Overview
What is it?
Supportive counselling is a form of psychological help that focuses on providing emotional support, understanding, and guidance to individuals experiencing depression or other mental health challenges. It is a naturally occurring process in many therapeutic settings, where the counsellor creates a safe and non-judgmental space for the individual to express their feelings and thoughts. Supportive counselling can be delivered by various professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and trained counsellors, and is often integrated into broader treatment plans for depression.
How does it work?
Supportive counselling works by helping individuals process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Through active listening and empathetic communication, the counsellor helps the individual explore their feelings, identify negative thought patterns, and work towards positive changes. This approach can alleviate depression by reducing feelings of isolation, improving self-esteem, and fostering a sense of hope and empowerment. In some cases, supportive counselling is combined with other interventions, such as physical activity or dietary guidance, to enhance overall well-being .
What are the benefits?
Supportive counselling offers several benefits for individuals managing depression. It can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve emotional well-being, and enhance quality of life. Research has shown that supportive counselling can lead to a reduction in depressive symptoms, with some studies reporting effect sizes of -0.38 at the end of treatment . Additionally, it can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve relationships, and increase their ability to manage stress. For caregivers and family members, supportive counselling can also reduce emotional distress and burden, improving their ability to support their loved ones .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research supports the efficacy of supportive counselling in managing depression across various populations. Studies have shown that it can be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of depression in individuals undergoing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or cardiac rehabilitation . For example, a randomized controlled trial found that supportive counselling combined with physical activity and dietary guidance significantly reduced depression symptoms in breast cancer patients . Additionally, supportive counselling has been shown to improve emotional well-being in caregivers of end-of-life patients, reducing anxiety and emotional distress . While the effects may not always persist long-term, supportive counselling provides immediate relief and can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Side Effects
Emotional discomfort
Emotional discomfort: Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort as they confront difficult emotions or memories during counselling sessions .
Temporary increase in distress
Temporary increase in distress: In some cases, discussing painful experiences may initially increase feelings of sadness or anxiety before leading to improvement .
Dependency on the counsellor
Dependency on the counsellor: A small number of individuals may develop a reliance on their counsellor, which can hinder their ability to cope independently .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] CBT for Prolonged Grief in Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study examines the effects of a CBT program for prolonged grief disorder in children and adolescents compared to nondirective supportive counselling.
View study[2] Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
This review highlights the prevalence of perinatal depression and its impact on women and children, emphasizing the need for preventive interventions.
View study[3] Psychological support
This article discusses the psychological needs of individuals living with cancer, with a focus on anxiety and depression.
View study[4] Psycho-oncology: methods, uses
This paper explores the role of psycho-oncology in cancer care, including preventive actions and psychological support for patients and their families.
View study[5] What is 'normal' in grief?
This research explores the different trajectories of grief and the phenomenon of complicated grief, which can lead to severe disruption in daily life.
View study[6] Short- and long-term impact of adapted physical activity and diet counseling during adjuvant breast cancer therapy: the 'APAD1' randomized controlled trial
This study evaluates the impact of physical activity and dietary counselling on depression and anxiety in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant therapy.
View study[7] Benefits of a support programme for family caregivers of patients at the end of life: A randomised controlled trial
This study examines the impact of a psychological intervention programme on the emotional state of family caregivers of end-of-life patients.
View study[8] Engaging African American Clergy and Community Members to Increase Access to Evidence-Based Practices for Depression
This study explores the feasibility of training African American clergy in interpersonal counselling to address depression in their communities.
View study[9] Clergy Wholeness Study: How Occupational Distress, Depression, and Social Support Inform the Health of Clergy
This study examines the mental health and occupational distress of clergy, highlighting the need for supportive interventions.
View study[10] Impact of emergency department visit on disease self-management in adults with depression
This study investigates how emergency department visits can serve as teachable moments for initiating behavioural changes in adults with depression.
View study[11] The psychological care of patients following a myocardial infarction
This article discusses the importance of psychological support in cardiac rehabilitation, particularly for patients experiencing depression after a heart attack.
View study[12] Psycho-social aspects of serious renal disease and dialysis: a review of the literature
This review synthesizes research on the psycho-social aspects of end-stage renal disease, emphasizing the role of social work interventions.
View study[13] Datapoints: Use of medications and counseling for depression by Asian and multiple-race adolescents aged 12-17 years
This study examines the use of medications and counselling for depression among adolescents, highlighting racial-ethnic differences in treatment access.
View study