Why counselling for depression works

People with depression often feel alone and isolated. They don’t know who they should talk to about their feelings - or even if they can. But counselling for depression can have a big impact on your mental health. Having the chance to express your feelings in a safe environment can help you to clear your mind. And, therapists can provide the understanding and advice that friends and family cannot.

Therapy can give you the support and confidence that you need to start overcoming your depression. If you are considering therapy but don’t fully understand how it can help you, then read the following.

Express your feelings

Counselling for depression can help you to express your feelings more effectively. Often, people suffering from depression may feel unable to talk about how they really feel. This means their negative feelings are left inside their head, feeding them negative thoughts. Then, over time, people can lose the willpower to fight against this voice and start believing the negativity. This can have an even worse effect on their mental health and make it harder to overcome their depression.

But, counselling can make overcoming this voice easier as you are no longer alone. You are able to talk about your feelings and how they affect your mental health. By talking with a therapist, you can also find the root of your depression. This can make you feel more confident, as you now know what caused, or is causing, your feelings.

Have someone who’ll listen

You may worry that your family and friends won’t understand what you are going through. Or that they may judge you for feeling the way you do. This can make it harder to talk to them as you may hold back and not be completely honest, or their attitude could lack compassion. Plus, their advice might not work for you as they may not understand the effects of depression and therefore not be able to relate to your feelings. Their advice can also be biased, as they just want to see you happy quickly and don’t understand the necessary processes.
 
A therapist can provide the professional guidance and space that you need to share your feelings. They understand the need to listen carefully to your thoughts and feelings without interrupting, judging or trying to lead the conversation. They know that you need to get all your feelings out in the open to help clear your mind. By listening they can then provide the best support for you and help you to move forward. Family may try and interject at the wrong moments which can make it harder for you to get everything off your chest.

Gain professional advice

Counselling for depression provides a means to overcome your unhappiness. Therapists have the experience and knowledge to offer tailored sessions that work for your specific situation. Not everyone suffers from the same type of depression. Therefore, you should be speaking to someone who understands this and can help you recognise what works for you.
 
Expert assistance and guidance can make a huge difference when it comes to recovering from mental health issues. You will have more confidence as you know that your therapist will only provide you with tips that have worked in the past. This can then make your recovery faster as you have trust in these recommendations.

Counselling is a brilliant way to help treat a variety of issues like depression and anxiety. A therapist can provide you with the listening ear that you need to express your feelings, the safe place where you can feel unrestricted and at ease, and most importantly, the support to help you recover. Therapy may be the necessary step that you need to start on the path of recovery to a happier and healthier future.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Counselling Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6NU
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Written by Dr Liddy Carver
Dr. Registered MBACP (Accred), PhD Counselling
location_on Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6NU
Prior to establishing her private practice in Warrington, Cheshire, Dr Liddy Carver was a Senior University Lecturer/Programme Leader in Counselling. Her therapeutic experience includes work in a university counselling service, not for profit organis...
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