Struggling with depression can make life very difficult. At times the emotional pain is so strong that it feels like you are physically ill. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help those who have severe depression learn how to manage their symptoms so that they can live happier, more productive lives. One such resource involves seeing a clinical psychologist. These are ways that a clinical psychologist commonly treats depression. 

Making A Proper Diagnosis

First and foremost, a proper diagnosis must be made to determine that the patient does indeed suffer from depression. It is also important to find out what caused the depression, how long the patient has been suffering, what type of behavior occurs when the patient is feeling depressed and how severe the depression is. This may be done within the first few initial discussions between the patient and the psychologist. 

Types of Therapy

Once a diagnosis has been made, the psychologist may begin using various types of therapy to help the patient learn how to better manage their depression. One type of therapy often used for treating depression is cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy helps a patient understand how their own behavior may trigger bouts of depression. Interpersonal therapy is also commonly used in treating depression. This helps teach the patient how their relationships with others can affect their depression. Psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on traumatic experiences the patient may have endured, is also used to treat depression.

Counseling

Once a patient has completed therapy and better understands their own depression, they may wish to continue counseling on a regular basis. This may include individual counseling between only the patient and the psychologist, family counseling between the patient, their close family members, and the psychologist, or group counseling where the patient has regular meetings with groups of other patients who have also dealt with depression.

Counseling is normally available in both long-term or short-term sessions. It is not uncommon for some patients to continue seeing their psychologist for many years even after they have successfully completed their therapy sessions. However, some patients feel they no longer need to continue treatment once they have had counseling for a few months.

Every patient's situation varies and some may require going on medication, as well as taking part in therapy and counseling. However, many psychologists prefer to attempt to help patients first without the use of medication depending on the severity of their depression. 

Reach out to a psychologist in your area for more information.