A doctor once said to me that when someone with depression walks through his surgery door he feels his heart sink, many counsellors experience the same. I went to a meeting a couple of years ago where there were twenty two other psychotherapists and counsellors from various backgrounds………after a round robin chat where I heard the other twenty one say how they felt exhausted and disenchanted with their work, often seeing slow or worsening results in depressed people. (one person saying they would have to see someone for two years before they expected to see a difference, I nearly wept at that) I was almost scared to say that I enjoyed my job and had good results quickly with depressed people.

Last year NICE the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (UK) recomended doctors no longer offer drugs but talking therapy as first line treatment to patients who have signs of depression, but not all talking therapies are equal.some have been found to make the person feel worse. any therapy that contains too much introspection about the bad stuff will exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety and this will in turn fuel the depression.

Imagine how dispiriting that is for the therapist too?

It is with great confidence that we teach our students to treat depression, and like Mark and I they can expect the client to make good progress in one session. The studentsfinish the course understanding depression and have a ‘map’ of how to treat it; are you interested in learning more? take a look at our Depression Learning Path They will all receive a copy of this during the weekend, as part of their ‘tool kit.’

There was a time when there was little scientific understanding about depression, now there is much more is now known, so we can treat effectively on that basis. Although the symptoms may be overwhelming for the sufferer, a skilled practitioner can relax that person and get them back on track.

We have seen people who have been ‘depressed’ for years and they feel better in one session, is not a miracle….like anything when it is not understood it appears fathomless, but once you understand that depression works like a system. then it becomes something clear that you can work with and have quick and lasting results

It is hugely rewarding for Mark and I to teach this weekend as we know we are adding to the group of well informed, skilled therapists who will help people with depression become more energised, sleep better, enjoy life and feel motivated again.