In a first-of-its-kind study, published in the Lancet, researchers tracked the progress of 469 patients suffering from “treatment-resistant” depression. Some participants simply continued taking their antidepressants, while others supplemented their prescriptions with routine sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, a common variety of talk therapy. After six months, 46% of patients who’d been seeing a therapist reported significant improvements in their symptoms, compared to 22% of their peers. “[Cognitive behavioral therapy] is a way of helping people with depression change the way they think,” says lead study author Nicola Wiles, PhD, a senior lecturer in the University of Bristol’s School of Social and Community Medicine. “In order to improve how they feel and to change what they do.” More from Prevention: Can An App Diagnose Depression? While the study suggests that therapy and antidepressants can be an effective one-two punch against depression, it also highlights just how challenging the illness can be, Wiles points out. “We found CBT was an effective treatment for this patient group, [but] not everyone who received CBT improved,” she says, adding that she hopes to see further research that investigates novel treatment approaches. Whether you’re struggling with depression, or simply going through a sad or stressful spell, the research offers more evidence that therapy really can help. Never tried it, or convinced it isn’t for you? Finding a therapist you connect with often makes all the difference, so consider this advice from Anthony Centore, PhD, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of the Thriveworks Counseling network of therapists. Shop around Finding the right therapist is a process of trial-and-error, so don’t feel obligated to settle on the first counselor you sit down with, Centore says. “Of course they should be well-qualified, but they should also be someone you connect with,” he says. Do some research up-front by searching for book chapters, articles, and blog posts that a therapist has published, and feel them out with a five minute phone call before you book an appointment. “If you go once and it isn’t a good fit, that doesn’t mean counseling isn’t for you,” he says. “A good therapist won’t be offended if you decide to see someone else instead.” Lean on friends Especially in big cities, the sheer number of available therapists can seem overwhelming. Narrow the options by asking close friends for recommendations, Centore recommends. “Ask a friend you really like, and really trust, because the clinician they connect with will probably be someone you’ll connect with as well,” he says. That’s true even if your pal is dealing with different concerns during her appointments: “In most cases, a therapist’s specialty isn’t key; most of us are trained to address lots of issues in a day’s work.” Consider time and place For counseling to really help, it often requires a long-term commitment to frequent appointments. If a location is inconvenient or uncomfortable, or a therapist’s only available appointments don’t mesh with your schedule, you’re less likely to stick it out, Centore notes. “Be honest about the times that will work for you, and the places you feel comfortable,” he says. “Therapists work out of so many places—homes, office buildings, church basements—and their location should be somewhere that puts you at ease.” More from Prevention: The Stress-Depression Connection Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team! Follow her on Twitter: @katiedrumm Send news tips and positive vibes to: Katie.Drummond@rodale.com
