Are you tired of feeling sad or hopeless? Do you feel like things aren’t getting better on their own? Are you asking yourself, will counseling help my depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, the leading cause of disability, and it impacts more than 300 million people worldwide. When left untreated, depression can impact all areas of your functioning—from the way you perceive yourself to how well you perform at work to the quality of relationships you have with others.
There is a strong link between psychotherapy and counseling benefits when treating depression. While there isn’t a cure for depression, you can learn to manage your symptoms, cope with distress, and strengthen your self-esteem. Likewise, psychotherapy and counseling for depression provide a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere for you to explore your most sensitive feelings.
Read on for more information about depression and counseling and what to expect throughout the process.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression: What You Need To Know
Are you wondering, what happens in counseling for depression? This is a normal question, and each therapist may have a slightly different approach.
If you have never been to therapy, you might be curious about the benefits of psychotherapy and counseling for depression.
In a nutshell, the primary counseling goals for depression may include:
- Reducing imminent crisis issues (suicidal thoughts, self-injury, substance use)
- Establishing a safe and supportive rapport with your therapist
- Understanding how past events impact your current mental and physical well-being
- Recognizing and addressing defense mechanisms that maintain depression
- Treating trauma-related symptoms associated with depression
- Building a positive support system
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression isn’t always easy. The depression recovery journey often requires internal self-exploration, and learning new insight about yourself can be painful. However, your therapist will work with you to help you feel supported, motivated, and grounded throughout this time.
In psychotherapy and counseling for depression, you may confront parts of yourself that you may not like. Further, you may be asked to reexamine particular relationships or habits in your daily living. Because most of us tend to be creatures of habit, you might find yourself resisting some of these changes. That said, these are the changes that are often necessary for your healing.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression: How Long Does Therapy Last?
Some people experience tremendous, immediate relief in just a few sessions of psychotherapy and counseling for depression. Other people, especially those with severe depression or complex trauma, may require more long-term work that can take several months or years.
As an overarching goal, it is imperative to have a safe and trusting relationship with your therapist, and this sense of security may take time to develop.
In your work together, you and your therapist will collaborate on reasonable goals for recovery. Throughout your treatment, you will routinely assess your progress and overall satisfaction. It is helpful to be honest and forthcoming in your sessions: if you feel like things aren’t improving, your therapist needs to know!
Final Thoughts on Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression can help you restore a sense of internal balance and confidence. Lumos Counseling offers a dynamic treatment approach that prioritizes compassion on your journey towards wellness.
Are you ready to pursue psychotherapy and counseling for depression? Support and help are available! Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to schedule your free consultation.