What counselling for depression involves

People come to counselling for many reasons. Some say they have low energy, find it hard to start things, or feel less interested in usual activities. Others say they have been told to try counselling by a GP and are unsure what happens next.

Reading about it can feel like a small step. You do not have to explain everything at once. Counselling usually begins with you deciding how much to say and how quickly to move.

A session is time set aside for you to talk and be listened to. Most people say the important part is being heard without judgement and at their own pace.

Sessions are usually conversational. A counsellor may ask questions, reflect back what they hear, or check what matters most to you right now. You stay in control of what you share.

There is no requirement to 'perform' or to have an immediate plan. Some people use the time to make sense of patterns in their thinking or relationships, others to focus on what is happening in their life today.

There are several recognised ways of working in counselling. Each approach describes a different focus or method rather than promising a particular result.

• Person-centred - The counsellor focuses on your experience in the here-and-now. They aim to follow your lead, offering empathy and space so you can explore what matters to you at your speed.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - This approach looks at connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Sessions may include noticing patterns in thinking and trying small experiments to see if different ways of thinking change how you act or feel.
• Psychodynamic - This approach explores how past relationships and repeated patterns may affect your current feelings and choices. It often involves reflecting on past experiences and how they show up now.

There are other approaches too. You can read more about the different types on /therapy-types/ on this site.

Sessions commonly last about 50 to 60 minutes, often weekly at first, but there is variation. Some people choose shorter or less frequent sessions after a while. The pace is something you can discuss with a counsellor.

Counselling may be offered in person, by phone or online. If you use online sessions, it is sensible to take them in a private space where you feel comfortable.

It is also fine for counselling to sit alongside anything a GP has suggested. If medication or other medical treatment is relevant, speak with your GP about that; a GP or another clinician who knows your medical history is the person to advise on medical matters.

This site lists counsellors and their descriptions so you can see who might feel like a fit. Every counsellor listed here is registered with a UK professional body - most with the BACP, others with the NCPS or the HCPC. Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, and these are memberships and registers rather than licences.

Look at counsellors' short profiles to see how they describe their approach, experience and the practical arrangements they offer. You can browse listings on /therapists/.

It can help to contact a few people to ask how they work and whether their approach or availability suits you. There is no obligation in asking a question or having an initial conversation.

If you are feeling in crisis, having thoughts about harming yourself, or feel you might be a danger to yourself or others, please seek immediate help. You can ring Samaritans on 116 123 any hour. In England you can contact NHS 111 and press 2 for mental health support, and call 999 in an immediate emergency.

It is important to tell a clinician if you have safety concerns. If you are seeing a counsellor, you can raise this with them as well; they can help you find immediate help and make safety plans with you.

People describe different experiences as they work with a counsellor. Some notice small shifts in how they think or act. Others find sessions help them understand long-standing patterns. Some prefer a short course of meetings and others continue longer. There is no fixed path and no single expectation to meet.

If something about counselling does not suit you, it is reasonable to say so and discuss it with your counsellor. You can also consider contacting a different counsellor whose style or approach feels more helpful to you.