There are various types of psychological treatments that your healthcare professional can discuss with you. The treatments will involve seeing a trained therapist for several sessions over a period of time. Some people may feel uncomfortable about this form of treatment as it involves revealing personal details to a healthcare professional and it carries a certain social stigma in our society. However, psychological treatments have been proven beneficial in treating depression and reducing the risk of relapse.

Research has shown that various forms of psychological treatment are effective in the treatment of depression including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Brief dynamic therapy
• Marital therapy
• Family therapy

The research however has not revealed exactly how long people should receive these therapies. The two most common types of psychological treatment for depression are:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy involves seeing a therapist to understand how your thoughts and behaviors are linked. In cognitive behavioral therapy, techniques such as goal setting, problem solving, and keeping a diary of thoughts and emotions are used. Such techniques help you learn about your thought processes and how to change them as well as your response to them.

Interpersonal psychotherapy

This type of therapy involves seeing a trained psychotherapist in order to gain an increased understanding of your relationships and how they affect your life.

original