Depression

In the continuation of the articles on the guidance of existential therapists to face disorders in clients, in this article I intend to deal with depression. Note that in this therapeutic approach, a large part of the therapist’s effort is devoted to confronting the clients with existential issues, and the reason for the repetition of some techniques in different disorders is the ease of therapists’ access to that particular part.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting about 280 million people.

Some of the specific techniques that existential therapists use to help clients with depression include:

• Dialogue: The therapist and client engage in a dialogue to explore the client’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can be a helpful way to help the client to become more aware of their own thoughts and feelings, and to understand how these concerns are impacting their lives.
• Interpretation: The therapist may help the client to understand the underlying meaning of their depression. This can be a helpful way to help the client to see their depression in a new light, and to identify the underlying issues that are contributing to their depression.
• Confrontative techniques: The therapist may challenge the client’s beliefs and assumptions in order to help them to see things in a new way. This can be a helpful way to help the client to break free from unhelpful patterns of thinking, and to develop a more realistic and helpful perspective on their situation.
• Supportive techniques: The therapist provides the client with support and encouragement. This can be a helpful way to help the client to feel less alone, and to develop the confidence to face their challenges.
• Logotherapy: This technique was developed by Viktor Frankl and focuses on helping the client to find meaning in their lives. The therapist may help the client to identify their values and priorities, and to find ways to live in accordance with these values.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This technique focuses on helping the client to accept their thoughts and feelings and to commit to taking action in their lives. The therapist may help the client to identify their values and goals, and to develop a plan for taking action towards these goals.
• Existential mindfulness: This technique focuses on helping the client to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. The therapist may help the client to develop a practice of mindfulness, such as meditation or yoga.