A depression therapist is a mental health professional who works with people to help them overcome depression using a variety of techniques, such as talk therapy. Though each depression therapist takes a slightly different approach to talking with people and treating mental illness, they all use similar techniques for identifying potential life causes of depression and then providing information on how to deal with daily symptoms. If the patient is on medication for depression, this type of therapist will frequently collaborate with the patient’s physician or psychiatrist.
In many cases, a depression therapist will start by asking about the patient’s past to see if there are any patterns or specific events that may have contributed to the depression. Though depression is frequently a physiological condition with no obvious cause, certain life events can certainly exacerbate the problem. If the depression developed as a result of a major life change, such as a divorce or the loss of a job, a depression therapist can assist the patient in processing his or her feelings about the event and moving forward. Identifying issues that occur repeatedly in a person’s life, such as failed relationships, can also be beneficial at this point.
In addition, the therapist will begin working with the patient to identify negative thought patterns or habits that can exacerbate depression. A depression therapist may use cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce and prevent negative thought patterns and other behaviors that can contribute to depression, such as poor communication skills that can cause problems in relationships. The therapist will often give the patient specific techniques for stopping these destructive thoughts or behaviors in their tracks, and will ask them to practice using them in between sessions. Other lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption or increasing exercise, may also be recommended.
While some people find that talking to a depression therapist is all they need to feel better, others will need to take antidepressant medication. After that, the therapist will collaborate with a physician to ensure that the patient’s treatment is as effective as possible. If the therapist is a medical doctor, the medication may be prescribed directly by him or her. Anyone interested in becoming a depression therapist must genuinely enjoy working with people and assisting others.