family issues. Though I am comfortable working with clients of all ages, when working with children, I prefer them to be a little older, like 9/10 years+. I am comfortable working with clients from diverse racial, social, or religious/spiritual backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hi, my name is Jodi Spires. For 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with people learning to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, and family issues. Though I am comfortable working with clients of all ages, when working with children, I prefer them to be a little older, like 9/10 years+. I am comfortable working with clients from diverse racial, social, or religious/spiritual backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
(678) 928-6812 View (678) 928-6812
Photo of Denitra L. Gaines, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Denitra L. Gaines
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
I have success in helping individuals manage the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, chronic stress management, and life adjustments.
Greetings, I'm Denitra Gaines LPC, NCC. I feel very fortunate to support individuals as they work through life's challenges. I am a fully licensed professional counselor. I provide a safe judgment free zone to explore and process your thoughts and feelings you may not share with anyone else. I encourage gentle confrontation, validation, and support to increase ones self-efficacy and self awareness. I also partner with couples and families to provide therapy and teach effective interpersonal skills training to help improve your relationships.
I have success in helping individuals manage the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, chronic stress management, and life adjustments.
Greetings, I'm Denitra Gaines LPC, NCC. I feel very fortunate to support individuals as they work through life's challenges. I am a fully licensed professional counselor. I provide a safe judgment free zone to explore and process your thoughts and feelings you may not share with anyone else. I encourage gentle confrontation, validation, and support to increase ones self-efficacy and self awareness. I also partner with couples and families to provide therapy and teach effective interpersonal skills training to help improve your relationships.
(770) 741-2741 View (770) 741-2741
Photo of Renew Wellness Group, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Renew Wellness Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MATS, BCD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
Now Accepting New Clients. Evening/Weekend Appts Available! Every day is an opportunity to take advantage of our limitless potential and the infinite possibilities life has to offer us. My areas of practice include work with individuals, families and couples who may be struggling with relationship issues, depression and anxiety, work-career issues and life transition challenges such as divorce, infidelity, blended families and co-parenting struggles to name a few. I am Board Certified and a trained PrePare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Facilitator.
Now Accepting New Clients. Evening/Weekend Appts Available! Every day is an opportunity to take advantage of our limitless potential and the infinite possibilities life has to offer us. My areas of practice include work with individuals, families and couples who may be struggling with relationship issues, depression and anxiety, work-career issues and life transition challenges such as divorce, infidelity, blended families and co-parenting struggles to name a few. I am Board Certified and a trained PrePare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Facilitator.
(678) 647-7057 View (678) 647-7057
Photo of Mia Edwards, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Mia Edwards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331
My training is focused in the areas of depression, anxiety, behavioral Issues, ADHD, life changes, setting goals, stress related disorders, ODD, Mood Disorders, and many more.
Accepting new clients. As a committed Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA, your well-being and mental strength is my number one priority. I’m happy to guide you through all of life’s challenges with the attention and care you deserve. My primary population ages are 3 and up, and older adults confronting life's changes; with extensive training in working with adults. The area of tough life challenges, and healing has always been a focus of mine; and with training in individual therapy, group therapy, and sound healing, I have been able to help a variety of individuals that I have crossed paths with, young and older.
My training is focused in the areas of depression, anxiety, behavioral Issues, ADHD, life changes, setting goals, stress related disorders, ODD, Mood Disorders, and many more.
Accepting new clients. As a committed Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA, your well-being and mental strength is my number one priority. I’m happy to guide you through all of life’s challenges with the attention and care you deserve. My primary population ages are 3 and up, and older adults confronting life's changes; with extensive training in working with adults. The area of tough life challenges, and healing has always been a focus of mine; and with training in individual therapy, group therapy, and sound healing, I have been able to help a variety of individuals that I have crossed paths with, young and older.
(404) 341-0368 View (404) 341-0368
Photo of Wanda S Cager, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Wanda S Cager
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
Hello, I am Wanda S. Cager, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. I accomplished my academic goals; while attending Mercer University. There are many reasons individuals, couples and families seek counseling. Perhaps you are having a difficult time with depression, anxiety, children behavioral issues, family conflict, couples conflict, sexual identity, grief, divorce, or suicidal thoughts. Well, I am here to offer you and/or your family professional counseling to assist you address your concerns and obtain your goals.
Hello, I am Wanda S. Cager, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. I accomplished my academic goals; while attending Mercer University. There are many reasons individuals, couples and families seek counseling. Perhaps you are having a difficult time with depression, anxiety, children behavioral issues, family conflict, couples conflict, sexual identity, grief, divorce, or suicidal thoughts. Well, I am here to offer you and/or your family professional counseling to assist you address your concerns and obtain your goals.
(770) 809-6596 View (770) 809-6596
Photo of Dr. Chassity Todd, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Dr. Chassity Todd
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
Do you have issues managing and balancing life as a result of anxiety, depression, or work stress? Does your child need assistance with focus and managing tasks? We all need support. I help my clients move from hopelessness to hopefulness in every area of their lives. I am committed to working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) seeking to identify their strengths and discover skills to accomplish goals or recover from life challenges. I aim to create a virtual environment that encourages self-exploration, growth, and positive change.
Do you have issues managing and balancing life as a result of anxiety, depression, or work stress? Does your child need assistance with focus and managing tasks? We all need support. I help my clients move from hopelessness to hopefulness in every area of their lives. I am committed to working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) seeking to identify their strengths and discover skills to accomplish goals or recover from life challenges. I aim to create a virtual environment that encourages self-exploration, growth, and positive change.
(404) 383-3713 View (404) 383-3713
Photo of Push Thru Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Push Thru Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, CPCS, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
We have a group of culturally competent therapists that have experience in working with trauma, anxiety, self-worth, identity, depression, stress management, life transitions, women issues, infertility, infant loss, and maternal mental health (postpartum depression & anxiety).
Having a hard time getting through past traumas from your childhood and you recognize how it's showing up in your relationships? Dealing with the stress of balancing work, family, while also juggling your own needs? Healing from a bad break-up that shattered your idea of where you thought you'd be at in life right now? Then Push Thru Therapy is for you. There is no issue too small or too big to receive help for. Push Thru Therapy is a group practice geared to help women push through various tribulations in their lives. This is a space for women and for mothers.
We have a group of culturally competent therapists that have experience in working with trauma, anxiety, self-worth, identity, depression, stress management, life transitions, women issues, infertility, infant loss, and maternal mental health (postpartum depression & anxiety).
Having a hard time getting through past traumas from your childhood and you recognize how it's showing up in your relationships? Dealing with the stress of balancing work, family, while also juggling your own needs? Healing from a bad break-up that shattered your idea of where you thought you'd be at in life right now? Then Push Thru Therapy is for you. There is no issue too small or too big to receive help for. Push Thru Therapy is a group practice geared to help women push through various tribulations in their lives. This is a space for women and for mothers.
(678) 374-3818 View (678) 374-3818
Photo of Genesis of Life Inc, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Genesis of Life Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331
Offering Mental Health Counseling Services: Anxiety, Anger Management, Depression Dissociative Disorders, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief Relationship Issues, Self Esteem Issues, Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women's Issues.
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Offering Mental Health Counseling Services: Anxiety, Anger Management, Depression Dissociative Disorders, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief Relationship Issues, Self Esteem Issues, Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women's Issues.
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan for your individual needs.
(678) 498-1071 View (678) 498-1071
Photo of Solutions 2 Wellness And Recovery, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Solutions 2 Wellness And Recovery, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I empower individuals to experience emotional and mental health renewal, through gaining inner strength to overcome difficult situations and lead a rewarding life. I provide counseling services to Individuals and families facing difficult situations; involving emotional distress, grief and loss, relationship, community mental health and trauma issues. My services extends to providing In-home early intervention counseling to at-risk families with histories of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, school truancy , anger management, substance abuse , depression , grief and loss, adjustment and conduct disorders, oppositional defiant behaviors and high risk individuals for suicidal behaviors .
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I empower individuals to experience emotional and mental health renewal, through gaining inner strength to overcome difficult situations and lead a rewarding life. I provide counseling services to Individuals and families facing difficult situations; involving emotional distress, grief and loss, relationship, community mental health and trauma issues. My services extends to providing In-home early intervention counseling to at-risk families with histories of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, school truancy , anger management, substance abuse , depression , grief and loss, adjustment and conduct disorders, oppositional defiant behaviors and high risk individuals for suicidal behaviors .
(470) 558-0703 View (470) 558-0703
Photo of S Candee' Winfield, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
S Candee' Winfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, DCC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
Looking for a therapist is a big step. You want to make sure your selection is one that will meet your needs...when depression, anxiety, relationship or marital issues are your concern you can be sure your needs will be addressed and met at Suddenly! Professional Counseling. Office hours 10a-5p. and e-visits. Whether you are dealing with loss and grief, divorce, substance abuse, mood disorders, stress, or issues from childhood, you will benefit from making this call. e-visits are now available after phone intake. No special equipment needed & HIPPA compliant. Also check out the weekly group sessions that are held.
Looking for a therapist is a big step. You want to make sure your selection is one that will meet your needs...when depression, anxiety, relationship or marital issues are your concern you can be sure your needs will be addressed and met at Suddenly! Professional Counseling. Office hours 10a-5p. and e-visits. Whether you are dealing with loss and grief, divorce, substance abuse, mood disorders, stress, or issues from childhood, you will benefit from making this call. e-visits are now available after phone intake. No special equipment needed & HIPPA compliant. Also check out the weekly group sessions that are held.
(678) 253-4724 View (678) 253-4724
Photo of Jacye Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Jacye Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
I am a caring and compassionate clinical social worker with 20 + years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults. When people experience significant life stressors or trauma, their lives often begin to unravel, and they find it difficult to function. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with the daily stressors of life, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I’m also passionate about working to improve the social and emotional development of young people, and often work with parents who need support in managing their children’s challenging behaviors.
I am a caring and compassionate clinical social worker with 20 + years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults. When people experience significant life stressors or trauma, their lives often begin to unravel, and they find it difficult to function. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with the daily stressors of life, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I’m also passionate about working to improve the social and emotional development of young people, and often work with parents who need support in managing their children’s challenging behaviors.
(770) 338-6221 View (770) 338-6221
Photo of Douglas Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30331, GA
Douglas Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Dr. Tyneisha Douglas. My passion is practicing mental health and helping enhance the lives of others through individualized, personalized, and life-changing therapy because I believe in meeting people where they are. I specialize in helping adults with challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Mood Disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress. I have a special niche for working with women and mothers who are struggling with the many demands and challenges of motherhood and womanhood. I also hold a very special place for college students or young adults who are going through difficult life transitions.
Hi, my name is Dr. Tyneisha Douglas. My passion is practicing mental health and helping enhance the lives of others through individualized, personalized, and life-changing therapy because I believe in meeting people where they are. I specialize in helping adults with challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Mood Disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress. I have a special niche for working with women and mothers who are struggling with the many demands and challenges of motherhood and womanhood. I also hold a very special place for college students or young adults who are going through difficult life transitions.
(470) 206-4115 View (470) 206-4115
Photo of Wakela Lytle, Counselor in 30331, GA
Wakela Lytle
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
Have you been thinking about starting therapy for awhile? Haven't been feeling like yourself lately? Are you feeling depressed and or anxious and you don't know why? Do you feel like you haven’t recovered from the breakup of a relationship? Are you a couple whose relationship is currently struggling? We often have an idea of what our best life would look like but need the tools and support to get there. Let me help you re-frame your thinking and develop interpersonal skills useful in your everyday life.
Have you been thinking about starting therapy for awhile? Haven't been feeling like yourself lately? Are you feeling depressed and or anxious and you don't know why? Do you feel like you haven’t recovered from the breakup of a relationship? Are you a couple whose relationship is currently struggling? We often have an idea of what our best life would look like but need the tools and support to get there. Let me help you re-frame your thinking and develop interpersonal skills useful in your everyday life.
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Photo of Johnetta Barnes, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30331, GA
Johnetta Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30331
Johnetta Barnes is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Georgia and a National Certified Counselor. She has experience in supervising and providing training for other counselors within the field. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Saint Leo University and received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She has over a decade of experience in working with adults, children, families and couples. She has extensive experience in working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment and mood disorders.
Johnetta Barnes is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Georgia and a National Certified Counselor. She has experience in supervising and providing training for other counselors within the field. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Saint Leo University and received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She has over a decade of experience in working with adults, children, families and couples. She has extensive experience in working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment and mood disorders.
(404) 620-4238 View (404) 620-4238
Photo of Tashara D Stanley, Counselor in 30331, GA
Tashara D Stanley
Counselor, MA, LAPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331  (Online Only)
My passion is to help strengthen the relationship between parent and child. You may feel sometimes that you and your child are having difficulty connecting to where you feel like you are not on the same page. This disconnect coupled with the pressures of school issues, can manifest in your teen through behaviors such as anger, anxiety, depression, self-identity crisis, and even self harm.
My passion is to help strengthen the relationship between parent and child. You may feel sometimes that you and your child are having difficulty connecting to where you feel like you are not on the same page. This disconnect coupled with the pressures of school issues, can manifest in your teen through behaviors such as anger, anxiety, depression, self-identity crisis, and even self harm.
(404) 905-1443 View (404) 905-1443
Photo of Wanda D. Dennis, Psychologist in 30331, GA
Wanda D. Dennis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
Dennis' areas of expertise include working with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, behavioral problems, stress management, family problems, mood disorders, trauma, academic issues and couple's concerns.
Dr. Dennis is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Georgia and Michigan with over 20 years of experience. She is trained to assess and treat adults and children. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. She is fairly eclectic in her approach to treatment. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. She employs aspects of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, play, client-centered and psychodynamic therapy.
Dennis' areas of expertise include working with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, behavioral problems, stress management, family problems, mood disorders, trauma, academic issues and couple's concerns.
Dr. Dennis is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Georgia and Michigan with over 20 years of experience. She is trained to assess and treat adults and children. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. She is fairly eclectic in her approach to treatment. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. She employs aspects of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, play, client-centered and psychodynamic therapy.
(947) 222-5182 View (947) 222-5182
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.