Psychotherapy
Within psychotherapy there are different therapeutic directions and many different methods. It is important that you understand the different types of therapy and make an informed choice regarding your therapy.
If you're suffering from depression then you know a great deal about what it's like to suffer from this illness.
Your therapist should know a great deal about how people respond when distressed.
Do psychotherapists specialise?
Yes. Psychotherapists specialise in the following fields:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Psychodynamic theory
- Family therapy
Here you can read about these different fields.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to:
- Build a strong alliance between you and your therapist
- Thoroughly evaluate your problem
- Identify problems and set realistic goals
- Understand how you think
- Manage your mood or feelings
If you're suffering from depression, your therapist will teach you:
- Safe and effective coping skills
- Techniques to help manage your moods and anxiety
- How to resolve problems
Different treatments are available for different mental problems and conditions.
The number of sessions you need varies from person to person, but an average course of treatment for moderate depression will last between 12 and 20 sessions.
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What is psychodynamic therapy?
This treatment builds on Freud's theories about:
- Psychosexual stages
- Unconscious conflicts
- Defence mechanisms
- Subconscious processes
Your therapist will listen, support, and help you to process and resolve childhood issues.
Your therapist will attach great importance to insight. Your therapist will also use the following methods:
- Revelation and interpretation
- Free association
- Dream interpretation
It is generally a long-term treatment.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression may focus on:
- Activating and resolving problems
- Rebuilding your self-esteem and social skills
- Improving your communication skills
- Preventing relapse
- Changing negative and destructive thought processes
- Alleviating traumatic experiences and psychological pain
- Modifying inappropriate behaviour that exacerbates your problems
- Providing acute help in the event of suicidal thoughts and suicide threats
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