“Can a counselor treat depression?”
I have depression and want to fix it. Can a counselor treat depression?
4 Answers
Yes a counselor can treat depression. However, a counselor cannot prescribe medication. Typically, depending on the severity of the depression seeing a counselor is the first line of treatment.
Hello and thank you for the question. The short answer is, “yes”, absolutely.
In more details, first, if you have not, it would be wise to rule out physiological issues first by getting a good physical with blood work that would include screening for thyroid and testosterone or hormones if a female. Other things to consider is your quality of diet, exercise, sleep and life style issues that would include alcohol and drug use, including marijuana, and cigarette smoking.
There are several effective counseling techniques available to modify your behavior, but first a thorough biopsychosocial is imperative to identify psychopathology that can be the root cause of depression, including ADHD, PTSD, childhood trauma, etc. There are many acceptable counseling techniques that your provider may be well qualified to use.
Of course, you will prefer a therapist with several years of experience. One thing that I have discovered in my 40+ years is depression is rarely just depression, but a symptom of a root cause, such as the loss of hope, or fear.
As a Christian therapist I recommend prayer and meditation on scripture, calling on God to calm your spirit and help you find peace and hope. Here’s a good scripture from the Holy Bible that I love; Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV). I make this my prayer for you.
In more details, first, if you have not, it would be wise to rule out physiological issues first by getting a good physical with blood work that would include screening for thyroid and testosterone or hormones if a female. Other things to consider is your quality of diet, exercise, sleep and life style issues that would include alcohol and drug use, including marijuana, and cigarette smoking.
There are several effective counseling techniques available to modify your behavior, but first a thorough biopsychosocial is imperative to identify psychopathology that can be the root cause of depression, including ADHD, PTSD, childhood trauma, etc. There are many acceptable counseling techniques that your provider may be well qualified to use.
Of course, you will prefer a therapist with several years of experience. One thing that I have discovered in my 40+ years is depression is rarely just depression, but a symptom of a root cause, such as the loss of hope, or fear.
As a Christian therapist I recommend prayer and meditation on scripture, calling on God to calm your spirit and help you find peace and hope. Here’s a good scripture from the Holy Bible that I love; Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV). I make this my prayer for you.
Absolutely! A counselor can teach you ways to challenge negative thoughts, develop new habits, and work with depression symptoms.
Alexandrea Maratea
Counselor/Therapist | Mental Health
Yes. CBT therapy is great for depression
