Seven Types of Therapy That Can Help Your Depression

Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health conditions, and therapy has been a proven treatment for decades. You might be wondering, what kind of therapy can I expect from my depression treatment? First, your therapist will work with you to understand your history and symptoms; then, they’ll build a treatment plan suited to your needs. This treatment plan is likely to include a referral to a psychiatrist for medication, some lifestyle changes, and a combination of any of the therapies listed below. Read on to learn about these seven common, effective therapies for treating depression. 

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most well-known therapies (for a reason!), CBT aims to identify and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to your depression. This form of therapy works well if you prefer to focus on the present and action steps rather than delving into the past. CBT is well-researched and the evidence shows that treating thoughts and behaviors can help address the underlying feelings, too. 

1. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Depression impacts our relationships, often in a harmful way. The goal of IPT is to improve how we interact with others and change unhealthy relational patterns. As social connections are the strongest protective factor against depression, this therapy aims to address and improve our  important relationships.

1. Behavioral Activation 

Behavioral activation comes from the theory that depression results from not enough positive reinforcement in our lives, and aims to address the avoidance of previously enjoyed activities common in depression. This therapy involves making a gradual, realistic schedule of activities that you find rewarding. This can be cooking, taking a walk, reading, etcetera. The aim is to use positive reinforcement to help you enjoy activities again and decrease harmful behaviors in turn. 

1. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes examining the root cause of our symptoms and aims to understand the past in order to improve the present. A psychodynamic therapist will focus on increasing self-awareness, understanding, and resolving conflicts and patterns resulting from our past experiences.

1. Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)

MBT can be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, rumination, and stress alike. This therapy focuses on teaching you how to stay present in the moment, avoid negative thought spirals, and develop a non-judgemental inner voice. 

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Closely related to MBT, ACT aims to help you accept the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions resulting from depression and commit to doing things that align with your values. This therapy often involves a mindfulness and psychological flexibility aspect, too.

1. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT aims to improve your emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and ability to be non-judgemental about your own emotions. This type of therapy works to improve black-and-white thinking and make us more tolerant to stress. 

These seven therapies are just a few examples of the many therapies available to treat depression. If you’re interested in trying something specific, ask potential therapists if they’re experienced with the modality. If you feel that your current treatment plan isn’t working, always bring this up with your therapist. Depression isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the treatment shouldn’t be, either!