what therapy is best for depression?

There are a lot of opinions about what is the best treatment for depression in a therapeutic setting.  Going over some of the more common ones that one might experience or encounter when seeking depression, I will expand upon the following therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is all about the process of analyzing how thoughts influence overall well-being.  This starts by tracking thoughts, emotions, situations, and behaviors while recognizing patterns between these concepts.  In particular, the focus is on developing a better understanding of how negative thoughts can lead to negative behavioral responses. These negative behavioral responses can contribute to ongoing symptoms related to various mental health issues.  Once the client and therapist have started to recognize some of these patterns, the focus then becomes about improving one’s thoughts and potentially increasing one’s mood and happiness.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is based on the concept of “radical acceptance.” Although Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy share many traits at times, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy differentiates itself by promoting the idea that someone doesn’t necessarily have to “change” or “fix” their negative thoughts. They have to accept them.  From there, clients learn how to practice internal self-validation and how to cope with their emotions.

Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytical Therapy is all about the past and how it is currently impacting the present.  Clients learn to scrutinize their past for issues that might still be ailing them and contributing to their current depression symptoms.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is similar to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in that clients learn how to practice acceptance of self.  Where they are different is that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy dives into the concept of “morals” and “values.” Clients analyze their current existence and provide feedback on why/how they are not living within their morals and values.  From there, clients and their therapists create strategies to make changes to improve this.

Apart from therapy, there is a possibility that medication might be a useful tool or partner to the therapeutic process.  Although I cannot make any medication recommendations, I can suggest that exploring these options with a therapist regarding locating services might be a useful tool in helping to treat depression.