What is Counselling for Depression?

Continuing our blog series about talking therapies and what they all mean and how they can help, this week we will discuss Counselling for Depression. Counselling can be used to treat a variety of common mental health issues, but in NHS Talking Therapy services it is used specifically to treat low mood and depression.

You don’t need to have been diagnosed with depression by your GP to access this therapy. When you refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, a friendly member of the team will do an assessment with you to find out which therapy you would benefit most from.

What is Counselling for Depression?

This kind of talking therapy focuses on the emotional problems associated with depression. Through your counselling sessions, together with your counsellor, you will understand your feelings more clearly, which will then enable you to overcome them.

The aim is for you to understand the feelings that are causing you to feel depressed, or whatever feeling you are struggling with.

What does a counselling session look like?

During a session, you will discuss and explore your feelings with your counsellor. They will help you to make sense of your feelings and the impact they’re having on your life, for you to make positive changes. You will learn how to express your feelings and develop new ways to manage your mood.

You can access this talking therapy from the comfort of your own home through a video call, or in person with a counsellor.

What can Counselling for Depression help with?

This type of talking therapy can be useful if you’re feeling depressed, or maybe just a bit low and not like yourself. It can also be useful if you’re going through a divorce, if you’ve recently lost your job, struggling with low self-esteem and other issues.

Read more about Counselling for Depression here, and where to find your nearest provider.