Depression is a prevalent psychological condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall wellbeing. An estimated 1 million Australian adults (or 5% of the population) experienced depression in 2017-18, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Additionally, the ABS reports that depression is more common in women than men, and that the condition tends to affect younger age groups. For those living in Adelaide, seeking out the assistance of a skilled psychologist who specializes in the treatment of depression can be a life-changing decision. In this blog post, we explore the benefits of working with a psychologist and offer guidance on how to select the right therapist for your individual needs.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest itself in numerous ways and may impact one’s daily life significantly. Some symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feeling “empty”
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in appetite or weight, either loss or gain
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling sluggish
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Restlessness or slowed movements and speech
- Irritability, agitation, or anger
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone is depressed. However, if these symptoms persist for an extended period of time (usually at least two weeks), they may be indicative of a depressive episode and warrant seeking professional help.
The Advantages of Consulting a Psychologist for Depression in Adelaide
A psychologist familiar with treating depression can provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can explore and discuss their thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to depression. They can offer an objective perspective, helping individuals gain insight into the root causes of their depression, and develop practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms. A qualified psychologist can also help individuals to set meaningful goals and offer ongoing support as they work towards those goals.
In-Person Consultation with an Adelaide Psychologist vs Online Psychologist
While online therapy has become more prevalent in recent years, many people still prefer the traditional method of in-person consultations with a psychologist. In-person therapy sessions offer several advantages over online therapy, including a more personalized and authentic connection with the therapist, the ability to read body language and facial expressions, and a better chance of building rapport and trust with the therapist.
In one study by Narcross et al. 2013, a group of psychotherapy experts was surveyed to reach a consensus on a particular topic. One of the questions asked about the potential advantages of in-person therapy compared to other modalities. The experts identified several advantages of in-person therapy, including better communication and understanding between therapist and patient, as well as greater patient satisfaction with the therapy process. While this study did not directly measure patient satisfaction or understanding of therapist communication, it does suggest that in-person therapy may offer these benefits compared to other modalities.
While online therapy can be a useful alternative for individuals who are unable to attend in-person sessions due to physical or geographical limitations, it may not be suitable for everyone. The lack of physical presence and nonverbal cues could hinder the therapeutic process, and some individuals may find it more challenging to establish a connection with their therapist online.
Tips for Finding the Right Psychologist in Adelaide
Finding the right psychologist to work with is essential to the success of the therapeutic process. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best fit for your needs:
- ‘Clicking’ with your therapist. An experienced psychologist can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which allows them to develop effective treatment plans, provide guidance, and offer flexible and adaptable therapy techniques. This can involve choosing the most appropriate therapeutic approach, setting goals and objectives, and identifying potential barriers to treatment. Above all, research consistently shows that the connection an individual establishes with their therapist, ‘clicking’ with your therapist, is one of the most important factors to the success of therapy. When searching for the right psychologist, do your research!
- Consider the psychologist’s therapeutic approach. Different psychologists use varying therapeutic approaches in treating depression, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Depth Psychology (e.g. Jungian Psychotherapy), or Mindfulness-Based Therapy. It’s not uncommon that psychologists may be trained in a variety of different therapies, and may use a variety of approaches which can be beneficial. By researching different therapeutic styles, you can determine which may be the most effective for you, and select a psychologist who specializes in that specific approach.
- Schedule a consultation. An initial consultation with the psychologist offers the opportunity to see if the therapist is a good fit for you. Use this opportunity to ask questions, gain an understanding of the psychologist’s methods and personality, and determine if you feel comfortable working with them. You can then take time to reflect on the first session, before deciding to book future sessions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Adelaide and living with depression, consider an in-person consultation with an Adelaide Psychologist. A therapist that is the right fit for you can help you gain insight into the underlying causes of your depression and develop practical tools to manage symptoms effectively. That said, online therapy via videoconference or phone may be more suitable and comfortable for some individuals; and beneficial, compared to no therapy at all.
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Adelaide Psychology is the private practice of Milan Ljubincic, an internationally recognized psychologist in the area of depth psychology, where he bridges the gap between psychology and spirit. He is the author of the International Bestseller, Island of Souls: Light within the Dark.
References:
Norcross, J. C., Pfund, R. A., & Prochaska, J. O. (2013). Psychotherapy in 2022: A Delphi poll on its future. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44(5), 363-370
