Depression Archives | Dimitrios Pexaras Therapy

Anxiety and Depression Therapy: The Best Approach for You?

When someone reaches out for help with anxiety or depression, one of the first questions they often ask is, “What’s the best therapy approach for me?” And my answer is always the same: it depends on you. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy—because every person carries a unique story, a different nervous system, and their own way of processing the world around them.

As a therapist, I’ve spent years helping people work through anxiety and depression, and I’ve learned that the most effective approach is one that’s tailored to the individual. Whether you’re struggling with constant worry, low motivation, panic attacks, or a deep sense of hopelessness, there’s a path forward—and it starts with finding the approach that fits you. Anxiety and depression therapy doesn’t have to confuse you.

Why One Approach Doesn’t Fit All

Therapy isn’t just about applying techniques—it’s about creating a relationship and process that feels safe and effective for the person sitting across from me. Anxiety and depression don’t show up the same way for everyone. Some people feel it in their bodies—tightness in the chest, racing heart, constant fatigue. Others feel it in their thoughts—overanalyzing everything, spiraling into worst-case scenarios, or feeling numb and disconnected from life.

That’s why I draw from an integrated approach, combining methods like:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – to process trauma and stuck emotional responses.
Sensory Motor Psychotherapy (SMP) – to connect with the body and release trauma stored in the nervous system.

The goal isn’t to “treat a symptom.” The goal is to understand the root of your anxiety and depression, and help you heal from the inside out.

How My Early Work Shaped My Approach

Earlier in my career, I worked with war veterans who were struggling with intense anxiety, depression, and emotional shutdown. Many of them didn’t even identify their experiences as trauma—they just knew they didn’t feel safe, couldn’t sleep, and couldn’t connect with people anymore. It became clear to me that unprocessed trauma was living beneath the surface of their symptoms.

I also spent time working with adults on probation, and I noticed something similar. Many of the people I worked with had experienced neglect, abuse, or violence early in life. They were functioning adults, but underneath the surface were layers of unresolved trauma that showed up as depression, anxiety, anger, or self-sabotaging behaviors.

These experiences taught me something important: we can’t talk our way out of trauma.

That’s when I knew I needed deeper, more drastic tools—like EMDR—to help people not just cope, but truly heal.

The Role of EMDR in Healing Anxiety and Depression

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most powerful tools I use with clients who are ready to process and release the emotional weight they’ve been carrying. What makes EMDR so effective is that it doesn’t rely on talking alone. It helps the brain reprocess memories that are stuck in the nervous system and allows the body to finally feel safe again.

Many clients come to me after trying traditional therapy and feeling like they’re just going in circles. They know what their issues are—they’ve talked about them—but they still feel stuck. EMDR often helps them break through those stuck points in ways they didn’t think were possible.

And yes—EMDR works beautifully online too, it keeps evolving how therapists practice it online and how we apply stimulation to the short-term memory that is key to healing.

Combining Tools for Lasting Change

Sometimes, clients need structure and practical strategies. That’s where CBT is helpful—we work on identifying distorted thinking, reframing unhelpful beliefs, and building better coping tools. Other times, anxiety and depression live in the body, and no amount of thinking changes that. That’s where SMP helps, by bringing attention to somatic cues, breath, posture, and tension that hold emotional pain.

In many cases, I use all three approaches—CBT, EMDR, and SMP—depending on where the client is in their healing journey. My role is to meet each person exactly where they are, without forcing a method or rushing the process.

How Do You Know What You Need?

That’s where our free consultation comes in. Before starting therapy, I offer a consultation to get to know you—what you’ve been going through, what you’ve tried before, and what feels most difficult right now. This conversation helps me understand the best way to approach your therapy.

Sometimes, we start slow and focus on stabilizing anxiety with body-based tools and CBT techniques. Other times, we move more directly into trauma processing with EMDR. The key is that we figure it out together, and you never have to do it alone.

What You Can Expect from Our Work Together

If you’re struggling with anxiety and depression, you might feel like it’s always going to be this way. But I want you to know: healing is absolutely possible. I’ve seen it happen over and over again—clients who once felt stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed begin to experience relief, clarity, and connection again.

In our work together, you can expect:

A safe, non-judgmental space to explore what’s really going on.
A therapy plan tailored to your specific needs, not a generic protocol.
Tools and strategies to manage anxiety and low mood day-to-day.
Deeper healing work to resolve the root causes, not just surface symptoms.
Flexibility—sessions are done online for your convenience.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to keep carrying this alone. Whether your anxiety feels like a constant hum in the background or your depression feels like it’s pulling you under, there is a way forward. Through a personalized, integrated therapy approach, we can work together to understand what’s going on and help you move toward healing. Anxiety and depression therapy is really effective.

If you’re curious about starting therapy, I invite you to book a free consultation. It’s a chance for us to talk, explore your needs, and see if my approach is the right fit for you.

Because the best therapy isn’t just about techniques—it’s about finding the right approach for you. 💙

Anxiety and Depression Therapy: Does Online Therapy Work?

Online therapy has completely changed the way people get help for anxiety and depression. Over the past six years of working with clients online, I’ve seen just how powerful virtual therapy can be. But if you’re wondering, does online therapy really work for anxiety and depression? The short answer is yes—and for many people, it’s actually more effective than in-person therapy. I was very sceptical about it at first but when Covid hit us we had to find a way to support people even from a distance. That was the time I remember I was seeing about 50 people weekly (most of them nurses, doctors and first responders) and I had to let them know how to use the online platform and at the same time I was being re-trained on the modalities I use (EMDR, CBT, SMP) to practice online. The thing that convinced me about the effectiveness of online therapy personally is that when we re-opened our offices and I let my clients know that they can come back in person if they wish, only 4 came back to the office. The others continued online which tells me a lot about how great online therapy is.

Let’s break it down: how online therapy works, why it’s effective, and when it might not be the best fit.

How Online Therapy Works for Anxiety and Depression

Online therapy follows the same principles as traditional therapy, but instead of sitting in an office, you meet with your therapist via video call, phone call, or even chat-based platforms. Sessions are structured just like in-person therapy, and you can access evidence-based treatments such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Processing trauma that contributes to anxiety and depression. (Check the article: Overcoming Driving Anxiety with EMDR Therapy)
Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Helping you stay present and reduce overwhelming thoughts.
Sensory Motor Psychotherapy (SMP) – Addressing how trauma and anxiety affect the body.

The best part? You can do all of this from the comfort of your own home. This makes therapy more accessible, flexible, and easier to fit into daily life.

Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says

Yes! Studies show that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety and depression. Research has found that:

CBT delivered online is equally effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to in-person CBT.
Online EMDR therapy helps people process trauma and decrease anxiety levels.
Therapy accessibility increases commitment—people are more likely to stick with sessions when they can do them online.

I’ve personally seen clients go from crippling anxiety to confidence, and from depressive episodes to feeling like themselves again—all through virtual therapy.

Why Online Therapy Works for Anxiety and Depression

1. Comfort & Convenience 🏡

For many, the biggest barrier to therapy is simply getting to the session. Online therapy removes this issue:

No commuting or waiting rooms.
Clients feel more relaxed in their own space, making it easier to open up.
Perfect for people with social anxiety or depression-related fatigue who struggle with leaving the house.

2. More Consistency = Better Results 📅

When therapy is convenient, people are less likely to miss sessions.
Regular attendance means faster progress and better mental health outcomes.
Flexibility in scheduling helps therapy fit into busy or unpredictable lifestyles.

3. Privacy & Anonymity 🤫

Some people avoid therapy due to stigma or fear of being seen in a waiting room. Online therapy offers:

100% privacy, as you can attend from anywhere.
Less anxiety about seeing someone you know.
Greater comfort discussing sensitive topics.

4. Effective Therapeutic Techniques Still Work 💡

Many therapy techniques work just as well online, including:

CBT exercises (identifying & restructuring thoughts)
EMDR (bilateral stimulation can be done remotely)
Mindfulness & relaxation techniques
Somatic work for trauma-related anxiety

The key is having a skilled therapist who knows how to adapt these tools to an online setting.

When Online Therapy Might Not Be the Best Option

While online therapy is effective for most people, there are some situations where in-person therapy might be a better choice:

1. Severe Mental Health Crises 🚨

If someone is actively suicidal or in immediate danger, in-person support is better.
Online therapy doesn’t provide emergency intervention.
In these cases, crisis services or in-person psychiatric care may be necessary.

2. Limited Privacy at Home 🔇

If you live with others and can’t find a private space, it might be harder to open up.
Solutions: Use headphones, go to a quiet room, or even sit in your car for the session.

3. Difficulty Connecting Through a Screen 📱

Some people prefer face-to-face interactions and find it easier to build trust in person.
However, most clients adapt quickly and find virtual therapy just as engaging.

How to Make Online Therapy Work for You

If you’re considering online therapy, here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Set Up a Private, Comfortable Space 🛋️

Find a quiet, distraction-free area for your sessions.
Use headphones for better focus and privacy.

2. Treat It Like an In-Person Session ⏳

Show up on time, free from distractions (no multitasking!).
Keep a journal for notes and insights between sessions.

3. Be Open & Committed 🧠

Therapy works when you engage—be honest and open with your therapist.
Practice the techniques and do the “homework” outside of sessions.

4. Choose the Right Therapist 👥

Find a therapist who specializes in anxiety and depression.
Look for experience in CBT, EMDR, or trauma therapy.
Read reviews or schedule a consultation to see if they’re the right fit.

Final Thoughts: Is Online Therapy Worth It?

Absolutely. Online therapy is an effective, accessible, and flexible option for treating anxiety and depression. It works because it removes common barriers, distance, scheduling issues while still delivering the same high-quality care as in-person therapy. I have seen it work so many times in my career so far that I’m convinced by now.

I’ve seen clients rebuild their confidence, work with to heal trauma, break free from anxious thoughts, and overcome depression, all through virtual therapy. If you’re struggling, know that help is available and it can work for you too.

Thinking about trying online therapy? Take the first step today, contact me here for a free consultation.