Five Forms of Talk Therapies that Help with Depression

Amy Taylor February 06, 2017

Whether you are battling with depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, talk therapy can greatly help. And don’t think it only comes in one form. Talk therapies come in different formats and techniques. Check out the following and see which ones you can try:

Psychoanalysis

This form of talk therapy was developed by Sigmund Freud. He believed that people can be cured by making conscious their unconscious thoughts and motivations, thus, allowing them to gain insights and understand their behaviour. The goal of this therapy is to release repressed emotions and experiences. Psychoanalysis can be rigorous - sessions can last for a year or many years.

Cognitive therapy

Also known as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is perhaps the most known form of talk therapy. It is based on the psychological premise that our negative thought patterns can cause or contribute to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Put simple, cognitive therapy helps you overcome problems by changing your behaviour. During treatment, the patient learns how to replace irrational thoughts with more constructive ones. Unlike psychoanalysis, CBT is geared towards solving immediate problems. It is also typically briefer yet highly structured - the therapist creates a specific plan for each session.

Psychodynamic therapy

Much more similar to psychoanalysis, this form of talk therapy also focuses on the unconscious, personal development, and the relationship between therapist and patient. Sessions are less frequent though, and the entire treatment is briefer, typically taking a year or less.

Interpersonal therapy

Lack of social support and interpersonal conflicts can sometimes fuel feelings of depression. In this case, interpersonal therapy is a good treatment option. Here, the therapist helps the patient closely examine their personal and social relationships, improve communication, and build more solid social support. The therapy focuses on relationships and what their role is in an individual’s life.

Experiential therapy

One notable characteristic of experiential therapy is that it is built in an emphatic and supportive relationship between the patient and the therapist. Knowing that the therapist understands them and is able to connect with them plays a big factor in the treatment and recovery of the patient. Here, an individual learns to distinguish healthy emotional responses from those that are harmful.

Battling with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can be less tormenting with any of these therapies. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health problem, talk therapy can be a great avenue for healing and recovery.

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