CBT for Depression and Low Mood

Depression is one of the most common problems I see. Low mood can creep in gradually. You might find yourself doing less, seeing people less and getting less enjoyment from the things you used to look forward to, and the less we do, the harder it can be to get going again.

How does CBT help with depression?

CBT is a talking therapy based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviour all affect one another. How we interpret a situation shapes how we feel about it and what we do next.

Imagine you’re having a bad day. You text a friend to see if they’re free, and they don’t reply. You might think, “They clearly don’t care about me.” On a good day, the same silence might leave you thinking, “What a shame, they must be really busy at work.” The situation is identical. The different thoughts lead to different feelings and different behaviour.

At its most basic, CBT teaches you to notice these links, so you can start to change unhelpful patterns. Together we look at reconnecting with life, building motivation, and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns.

CBT is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for depression, and it is one of the most extensively researched talking therapies. Many people notice some benefit within a few sessions, though how quickly things change depends on the individual and what they’re working on.

What happens in CBT sessions?

CBT is practical and collaborative. We set clear goals and work towards them in small, manageable steps, reviewing progress together regularly so you’re never left guessing. Like many things in life, it isn’t a magic wand, and you need the motivation and time to apply what we’re discussing in session to life outside of sessions. I know that can be hard when your mood is low, so we start small.

If you’re weighing up your options, you might find it helpful to read Private CBT or NHS Talking Therapies? How to Choose in Bristol and North Somerset.