Working with depression

Depression is something any of us can experience in our lives. It often involves low mood, and can also involve a loss of motivation, a loss of enjoyment of things, and avoidance of things we usually like. 

Depression can happen in response to specific events, or it can arise seemingly out of nowhere. Many people approach a therapist or counsellor for depression.

So, how do we address it in therapy?

Looking at your needs

It’s your therapy, so we will explore what you’re wanting from therapy and how I might support you. 

A possible direction: Processing the past

You may find that working through the difficult experiences from the past would be helpful. So often, it can feel like there isn’t a space for our trauma and the hard parts of our history - therapy is a great place to bring it into the light, hold it gently and reduce the power it has over us. Sometimes we need to release emotions we have been bottling up, or we might find it helpful to even acknowledge the challenges we went through. This is a place where you can move through what you need to.

A possible direction: reducing unhelpful ruminating

You might experience rumination - or overthinking. Feeling like you are going round in circles, trapped in a cycle of negative thinking. By opening this up together, we can look at the patterns you’re trapped in, and identify ways to shift or break out of them. 

A possible direction: behaviour change

You might find it helpful to work on beneficial behaviours, such as resting, connecting with friends, going on walks or journaling. This can be helpful in supporting you where you’re at, and introduce more pleasant emotions to your current state. We can also look at reducing behaviours that may be negatively affecting you, if this is what you want. It all goes according to what you feel you need, and change only happens when you feel ready.

Company in the hard times

Sometimes it’s not just about therapeutic tools: the benefits of therapy can be felt simply from having someone walking alongside you in the darkness. We can talk things through, experience the challenges together, and know that you have someone who is with you in your difficulties. Human connection can bring so many benefits simply from feeling seen and heard. You are not alone.

I hope that this was an interesting list, and please know that it is a starting point. Each person is unique in their journey, and there are so many things we can discuss to meet your specific needs.

If you’d like to explore your low mood, depression, grief or sadness, you are welcome to drop me a line on cosytherapy@gmail.com, or book a free initial session with me at cosytherapy.com

Depression is not easy, and I appreciate the strength it takes to reach out for help. Thanks for reading, and I wish you all the best. 

Warmth and wishes,

✨ April ✨