Talking Therapies : Counselling for depression
Overview
Sometimes we need to talk about issues which are painful and confusing, but we don’t feel able to do that with friends or family.
Counselling offers a safe and confidential place where you can explore your feelings with the help of a trained professional. The aim of the treatment is for you to develop a better understanding of your symptoms and make positive changes in your life.
Counselling has been shown to help with a range of difficult situations, such as:
- relationship problems
- recovering from domestic abuse
- stress, including conflict at work or unemployment
- loss or bereavement
- low self esteem
- significant life events
Most people will receive 12 to 20 treatment sessions, lasting up to 50 minutes each.
Your sessions will usually happen at the same place and time.
What treatment involves
You will be offered an initial counselling session which helps you and your counsellor understand what is important for you to focus on.
What you talk about will vary depending on your situation. It could include:
- your relationships with others
- your feelings, emotions or thoughts
- your behaviour
- past and present life events
- situations you find difficult
The treatment approach helps you to get a better understanding of yourself and others.
Your counsellor will not usually give you advice or tell you how to feel or what to do. Their role is to guide, rather than direct, you to find your own solutions to your challenges – whether that is making changes in your life or finding ways to cope with difficult situations.
You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks, or a longer course that lasts for several months.
You will be asked to complete weekly questionnaires via email ahead of each session. These will ask about your symptoms and your answers will help you and your therapist monitor your progress, guide treatment, and identify problem areas.
Sessions are usually offered by online video call but can also be offered face to face at certain NHS locations across Berkshire.
Your sessions will usually happen at the same place and time.
Accessing this treatment
To access this therapy you need to complete a wellbeing assessment with NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, and be offered this treatment by one of our therapists. You may be offered a different treatment if we find another therapy or service is better suited to your needs.
You can refer yourself to NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies for a wellbeing assessment by completing our online form.
Preparing for treatment
Here are a few things you can do to get the most of your treatment:
- attend all sessions on time as planned
- be open and honest about your problems
- make your treatment aims as clear as possible, as working towards a goal can help boost your confidence
- be active in your sessions: ask us questions if you don’t understand a term or phrase we’ve used or if you’re unsure what happens next
- bring a pen and paper to take notes and read back on afterwards, as this will help you remember what we’ve discussed and what you need to do next
- keep your notes and sheets organised in a folder or a notebook
- allow yourself time after each session to gather your thoughts
- complete any tasks between sessions, as agreed with your therapist
- plan time each week to complete any activities we’ve suggested for you
If you're attending your sessions by video call, you will need to have:
- regular access to the internet, including sound, on a phone, tablet or laptop that can play video; and
- a private space to take the call without interruptions or distractions – such as care giving or driving.
- reading glasses, if applicable for you
Frequently asked questions
Who delivers counselling for depression sessions?
You will see a therapist who is trained in counselling for depression and accredited with a recognised UK professional body, such as:
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
This includes trainees working towards their postgraduate certificate.
Will I have to talk about my childhood or past events?
It may be relevant to talk about your past, if it is having an impact on how well you are managing your symptoms of depression. If you are either avoiding thinking about the past, thinking negatively, or too much, about past events, it can be helpful to look at this but it isn’t always necessary.
More about Talking Therapies
If your question isn’t answered here, you can find additional FAQs about Talking Therapies on our service page.
Support to stay well after your treatment
At the end of your treatment, you can join our online platform called SHaRON (Support Hope and Recovery Resources Online Network).
This is a secure online space for you to connect with others who are on a similar treatment journey and help you maintain the gains made during therapy and stay well.
When you log in, you’ll be able to find support resources such as forums, videos and blogs.
During office hours, you can also use The Wall to talk to peers and to our moderating team, which includes experienced clinicians, former patients, and volunteers, who can provide real-time commentary and support.
It can also be used by relatives and carers who are supporting a friend or relative with their needs.
Ask your therapist to help you get started.