What Types of Therapy Are There for Depression?

Hong-hui Lin
Jan 16
5 min read

For many years, depression caused by biology was addressed with medication, while depression linked to life experiences was approached through therapy. Today, research1 indicates that both medication and psychotherapy for depression create similar changes in the brain. This demonstrates that therapy is not merely emotional support but also a biological intervention.

However, each individual’s experience varies, which may require different depression counselling or therapy approaches, ranging from practical techniques in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to Psychodynamic and Mindfulness-Based methods.

Since every person’s experience is unique, it is best to consult with a psychologist in Singapore to explore the type of intervention for depression most suitable for your situation.

6 Types of Therapy for Depression

There are several types of therapy that may support individuals experiencing depression. But what is truly helpful may depend on your needs, comfort level, and the goals you hope to achieve.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is an evidence-based approach recognised for its effectiveness in managing depression.

Assumptions: CBT is built on the understanding that our thoughts influence how we feel and behave. When a person’s thinking becomes overly negative or distorted, it can create emotional distress and lead to patterns that keep them stuck.
Emphasis: Shifting unhelpful thinking patterns toward balanced and supportive perspectives. As individuals learn to view situations in a clearer way, their emotions and behaviours become less overwhelming.
Goal: Help individuals be more in control of their inner world by giving them tools to understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Note: CBT is also available online, either with therapist support or in an unguided format. This can be helpful for individuals who prefer flexible scheduling, privacy, or a more self-paced way to engage with the therapeutic process. It follows the same principles of CBT, which shifts unhelpful thoughts and reinforces healthier behaviours.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is one of the earliest approaches in psychology.

Assumption: Some mental and emotional struggles come from experiences or feelings we have not fully processed. These older patterns can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we respond in stressful situations.
Emphasis:
- Short-term: This type of counselling for depression focuses on the issue you are currently dealing with. The therapist helps the individual understand what is happening in their life right now, explore the emotions tied to it, and notice whether familiar patterns from past relationships are resurfacing.
- Long-term: Looks beyond the immediate concern and into the deeper emotional themes that have shaped the person over time. This may involve understanding unresolved conflicts, making sense of developmental or relational wounds, and slowly uncovering how these experiences influenced a person’s sense of self.
Goal: Deepen self-awareness by uncovering how past experiences continue to shape a person’s emotions and behaviour in the present. When these patterns become clear, it opens the way for intentional choices and healthier ways of coping.

3. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Depression that arises from relationship problems can benefit from Interpersonal Therapy.

Assumption: Our mental health or depressive symptoms are connected to the state of our relationships. When there is tension, loss, or misunderstanding in important relationships, it can affect how we feel emotionally.
Emphasis: Focuses on how individuals perceive their relationships and what they expect from those around them. By understanding these perceptions, IPT helps identify where communication breaks down, what feels unmet or unclear, and how specific patterns might be contributing to emotional distress.
Goal: Understand how relationship difficulties are influencing one’s mood and to create healthier ways of communicating and connecting.

4. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT blends mindfulness with therapeutic practice, creating a calm, grounded approach for easing depressive symptoms.

Assumption: When depressive thoughts repeat themselves over and over, they can pull a person back into old emotional patterns. Mindfulness meditation is the main tool for interrupting this cycle, helping individuals pause, notice their thoughts, and create a bit of space before reacting.
Emphasis: Instead of trying to argue with or replace every complex thought, the therapy teaches individuals to observe these thoughts with curiosity rather than judgment. Over time, this helps people see their thoughts and emotions as passing experiences rather than reflections of who they are.
Goal: Help individuals nurture present-moment awareness while fostering a more accepting and compassionate attitude toward oneself.

5. Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)

When coping feels impossible, Problem-Solving Therapy introduces practical steps that can make overwhelming situations feel more approachable.

Assumption: Mental health difficulties often stem from coping patterns that are ineffective or outdated. When coping habits stop being effective, even small problems can start to feel unmanageable.
Emphasis: The therapy works on identifying the specific problems that are adding pressure and breaking them down into manageable steps.
Goal: A stronger sense of capability and optimism when facing challenges, along with a clearer belief that one can cope with whatever comes their way.

6. Psychoeducation

Feeling lost in depression is common, and psychoeducation offers a way to understand symptoms in a clearer, more reassuring light.

Assumption: Part of what makes mental health challenges so overwhelming is not fully understanding what is happening. When people lack information, their depressive symptoms can feel confusing or frightening, which often adds to the distress they are already experiencing.
Emphasis: Gives individuals clear information about their experiences. It explains what certain symptoms mean, what is known about the possible causes, and how these challenges can affect daily life.
Goal: Make mental health challenges easier to understand, helping individuals feel more grounded and better prepared to navigate what they are experiencing.

Selecting the Best Therapeutic Approach for Your Needs

There is no single best intervention for depression. What works well for one person may not feel right for another, because each individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances are different.

Keeping a few personal considerations in mind can help you find the approach that resonates most:

Your personal goals for therapy and what feels important for you right now.
The severity of your symptoms and the type of depression, such as major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder.
How comfortable you feel with the therapeutic style or approach
Practical factors such as scheduling, accessibility, or whether you prefer in-person or online sessions.

People come to therapy with different histories, strengths, and coping styles. Because of that, therapists may draw from more than one approach and adjust their methods along the way.

Some individuals may need support from trauma counselling approaches to work through earlier experiences, while others benefit from practical, structured strategies that help them manage daily stress or emotional patterns. The therapeutic approach is shaped around what truly supports you, rather than forcing you into a single model.

At The Psychology Atelier, we use an attachment-focused lens to guide the way we select and combine therapeutic modalities. We consider how past relationships may shape your emotional patterns, using this insight to tailor evidence-based approaches to meet your needs. Your story and needs are always at the forefront as we walk this journey with you. Reach out to our team today.