therapies

Depression

How we respond to adverse events is key to lifting depression

Depression is not—contrary to popular belief—primarily a biological illness, nor is it caused by the setbacks, crises or tragedies in our lives. It is our response to those adverse events that determines whether or not we get depressed. We may not be able to change our circumstances but we can choose how we react to them, which means we can break the cycle of depression.

Do you feel trapped in a cycle of low mood?

Do you sleep for eight, nine or ten hours a night but still wake feeling utterly exhausted? And you’ve noticed that your sleep is peppered with vivid dreams?

Have you lost interest in activities you used to love and struggle to find the energy to enjoy time with your friends and family?

Maybe you feel worthless, guilty, have trouble thinking and making decisions.

If you feel this way you’re very likely to spend time ruminating and worrying about things. Though you may feel ‘flat’ and deflated, your body is full of the stress hormone Cortisol and the high emotional arousal that results is exhausting.

Do you want to escape this cycle and get on with life as soon as possible? To sleep better and wake feeling rested, to see things differently and to start finding pleasure in the things you do and time you spend with others?

Do you tend to blame yourself when setbacks happen?

Do you feel like your whole life is ruined?

Do you feel like the setback will go on forever?

Do you continually think:
“Why did this have to happen to me?”
“I’ll never be good enough!”
“Nothing ever goes right!”

Depression is a cycle and cycles can be broken

Depression is not—contrary to popular belief—primarily a biological illness, nor is it caused by the setbacks, crises or tragedies in our lives. It is our response to those adverse events that determines whether or not we get depressed. We may not be able to change our circumstances but we can choose how we react to them, which means we can break the cycle of depression.

Do you feel trapped in a cycle of low mood?

Do you sleep for eight, nine or ten hours a night but still wake feeling utterly exhausted? And you’ve noticed that your sleep is peppered with vivid dreams?

Have you lost interest in activities you used to love and struggle to find the energy to enjoy time with your friends and family?

Maybe you feel worthless, guilty, have trouble thinking and making decisions.

If you feel this way you’re very likely to spend time ruminating and worrying about things. Though you may feel ‘flat’ and deflated, your body is full of the stress hormone Cortisol and the high emotional arousal that results is exhausting.

Do you want to escape this cycle and get on with life as soon as possible? To sleep better and wake feeling rested, to see things differently and to start finding pleasure in the things you do and time you spend with others?

Do you tend to blame yourself when setbacks happen?

Do you imagine that a setback will go on for ever?

Do you feel like your whole life is ruined?

Do you find yourself continually thinking:
“Why did this have to happen to me?”
“Nothing ever goes right!”

Depression is a cycle and cycles can be broken

HUMAN GIVENS THERAPY

I offer a brief-therapy approach, typically taking six sessions, which means it’s affordable and not unduly time-consuming.

I always aim to help you start feeling better from our very first session. I’ll take time to listen and to understand your emotions, but we won’t dwell on them, because it’s not necessary to feel worse before you can feel better.

I’ll show you how to quickly reduce your emotional arousal using simple relaxation techniques so that you can start to think more clearly.

We’ll focus on getting your needs met, identifying your strengths and resources, and setting positive, achievable goals. You’ll learn techniques to challenge negative thoughts, use your imagination in a positive way, and find better ways to respond to events, so that you start to sleep better, dream less and wake feeling refreshed. With more energy you’ll be better placed to find motivation and joy in the things that you do and the time you spend with others.

We’ll also rehearse success so that you leave each session fully equipped to start making positive change and getting on with life.

You can view my profile – MHGI, HG.Dip.P. – on the Human Givens Therapist Register here and be assured that I work in accordance with the Human Givens Code of Conduct and Ethical Foundations which you can see here. I have full professional indemnity insurance.

You can find out how Human Givens differs from other therapy approaches here.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

If you’d like to take the first step we can have a no-obligation, no-charge fifteen minute chat on the phone or via email whichever you prefer, just to get to know each other and to help you decide whether you think I’m the right person to help you.

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