Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is an effective treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. Talk therapy is effective on its own for those with treatment-resistant depression or paired with prescribed medication. There are various types of individual counseling that meet different needs.
Cognitive, behavioral, and cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on an individual’s thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their mental health condition, such as depression. A therapist practicing cognitive or behavioral therapy will work with the individual to analyze and break down thought and behavioral patterns that challenge preconceptions in the mind. The therapist may set goals, and assign “homework” such as keeping a thought journal and having one apply problem-solving strategies. Active Path offers a short-term cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with treatment-resistant depression. For more information, click here.
Interpersonal therapy involves focusing on relationships in a person’s life and connecting how it relates to one’s mental health conditions. This practice focuses on practical, more behavioral issues. One will learn how to spot unhealthy behaviors and change them.
Psychodynamic therapy is more traditional and common. The therapist will help the individual explore behavior patterns as well as motivation one might have not been aware of. These patterns can contribute to depression or other mental health conditions. Factors contributing to negative behaviors, for example, can be childhood trauma.
Individual counseling focuses on mood disorders with professional therapy. This professional can be conducted with an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), and a PsyD (Psychologist). An individual will learn more about mood disorders as well as understand their own. One will work with their therapist on ways to manage moods, such as stress, so mental health conditions subside or for preventative measures. The professional therapist will help identify triggers and help the individual work through stressors involving professional and personal life.
Active Recovery offers short-term cognitive behavioral therapy. For more information, click here or to schedule a consultation, call us at 503-388-9992.
Source: Bruce, Debra Fulghum. “Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy) for Depression Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/treatment-resistant-depression-psychotherapy.
