While a psychiatrist can prescribe medicine for depression, a psychologist uses talk therapy as a way to help you emotionally heal.

Therapy for depression can be incredibly effective in helping individuals manage and reduce symptoms. Depression can be complex and may manifest in various ways—such as persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, or difficulty concentrating—but therapy offers a safe space to explore those feelings and develop strategies for coping.

Here are some approaches I use for depression:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• How it helps: CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for depression. It works by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more realistic or positive ones. By changing how we think, we can also change how we feel and behave.
• Key techniques: Thought reframing, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation (encouraging activities that bring pleasure or accomplishment).

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• How it helps: IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning. It helps individuals identify and address relationship problems that might be contributing to or resulting from depression.
• Key areas: Grief, role transitions, interpersonal conflicts, and social isolation.

Psychodynamic Therapy

• How it helps: This therapy explores past experiences, unconscious conflicts, and early life events to understand how they influence current behavior and emotions. It’s particularly helpful if depression is linked to unresolved issues or trauma.
• Key focus: Insight into past relationships and experiences, self-awareness, and emotional expression.

Behavioral Activation

• How it helps: This is a therapeutic technique often used in CBT that encourages individuals to engage in activities that are rewarding or meaningful. When someone is depressed, they often withdraw from activities, which can make symptoms worse. Behavioral activation targets this by re-engaging them with life.
• Key focus: Scheduling enjoyable or meaningful activities to break the cycle of inactivity and negative thinking.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• How it helps: MBCT combines elements of mindfulness meditation with traditional cognitive therapy. It helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, without becoming overwhelmed by them. This can prevent relapse in people with recurrent depression.
• Key techniques: Mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and awareness practices.