Tetra Images / Getty Images
There are many different types oftherapyto treat depression and other mood disorders.
The therapeutic modalities described below have evidence supporting their benefits as treatments for depression.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Tetra Images / Getty Images
Psychotherapyis the process of treating psychological disorders with verbal and psychological techniques.
But it is so much more than that.
What is the best approach?
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Thetype of treatment you choosemay depend on various factors, including your preferences and the severity of your symptoms.
Negative thoughtscan contribute to and exacerbate depression.
Feeling good is hard when you’re stuck in a constant loop of negative thoughts.
Cognitive therapy is usually short-term and goal-focused.
Cognitive therapy usually lasts between six weeks to four months.
A central focus of behavioral treatment for depression isbehavioral activation.
This entails helping patients engage in activities that will enhance their feelings of well-being.
CBT focuses on addressing both the negative thought patterns and the behaviors that contribute to depression.
Other response patterns includeall-or-nothing thinkingandovergeneralization, two commoncognitive distortions.
You might also practicepositive self-talk.
Like cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, CBT is usually brief and goal-oriented.
It generally involves between five to 20 structured sessions centered on addressing specific concerns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapyis mostly based on CBT.
The key difference is that it asks individuals with depression to acknowledge and accept their negative thoughts and behaviors.
This approach can also help build self-awareness and increase certain emotional capacities.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal conflict and poor social support can also contribute to feelings of depression.
During treatment, the therapist generally chooses one or two problem areas to focus on.
This jot down of therapy is usually brief and involves examining social relationships with important people in your life.
This can include your relationships with your partner, friends, family, and co-workers.
The goal is to identify the role these relationships play in your life and find ways of resolving conflicts.
Your therapist might ask you to roleplay different scenarios to make it practice and improve your communication.
Approaches to Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be delivered in a few different ways.
Ask if they take your health insurance or if they’re able to work with you on asliding scale.
Youll also want to know if they have any particular areas of expertise.
When working with a psychotherapist, you should always feel comfortableopening upand sharing your feelings and challenges with depression.
Its also OK to be upfront and honest with the therapist who didnt work out, too.
They might even have a better recommendation or referral for you.
Find out which option is the best for you.
2014;13(1):56-67. doi:10.1002/wps.20089
American Psychological Association.Cognitive therapy (CT).
Updated July 31, 2017.
Vittengl JR, Jarrett RB.Cognitive therapy to prevent depressive relapse in adults.Curr Opin Psychol.
2015;4:26-31. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.01.016
Fenn K, Byrne M.The key principles of cognitive behavioural therapy.InnovAiT.
2014;24(2):213-223. doi:10.1177/1049731513503047
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Psychotherapy.
2012;32(2):81-92. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.11.003
American Psychological Association.How to choose a psychologist.
October 17, 2019.
In:Ferri’s Clinical Adviser.
Mosby Elsevier; 2008.
