Depression Counselling in Bishops Cleeve

Photo of Rachel Power The Walk And Talk Therapist, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Rachel Power The Walk And Talk Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
Therapy works when you feel listened to in a compassionate way.
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
Therapy works when you feel listened to in a compassionate way.
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
07961 627500 View 07961 627500
Photo of Abi Howells, BACP, Counsellor
Abi Howells
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
At the core of our therapeutic work will be the relationship we build.
I specialise in working with young adults aged 18-30 who want to work through a difficult time, or who want to learn more about themselves and gain a deeper level of self awareness. I utilise creative methods and alternative ways of working if this is something you are interested in. All sessions are completely tailored to your needs/ interests and I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore anything that you want to work through.
At the core of our therapeutic work will be the relationship we build.
I specialise in working with young adults aged 18-30 who want to work through a difficult time, or who want to learn more about themselves and gain a deeper level of self awareness. I utilise creative methods and alternative ways of working if this is something you are interested in. All sessions are completely tailored to your needs/ interests and I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore anything that you want to work through.
01452 229525 View 01452 229525
Photo of Stefan Mihailov, MBACP, Counsellor
Stefan Mihailov
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
As a therapist who gets neurodiversity, I understand potential challenges faced by individuals with autistic or ADHD experiences.
Hi! I'm a therapist who walks alongside you. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Whatever you are feeling, this is real, and there is a reason. There is also a way towards change, and this is a journey of self-discovery. Feeling lost, anxious, or stuck? Life gets you down sometimes and you're trying to make sense of things? Want to gain more understanding of yourself? Feel the need to make changes? Would you like to enhance your self-esteem, sense of self or self-worth? Perhaps you're dealing with the impact of growing up with emotionally unavailable parents, or facing challenging romantic, social or friendship relationships.
As a therapist who gets neurodiversity, I understand potential challenges faced by individuals with autistic or ADHD experiences.
Hi! I'm a therapist who walks alongside you. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Whatever you are feeling, this is real, and there is a reason. There is also a way towards change, and this is a journey of self-discovery. Feeling lost, anxious, or stuck? Life gets you down sometimes and you're trying to make sense of things? Want to gain more understanding of yourself? Feel the need to make changes? Would you like to enhance your self-esteem, sense of self or self-worth? Perhaps you're dealing with the impact of growing up with emotionally unavailable parents, or facing challenging romantic, social or friendship relationships.
01242 502933 View 01242 502933
Photo of Nicola Holmes, MBACP, Counsellor
Nicola Holmes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
I work intuitively and compassionately to allow us to connect and develop an honest, trustworthy relationship.
I am a Therapeutic Coach - Neurodivergent Specialist offering spiritually integrated supervision, therapy and coaching with a deep focus on ADHD. I am passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity within the workplace and supporting clients; adults & children to let go of the mask/shame and embrace their authenticity to thrive and find their tribe. I also enjoy supporting student counsellors and qualified therapists in their practice who may be neurodivergent or who are supporting neurodivergent clients.
I work intuitively and compassionately to allow us to connect and develop an honest, trustworthy relationship.
I am a Therapeutic Coach - Neurodivergent Specialist offering spiritually integrated supervision, therapy and coaching with a deep focus on ADHD. I am passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity within the workplace and supporting clients; adults & children to let go of the mask/shame and embrace their authenticity to thrive and find their tribe. I also enjoy supporting student counsellors and qualified therapists in their practice who may be neurodivergent or who are supporting neurodivergent clients.
01684 219793 View 01684 219793
Photo of Carolyn Anne Howchin - Joined Up Counselling , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Joined Up Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
Meeting you for the first time we can look to establish whether or not Counselling is for you or your young person and whether I am the right fit for your presenting issue.
Offering a warm acceptance of all clients, its important in those early sessions that rapport is built and that we work together to understand goals for Counselling. For younger clients this is sometimes hard to communicate and therefore I look to introduce creative ways for them to be able to express themselves. I understand that each client is unique and therefore adapt our sessions to meet the needs of the individual, whether that is creating a safe confidential space just to be heard or supporting with a suite of Cognitive Behavioural Tools to aid negative thinking or behaviour.
Meeting you for the first time we can look to establish whether or not Counselling is for you or your young person and whether I am the right fit for your presenting issue.
Offering a warm acceptance of all clients, its important in those early sessions that rapport is built and that we work together to understand goals for Counselling. For younger clients this is sometimes hard to communicate and therefore I look to introduce creative ways for them to be able to express themselves. I understand that each client is unique and therefore adapt our sessions to meet the needs of the individual, whether that is creating a safe confidential space just to be heard or supporting with a suite of Cognitive Behavioural Tools to aid negative thinking or behaviour.
01242 339922 View 01242 339922
Photo of Dr Janette Rankine, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Janette Rankine
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
At the core of my work, is the awareness of the importance of the therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients.
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
At the core of my work, is the awareness of the importance of the therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients.
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
01242 384074 View 01242 384074
Photo of Helen Ayres, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Helen Ayres
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Short-term Psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness.
My approach is supportive and integrative, which means I can use a range of therapy models to create an individualised therapy for you. I listen carefully to your concerns, and together we focus on the changes you seek.
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Short-term Psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness.
My approach is supportive and integrative, which means I can use a range of therapy models to create an individualised therapy for you. I listen carefully to your concerns, and together we focus on the changes you seek.
01684 219773 View 01684 219773
Photo of Anna Bradshaw, MBACP, Counsellor
Anna Bradshaw
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishops Cleeve GL52
You may have been thinking about taking the first steps into counselling for a while.
Hi I'm Anna, being understood and cared for are deeply important to me, I listen attentively with acceptance and compassion. Perhaps you have noticed patterns in your life and you would like to understand yourself more? Maybe you feel anxious about work or school, talking it through can help you make sense of things. Sometimes past experiences can cause distress, having a space to share with a counsellor can help you process your feelings. Working together, we can look at choices available to you, helping you find hope again.
You may have been thinking about taking the first steps into counselling for a while.
Hi I'm Anna, being understood and cared for are deeply important to me, I listen attentively with acceptance and compassion. Perhaps you have noticed patterns in your life and you would like to understand yourself more? Maybe you feel anxious about work or school, talking it through can help you make sense of things. Sometimes past experiences can cause distress, having a space to share with a counsellor can help you process your feelings. Working together, we can look at choices available to you, helping you find hope again.
01242 903243 View 01242 903243

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Gerry Ritchie, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Gerry Ritchie
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Many people have emotional or behavioural problems that cause distress in their lives.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction, sexual problems or just that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
Many people have emotional or behavioural problems that cause distress in their lives.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction, sexual problems or just that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
01242 395274 View 01242 395274
Photo of Dr Jane Spurr, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jane Spurr
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I would like to use my experience to understand your unique personality, values, beliefs, life experiences and goals, to help you to find what is special about you and how to use these strengths to improve your life.
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
I would like to use my experience to understand your unique personality, values, beliefs, life experiences and goals, to help you to find what is special about you and how to use these strengths to improve your life.
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
01242 506292 View 01242 506292
Photo of Linzi Worrall - Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
If you would like to know more about how I work, or would like to book an initial session to see if I am the right counsellor for you, please do have a look at my website and get in touch.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
If you would like to know more about how I work, or would like to book an initial session to see if I am the right counsellor for you, please do have a look at my website and get in touch.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
01452 923034 View 01452 923034
Photo of Kaukab Rasul, MBACP, Counsellor
Kaukab Rasul
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi.
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi.
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
01452 930096 View 01452 930096
Photo of Diana Spencer, MBACP, Counsellor
Diana Spencer
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I don't advise you what to do but together we explore what might work for you.
Counselling offers time and space for you in a neutral, safe environment where I will listen to you and you will not be judged. Sometimes life's challenges can become overwhelming and it can be helpful to explore these challenges together with a view to making them more manageable.
I don't advise you what to do but together we explore what might work for you.
Counselling offers time and space for you in a neutral, safe environment where I will listen to you and you will not be judged. Sometimes life's challenges can become overwhelming and it can be helpful to explore these challenges together with a view to making them more manageable.
01684 219778 View 01684 219778
Photo of Dr Andrew Iles, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Andrew Iles
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I am committed to working with individuals to develop a non-judgemental, and supportive therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, through which feelings and difficulties can be explored.
Face-to-face appointments in Gloucester City Centre or online psychological therapy. If you are suffering with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, complex PTSD, complex trauma, relational difficulties or difficulties regulating your emotions, then I hope to be able to help you.
I am committed to working with individuals to develop a non-judgemental, and supportive therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, through which feelings and difficulties can be explored.
Face-to-face appointments in Gloucester City Centre or online psychological therapy. If you are suffering with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, complex PTSD, complex trauma, relational difficulties or difficulties regulating your emotions, then I hope to be able to help you.
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Photo of Bobby Jon Hook - Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I build a great relationship with my clients as we embark on your journey together.
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
I build a great relationship with my clients as we embark on your journey together.
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
01242 395231 View 01242 395231
Photo of Natasha Lusty, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Natasha Lusty
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50  (Online Only)
I understand how hard it can be to find a counsellor and talk about some of the most difficult and private things in your life.
I work with adults over the age of 18 to help people overcome the struggles that they are facing in life. It may be a past trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, relationship problems… to name a few. I welcome you to come as you are and together we can explore what is going on for you.
I understand how hard it can be to find a counsellor and talk about some of the most difficult and private things in your life.
I work with adults over the age of 18 to help people overcome the struggles that they are facing in life. It may be a past trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, relationship problems… to name a few. I welcome you to come as you are and together we can explore what is going on for you.
01594 808724 View 01594 808724
Photo of Ricardo Goni, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Ricardo Goni
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Contact me for a free consultation, you need to see if you can trust me enough to share life events that can be painful to revisit.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
Contact me for a free consultation, you need to see if you can trust me enough to share life events that can be painful to revisit.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
0117 463 7926 View 0117 463 7926
Photo of Jen Edwards, MBACP, Counsellor
Jen Edwards
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I know it’s hard to reach out for help.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
I know it’s hard to reach out for help.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
01242 903218 View 01242 903218
Photo of Dr Kirsten Kitson, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kirsten Kitson
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL50
It can feel quite lonely and at times frightening when we experience challenges in our lives, but I am committed to providing you with a warm, safe and supportive space to speak openly and face any challenges.
I have worked with many different presentations throughout my career in the NHS, Charity sector and HM Prison service. My experience and training can give you the confidence in my practice as I provide you with an individual approach; tailored to your specific needs and goals. Together we can explore how to improve your situation by equipping you with the necessary skills and techniques to move forward and maintain change.
It can feel quite lonely and at times frightening when we experience challenges in our lives, but I am committed to providing you with a warm, safe and supportive space to speak openly and face any challenges.
I have worked with many different presentations throughout my career in the NHS, Charity sector and HM Prison service. My experience and training can give you the confidence in my practice as I provide you with an individual approach; tailored to your specific needs and goals. Together we can explore how to improve your situation by equipping you with the necessary skills and techniques to move forward and maintain change.
01242 474668 View 01242 474668
Photo of Natalia Parry-Vaughan, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Natalia Parry-Vaughan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL50
It can be daunting seeking out support - you've taken a big step to even search for a therapist.
People who reach out for support might be experiencing difficulties with worry, negative self-talk or confidence. They may have noticed a change in their behaviours such as checking things more or avoiding certain situations. Sometimes it’s described as vicious cycle. Whether it’s been going on for a while or something new, we work together to understand what your unhelpful cycles look like and how we can break them by creating healthier habits and patterns of thinking, such as focusing and enhancing your strengths. This helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression, leaving you better equipped to manage difficult emotions.
It can be daunting seeking out support - you've taken a big step to even search for a therapist.
People who reach out for support might be experiencing difficulties with worry, negative self-talk or confidence. They may have noticed a change in their behaviours such as checking things more or avoiding certain situations. Sometimes it’s described as vicious cycle. Whether it’s been going on for a while or something new, we work together to understand what your unhelpful cycles look like and how we can break them by creating healthier habits and patterns of thinking, such as focusing and enhancing your strengths. This helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression, leaving you better equipped to manage difficult emotions.
01285 704410 View 01285 704410

See more therapy options for Bishops Cleeve

Depression Counsellors

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.