Counselling for Depression (CfD)

CfD is a short-term, evidence-based treatment and, as the name suggests, is for people experiencing mild to moderate depression. The approach focuses on you and your emotions. Your CfD treatment is provided by a therapist who has been trained specifically in this approach.

There is a belief in the CfD approach that we, as human beings, sometimes deflect or minimise our feelings in order to avoid pain. This can help us in the short-term, but may cause us problems, such as depression, in the long-term. The CfD approach believes that focussing your attention on what may be painful in sessions with the support of your therapist, may in fact be the very thing that provides healing.

CfD helps you to explore your innermost feelings and provides you with the opportunity to really explore them in a safe, non-judgemental relationship with your therapist. The treatment is based on the therapeutic relationship and your own  personal experience of depression, as each person’s experience is different and unique. You will be given the time and space in your sessions to explore your feelings. This is done at your own speed and in a way that feels comfortable for you.

CfD works by focussing on your feelings and emotions and your therapist will encourage you to really recognise and stay with those feelings, maybe in a way you never have before. Even when experiencing painful or overwhelming feelings, your therapist will ‘hold’ you through these, using acceptance and trust. Your therapist may ask you to explore any unresolved pain from past or present relationships or events. They will ask you to consider if there is anything ‘unfinished’ for you and by doing this, it may allow you to resolve it here in the present.