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Treatment for Depression and other Mood disorders

Depression is a condition that affects approximately one in five people. It is more than feeling sad or upset.

Clinical depression is characterised by ongoing symptoms of intense hopelessness, feelings of emptiness, difficulty concentrating and chronic issues with motivation.

Many people who experience depression end up stopping the activities that once gave them pleasure or purpose, and they start making decisions that drive them away from the people that matter. I can help you to manage this depression and other mood disorders. While many psychologists only focus on symptom reduction, I adopt a broader approach that promotes the development of skills and strategies that have long-term results.

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Types of Mood Disorders​

Getting caught up in our mind about problems and changing our activities to due to feeling depressed can interfere with everyday life. The ways in which mood disorders impact varies and here are some of the common issues:​

  • Major Depression - characterised by a depressed mood lasting several weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical or unipolar depression.

  • Bipolar Disorder - characterised by alternating periods of severe depression and manic highs.

  • Psychotic Depression - characterised by a depressed mood and symptoms of psychosis, including visual or auditory hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.

  • Dysthymia - characterised by a moderate to mild depressed mood that is ongoing for several months with persistent feelings of flatness or fatigue.

  • Mixed Depression and Anxiety - characterised by a combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety where we feel trapped between our worries and our low mood.

How Treatment for Depression Works

Psychological counselling has been proven as a successful way to treat the majority of depression diagnoses with or without medication. My treatments adhere to best practice and modern research, and your treatment plan will involve the following key components:​

  • Psychoeducation, where you will learn about the role and functions of mood, how mood is processed in the brain, and how depressive disorders develop.

  • Changing behavioural and thinking patterns, where you will learn how to recognise and move away from unhelpful thoughts, develop emotional regulation skills, learn to use relaxation & breathing skills, mindfulness skills, and develop self-worth and confidence.

  • Meaningful goal setting to promote actions and choices that enrich life and bring us closer to the people we care about.

  • Safety management to ensure that you are able to remain resilient to suicidal ideation and avoid actions that harm you.

My aim is to make your experience of counselling accessible, relevant and, most importantly, effective. You are welcome to contact me to ask questions or discuss treatment options.

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