Tonbridge Brief Therapy Centre :: Effective change now

Depression is a state that

• is not just a a result of random brain chemistry
• is not simply genetic
• is generally a temporary emotional state that can be understood and controlled
• can be lifted permanently through effective therapy

Effective therapy for depression

• does not involve endless introspection
• teaches the client practical skills
• deals with troubling past experiences and does not dwell on them
• is present and future focused
• makes improvements from the outset

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find answers to some questions most frequently asked by clients with this concern and considering coming to the centre for effective counselling. You are welcome to telephone for a free short consultation in advance of the first appointment if you have other queries.

Is depression curable or is it just a natural genetic condition? Yes, it is curable and no, the evidence does not support the notion that it is purely genetic, though it is true that some people may be more prone to depressive episodes than others. But many people go through depressive episodes at times in their lives and the vast majority recover permanently.

Do you just talk to clients and then they are somehow better?    Of course this is what most clients would like us to do - something equivalent to taking a drug but with no pills and no side-effects. Whilst outcomes that feel magical in this way can and often do occur, the therapy is not a form of magic. It employs solution-focused counselling, relaxation, metaphor and working with the imaginative mind as well as techniques drawn from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and other effective modern therapies. By combining techniques in this way, the client is supported in changing ineffective patterns and is able to understand and reproduce positive effects for herself/himself. We invite clients to gradually master the skill of controlling their own condition.

Which forms of therapy are appropriate for depression?    Major studies have shown that brief therapy methods that are goal-directed, future-oriented and time-limited, teaching definite cognitive and emotional skills are far more effective than older psychodynamic therapies as still practised by many counsellors and therapists Many people who have suffered depressive episodes know too well how to ruminate and to dwell negatively on past experiences and need no further practice. Therapy which is solution-focused counteracts this tendency and rehearses new ways of being and acting from the outset.

How do you deal with past experiences?      In some cases, depression may be the direct result of particular identifiable traumatic or otherwise challenging experiences which will need to be addressed in effective ways. Excellent methods of proven effectiveness that are not intrusive do exist for de-conditioning the effects of such experiences and giving clients new freedom. It is not necessary, however, to introspect endlessly about all past experiences, since one cannot ultimately change the past whilst the present and the future can be changed.

What happens in sessions for depression?   There is no rigidly set pattern to work with this condition since we deal with people as individuals and respect their differences. You will normally sit in a comfortable chair opposite the therapist, though other choices can be made available. The therapist will ask you questions designed to gather information, locate resources and initiate change. The aim of the sessions will be clearly agreed so that therapy can be terminated when the goals are achieved. Skills in handling negative patterns are taught as well as basic relaxation, breathing etc. Particular techniques of guided imagery may be used in treating associated conditions such as phobias and these will be explained as necessary. You may be given simple tasks to perform between sessions.Session length is a minimum of one hour, though a longer initial appointment may be advisable.

How many sessions will I need?      Brief therapy is of course brief - we aim to conclude therapy in a minimum number of sessions. However, some conditions take longer to treat than others, especially where there are additional concerns around confidence and self esteem, fears and phobias, particular traumatic experiences etc. One session can often provide considerable relief and positive change and we have no objection to clients coming to ‘try out’ without necessarily committing to additional sessions. However, we would advise that at least 3 sessions be given for most depressive conditions, though these need not be paid for in advance. (We do also have schemes in place for people whose means are severely limited.)

Should I consult my doctor/medical adviser?    You are welcome to tell your doctor that you are taking sessions. Please feel free to give him or her this website address or copies of our leaflet and any other literature you may have received from us so that he or she is aware of the way in which we practice. Some medical practitioners in the area are already aware of our work. Doctors who are not are welcome to contact us for a free talk/presentation at practice meetings as and when possible. We have a National Health service provider number, though referral depends on the policy of the medical practice/service involved

Should I continue with medication?    Yes. If you are already on prescribed antidepressants and other medication, you should continue with this at the outset and consult your doctor about stopping or reducing dosage in due course.

How will I know it’s working?   You will simply feel better and begin to be able to think more clearly. This may happen quickly or more gradually and you will encouraged to note the signs and amplify the effect for yourself.

* For further information and interest, you can click on this link to read an article by Joseph Griffin published in New Scientist and explaining the advantages of the Human Givens approach to depression.