CBT Counselling for depression & low mood.

Depression is a word with very powerful and quite negative associations. And yet, depression is a perfectly natural and common experience. Indeed, most people will find certain points in their lives – particularly when we have to deal with major life events or significant losses – emotional, physical, financial, when depression hits and we feel down.

Experiencing low mood; loss of appetite; loss of sex drive; disturbed sleep, and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities would be a perfectly natural reaction to these kinds of triggers.

CBT counselling for depression offers hope though. CBT can help you make sense of these symptoms and learn strategies to deal better with and overcome them.

Depression symptoms can be a perfectly healthy and normal reaction to difficult periods in our lives. However, when the symptoms are prolonged they can lead to additional complications. After a while, depression will have a negative impact on your relationships and your ability to function at work. This is when counselling for depression can become essential, if you are to avoid breakdown.

CBT counselling (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a recognised treatment for depression and is recommended by the NHS and in the NICE clinical guidelines for depression.

Whilst antidepressants can be helpful for some people in managing the symptoms of depression, the Nice Guidelines recommend CBT counselling for depression since it helps get to the cause underlying the low mood and will give you strategies to help overcome the difficulties you are experiencing.

CBT counselling for depression: explained

Unlike older types of ‘talking therapy’, Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) works actively to help you understand the links between your thoughts, behaviours and feelings. With better understanding and insight, and the space to talk freely without judgement, you will start the journey of recovery. CBT counselling also differs from other ‘talking therapies’ in being able to give you practical strategies to cope better with your symptoms of depression.

Sometimes situations in life are sad: bereavement and loss of relationships in particular can be felt at a very deep level. The benefit of counselling has always been that it offers a private, respectful and confidential space for you to talk about your loss, without fear of judgement. With CBT counselling for depression the additional benefit is that as well as offering you the space to talk through your situation quietly and without having your concerns dismissed, it can also help you to look at situations more objectively. By recognising the loss and finding a balanced viewpoint, you will feel more able to take the action needed to get life back on track.

You can find out more about the symptoms of depression by visiting the
NHS Depression Web Page.

You can also try the NHS self assessment test by clicking this link

If you are looking for help to overcome the symptoms of depression or low mood and would like to book that first session please click the link below:

Talkmebetter is a CBT counselling service based near Cardiff and serving Cardiff, Newport and South Wales Valleys.

I can offer sessions over SKYPE if needed or to find a therapist in other parts of the UK counselling directory.org will help you find a therapist near your postcode – but remember to ask the therapist how much experience they have of dealing with this issue and how confident they are of being able to help you.