Counselling Theory In Relation To The Treatment Of Depressive Disorders

Despite our awareness and the growing commonality of depressive disorders, advances in the treatment of these illnesses are less than ground-breaking. This paper examines two counselling theories in relation to the treatment of depressive disorders. Opening with an exploration of the key concepts of psychoanalytic theory, then proceeding with an examination of research into the application of the psychoanalytic approach to the treatment of depressive disorders. The second theory is person-centered therapy, also known as client centered therapy. Similarly, an introduction of key elements provides an overview of this counselling theory, leading to an assessment of current research for this theory as it relates to treatment of depressive disorders.
This paper culminates in the identification and comparison of these approaches, presenting both strengths and limitations of each regarding their application to the treatment of depressive disorders.