Recognizing the Need for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy When Counseling Individuals With Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and Other Mental Health Issues
Sometimes referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling individuals with depression or anxiety can be a very rewarding practice. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a highly structured and regulated form of mental health treatment that addresses the behaviors, emotions, cognition, feelings and thinking patterns underlying the disorders. It is one of the most comprehensive and efficient forms of mental health care available today. Through Tampa, FL Counseling Services, an individual suffering from depression or other mood disorders may be able to receive the comprehensive care that they need without being admitted to a hospital or psychiatric unit.
A licensed professional in the field of counseling individuals with anxiety or depression can help them develop a comprehensive action plan for their life transitions. This includes helping the client understand what he or she does now, what will happen in the future and how to deal with the inevitable difficulties inevitably included in these events. The sessions can include training in career planning, career assessment, life skills training, grief management, nutrition, immunizations, health, employment and related services. The goal of these sessions is to assist clients in making informed decisions about their current living situation and future goals that are compatible with the client’s needs and abilities.
The first step in the process of treating clients with depression or other mood disorders is a consultation with a professional registered therapist or counselor. In Tampa, there are several licensed counselors and psychologists who specialize in treating clients suffering from depression or other mood disorders. Typically, when referred by a professional licensed therapist/counselor, a person-centered counseling service will ask the client to participate in one of several group meetings. These meetings are designed to support the individual and provide him or her with the opportunity to open up and share his or her feelings and experiences. The goal of group counseling is to build support, identify problems, and offer solutions for all involved. If the desired results are to achieve a sense of recovery from the depression or anxiety, then a combination of individual and group counseling is recommended.
Another type of mental health counseling is for those having experienced a traumatic event. Often referred to as trauma counseling, the focus is on the immediate aftermath of the incident, as well as the development of post-traumatic growth strategies. This type of mental health counseling typically follows an incident such as the death of a loved one or disaster. An experienced therapist or psychologist will be able to guide clients through the many aspects of trauma and loss. For example, the client may be able to identify patterns that might have led to his or her trauma and review possible warning signs. The goal of this type of mental health counseling is to help the client realize that no matter how difficult the experience, it is not a normal part of life and that one should view the experience as a sign that something is “wrong” with him or her.
Young adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma or other mood disorders may also benefit from a face-to-face counseling session. In this session, the counselor will likely bring in various forms of imagery that will help the client see things from a different perspective. A strong positive social support system may be necessary for young adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma or other mood disorders. The presence of family and friends during face-to-face counseling with a counselor will likely increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Finally, there is professional counseling specifically geared toward depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental health issues. A licensed professional counselor will work with patients on everything from therapy and medication to diet and nutrition. Counseling with a licensed professional also helps clients break through some of the more challenging parts of their lives. These professionals can provide the much-needed support to make it through the difficult times.