Depression is a very treatable condition. Around 80% to 90% of people with this condition respond well to treatment.
According to reports, counselling or talk therapy is an effective treatment for depression. Even in severe cases, using therapy in conjunction with medications help people deal better with their symptoms.
What are the benefits of this treatment? Depression counselling arms you with strategies which can help you cope or overcome your condition.
For one, you are going to learn how to identify signs of an impending episode as well as how to prevent it from happening. You are also going to know how to process issues which are affecting your life in a negative way.
It is worth noting, however, that counselling is not an instant fix. It is a process that often requires several sessions before results are achieved.
Moreover, simply getting counselling is not enough. Its success greatly hinges on two important factors: how good your counsellor is and how receptive you are going to be.
Find an Excellent Depression Counsellor
The kind of counsellor you have can make all the difference in the outcome of your treatment. So, make sure that you choose the best one for you.
The counsellor you pick needs to have the necessary qualifications – someone with a formal training in depression counselling.
Remember, talk therapy is not just simply about you talking and the counsellor listening. There is a process to it that only a qualified therapist would know.
A formal training equips a counsellor with the knowledge and skills needed to properly and safely conduct a talk therapy session.
So, check the credentials of the counsellor you are considering. Aside from having formal training, experience is also important. If possible, pick someone who has been working with people with depression for several years.
Every person with depression is different. A seasoned counsellor knows this and, through years of practice, has developed strategies on how to handle each case. As they say, experience is the best teacher.
While credentials and experience greatly matter, these aren’t the only things you should consider when selecting the right counsellor for you. You must also factor in your comfort level.
The counsellor should be someone you’d be comfortable talking to, someone you’d be able to connect with. Just like other endeavours in life, this treatment won’t be effective if you are not comfortable with the person you are working with.
Actively Participate During Your Depression Counselling
Counselling is a team effort. The team is composed of YOU and the counsellor. Your counsellor’s impressive credentials and years of experience would not matter if you are uncooperative.
What should you do? First, you need to keep in mind that this is all about you. In each session, you are going to do most of the talking. The counsellor’s primary tasks are to ask the right questions and to listen attentively to you.
Be honest and open all the time. This treatment only works if the therapist is armed with the right information. She needs to know you – what you think and what you feel. So, share your honest thoughts and feelings with her.
Always be prepared for each session. Make sure you write every question or thoughts you have before seeing your counsellor. See to it that you do the homework you are given.
Do not hesitate to ask questions, especially on your first session. Inquire about what the counselling process is like and what it requires. These questions are going to help you better understand how this treatment is going to benefit you. In case you don’t understand something along the way, clarify matters with your counsellor.
A good counsellor plus you doing the needed work – these are the essentials for the therapy to work. But just like what was mentioned earlier, it takes time before its effects are seen. So, don’t quickly give up on it.
Looking for a trusted depression counselling clinic in Dublin? Call us today on 01 5240708 to schedule an appointment with our trained and experienced counsellors!
