Depression Archives - Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT in the Treatment of Depression

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and the related approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy are popular and often effective approaches in the treatment of depression. Depression is characterized by thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness.

Treatment of Depression

Early on in my career I worked with a client who was depressed because he could not get any dates and thought he would be alone and lonely for the rest of his life. Turned out he was telling himself that if he approached a girl she would surely reject him (negatively predicting) and if that happened it would be awful (“catastrophizing”), so he largely avoided approaching women and it became a self fulfilling prophecy.

In working with him he came to understand that rejection was not an awful thing although it was disappointing but if he approached and interacted with enough women, something would eventually click. After a few sessions, he agreed to go to a dance club and ask a number of women to dance, even though he was anxious. The idea was he would get a number of rejections and practice telling himself “no big deal” and continue the process until he was less anxious. As it turned out, the first girl he asked to dance said yes and they ended up talking and dancing the entire time and they made a date for the following weekend. The idea that he was helpless was change by his proactive action and the hopelessness was changed by finding “success” in getting a date. As a result, his mood changed and he felt better about himself.

By changing thoughts and behavior, feelings change.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy teaches both emotional and practical skills to help individuals think, feel and behave more effectively.

For more information about how Cognitive Behavior Therapy might be of help to you, contact Dr.Robert Heller at 561 251-9768 or e-mail drrobertheller@gmail.com.

A Psychologist’s Approach for Treatment of Depression

As a cognitive behavioral psychologist, I view most depressions as the result of negative or maladaptive thinking. However, whenever someone is referred for depression, I always take a full history and do a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type of depression and how serious the depression is.

Depression is characterized by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. In extreme forms, the individual may have serious thoughts or plans to commit suicide. If this is the case then coordinating treatment with a psychiatrist for medication and/ or hospitalization is the first order of business to stabilize the person so that they are still around to benefit from psychological treatment.

Most depressions are based on the perception of a serious loss such the death of a child, spouse, parent, etc. If the loss is very recent, such as a few weeks or even months, it is normal and healthy to grieve. If the level of depression is severe and extended than a psychologist can be of significant help in coping with the loss. Other types of losses can include situations like getting divorced (when you didn’t want to) or losing a job you really enjoyed and/ or needed.

Another type of depression is characterized by negative or irrational beliefs the individual holds about themselves, others or the world in general. For example, if someone believes he or she or others must be perfect, they will invariably be repeatedly disappointed. Unrelenting standards and being overly critical is a well-known recipe for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is quite effective in teasing out negative, self defeating beliefs and helping individuals develop healthier attitudes and ways of thinking.

As a psychologist and writer, I have published two brief guidebooks that provide tips, strategies and recommendations for depression. One is written for the general public, both for clients and for those wanting to better understand depression and what to do about it. The other book on depression is written specifically for those who serve in the military and their families. Many other psychologists and other therapists have used these along with my other self-help guides in their work with clients. They are available on the self-help section of my website, www.cognitivetherapyfl.com.

Depression is like quick sand, if you do nothing, you are likely to sink deeper. With the right helping hand you can pull yourself up and recover to lead a happier and more satisfying life regardless of your circumstances.

Holistic Treatment of Major Depression

The holistic treatment of major depression focuses on combining the best of Western and Eastern medical and lifestyle practices. Major depression is a serious condition associated with drug and alcohol abuse and suicide. Holistic Treatment of depression often includes medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, yoga, tai chi, massage, hypnosis and related practices.

The initial focus in the holistic treatment of major depression is to help stabilize the individual’s mood and control the flow of negative thinking. This stabilization allows for the process of psychotherapy to be most effectively applied to resolving the underlying issues of the depression and the teaching and learning of effective coping skills important in reducing the risk of future major depressive episodes.

Clients with major depression often benefit from more intensive therapy. I may meet with them twice a week for 90 minute sessions and include significant others to provide additional support and resources.

Evaluation is mixed with the teaching of coping skills almost from the beginning. Clients are given assignments to complete at home along with simple exercises to practice to develop control and provide a sense of self responsibility for their mood and outcome.

My role as therapist is complex and varies based on the needs of the client and stage of therapy. At times, I listen, seek to understand and provide support. At other times, I educate, teach and motivate. Depending on the circumstance, I may be asked and provide direct advice and suggestions.

Often times I coordinate efforts with former and existing health providers to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the person, problems and potential skills and resources.

A holistic treatment of major depression is hard work for BOTH the client and the therapist. An integrated approach, incorporating a combination of approaches provides the greatest likelihood of not only feeling better but getting better.