Therapy for Depression: How It Works and What to Expect

Depression can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Therapy is a powerful tool for not just managing the symptoms of depression but also addressing the root cause, helping you find lasting relief. Here at SD Wellness Group, we have compassionate, accessible, effective treatment options that get you the care you need without long wait times.

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, understanding how treatment works and what to expect can be the first step toward recovery.

What Is Depression Therapy?

Here at our outpatient mental health clinic, depression therapy involves working with a licensed clinician to explore the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that are tied to your mental health disorder. By helping you develop healthy coping mechanisms, identify patterns, and work through trauma, therapy can help you build resilience. For many, the right therapeutic approach has significantly improved their quality of life and mood.

Common Types of Therapy for Depression

While there are several types of depression treatments available, here are some of the therapies we’ve found to be the most successful in treating this disorder:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This structured talk therapy can help you develop more positive, constructive ways of thinking. CBT helps you identify the negative thought patterns you have that may be contributing to your depression and teaches you practical ways to challenge and change those patterns. CBT has helped many suffering from depression not only reduce their symptoms but also regain control over their thoughts and emotions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Another talk therapy, DBT, focuses on improving mindfulness and emotional regulation. That makes it especially beneficial for those who experience intense emotions or struggle with self-destructive behaviors. Because DBT can improve your ability to tolerate and manage distress, it can be an effective way to address depression and enhance overall well-being.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an innovative way to address past traumas. It can be used to treat depression that’s linked to negative past experiences, helping you reprocess those distressing memories.

During an EMDR session, you’ll focus on a traumatic memory while engaging with stimuli that engage both sides of the brain, such as eye movements or tapping on opposite sides of your body. The stimulation is believed to help your brain desensitize and process the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional impact.

Depression and Medication

While professional therapy alone can be a highly effective depression treatment, you may benefit from an approach that combines therapy and medication. Antidepressants may help regulate your brain chemistry, helping you more quickly alleviate severe symptoms. Medication for depression isn’t right for everyone, and our SD Wellness Group clinicians will work with you to find the best way to treat your depression, whether or not that includes medication.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

Knowing what to expect during depression therapy can help ease any anxiety you may have. While the exact process will depend on the type of therapy your care team recommends, here’s a general look at what to expect:

• Assessment and goal setting: Your first session typically involves discussing your history, symptoms, and goals for therapy. This helps ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your specific wants and needs.
• Ongoing sessions: During your sessions, you’ll explore behaviors and thoughts, address challenges as they arise, and develop effective coping strategies.
• Consistency and openness: Regular attendance, participation, and open communication with your therapist are essential for your progress and mental health. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of your ongoing sessions.

How to Help a Depressed Person Seek Therapy

Encouraging a loved one to start therapy for depression can be challenging, but here are a few ways to offer support:

• Express your concern with empathy, not judgment
• Research options beforehand and provide information about different therapies and available resources
• Offer to help with scheduling or to attend a session for support
• Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness

Additional Depression Treatment Options

Beyond talk therapies and medication, other treatment options could enhance recovery and long-term wellness. Consider lifestyle changes; a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can improve mental health.

If you have treatment-resistant depression, alternative therapies could be options, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). An FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment, TMS has helped many find relief—and we offer it here at SD Wellness Group.

Esketamine has also been shown to be effective in addressing treatment-resistant depression. We offer intranasal ketamine, known as SPRAVATO®, here at our mental health clinic and IV esketamine treatments at our partner clinic.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Taking the first step toward healing can be difficult, but with SD Wellness Group, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way, helping you address the root cause of your depression so you can live the happy, fulfilled life you deserve. Connect with us to start your journey to lasting wellness.