The 4 Best Types of Therapy for Depression

If you think you’re experiencing depression, deciding to go to therapy is a great step to take. It can also be pretty overwhelming once you see how many therapy options are available.

Choosing a therapist that suits your needs will be the best way to ensure your therapy experience can support you in making positive changes in your life. But you might have questions about what therapy for depression will look like.

Researching therapy for depression can feel like a massive task, so we’ve summarized 5 of the best therapy options for you.

Here at KMA, our experienced team of therapists has been providing support to clients with depression for over 14 years. We specialize not only in matching our clients with the best therapist for them but empowering our clients to learn more about the challenges they’re facing.

While speaking to your therapist will be the best way to figure out what type of therapy will be ideal for you, we’ve written this article to help you start the conversation.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an understanding of 4 great therapies for depression, and some suggestions on choosing which ones you’d like to explore.

4 Effective Therapies for Depression

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an action-based form of therapy that involves exercises and homework between sessions. This makes CBT a rigorous form of therapy, but it’s also what makes it so effective.

CBT can help explore your negative thought patterns and what causes them to replace them with healthy cognitions and beliefs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may work well for you if:

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• You’re prepared for a rigorous treatment plan
• You’re seeking out an action-based course of treatment
• You’re looking to challenge your existing thought patterns to create new ones

Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan to identify and address negative beliefs that you have, with actionable steps to help you change them.

2. Person-Centred Therapy

Person-centred and Humanistic Psychotherapy focuses on helping you develop a strong sense of self. It has a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and self-discovery.

Person-centred and Humanistic Psychotherapy may work well for you if:

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• You’re interested in self-exploration in the therapy process
• You’re interested in discovering more about your true potential
• You want to explore how your attitudes, feelings, and behaviours are affecting you

Your therapist will emphasize empathy and unconditional positive regard during your sessions to create a genuine relationship, and create a safe space for you to learn more about yourself.

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy emphasizes the exploration of how your past may be influencing your present. It seeks to help you find a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy may work well for you if:

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• You’re looking for a relationship-focused form of therapy
• You’re looking for a less rigorous and less structured experience
• You’re looking to deeply explore your past experiences and discuss how they may still be impacting you today

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a tailored experience. Your therapist will work with you to customize your therapy plan, decide how often you should attend therapy, and establish what to explore during your sessions.

4. Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian Psychotherapy encourages self-understanding and insight. It emphasizes exploring past experiences (including childhood experiences) to identify targets for your therapeutic journey.

Adlerian Psychotherapy may work well for you if:

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• You’re interested in a philosophical approach to understanding yourself
• You want to understand how your daily choices are influenced by your goals
• You’re interested in an interview-style approach in therapy, where your therapist will use questions to learn more about how you view yourself

Your therapist will support you in assessing your lifestyle and identifying major successes and mistakes that may be influencing your daily life.

Next Steps for Therapy for Depression in Toronto

After reading this article, you now have an understanding of four effective therapies for depression, and some indicators of which may be of interest to you.

Here at KMA, our therapy for depression begins with a 50-minute introductory session. We’ll explain the therapy process, establish a customized treatment plan for the issues you’re facing, and match you with the best therapist for you.

Register online to book your introductory session now, or connect with our team for more information.

If you’re not yet ready to book an introductory session, explore these resources for more information:

• If you’re looking for a therapist in Toronto, read: How to Find a Therapist for Depression in Toronto
• To explore the types of therapists that practice in Ontario, read: What are the Different Types of Therapists?
• To learn more about how to find the best therapist for you, read: How to Know if Your Therapist is the Right Fit