Depression Counselling in Bootle

Photo of Jan Webster, MBACP, Counsellor
Jan Webster
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bootle L20
I am passionate about counselling, concentrating on exploring and identifying your inner feelings, and the belief that with empathy, honesty, non-judgement and support YOU can find answers, and a clearer path to positively moving forward.
Support, warmth, understanding and acceptance, together with a professional service, this is what I base my counselling practice on. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, unfair...even cruel, throwing so many unexpected hurdles in our way. Struggling can be a lonely, isolating place and sometimes we need more than just talking with family or friends. I offer a calm, confidential, non-judgemental space to truly be heard and listened to in which you can explore your struggles or confusions and, hopefully, enable you to recover your own perspective and clarity surrounding whatever difficulties are impacting your life.
I am passionate about counselling, concentrating on exploring and identifying your inner feelings, and the belief that with empathy, honesty, non-judgement and support YOU can find answers, and a clearer path to positively moving forward.
Support, warmth, understanding and acceptance, together with a professional service, this is what I base my counselling practice on. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, unfair...even cruel, throwing so many unexpected hurdles in our way. Struggling can be a lonely, isolating place and sometimes we need more than just talking with family or friends. I offer a calm, confidential, non-judgemental space to truly be heard and listened to in which you can explore your struggles or confusions and, hopefully, enable you to recover your own perspective and clarity surrounding whatever difficulties are impacting your life.
01704 339422 View 01704 339422
Photo of Satwant Badsha Mbacp - Southport Counselling Service, MBACP, Counsellor
Southport Counselling Service
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bootle L30
Experience a safe, confidential space to begin to explore your feelings and thoughts about the things you’ve been through as well as thinking about how you’d like to feel.
Are you feeling stuck, facing a challenging period, struggling to cope or just wanting to understand yourself better? Are you feeling lost, powerless and helpless? You might have experienced a life changing event such as bereavement or divorce and be struggling with knowing how to cope with the future. Are you experiencing stress at work, even feelings of panic? I can help you explore these issues and others in a safe, quiet and relaxing environment. You are an expert on you. I look forward to hearing from you if you’d like to work with me.
Experience a safe, confidential space to begin to explore your feelings and thoughts about the things you’ve been through as well as thinking about how you’d like to feel.
Are you feeling stuck, facing a challenging period, struggling to cope or just wanting to understand yourself better? Are you feeling lost, powerless and helpless? You might have experienced a life changing event such as bereavement or divorce and be struggling with knowing how to cope with the future. Are you experiencing stress at work, even feelings of panic? I can help you explore these issues and others in a safe, quiet and relaxing environment. You are an expert on you. I look forward to hearing from you if you’d like to work with me.
01704 335558 View 01704 335558
Photo of Steve Gibbin - Equilibrium Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Equilibrium Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Verified Verified
Bootle L30
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.
I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse with 30 years experience and trained as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, completing my Postgraduate Diploma in CBT at The University of Salford. I am particularly experienced and skilled in working with people suffering from anxiety, depression and trauma related problems. Additionally i have spcific experience of helping adults with ADHD who need help to manage symptoms such as problems with organisation, time management, organisation, planning and anger management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.
I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse with 30 years experience and trained as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, completing my Postgraduate Diploma in CBT at The University of Salford. I am particularly experienced and skilled in working with people suffering from anxiety, depression and trauma related problems. Additionally i have spcific experience of helping adults with ADHD who need help to manage symptoms such as problems with organisation, time management, organisation, planning and anger management.
0151 318 0852 View 0151 318 0852
Photo of Joanne Ramsdale, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Joanne Ramsdale
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bootle L20
The first step is the hardest- the old cliche.
Unheard, misunderstood, confused, unsure, lost, desperate, feeling stuck, wanting to feel 'normal'. Any of these reasons and more can lead us to seek Counselling. I have been a therapist for 12 years, and practice in a Person-Centred way. What this means is, I truly believe when someone comes to see me they want to be listened to, not told it will be OK, or try this and do that. You have probably tried those things and still feel the same. What's needed is someone with the skill to help you navigate your feelings on a deeper level, to give you greater understanding of how you have come to feel the way you do.
The first step is the hardest- the old cliche.
Unheard, misunderstood, confused, unsure, lost, desperate, feeling stuck, wanting to feel 'normal'. Any of these reasons and more can lead us to seek Counselling. I have been a therapist for 12 years, and practice in a Person-Centred way. What this means is, I truly believe when someone comes to see me they want to be listened to, not told it will be OK, or try this and do that. You have probably tried those things and still feel the same. What's needed is someone with the skill to help you navigate your feelings on a deeper level, to give you greater understanding of how you have come to feel the way you do.
0151 453 6267 View 0151 453 6267
Photo of Naomi So - So be heard, MBACP, Counsellor
So be heard
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bootle L20  (Online Only)
Please reach out so that we can have a free no obligation chat about what you might like to gain from therapy.
I offer a non-judgemental space to come and talk about the issues you may not want to share with those close to you. I recognise that experiencing emotional distress can be due to experiencing significant trauma outside of your own control. Or perhaps you feel like the world in general is not set up for an individual like yourself. Many factors in life can bring us down. I aim to help you understand yourself better and find a way forward despite previous difficulties or trauma.
Please reach out so that we can have a free no obligation chat about what you might like to gain from therapy.
I offer a non-judgemental space to come and talk about the issues you may not want to share with those close to you. I recognise that experiencing emotional distress can be due to experiencing significant trauma outside of your own control. Or perhaps you feel like the world in general is not set up for an individual like yourself. Many factors in life can bring us down. I aim to help you understand yourself better and find a way forward despite previous difficulties or trauma.
01767 667230 View 01767 667230
Photo of Mohammad Midan-Shahi, MBACP, Counsellor
Mohammad Midan-Shahi
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bootle L20
When a couple are always working together, they will get much better than a single handed.
fight or flight? I am offering you (youth and adults) no judgement and assumption, if you need to talk of anxiety, abuse, lose of self, lowself-esteem or you dont know of your character, there are times in our life that we need to confined-in because we are human being, so using life experiences and knowledges of sophisticated people whom they spent their life to take the knowledge and give it to others for a better life, and what ever is concerning you or to whom it may concern.
When a couple are always working together, they will get much better than a single handed.
fight or flight? I am offering you (youth and adults) no judgement and assumption, if you need to talk of anxiety, abuse, lose of self, lowself-esteem or you dont know of your character, there are times in our life that we need to confined-in because we are human being, so using life experiences and knowledges of sophisticated people whom they spent their life to take the knowledge and give it to others for a better life, and what ever is concerning you or to whom it may concern.
0151 329 2736 View 0151 329 2736
Photo of Lena Fiebrantz, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Lena Fiebrantz
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bootle L20  (Online Only)
Having an international background, I value each person's uniqueness and encourage you to come as you are.
I don't know what brings you here today but looking for counselling and finding the right therapist takes courage. Life can be hard and asking for support is difficult at times. My goal is to make sure you feel seen and heard. Whatever you are struggling with, whether it is a troubling memory that doesn't seem to leave you alone, a day to day struggle that you feel is holding you back, an experience you're dealing with and didn't think you'd face, or if you're feeling at the end of yourself - talking about these things is a huge step toward resolving your issues and moving to a place of thriving in the life you want to live.
Having an international background, I value each person's uniqueness and encourage you to come as you are.
I don't know what brings you here today but looking for counselling and finding the right therapist takes courage. Life can be hard and asking for support is difficult at times. My goal is to make sure you feel seen and heard. Whatever you are struggling with, whether it is a troubling memory that doesn't seem to leave you alone, a day to day struggle that you feel is holding you back, an experience you're dealing with and didn't think you'd face, or if you're feeling at the end of yourself - talking about these things is a huge step toward resolving your issues and moving to a place of thriving in the life you want to live.
01244 562076 View 01244 562076
Photo of Jacqueline Anne Stokes, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jacqueline Anne Stokes
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bootle L30
As a former nurse, l am caring and have a genuine commitment to making a real and lasting difference whatever the outcomes in people’s lives.
As an integrative practitioner. I work from a person centred base, although additional training allows for me to draw on different tools and models depending on your needs. This allows for clients to reflect on what is happening to them and by making their own choices, consider alternative ways of doing things. I use psychological theory and research in therapeutic work to help clients with a variety of problems. These problems can include difficult life issues and mental health conditions. I have worked with clients across all ages, from 7yrs upward and beyond retirement, offering a service which is welcoming to all backgrounds.
As a former nurse, l am caring and have a genuine commitment to making a real and lasting difference whatever the outcomes in people’s lives.
As an integrative practitioner. I work from a person centred base, although additional training allows for me to draw on different tools and models depending on your needs. This allows for clients to reflect on what is happening to them and by making their own choices, consider alternative ways of doing things. I use psychological theory and research in therapeutic work to help clients with a variety of problems. These problems can include difficult life issues and mental health conditions. I have worked with clients across all ages, from 7yrs upward and beyond retirement, offering a service which is welcoming to all backgrounds.
0151 318 0747 View 0151 318 0747

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Paula Filipowicz - Paula's Helping Hand, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Paula's Helping Hand
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Liverpool L31
As a psychotherapist, I understand the challenges you're facing.
Do you want to manage your stress, feel happier, and be more confident within yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed, struggling to navigate life's challenges alone? I will listen to you without any judgment, help you understand where your difficulties may be coming from. Whether it's managing anxiety, overcoming past traumas, or enhancing self-esteem, my goal is to provide a safe space for exploration and healing. Let's work together to uncover your strengths, cultivate resilience, and empower you to live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take the first step towards your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
As a psychotherapist, I understand the challenges you're facing.
Do you want to manage your stress, feel happier, and be more confident within yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed, struggling to navigate life's challenges alone? I will listen to you without any judgment, help you understand where your difficulties may be coming from. Whether it's managing anxiety, overcoming past traumas, or enhancing self-esteem, my goal is to provide a safe space for exploration and healing. Let's work together to uncover your strengths, cultivate resilience, and empower you to live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take the first step towards your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
0151 453 2868 View 0151 453 2868
Photo of Dr Joanne Lacey, PhD, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Dr Joanne Lacey
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Crosby L22
Good therapy is built on a good working relationship.
I offer leading edge psychotherapies and neuro-cognitive therapies for mind, mood and body. Working holistically with the physical affect of life experiences, emotions and thoughts is the future of therapy. Working in a holistic integrated way works at a deeper level to drive lasting change, whether we are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, self- esteem issues, relationship, family or work stresses. I am an integrated therapist, which means that I am highly trained in different approaches, enabling us to work flexibly and select the best treatment plan for you.
Good therapy is built on a good working relationship.
I offer leading edge psychotherapies and neuro-cognitive therapies for mind, mood and body. Working holistically with the physical affect of life experiences, emotions and thoughts is the future of therapy. Working in a holistic integrated way works at a deeper level to drive lasting change, whether we are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, self- esteem issues, relationship, family or work stresses. I am an integrated therapist, which means that I am highly trained in different approaches, enabling us to work flexibly and select the best treatment plan for you.
0151 318 0502 View 0151 318 0502
Photo of Kerry Traynier, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Kerry Traynier
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L22
Having spent a great deal of time working with a range of different clients who have presented a range of different issues, I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to take the first step to begin therapy.
I am a Person-Centred Experiential (PCE) Therapist with a degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a MSc in Psychology. I have worked alongside clients in different settings including private practice, volunteering and the NHS. This has enabled me to build and enhance my skills and experience in working with different emotional distresses such as stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement. The non-directive talking therapy I am trained within is focused upon creating a meaningful therapeutic relationship in which an individual can feel secure and able to process emotions and experiences and to build self-awareness and self-growth.
Having spent a great deal of time working with a range of different clients who have presented a range of different issues, I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to take the first step to begin therapy.
I am a Person-Centred Experiential (PCE) Therapist with a degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a MSc in Psychology. I have worked alongside clients in different settings including private practice, volunteering and the NHS. This has enabled me to build and enhance my skills and experience in working with different emotional distresses such as stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement. The non-directive talking therapy I am trained within is focused upon creating a meaningful therapeutic relationship in which an individual can feel secure and able to process emotions and experiences and to build self-awareness and self-growth.
01767 667244 View 01767 667244
Photo of Denise Richards - Denise Richards Online Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Denise Richards Online Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L4  (Online Only)
The fact you are here, seeking a counsellor, is proof that you have the want to overcome your issues.
I'm Denise, a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) working online across the UK with those who are experiencing anxiety, stress and depression. Experiencing occasional anxiety and stress or feeling down when things don't go your way is a normal part of everyday life. However, when that anxiety or stress causes you to experience intense worry and fear or those negative thoughts don't seem to leave your head and begin to affect your daily life, then that's a surefire sign you may need some help in dealing with these problems.
The fact you are here, seeking a counsellor, is proof that you have the want to overcome your issues.
I'm Denise, a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) working online across the UK with those who are experiencing anxiety, stress and depression. Experiencing occasional anxiety and stress or feeling down when things don't go your way is a normal part of everyday life. However, when that anxiety or stress causes you to experience intense worry and fear or those negative thoughts don't seem to leave your head and begin to affect your daily life, then that's a surefire sign you may need some help in dealing with these problems.
View
Photo of Lesley Anne Rimmer - Lesley Rimmer - RR Counselling & Psychotherapy , MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lesley Rimmer - RR Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L9  (Online Only)
My name is Lesley, I am a fully qualified Person Centred Experiential counsellor and psychotherapist, a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, and am fully qualified, and insured to work online.
We all experience difficult times in our lives, suffering anxiety, depression, stress, anger, relationship issues, grief, bereavement, physical illness, emotional/physical abuse, low mood, and low motivation, to name just a few of the reasons people come to therapy. At times we will feel like we don’t want to ‘burden’ people with how we feel so we try to push through and carry on, we try to pretend all is ok, we try and cope by putting on a smile and a brave face, often we simply find we are unable to move forward and feel stuck.
My name is Lesley, I am a fully qualified Person Centred Experiential counsellor and psychotherapist, a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, and am fully qualified, and insured to work online.
We all experience difficult times in our lives, suffering anxiety, depression, stress, anger, relationship issues, grief, bereavement, physical illness, emotional/physical abuse, low mood, and low motivation, to name just a few of the reasons people come to therapy. At times we will feel like we don’t want to ‘burden’ people with how we feel so we try to push through and carry on, we try to pretend all is ok, we try and cope by putting on a smile and a brave face, often we simply find we are unable to move forward and feel stuck.
01229 260428 View 01229 260428
Photo of Pauline Ronan, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Pauline Ronan
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Liverpool L22
Have you been suffering for too long with feeling of anxiety, or re-occurring depression, perhaps a trauma or anger, maybe strong emotions or negative thinking that is stopping you from living life the way that you would like to live? As a therapist and teacher, I use a Human Givens model as it is based on cutting edge science, neurobiology and findings from psychology. The model is designed to allow adults/teenagers/ to step forward in their lives, quickly. The therapy is designed to be brief and will focus on getting you in a more positive way of thinking. Why not drop me a line and we can have a 15 mins, no obligation chat?
Have you been suffering for too long with feeling of anxiety, or re-occurring depression, perhaps a trauma or anger, maybe strong emotions or negative thinking that is stopping you from living life the way that you would like to live? As a therapist and teacher, I use a Human Givens model as it is based on cutting edge science, neurobiology and findings from psychology. The model is designed to allow adults/teenagers/ to step forward in their lives, quickly. The therapy is designed to be brief and will focus on getting you in a more positive way of thinking. Why not drop me a line and we can have a 15 mins, no obligation chat?
0151 453 7581 View 0151 453 7581
Photo of James Richard Ward - James Ward Counselling, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
James Ward Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L4
Sometimes clients need someone to talk to that they can trust,away from family members or friends.
Hello,my name is James Ward and I offer immediate and accessible face to face counselling and phone and zoom sessions due to my level of flexibility for appointment times each week. I am an integrative Counsellor based in the city centre area of Liverpool behind the pen factory and the Everyman Theatre on Hope Street Integrating both person centered counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT ) I Offer Monday to Friday 9am-7pm
Sometimes clients need someone to talk to that they can trust,away from family members or friends.
Hello,my name is James Ward and I offer immediate and accessible face to face counselling and phone and zoom sessions due to my level of flexibility for appointment times each week. I am an integrative Counsellor based in the city centre area of Liverpool behind the pen factory and the Everyman Theatre on Hope Street Integrating both person centered counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT ) I Offer Monday to Friday 9am-7pm
0151 541 3741 View 0151 541 3741
Photo of Marley Raven, MBACP, Counsellor
Marley Raven
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L10  (Online Only)
I am passionate about difference and diversity and strive to be actively inclusive of everyone.
I mainly work with LGBTQ+ adults who wish to meet a counsellor where those aspects of their identity will not be unnecessarily questioned or looked at, but can be spoken about respectfully and safely. I aim to offer you a sense of hope and empowerment, along with techniques you could use in your life to enhance or help you cope with your experience of existence. I can support you to explore whatever is going on in your life such as stress, grief (including for loss of pets), exploring gender identity, exploring sexuality, body image, anxiety or depression.
I am passionate about difference and diversity and strive to be actively inclusive of everyone.
I mainly work with LGBTQ+ adults who wish to meet a counsellor where those aspects of their identity will not be unnecessarily questioned or looked at, but can be spoken about respectfully and safely. I aim to offer you a sense of hope and empowerment, along with techniques you could use in your life to enhance or help you cope with your experience of existence. I can support you to explore whatever is going on in your life such as stress, grief (including for loss of pets), exploring gender identity, exploring sexuality, body image, anxiety or depression.
01392 531594 View 01392 531594
Photo of David Traynor, MBACP, Counsellor
David Traynor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L23
I believe that we all have a deep need to be understood and validated for who we truly are.
Hi, my name is David. I believe it takes great courage to make the first step towards counselling. Life can be complex and we all hit points where we really can't see the woods through the trees, I can help you to work through this, in a safe and comfortable setting, that is non-judgemental and confidential. I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, bereavement and loss, work related stress and low self esteem. My work helps you to identify emotions, work through your feelings and gain an understanding to make healthy choices, equipping you with the confidence and autonomy to find yourself.
I believe that we all have a deep need to be understood and validated for who we truly are.
Hi, my name is David. I believe it takes great courage to make the first step towards counselling. Life can be complex and we all hit points where we really can't see the woods through the trees, I can help you to work through this, in a safe and comfortable setting, that is non-judgemental and confidential. I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, bereavement and loss, work related stress and low self esteem. My work helps you to identify emotions, work through your feelings and gain an understanding to make healthy choices, equipping you with the confidence and autonomy to find yourself.
01928 245598 View 01928 245598
Photo of Andy Crossley, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Andy Crossley
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sefton L29
From personal experience, I fully understand the benefit therapy can bring in helping people get through dark times.
Are you seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and the challenges you've faced? Do you feel ready to make meaningful changes in your life? I understand how overwhelming life can be at times and how difficult it can be to navigate your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Whether you're dealing with bereavement, grief, loss, or grappling with issues around identity, you don't have to face these struggles alone. Anxiety, depression, unresolved anger, or suicidal thoughts can feel paralysing, but there is a way forward. With personal and professional expertise in these areas, I'm here to support you work through them, heal and change.
From personal experience, I fully understand the benefit therapy can bring in helping people get through dark times.
Are you seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and the challenges you've faced? Do you feel ready to make meaningful changes in your life? I understand how overwhelming life can be at times and how difficult it can be to navigate your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Whether you're dealing with bereavement, grief, loss, or grappling with issues around identity, you don't have to face these struggles alone. Anxiety, depression, unresolved anger, or suicidal thoughts can feel paralysing, but there is a way forward. With personal and professional expertise in these areas, I'm here to support you work through them, heal and change.
01704 336345 View 01704 336345
Photo of David Halton, MBACP, Counsellor
David Halton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Crosby L23
Counselling is for you to talk to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, experiences and beliefs.
If you have found yourself here today, you may be struggling with feelings of low worth. You may be experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm or have questions about your past or present. Looking up at the mountain ahead of you can feel overwhelming. Reaching out for help is a great first step in making a change. I can help you to work through the beliefs you hold about yourself. I can help you to see how your beliefs – often established during childhood, and your past experiences can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself, your relationships and your life today.
Counselling is for you to talk to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, experiences and beliefs.
If you have found yourself here today, you may be struggling with feelings of low worth. You may be experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm or have questions about your past or present. Looking up at the mountain ahead of you can feel overwhelming. Reaching out for help is a great first step in making a change. I can help you to work through the beliefs you hold about yourself. I can help you to see how your beliefs – often established during childhood, and your past experiences can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself, your relationships and your life today.
01923 961480 View 01923 961480
Photo of Andrea Connell, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Andrea Connell
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Everton L5
I began my counselling journey in 2008 when I realised my life experiences were valuable lessons in which we all have the capacity to change.
We all have times when we feel lost, alone or misunderstood. We want things to change but we don’t know how. Unsure of what we want we may talk to family or friends, but all they do is offer opinions. Sometimes we have no one to talk to and remain trapped in isolation unsure of own truth. This is where counselling can help.
I began my counselling journey in 2008 when I realised my life experiences were valuable lessons in which we all have the capacity to change.
We all have times when we feel lost, alone or misunderstood. We want things to change but we don’t know how. Unsure of what we want we may talk to family or friends, but all they do is offer opinions. Sometimes we have no one to talk to and remain trapped in isolation unsure of own truth. This is where counselling can help.
0151 541 4057 View 0151 541 4057

See more therapy options for Bootle

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.