Depression Counselling in Charlton Kings

Photo of Kaukab Rasul, MBACP, Counsellor
Kaukab Rasul
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Charlton Kings GL53
Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi.
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi.
Over 15 years experience of working with couples and individuals. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential recognising their strengths and weaknesses; moving towards a life where they can thrive. Training: Professional Diploma in Counselling awarded by the University of the West of England. Registered member of the BACP. My Approach As an Integrative Counsellor is to work collaboratively with clients and draw on different approaches to try to match client/couple needs. I am fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi.
01452 930096 View 01452 930096
Photo of Kate Gregory, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Kate Gregory
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Charlton Kings GL53
You are welcome to contact me to make an appointment or with any questions.
Hello, I'm Kate. I offer 1:1 counselling to adults. This can be short or long term depending on your needs. I work face to face in Cheltenham or online via Zoom. I offer a warm, supportive and confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences. Counselling can help you to look at a particular issue that is worrying you, to make sense of difficult feelings, to explore deeply rooted issues, or simply to understand yourself better. I work with clients on many issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, feeling stuck and unmotivated, questions of identity, and adapting to life changes.
You are welcome to contact me to make an appointment or with any questions.
Hello, I'm Kate. I offer 1:1 counselling to adults. This can be short or long term depending on your needs. I work face to face in Cheltenham or online via Zoom. I offer a warm, supportive and confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences. Counselling can help you to look at a particular issue that is worrying you, to make sense of difficult feelings, to explore deeply rooted issues, or simply to understand yourself better. I work with clients on many issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, feeling stuck and unmotivated, questions of identity, and adapting to life changes.
01242 505859 View 01242 505859
Photo of Louise Ann Adamson - Come Alongside, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Come Alongside
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Charlton Kings GL53
My hope is to help you discover new ways of seeing yourself and develop new ways of being, feeling and relating, both to yourself and to other people.
My aim is to come alongside you - to really listen and understand how you experience life. I work collaboratively - taking into account what you want and need and how you want to work. I will also offer insights and suggestions if I think this may be of help to you, without directing our work together. My hope is to help you make sense of your experiences and associated symptoms, such as: Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Low self-esteem, patterns of behaviours and relating or coping mechanisms which may no longer helpful. Improved self understanding and compassion will help you foster new ways of being, feeling and behaving.
My hope is to help you discover new ways of seeing yourself and develop new ways of being, feeling and relating, both to yourself and to other people.
My aim is to come alongside you - to really listen and understand how you experience life. I work collaboratively - taking into account what you want and need and how you want to work. I will also offer insights and suggestions if I think this may be of help to you, without directing our work together. My hope is to help you make sense of your experiences and associated symptoms, such as: Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Low self-esteem, patterns of behaviours and relating or coping mechanisms which may no longer helpful. Improved self understanding and compassion will help you foster new ways of being, feeling and behaving.
01242 903233 View 01242 903233
Photo of Susannah Newell, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Susannah Newell
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Charlton Kings GL53
Taking the first step can feel daunting but also an important move towards managing current difficult circumstances and achieving a more positive life overall.
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.
Taking the first step can feel daunting but also an important move towards managing current difficult circumstances and achieving a more positive life overall.
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.
01242 650306 View 01242 650306
Photo of Dr Janette Rankine, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Janette Rankine
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Charlton Kings GL53
At the core of my work, is the awareness of the importance of the therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients.
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
At the core of my work, is the awareness of the importance of the therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients.
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
01242 384074 View 01242 384074
Photo of Hilary Lynn, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Hilary Lynn
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlton Kings GL53
With so many counsellors offering their services, finding one who feels right for you, someone you feel able to trust with those thoughts and feelings you may be struggling with, is really important.
Are you feeling low, confused, anxious or sad? Maybe you’ve lost someone close to you or find yourself stuck in a cycle of self-sabotaging behaviour. Or perhaps you’ve realised that you no longer know who you truly are. If you’re exhausted and overwhelmed by your feelings, if you’re struggling just to get through each day – you’re not alone. I’m here to help. My passion for helping others stems from a genuine desire to see individuals reclaim their lives and find inner peace. I know how important it is to feel listened to, heard and understood.
With so many counsellors offering their services, finding one who feels right for you, someone you feel able to trust with those thoughts and feelings you may be struggling with, is really important.
Are you feeling low, confused, anxious or sad? Maybe you’ve lost someone close to you or find yourself stuck in a cycle of self-sabotaging behaviour. Or perhaps you’ve realised that you no longer know who you truly are. If you’re exhausted and overwhelmed by your feelings, if you’re struggling just to get through each day – you’re not alone. I’m here to help. My passion for helping others stems from a genuine desire to see individuals reclaim their lives and find inner peace. I know how important it is to feel listened to, heard and understood.
01452 930082 View 01452 930082

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Gerry Ritchie, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Gerry Ritchie
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Many people have emotional or behavioural problems that cause distress in their lives.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction, sexual problems or just that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
Many people have emotional or behavioural problems that cause distress in their lives.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction, sexual problems or just that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
01242 395274 View 01242 395274
Photo of Dr Andrew Iles, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Andrew Iles
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I am committed to working with individuals to develop a non-judgemental, and supportive therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, through which feelings and difficulties can be explored.
Face-to-face appointments in Gloucester City Centre or online psychological therapy. If you are suffering with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, complex PTSD, complex trauma, relational difficulties or difficulties regulating your emotions, then I hope to be able to help you.
I am committed to working with individuals to develop a non-judgemental, and supportive therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, through which feelings and difficulties can be explored.
Face-to-face appointments in Gloucester City Centre or online psychological therapy. If you are suffering with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, complex PTSD, complex trauma, relational difficulties or difficulties regulating your emotions, then I hope to be able to help you.
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Photo of Regina Tipping - Regina Tipping, MA
Regina Tipping
MA
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I provide person centred compassionate support.
Hello! If you need to talk, I can help! I am a friendly, calm, and caring mother of two. I enjoy cooking, arts, and dance and I enjoy helping in community-building activities. I am accredited by the BABCP. I have worked for NHS talking therapies for over five years helping people manage low mood, worry, panic disorder, specific fears, and other behavioural difficulties. I have in-depth experience in using cognitive behavioural therapies and other holistic techniques to help people regain their happiness and confidence. I work with adults and teenagers including people with ADHD, ASD, and other specific needs
I provide person centred compassionate support.
Hello! If you need to talk, I can help! I am a friendly, calm, and caring mother of two. I enjoy cooking, arts, and dance and I enjoy helping in community-building activities. I am accredited by the BABCP. I have worked for NHS talking therapies for over five years helping people manage low mood, worry, panic disorder, specific fears, and other behavioural difficulties. I have in-depth experience in using cognitive behavioural therapies and other holistic techniques to help people regain their happiness and confidence. I work with adults and teenagers including people with ADHD, ASD, and other specific needs
01242 569946 View 01242 569946
Photo of Dianne McCormick, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dianne McCormick
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50  (Online Only)
Where appropriate, I share thoughts, perceptions and feelings that may shed new light, insight and direction on areas of exploration.
"Dianne helped my husband and I bridge seemingly impossible gaps in our understanding of each other and ability to communicate despite considerable differences. Dianne took us from a place where we encountered apparently unresolvable emotional blockages daily, from a place of frustration and chronic misunderstanding to a place where we were able to appreciate each other's feelings and show love to one another increasingly unreservedly. She was skilfully professional, without ever faltering in compassion or humanity. She has given us the tools we needed to succeed in our marriage and we are hugely grateful for her help. " Annon
Where appropriate, I share thoughts, perceptions and feelings that may shed new light, insight and direction on areas of exploration.
"Dianne helped my husband and I bridge seemingly impossible gaps in our understanding of each other and ability to communicate despite considerable differences. Dianne took us from a place where we encountered apparently unresolvable emotional blockages daily, from a place of frustration and chronic misunderstanding to a place where we were able to appreciate each other's feelings and show love to one another increasingly unreservedly. She was skilfully professional, without ever faltering in compassion or humanity. She has given us the tools we needed to succeed in our marriage and we are hugely grateful for her help. " Annon
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Photo of Catherine Macer, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Catherine Macer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I understand that asking for help is not easy, in fact it may be one of the hardest things you do.
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
I understand that asking for help is not easy, in fact it may be one of the hardest things you do.
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
01257 449409 View 01257 449409
Photo of Claudette Roberts, MBACP, Counsellor
Claudette Roberts
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Takes courage to say I need support.
Are you questioning life, struggling, feeling lost, wondering what is wrong and why does it feel I'm not getting it quite right! You're not alone and within us we all have the need to be connected with ourselves and sometimes we struggle feeling connected to others, to feel okay and have our own sense of purpose. We live in a fast pace changing world, which doesn't always support us, when we wish to be truly heard, at our pace and to have the private time to reflect and make changes.
Takes courage to say I need support.
Are you questioning life, struggling, feeling lost, wondering what is wrong and why does it feel I'm not getting it quite right! You're not alone and within us we all have the need to be connected with ourselves and sometimes we struggle feeling connected to others, to feel okay and have our own sense of purpose. We live in a fast pace changing world, which doesn't always support us, when we wish to be truly heard, at our pace and to have the private time to reflect and make changes.
01452 227733 View 01452 227733
Photo of Ricardo Goni, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Ricardo Goni
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Contact me for a free consultation, you need to see if you can trust me enough to share life events that can be painful to revisit.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
Contact me for a free consultation, you need to see if you can trust me enough to share life events that can be painful to revisit.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
0117 463 7926 View 0117 463 7926
Photo of Jen Edwards, MBACP, Counsellor
Jen Edwards
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I know it’s hard to reach out for help.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
I know it’s hard to reach out for help.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
01242 903218 View 01242 903218
Photo of Natasha Lusty, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Natasha Lusty
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50  (Online Only)
I understand how hard it can be to find a counsellor and talk about some of the most difficult and private things in your life.
I work with adults over the age of 18 to help people overcome the struggles that they are facing in life. It may be a past trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, relationship problems… to name a few. I welcome you to come as you are and together we can explore what is going on for you.
I understand how hard it can be to find a counsellor and talk about some of the most difficult and private things in your life.
I work with adults over the age of 18 to help people overcome the struggles that they are facing in life. It may be a past trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, relationship problems… to name a few. I welcome you to come as you are and together we can explore what is going on for you.
01594 808724 View 01594 808724
Photo of Dr Jane Spurr, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jane Spurr
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I would like to use my experience to understand your unique personality, values, beliefs, life experiences and goals, to help you to find what is special about you and how to use these strengths to improve your life.
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
I would like to use my experience to understand your unique personality, values, beliefs, life experiences and goals, to help you to find what is special about you and how to use these strengths to improve your life.
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
01242 506292 View 01242 506292
Photo of Bobby Jon Hook - Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I build a great relationship with my clients as we embark on your journey together.
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
I build a great relationship with my clients as we embark on your journey together.
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
01242 395231 View 01242 395231
Photo of Carley Ayling, BACP, Counsellor
Carley Ayling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50  (Online Only)
If anyone, family member or friend, has ever said to you ‘you need to go and see someone’ because a problem is overtaking your normal life then please give me a call.
Hello, I am Carley Ayling and I’ve been working as a counsellor since my training in 2010. I provide treatment to individuals aged 14 years and above, male and female. I’ve worked with many clients with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships difficulties, parents whose children suffer from behavioural issues, suicide and self-harm. I’ve also helped with sleep, financial and sexual assault. I offer a free initial appointment where we can exchange information to see if we are happy to work together. I can only provide sessions via Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp video or telephone calls in the evenings.
If anyone, family member or friend, has ever said to you ‘you need to go and see someone’ because a problem is overtaking your normal life then please give me a call.
Hello, I am Carley Ayling and I’ve been working as a counsellor since my training in 2010. I provide treatment to individuals aged 14 years and above, male and female. I’ve worked with many clients with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships difficulties, parents whose children suffer from behavioural issues, suicide and self-harm. I’ve also helped with sleep, financial and sexual assault. I offer a free initial appointment where we can exchange information to see if we are happy to work together. I can only provide sessions via Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp video or telephone calls in the evenings.
01489 346870 View 01489 346870
Photo of Hannah Cruttenden, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Hannah Cruttenden
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Seeking professional help can feel like a big step.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Seeking professional help can feel like a big step.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
020 4538 6304 View 020 4538 6304
Photo of Linzi Worrall - Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
If you would like to know more about how I work, or would like to book an initial session to see if I am the right counsellor for you, please do have a look at my website and get in touch.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
If you would like to know more about how I work, or would like to book an initial session to see if I am the right counsellor for you, please do have a look at my website and get in touch.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
01452 923034 View 01452 923034

See more therapy options for Charlton Kings

Depression Counsellors

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.