3 Ways to Use Counseling to Treat Depression

1. Changing Behaviors With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

The method of counseling known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of depression. Therapists who specialize in this type of counseling generally take a no-medication approach to treatment and instead offer ways to change your thought processes permanently, making it less likely that you'll experience a relapse in the future. The key to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is to confront your current beliefs and challenge the truthfulness of the negative and hopeless thoughts. Through talk therapy and at-home exercises, you will take an active role in your treatment by keeping a log of your feelings and taking part in mental exercises or "experiments" that will eventually change your reaction to such negative thoughts while increasing your self-worth, positivity and general outlook on life.

2. Finding Support in Group Therapy

Participating in group therapy has been proven to be extremely effective for depression sufferers. These therapist-guided sessions allow people to discuss their challenges openly while receiving the support of other individuals who are experiencing similar feelings. Group therapy sessions are often used in conjunction with individual counseling to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. If you are interested in finding a local support group, you may want to discuss the idea with your therapist or check with the American Group Psychotherapy Association for a referral.

3. Getting Your Family Involved in the Treatment Process

Clinical depression doesn't just take a toll on you. If you are involved in a committed relationship, it is likely that your partner is also going through a difficult time. Oftentimes, relationships become strained by depression, especially when one partner starts pulling away or emotionally detaching himself. If your relationship is suffering because of clinical depression, consider inviting your partner to attend family therapy with you. These sessions will help you both understand the disease and offer strategies that will help you communicate openly with one another and understand each other's challenges throughout the treatment process.