Can counselling help with my depression? This is the question that floats in people’s minds when depression comes crawling. It is not enough to know that a counsellor can help with your depression. Knowing how counselling services help combat depression is one big step towards a depression-free life. Below is a counselling guide for people who are suffering from depression.
Who is a Counsellor?
A mental health counsellor is described as a specialist who has undergone training to hold individual and group therapy sessions. He or she is a counsellor with a Master’s degree in Psychology or Counselling and several years of supervised clinical work experience. The counsellor is trained to diagnose and hold therapy sessions.
Unfortunately, they are limited to diagnosing patients and holding therapy sessions. They are not authorized to prescribe medication.
Upon completion of the training, a counsellor can be conferred either of these titles;
- Licensed Mental Health Counsellor
- Licensed Professional Counsellor
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor
A professional counsellor can work in a variety of settings, for instance, schools, hospitals, offices, or health centres.
What is Counselling Therapy?
According to the America Counselling Association, counselling is a relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to achieve mental health, education, wellness, and career goals.
On the other hand, therapy is the process of meeting and interacting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, feelings, relationship matters, or somatic responses.
Therefore, counselling therapy is the process of meeting and sharing with a mental health counsellor to talk about your mental issues. Whether it’s between two individuals or a group session, there is usually a goal to be achieved in the long run.
How Does Counselling Therapy Work for Depression?
There is no definitive answer to this common question. Counselling services take different approaches when dealing with depressed individuals. People are complex beings with absolutely differing approaches to the myriad of challenges which they face.
When placed in a counselling session, there is usually something around the environment designed within the counselling room which can empower depression patients to voice out their issues of real concern.
In practice, a lot will depend on what both parties bring to the table. The patient may come with fear, apprehension, and in most cases, some level of cynicism. Along with that, there is a sense of hope that with the risk he or she takes of opening up, there is an equal reward of peace of mind.
On the other hand, the professional counsellor carries thoughts and ideas of what may be useful for the client.
Types of Therapy
Therapy is a mode of treatment that aims to resolve emotional or mental issues. There are different types of therapy available. These include;
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy. This is used to explore the relationship between one’s behaviour and feelings, thoughts, or both.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy. It is almost similar to cognitive-behavioural therapy. However, it focuses more on regulating emotions, being mindful, and accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
- Exposure therapy, which is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy and is used to treat people with anxiety and fear disorders.
- Psychodynamic therapy, which helps people combat negative behaviour patterns arising from past experience.
- Emotion-focused therapy. It focuses on creating awareness of emotions, regulating, and resolving them.
- Family therapy.
- Group therapy, which allows people to share similar experiences in the hope of resolving them
- Mindfulness-based therapy, which encourages people to see and accept things as they are without judgement.
How Should You Prepare for Therapy?
You will obviously feel sceptical for your first therapy or counselling session. However, more than anything, you need to have prepared yourself in other ways before stepping into that secure room. Below are some tips to prepare for your first counselling session.
- Most importantly, give yourself a generous pat on the back. It takes courage to reach out to a counsellor.
- Set your goals alone or with the help of your therapist. Also, balance your expectations to avoid disappointments.
- Block out distractions in your schedule. Aim to be free before and after your counselling session.
- Focus on the counsellor’s will to walk with you through the journey.
- You can prepare a list of questions for the professional. It also helps to be spontaneous with your thoughts and feelings when communicating with a counsellor.
Bottom Line
Yes-counselling can help with depression. It takes courage to make the first step. However, once you find a reliable mental health counsellor, there is a high likelihood that you will achieve the peace of mind you desire.