JB
Jake Barry
NCS Registered
Counsellor
Depression affects millions of people in the UK. Talking therapy can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression and is often recommended in combination with it for more severe episodes. A therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore what's keeping you stuck.
Depending on your situation, your therapist might use CBT, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic approaches, or mindfulness-based CBT. Therapy for depression typically lasts 8–20 sessions, though longer-term work is available.
Yes. Talking therapy — particularly CBT and mindfulness-based CBT — is recommended by NICE as an effective standalone treatment for mild to moderate depression. For severe depression, a combination of therapy and medication is often most effective. Your GP can advise on what is right for you.
This is one of the most common barriers. Depression itself reduces motivation, which makes it hard to take that first step. Starting with a single enquiry — even just sending a message — is enough. Many therapists offer a free initial call so you can get a feel for things without committing.
Short-term CBT for depression typically runs 12–20 sessions. Person-centred or psychodynamic therapy may be longer-term. If depression is recurrent or linked to deeper patterns, ongoing therapy can be valuable even after symptoms lift.
NCS Registered
Counsellor