Photo of Lynn Lynes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Lynn Lynes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burke, VA 22015  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Lynn Lynes and I am a psychotherapist licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. I have experience working with all ages, but my passion is working with teens and young adults; lots of young folks are experiencing Depression and suicide thoughts, Anxiety, Panic, OCD, substance abuse, PTSD, and/or Trauma. Most of us are resilient and can work through distressing events and overwhelming stress; however sometimes symptoms interfere with our ability to function to our full potential. That’s when it’s time to seek out an expert who can teach coping skills and provide a safe place to talk about stuff.
Hello! My name is Lynn Lynes and I am a psychotherapist licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. I have experience working with all ages, but my passion is working with teens and young adults; lots of young folks are experiencing Depression and suicide thoughts, Anxiety, Panic, OCD, substance abuse, PTSD, and/or Trauma. Most of us are resilient and can work through distressing events and overwhelming stress; however sometimes symptoms interfere with our ability to function to our full potential. That’s when it’s time to seek out an expert who can teach coping skills and provide a safe place to talk about stuff.
(703) 348-9734 View (703) 348-9734
Photo of Pathways to Wellness Counseling , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Pathways to Wellness Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marion, VA 24354
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Do you feel like you have tried everything and it still isn't working? Are you tired of existing in life and not fully living life? Do you feel stuck, depressed, or anxious? I provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere so you can feel free to express your needs and work together on a plan that best fits your needs. I have worked in emergency crisis services, crisis management services, and trauma for years and this has brought with it the experience to be able to quickly meet and address your immediate needs and then work toward addressing the long-term needs.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Do you feel like you have tried everything and it still isn't working? Are you tired of existing in life and not fully living life? Do you feel stuck, depressed, or anxious? I provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere so you can feel free to express your needs and work together on a plan that best fits your needs. I have worked in emergency crisis services, crisis management services, and trauma for years and this has brought with it the experience to be able to quickly meet and address your immediate needs and then work toward addressing the long-term needs.
(276) 597-4092 View (276) 597-4092
Photo of D. Jason Steed, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
D. Jason Steed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Halifax, VA 24558
I have been working to help people struggling with addiction, anxiety and depression for the last 20 years.
Making the decision to look for help can be difficult and where do you start? With so many therapist being listed it's hard to decide which one to choose based on a simple profile and picture. Maybe you've tried therapy in the past and found that it wasn't a very helpful endeavor for you. You still are struggling with some problems yet don't know what else to do. That's why I offer a free initial consultation. Before you spend any of your hard earned money or waste your precious time you can decide if I can be of benefit to you and your particular challenge. And if I'm not the one? I will help you find someone who is for free.
I have been working to help people struggling with addiction, anxiety and depression for the last 20 years.
Making the decision to look for help can be difficult and where do you start? With so many therapist being listed it's hard to decide which one to choose based on a simple profile and picture. Maybe you've tried therapy in the past and found that it wasn't a very helpful endeavor for you. You still are struggling with some problems yet don't know what else to do. That's why I offer a free initial consultation. Before you spend any of your hard earned money or waste your precious time you can decide if I can be of benefit to you and your particular challenge. And if I'm not the one? I will help you find someone who is for free.
(801) 418-9342 View (801) 418-9342
Photo of Jessica Kirchhoefer, Psychologist in Virginia
Jessica Kirchhoefer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203
Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, stress, or depression? Are you looking to improve your relationships or add new ones into your life but aren’t sure where to start? If you are struggling with disordered eating, fertility, burnout, self esteem, body image, relationships, or career, we can work together to bring about concrete, long term change. I work with college students, young adults, mid-career professionals, and all the life transitions in between. I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationships, and career changes.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, stress, or depression? Are you looking to improve your relationships or add new ones into your life but aren’t sure where to start? If you are struggling with disordered eating, fertility, burnout, self esteem, body image, relationships, or career, we can work together to bring about concrete, long term change. I work with college students, young adults, mid-career professionals, and all the life transitions in between. I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationships, and career changes.
(202) 868-8887 View (202) 868-8887
Tiffanie A Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Seeking help takes courage and strength. Sometimes we are simply surviving in our lives but desire to thrive. We may struggle with depression, anxiety, addictions, challenging relationships, loss of relationships, loss of self esteem or confidence, etc. I believe there are turning points in our lives when we are ready to work and we need someone who can help us. I have over 22 years working with clients and have been inspired by their strength, persistence, courage, vulnerability, desire to change and hope. Sometimes, when all feels dark and hopeless, we need the help of others. I am happy to help you in your journey.
Seeking help takes courage and strength. Sometimes we are simply surviving in our lives but desire to thrive. We may struggle with depression, anxiety, addictions, challenging relationships, loss of relationships, loss of self esteem or confidence, etc. I believe there are turning points in our lives when we are ready to work and we need someone who can help us. I have over 22 years working with clients and have been inspired by their strength, persistence, courage, vulnerability, desire to change and hope. Sometimes, when all feels dark and hopeless, we need the help of others. I am happy to help you in your journey.
(571) 257-0207 View (571) 257-0207
Photo of Alexis Guerrero, Pre-Licensed Professional in Virginia
Alexis Guerrero
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, depression, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I am passionate about helping individuals find peace within and acceptance of themselves while working toward a life full of fulfilling relationships and experiences. I believe that, although it may look different for each person, healing and thriving are available to those who are willing to work for and receive it.
I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, depression, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I am passionate about helping individuals find peace within and acceptance of themselves while working toward a life full of fulfilling relationships and experiences. I believe that, although it may look different for each person, healing and thriving are available to those who are willing to work for and receive it.
(571) 998-1813 View (571) 998-1813
Photo of JaNae Messick, Resident in Counseling in Virginia
JaNae Messick
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ashburn, VA 20147
Some common issues I address include: anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions and adjustments, relational conflict and family dynamics, personal growth and development.
Do you need a safe place to explore an ongoing struggle, an important relationship, or yourself? Inviting a trained counselor to walk alongside you as you examine your private struggles can create clarity and capacity that leads to momentum in your personal and relational development. My therapeutic approach is warm, non-judgmental, curious, and collaborative. I create uniquely tailored treatment plans that are based on your goals and strengths. I will use expertise and research-informed interventions to equip you with knowledge and skills that will support your continued progress long after we complete our work together.
Some common issues I address include: anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions and adjustments, relational conflict and family dynamics, personal growth and development.
Do you need a safe place to explore an ongoing struggle, an important relationship, or yourself? Inviting a trained counselor to walk alongside you as you examine your private struggles can create clarity and capacity that leads to momentum in your personal and relational development. My therapeutic approach is warm, non-judgmental, curious, and collaborative. I create uniquely tailored treatment plans that are based on your goals and strengths. I will use expertise and research-informed interventions to equip you with knowledge and skills that will support your continued progress long after we complete our work together.
(703) 570-8426 View (703) 570-8426
Photo of Kelly Furr, Marriage & Family Therapist in Virginia
Kelly Furr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midlothian, VA 23112  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Kelly. I currently have a few openings in my schedule! I own a teletherapy practice and see clients in VA, NC, AZ, and UT. I help adults and teens who want to work through relationship issues, perfectionism, life transitions, and grief/loss. Other common presenting problems include anxiety, depression, academic/professional stress, faith crises, gender/sexual identity issues, and a desire to improve athletic performance by improving your mental game. Many of my adult clients generally function well on their own but need help working through a specific issue such as how to set boundaries with a parent.
Hi, I’m Kelly. I currently have a few openings in my schedule! I own a teletherapy practice and see clients in VA, NC, AZ, and UT. I help adults and teens who want to work through relationship issues, perfectionism, life transitions, and grief/loss. Other common presenting problems include anxiety, depression, academic/professional stress, faith crises, gender/sexual identity issues, and a desire to improve athletic performance by improving your mental game. Many of my adult clients generally function well on their own but need help working through a specific issue such as how to set boundaries with a parent.
(804) 348-0601 View (804) 348-0601
Photo of Olivia Nash, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Olivia Nash
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
Young children and teens struggle with life changes, big emotions, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma, family conflict, and personal stressors just as much as the rest of us. Parents often feel helpless, overwhelmed, and worried about how to help their kids. You are trying to make sure they are happy and develop healthy relationships but it’s hard to know how to do this with everything else that’s going on in life. Everyone, including kids, needs a safe space to work through things. Together we can work toward new perspectives, increased self-compassion, better emotion regulation, and changed behaviors.
Young children and teens struggle with life changes, big emotions, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma, family conflict, and personal stressors just as much as the rest of us. Parents often feel helpless, overwhelmed, and worried about how to help their kids. You are trying to make sure they are happy and develop healthy relationships but it’s hard to know how to do this with everything else that’s going on in life. Everyone, including kids, needs a safe space to work through things. Together we can work toward new perspectives, increased self-compassion, better emotion regulation, and changed behaviors.
(757) 997-6377 View (757) 997-6377
Photo of Sundee Sue Diviney, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Sundee Sue Diviney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport News, VA 23606  (Online Only)
Struggling with anxiety can be all-consuming. It's easy to lose sight of your inner strengths and resources. My role is to help you discover the capacity you already have and move beyond the limits that anxiety has placed on your life. You can learn to both decrease your anxiety and depression and increase your quality of life, This shift in perspective is extremely powerful, yet it's just the starting point in understanding and insight into emotional and mental health problems. The aim is to find resolution, acceptance and peace and to prevent the exasperation and development of more serious mental health issues.
Struggling with anxiety can be all-consuming. It's easy to lose sight of your inner strengths and resources. My role is to help you discover the capacity you already have and move beyond the limits that anxiety has placed on your life. You can learn to both decrease your anxiety and depression and increase your quality of life, This shift in perspective is extremely powerful, yet it's just the starting point in understanding and insight into emotional and mental health problems. The aim is to find resolution, acceptance and peace and to prevent the exasperation and development of more serious mental health issues.
(844) 502-7283 View (844) 502-7283
Photo of Camara Capel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Camara Capel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060  (Online Only)
Addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD or any other issues impacting your quality of life can feel overwhelming and intimidating.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. I work with adolescents and adults motivated to challenge their anxiety. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have experience working with anxiety disorders including OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder and phobias. I also often work with those struggling with ADHD, depression, grief, trauma and stress management.
Addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD or any other issues impacting your quality of life can feel overwhelming and intimidating.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. I work with adolescents and adults motivated to challenge their anxiety. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have experience working with anxiety disorders including OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder and phobias. I also often work with those struggling with ADHD, depression, grief, trauma and stress management.
(571) 556-4949 View (571) 556-4949
Photo of Jade Ozawa-Kirk, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Jade Ozawa-Kirk
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22202  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
**New clients for telehealth only.** I believe it is possible to live a life in which you are fulfilled and thriving, and that the power to do so dwells within you! Life doesn't move in straight lines, and often veers down pathways we don't expect. As your therapist, I am here to join you in your journey out of stress and depression toward contentment and joy.
**New clients for telehealth only.** I believe it is possible to live a life in which you are fulfilled and thriving, and that the power to do so dwells within you! Life doesn't move in straight lines, and often veers down pathways we don't expect. As your therapist, I am here to join you in your journey out of stress and depression toward contentment and joy.
(520) 216-4400 View (520) 216-4400
Photo of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Virginia
Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
My clients often present with issues such as anxiety, depression, poor self-worth, trauma, mental illness, and relationship concerns among others.
I am a warm, supportive, and enthusiastic therapist ready to help you heal and overcome your challenges. I have extensive experience helping couples with various issues in all stages of life. Issues include concerns about commitment, communication, trust, intimacy, sex, mental/physical illness, parenting, infidelity, infertility, grief/loss, etc. I also love helping individuals who are struggling with any moods, behaviors, or thoughts that are a burden and difficult to manage alone. I am also the owner of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates. We are a group of highly skilled mental health therapists ready to help.
My clients often present with issues such as anxiety, depression, poor self-worth, trauma, mental illness, and relationship concerns among others.
I am a warm, supportive, and enthusiastic therapist ready to help you heal and overcome your challenges. I have extensive experience helping couples with various issues in all stages of life. Issues include concerns about commitment, communication, trust, intimacy, sex, mental/physical illness, parenting, infidelity, infertility, grief/loss, etc. I also love helping individuals who are struggling with any moods, behaviors, or thoughts that are a burden and difficult to manage alone. I am also the owner of Tiffani Stevenson Lloyd & Associates. We are a group of highly skilled mental health therapists ready to help.
(240) 201-2601 View (240) 201-2601
Photo of Callie Shirts, Resident in Counseling in Virginia
Callie Shirts
Resident in Counseling, MS, , LPC-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22031
I specialize in couples therapy, religious trauma, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, betrayal trauma, infidelity, communication issues, and life transitions.
With a compassionate, genuine, and non judgemental approach, my goal is to see individuals and couples working toward a happier, healthier life. Often, we hold deep beliefs about ourselves and others that do not serve us. Those beliefs can hold us back from achieving our best life. I work to facilitate healing in those who are struggling to find peace with themselves and in their relationships. I believe our relationships affect our lives in nearly every aspect and healthy relationships are born from healthy individuals. I enjoys working with individuals and couples to identify what their goals are and work towards harmony.
I specialize in couples therapy, religious trauma, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, betrayal trauma, infidelity, communication issues, and life transitions.
With a compassionate, genuine, and non judgemental approach, my goal is to see individuals and couples working toward a happier, healthier life. Often, we hold deep beliefs about ourselves and others that do not serve us. Those beliefs can hold us back from achieving our best life. I work to facilitate healing in those who are struggling to find peace with themselves and in their relationships. I believe our relationships affect our lives in nearly every aspect and healthy relationships are born from healthy individuals. I enjoys working with individuals and couples to identify what their goals are and work towards harmony.
(571) 901-1305 View (571) 901-1305
Photo of Amy L. Harman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Virginia
Amy L. Harman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Are you wondering whether your worries about food, exercise, and weight are becoming a serious problem? I can help you understand the extent of the problem and help you understand if therapy would be a good option for you. While I have a wide range of experience treating many issues, I specialize in treating women and teens who struggle with eating issues, body acceptance, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I especially enjoy working with teens and young adults and their parents to establish a family structure conducive to recovery.
Are you wondering whether your worries about food, exercise, and weight are becoming a serious problem? I can help you understand the extent of the problem and help you understand if therapy would be a good option for you. While I have a wide range of experience treating many issues, I specialize in treating women and teens who struggle with eating issues, body acceptance, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I especially enjoy working with teens and young adults and their parents to establish a family structure conducive to recovery.
(703) 936-6583 View (703) 936-6583
Photo of Heidi Lindorf, Marriage & Family Therapist in Virginia
Heidi Lindorf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Additionally, I specialize in counseling individuals suffering with anxiety and depression.
Marriage is hard work no matter who you marry! And having a satisfying relationship takes effort. Sometimes it's not enough to navigate it on your own. I specialize in helping couples work through marital dissatisfaction, communication issues, infidelity, and addictions. I also enjoy working with pre-marital couples. I am a trained Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
Additionally, I specialize in counseling individuals suffering with anxiety and depression.
Marriage is hard work no matter who you marry! And having a satisfying relationship takes effort. Sometimes it's not enough to navigate it on your own. I specialize in helping couples work through marital dissatisfaction, communication issues, infidelity, and addictions. I also enjoy working with pre-marital couples. I am a trained Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
(703) 991-6145 View (703) 991-6145
Photo of Maxi T. Trent, Pre-Licensed Professional in Virginia
Maxi T. Trent
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC , QHMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185
I have spent my entire career working to help make the lives of others better. From working with the victims of Hurricane Katrina to working and serving the homeless in Washington, DC. The majority of my life has been spent in the service of others. I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s in Professional Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling: Addiction and Treatment. I have learned to help effectively and efficiently those suffering from mental illness. I believe in treating the whole person, and sometimes that includes working with their families.
I have spent my entire career working to help make the lives of others better. From working with the victims of Hurricane Katrina to working and serving the homeless in Washington, DC. The majority of my life has been spent in the service of others. I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s in Professional Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling: Addiction and Treatment. I have learned to help effectively and efficiently those suffering from mental illness. I believe in treating the whole person, and sometimes that includes working with their families.
(757) 854-9390 View (757) 854-9390
Photo of Laney Zundel-Stenquist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Laney Zundel-Stenquist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, VA 22152  (Online Only)
I help clients to improve their relationship with themselves, build self-love and self-compassion, to connect to their needs and engage in effective self-care. I teach clients to understand and express their emotions in meaningful ways. My clients improve their relationships and connections with others, healing past traumatic wounds and learn how to move forward in a world full of trauma and grief. I believe everyone needs help to heal the wounds of the past and learn how to cope with the experiences of the future.
I help clients to improve their relationship with themselves, build self-love and self-compassion, to connect to their needs and engage in effective self-care. I teach clients to understand and express their emotions in meaningful ways. My clients improve their relationships and connections with others, healing past traumatic wounds and learn how to move forward in a world full of trauma and grief. I believe everyone needs help to heal the wounds of the past and learn how to cope with the experiences of the future.
(571) 901-1910 View (571) 901-1910
Photo of Dodini Behavioral Health, Psychologist in Virginia
Dodini Behavioral Health
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Dodini Behavioral Health is a multidisciplinary private group practice for personal growth, healing, and development currently open to virtual and in person. We help individuals, couples, and families get beyond symptoms and into living the fullest version of their life and self. Our clinical providers are among the top in their fields and have a variety of areas of interest and expertise, and all are devoted to exceptionally good psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, and continual education. We often work as a team and as co-therapists to give the absolute best in personalized and expert care for you and those you love.
Dodini Behavioral Health is a multidisciplinary private group practice for personal growth, healing, and development currently open to virtual and in person. We help individuals, couples, and families get beyond symptoms and into living the fullest version of their life and self. Our clinical providers are among the top in their fields and have a variety of areas of interest and expertise, and all are devoted to exceptionally good psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, and continual education. We often work as a team and as co-therapists to give the absolute best in personalized and expert care for you and those you love.
(703) 844-9909 View (703) 844-9909
Photo of Inner Calm Therapy Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Inner Calm Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MA, MS, LMT
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22206
Innercalm is a safe and welcoming space for individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions, allowing them to find peace and clarity within themselves. Through a combination mindful walking, somatic and attuning to nature practices, clients are able to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, true self and spiritual wellbeing. The hope is to help clients navigate through life's challenges and stresses, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. I use expressive art, nature and walking to foster an environment where clients are able to delve into their inner world and uncover the root causes of their struggles.
Innercalm is a safe and welcoming space for individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions, allowing them to find peace and clarity within themselves. Through a combination mindful walking, somatic and attuning to nature practices, clients are able to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, true self and spiritual wellbeing. The hope is to help clients navigate through life's challenges and stresses, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. I use expressive art, nature and walking to foster an environment where clients are able to delve into their inner world and uncover the root causes of their struggles.
(808) 353-4232 View (808) 353-4232
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.