How to Find the Best Therapy for Both Depression and Anxiety

When Depression and Anxiety Overlap...

It's not uncommon to experience depression and anxiety at the same time. In fact, many people seeking therapy for one soon realize they’re coping with both. While each condition has its own triggers and symptoms, they often overlap—creating a complex emotional web that feels hard to untangle alone.

At Still Waters Therapy, we work with individuals every day who are navigating this exact challenge. The good news? Effective therapy exists—and finding the right fit can be life-changing.

Let’s explore how you can find the best therapy for both depression and anxiety, and what you should know before getting started.

Why Treating Both Matters

Anxiety can keep you in a constant state of fear or restlessness. Depression, on the other hand, may drain your energy, motivation, and sense of purpose. When they happen together, one can fuel the other.

For example:

• Anxiety might keep you up at night.

• Lack of sleep worsens depressive symptoms.

• As depression deepens, anxiety about work, relationships, or the future may intensify.

  
  

Treating both conditions in an integrated, thoughtful way gives you the best shot at long-term relief.

Common Signs You May Need Therapy for Both

Not sure if you’re dealing with both depression and anxiety? Some common red flags include:

• Feeling constantly on edge, yet emotionally numb

• Racing thoughts alongside overwhelming fatigue

• Avoiding social settings while also fearing loneliness

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Irritability followed by intense guilt or hopelessness

  
  

If you relate to several of these, therapy can help unravel the root causes and restore balance.

Best Therapy Approaches for Depression and Anxiety

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but the following therapy modalities are widely supported by research and used in clinical practice:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for both conditions. It helps you recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with more realistic, helpful ones.

How it helps:

• Reduces overthinking and catastrophic thinking

• Builds emotional regulation skills

• Encourages daily behavioral activation (a key for depression)

2. Person-Centered Therapy

Rooted in empathy and unconditional positive regard, person-centered therapy focuses on building trust and giving you space to explore your thoughts without judgment.

Why it works:

• Helps develop self-awareness and self-worth

• Supports emotional healing at your own pace

• Works well for those with low self-esteem or identity-related struggles

  
  

At Still Waters Therapy, many of our therapists incorporate a person-centered approach with other techniques to meet you where you are.

🔗 Learn more about our therapy services

3. Therapeutic Journaling

While not a replacement for therapy, journaling can be a powerful tool to complement it. It helps you track mood patterns, release pent-up thoughts, and reinforce coping strategies between sessions.

Some prompts we recommend to clients include:

• “What’s one anxious thought I had today, and how true was it?”

• “What gave me a sense of calm today, even if just briefly?”

• “If my depression could speak, what would it say—and what would I reply?”

4. Virtual Trauma Therapy

If trauma is a root factor in your depression or anxiety, trauma-informed therapy is crucial. Many clients now prefer virtual sessions for comfort, privacy, or convenience.

Benefits of virtual trauma therapy:

• Attend sessions from your safe space

• Access care even if you're in a rural or underserved area

• Flexible scheduling around your daily responsibilities

  
  

We offer virtual trauma therapy as part of our commitment to accessible care for all.

5. In-Person Therapy

Sometimes, being physically present in a therapist’s office helps build deeper connections. In-person therapy may also be ideal if you struggle with distractions at home or need structured space to focus.

Looking for in-person therapy near Springfield, MO? 📍 View our location and hours

What to Look for in a Therapist

Finding the right therapist isn’t just about credentials—it’s about connection. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Experience with both conditions: Ask if they specialize in co-occurring depression and anxiety.

• Approachability: You should feel safe, understood, and respected.

• Style: Do you prefer structured strategies (like CBT), open dialogue (person-centered), or a blend of both?

  
  

Our team at Still Waters includes therapists trained in multiple approaches so you can find your best fit.

How to Get Started

You don’t have to wait until things get “bad enough.” Starting therapy is an act of strength and self-care.

✅ Step 1: Fill out our online counseling request form 

✅ Step 2: Choose the type of therapy that fits your schedule and preference (in-person or online) 

✅ Step 3: Meet with a therapist and begin your personalized healing plan

Closing Reflections

Living with both depression and anxiety is incredibly difficult—but help is available, and healing is possible. The best therapy for you is one that considers the whole picture: your symptoms, your story, your goals.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new path forward, Still Waters Therapy is here to support you with compassion, evidence-based care, and a personalized approach that honors who you are.

Need Help Now? We’re currently accepting new clients for both individual and group therapy. 📞 Contact us today to begin your journey toward balance and peace.