Understanding Depression: An Integrative Counselling Perspective

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Depression is more than sadness, it affects mood, energy, thinking, sleep, and even the body. An integrative approach to therapy recognises that depression doesn’t have a single cause or cure. Instead, healing often comes from addressing the mind, body, and nervous system together.

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From a counselling perspective, depression is not a sign of weakness,  it is the body and mind’s call for care and balance. Healing is possible when we address depression not just as a mental health condition, but as a whole-person journey of restoring harmony, resilience, and connection.

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1. Exploring the Roots

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• Life Events & Trauma: Loss, trauma, or chronic stress can contribute to depressive symptoms.

• Biological Factors: Imbalances in brain chemistry, hormones, and sleep patterns play a role.

• Thought Patterns: Harsh self-criticism, hopelessness, and negative beliefs reinforce the cycle of depression.

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2. Counselling Modalities an Integrative Therapist May Use

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and shift negative thought patterns that maintain depression.

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Teach awareness of thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing rumination.

• Somatic Therapies: Gentle body-based practices (breathwork, grounding, movement) reconnect the mind and body, restoring safety and vitality.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing): Effective when depression is rooted in trauma or painful past experiences.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on relationships, grief, and role transitions that may fuel depression.

• Creative and Expressive Therapies: Journaling, art, or guided imagery can help process emotions when words feel heavy.

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3. Supporting the Nervous System & Body

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• Polyvagal-Informed Work: Regulating the nervous system helps shift the body out of “shutdown” states common in depression.

• Lifestyle Integration: Attention to sleep, nutrition, gentle movement, and daily rhythms supports mood recovery.

• Mind-Body Practices: Yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques provide tools for calming and re-energising the system.

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4. Healing as a Whole Person

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Depression recovery is not linear. Some days feel lighter, others heavier, and that’s part of the healing process. An integrative therapist works collaboratively, tailoring approaches to each person’s needs, whether that means focusing on thought patterns, body awareness, nervous system regulation, or building supportive connections.

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5. Traditional Eastern Medicine & Depression

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From an Eastern perspective, depression is not only a “mental” illness but a sign that the whole system,  body, mind, and spirit is out of balance. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, traditional systems like Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda look at how energy flows through the body, how organs interact, and how emotional health reflects physical health.

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Chinese Medicine Perspective

• Heart (Shen – Spirit): Considered the home of the spirit. If the Heart energy is disturbed, people may feel restless, anxious, or disconnected from joy.

• Liver (Qi flow): The Liver regulates the smooth flow of energy and emotions. When Liver Qi is “stagnant,” it can manifest as irritability, frustration, or suppressed emotions that fuel depression.

• Spleen (Digestion & Worry): The Spleen transforms food into energy. Weak Spleen Qi may cause fatigue, overthinking, and low motivation,  common in depression.

• Kidneys (Essence & Fear): The Kidneys are linked to resilience and life force. Kidney deficiency can lead to exhaustion, hopelessness, and deep, long-lasting depression.​

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Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong, and dietary changes to restore balance among these organ systems.