Photo of Clint Kreider, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Clint Kreider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
I have found that most men would like to be fully present for their lives. They hope to build healthy, satisfying relationships. They desire to freely pursue their passions. I work with men who feel that something is getting in the way of fulfilling these desires. These obstacles most commonly look like depression, anxiety, addiction, or relationship conflict. I help men feel free again regardless of what may be holding them back. I work with clients to help them find joy in living while becoming the best version of themselves.
I have found that most men would like to be fully present for their lives. They hope to build healthy, satisfying relationships. They desire to freely pursue their passions. I work with men who feel that something is getting in the way of fulfilling these desires. These obstacles most commonly look like depression, anxiety, addiction, or relationship conflict. I help men feel free again regardless of what may be holding them back. I work with clients to help them find joy in living while becoming the best version of themselves.
(714) 465-5923 View (714) 465-5923
Photo of Dr. Cassidy Blair, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Dr. Cassidy Blair
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
(424) 888-6124 View (424) 888-6124
Photo of Alysia St. Clair, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Alysia St. Clair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
(424) 262-1521 View (424) 262-1521
Photo of Emily R Gombos, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Emily R Gombos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
The people who come to see me are bright and resourceful, but they struggle to feel better on their own. They are dissatisfied with one or many aspects of their lives, and often have symptoms such as anxiety, depression, addiction and stress. They have struggled with past relationships, and their current ones tend to be difficult and unsatisfying. As a licensed psychotherapist working with adults and older adolescents, I have the sincere privilege of helping people explore their lives and find the long-term, permanent solutions they are looking for.
The people who come to see me are bright and resourceful, but they struggle to feel better on their own. They are dissatisfied with one or many aspects of their lives, and often have symptoms such as anxiety, depression, addiction and stress. They have struggled with past relationships, and their current ones tend to be difficult and unsatisfying. As a licensed psychotherapist working with adults and older adolescents, I have the sincere privilege of helping people explore their lives and find the long-term, permanent solutions they are looking for.
(714) 323-8434 View (714) 323-8434
Photo of Lynaire Mcgovern, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Lynaire Mcgovern
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Lynaire McGovern, California LMFT. I would like to help you with your problems, especially depression and anxiety. I have an eclectic approach to the therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Rogerian Therapy. I am most comfortable treating depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I love to help adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, I don't work with families or do Marriage Counseling. I have an eclectic approach to therapy. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rogerian Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy as well as my training as a life coach.
Lynaire McGovern, California LMFT. I would like to help you with your problems, especially depression and anxiety. I have an eclectic approach to the therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Rogerian Therapy. I am most comfortable treating depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I love to help adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, I don't work with families or do Marriage Counseling. I have an eclectic approach to therapy. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rogerian Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy as well as my training as a life coach.
(650) 860-4902 View (650) 860-4902
Photo of Mark Howerton, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Mark Howerton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Taking new clients. Start with a phone call TODAY! Feeling stressed or overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or scattered? Are you struggling with direction or the next steps in what seems like a crazy world? Let me help. My clients are good people doing their best in the face of real-life challenges. I help individuals, couples, and families move forward in their lives. Whether you are seeking therapy for personal growth, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, or life stage transitions my clients would tell you that the practical interventions they receive in our sessions significantly helped progress in their lives.
Taking new clients. Start with a phone call TODAY! Feeling stressed or overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or scattered? Are you struggling with direction or the next steps in what seems like a crazy world? Let me help. My clients are good people doing their best in the face of real-life challenges. I help individuals, couples, and families move forward in their lives. Whether you are seeking therapy for personal growth, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, or life stage transitions my clients would tell you that the practical interventions they receive in our sessions significantly helped progress in their lives.
(949) 401-9248 View (949) 401-9248
Photo of Veronica Calkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(562) 268-1303 View (562) 268-1303
Photo of Ramon Lawrence Ivey, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Ramon Lawrence Ivey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CCPS-C
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Do you find yourself weighed down by the struggles of your past and/or present? Do these burdens impact you and your relationships? Do you have hurts and/or habits from which you need freedom? I am honored to walk this journey of healing with my clients. During my 17+ years in the field I have received specialized training in the areas of individual and couples Therapy, addiction, sexual addiction, and betrayal Trauma. I feel honored to help individuals/couples gain freedom from personal and relational empasses, identity issues, sexual identity issues, anxiety, depression, abuse history, trauma, grief, and spiritual reconciliation.
Do you find yourself weighed down by the struggles of your past and/or present? Do these burdens impact you and your relationships? Do you have hurts and/or habits from which you need freedom? I am honored to walk this journey of healing with my clients. During my 17+ years in the field I have received specialized training in the areas of individual and couples Therapy, addiction, sexual addiction, and betrayal Trauma. I feel honored to help individuals/couples gain freedom from personal and relational empasses, identity issues, sexual identity issues, anxiety, depression, abuse history, trauma, grief, and spiritual reconciliation.
(714) 500-8702 View (714) 500-8702
Photo of Couples And Individual Therapy Intensives, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Couples And Individual Therapy Intensives
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I provide Couples and Individual therapy in both traditional formats (meeting weekly) and also acute care (meeting multiple hours in one sitting). This can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing in a crisis in their marriage or would like to make progress more quickly than what once-a-week therapy can offer. My specialties range from relationship problems, infidelity, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and depression. I have over two decades of experience and have a lot of fulfillment in my work clients, providing relief, insight, and guiding you in a path forward.
I provide Couples and Individual therapy in both traditional formats (meeting weekly) and also acute care (meeting multiple hours in one sitting). This can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing in a crisis in their marriage or would like to make progress more quickly than what once-a-week therapy can offer. My specialties range from relationship problems, infidelity, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and depression. I have over two decades of experience and have a lot of fulfillment in my work clients, providing relief, insight, and guiding you in a path forward.
(858) 762-9883 View (858) 762-9883
Photo of Kyle Keffer, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Kyle Keffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
I am honored to be a part of my client's journey to healing and well being. Life is often difficult, and finding the right person to work with through the lows and the highs is critically important. I bring a combination of experience, compassion, empathy and training to each session. I welcome all clients, my primary focus and expertise is with adults. If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, ADD, addiction, trauma, or any other issue, I would like to help.
I am honored to be a part of my client's journey to healing and well being. Life is often difficult, and finding the right person to work with through the lows and the highs is critically important. I bring a combination of experience, compassion, empathy and training to each session. I welcome all clients, my primary focus and expertise is with adults. If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, ADD, addiction, trauma, or any other issue, I would like to help.
(949) 347-5814 View (949) 347-5814
Photo of The Weichman Clinic, Psychologist in 92612, CA
The Weichman Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
We diagnose and serve children and adolescents coping with: * Abusive Dating Relationships * Academic Challenges * ADHD * Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders * Austism and Spectrum-Related Disorders * Bipolar Disorder * Body Image Issues * Chronic Headaches * Concussions * Cutting and Self-Mutilation * Depression * Epilepsy * Family Relational Problems * Learning Disorders * Low Self Esteem * Movement Disorders * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder * Oppositional Defiance and Behavioral Problems * Substance Abuse * Trauma and PTSD.
It's tough being a parent today. Do you have a kid or teen who is struggling? Does your family need answers about your child's state of mind or are looking for actual tools to help heal your family dynamic? Our mission is simple: The Weichman Clinic provides comprehensive mental health services, evaluations, diagnosis and collaborative treatment. And we do it all in one place with a special focus on the unique physiological and psychological needs of children and adolescents.The Weichman Clinic at Hoag Hospital's Neurosciences Institute provides unparalleled access to doctors and therapists who exclusively specialize in children and adolescents. Its multi-disciplinary team of professionals treats a variety of issues such as childhood or teenage developmental issues and complex mental health concerns. Each team member bring in-depth understanding of the unique needs of young people as well as a commitment to helping them gain insight into themselves so they can grow and thrive as adults.
We diagnose and serve children and adolescents coping with: * Abusive Dating Relationships * Academic Challenges * ADHD * Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders * Austism and Spectrum-Related Disorders * Bipolar Disorder * Body Image Issues * Chronic Headaches * Concussions * Cutting and Self-Mutilation * Depression * Epilepsy * Family Relational Problems * Learning Disorders * Low Self Esteem * Movement Disorders * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder * Oppositional Defiance and Behavioral Problems * Substance Abuse * Trauma and PTSD.
It's tough being a parent today. Do you have a kid or teen who is struggling? Does your family need answers about your child's state of mind or are looking for actual tools to help heal your family dynamic? Our mission is simple: The Weichman Clinic provides comprehensive mental health services, evaluations, diagnosis and collaborative treatment. And we do it all in one place with a special focus on the unique physiological and psychological needs of children and adolescents.The Weichman Clinic at Hoag Hospital's Neurosciences Institute provides unparalleled access to doctors and therapists who exclusively specialize in children and adolescents. Its multi-disciplinary team of professionals treats a variety of issues such as childhood or teenage developmental issues and complex mental health concerns. Each team member bring in-depth understanding of the unique needs of young people as well as a commitment to helping them gain insight into themselves so they can grow and thrive as adults.
(949) 537-2393 View (949) 537-2393
Photo of Afsaneh K Alisobhani, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Afsaneh K Alisobhani
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Most of us go through difficult periods in our lives where we feel overwhelmed, alone, and confused. Sometimes, inevitable events in life, even happy ones, like starting a relationship, going off to college, or retirement, expose the wounds and memories from a recent or distant past that make the current situation painful and unbearable. While we survive those situations and adapt to the new realities of our circumstances, psychotherapy, specifically psychodynamic psychotherapy uses these moments as opportunities for a path for self-discovery and a chance to reevaluate our priorities and find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Most of us go through difficult periods in our lives where we feel overwhelmed, alone, and confused. Sometimes, inevitable events in life, even happy ones, like starting a relationship, going off to college, or retirement, expose the wounds and memories from a recent or distant past that make the current situation painful and unbearable. While we survive those situations and adapt to the new realities of our circumstances, psychotherapy, specifically psychodynamic psychotherapy uses these moments as opportunities for a path for self-discovery and a chance to reevaluate our priorities and find meaning and purpose in our lives.
(714) 278-4388 View (714) 278-4388
Photo of Michael Mahan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Michael Mahan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist stemmed from my personal journey, sparked by my own struggles to understand my identity as a man and a father. At a crucial point in my life, I wrestled with profound questions about my identity and how to be the best father I could be. To find clarity, I began my own therapeutic journey, seeking the guidance of a compassionate therapist to address my challenges. It was during this transformative period that I realized my true calling: to support others in their journey towards hope, growth, and profound transformation.
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist stemmed from my personal journey, sparked by my own struggles to understand my identity as a man and a father. At a crucial point in my life, I wrestled with profound questions about my identity and how to be the best father I could be. To find clarity, I began my own therapeutic journey, seeking the guidance of a compassionate therapist to address my challenges. It was during this transformative period that I realized my true calling: to support others in their journey towards hope, growth, and profound transformation.
(714) 509-5559 View (714) 509-5559
Photo of Don Ross, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Don Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
In the therapy session, I work to create a safe place to be our true, human selves—where both our worst and best qualities will in time be revealed. I work in the here-and-now: exploring your present concerns and goals more than your past history. I know that empathy promotes healing and ask for feedback to be sure my clients feel understood. I provide resources, tools and skills clients can use between sessions. I also work to help people learn self-compassion (see www.self-compassion.org), since that ability is necessary to heal and grow.
In the therapy session, I work to create a safe place to be our true, human selves—where both our worst and best qualities will in time be revealed. I work in the here-and-now: exploring your present concerns and goals more than your past history. I know that empathy promotes healing and ask for feedback to be sure my clients feel understood. I provide resources, tools and skills clients can use between sessions. I also work to help people learn self-compassion (see www.self-compassion.org), since that ability is necessary to heal and grow.
(415) 855-3709 View (415) 855-3709
Photo of Men’s Issues - Dr. Dean, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Men’s Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(949) 694-7993 View (949) 694-7993
Photo of Brooke Buccola, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Brooke Buccola
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Life presents challenges to us all the time, some are expected while some catch us off guard. During some of these times we find that we need a helping hand in reclaiming our life from certain obstacles. I work directly with individuals, families, and couples struggling with an array of problems. Areas of specialty include anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, self-esteem, and relational issues between families and couples. An expert in the field of addiction, I have extensive experience working with various types of addiction including drugs, alcohol, sex, relationships,shopping, gaming, gambling, food (anorexia/bulimia), hoarding etc.
Life presents challenges to us all the time, some are expected while some catch us off guard. During some of these times we find that we need a helping hand in reclaiming our life from certain obstacles. I work directly with individuals, families, and couples struggling with an array of problems. Areas of specialty include anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, self-esteem, and relational issues between families and couples. An expert in the field of addiction, I have extensive experience working with various types of addiction including drugs, alcohol, sex, relationships,shopping, gaming, gambling, food (anorexia/bulimia), hoarding etc.
(562) 321-9521 View (562) 321-9521
Photo of Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(949) 694-7987 View (949) 694-7987
Photo of Kristen Howerton, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Kristen Howerton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
If you would like to have a free 15-minute consultation to see if I could be a fit for you, you can make an appointment at www.kristenhowertonlmft.com. I'm passionate about helping couples and families thrive. I enjoy working with clients who want to improve their relationships (even divorced couples who are coparenting.) I am experienced with working with autism spectrum, ADHD, infertility, adoption, multi-racial families, divorce mediation, and coparenting. I also have experience working with people struggling with addiction, and those who love them.
If you would like to have a free 15-minute consultation to see if I could be a fit for you, you can make an appointment at www.kristenhowertonlmft.com. I'm passionate about helping couples and families thrive. I enjoy working with clients who want to improve their relationships (even divorced couples who are coparenting.) I am experienced with working with autism spectrum, ADHD, infertility, adoption, multi-racial families, divorce mediation, and coparenting. I also have experience working with people struggling with addiction, and those who love them.
(949) 565-2891 View (949) 565-2891
Photo of Alyssa S Vergara, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Alyssa S Vergara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I am a licensed therapist with over 9 years of experience treating individuals with post traumatic, depressive, and anxiety disorders. My approach is evidence-based, as I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective therapy for treating persons struggling with intrusive memories and triggers of painful events in their past, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and uses skills-building and behavioral tools for anyone wanting to improve their frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
I am a licensed therapist with over 9 years of experience treating individuals with post traumatic, depressive, and anxiety disorders. My approach is evidence-based, as I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective therapy for treating persons struggling with intrusive memories and triggers of painful events in their past, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and uses skills-building and behavioral tools for anyone wanting to improve their frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
(949) 787-0775 View (949) 787-0775
Photo of Ting Qin, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Ting Qin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
“Love and anger are such a puzzle!" Mr. Rogers exclaimed, "It’s the people we love the most who can make us feel the gladdest . . . and the maddest! It’s hard for us, as adults, to understand and manage our angry feelings toward parents, spouses, and children, or to keep their anger toward us in perspective. It’s a different kind of anger from the kind we may feel toward strangers because it is so deeply intertwined with caring and attachment." Does this sound familiar? You are not alone.
“Love and anger are such a puzzle!" Mr. Rogers exclaimed, "It’s the people we love the most who can make us feel the gladdest . . . and the maddest! It’s hard for us, as adults, to understand and manage our angry feelings toward parents, spouses, and children, or to keep their anger toward us in perspective. It’s a different kind of anger from the kind we may feel toward strangers because it is so deeply intertwined with caring and attachment." Does this sound familiar? You are not alone.
(949) 541-5691 View (949) 541-5691
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.