DEPRESSION COUNSELLING DIPLOMA -Fully ACCREDITED & CERTIFIED

In this 'introduction' lecture you will find out what you will be covering throughout the course and your first module. Various definition of 'depression' will be offered and you will know what this disorder is all about!

The history of 'depression' has started many centuries ago. Even in times of HIppocrates they had some ideas about this malady (or 'melancholy' as it has been called back then). In this lesson you will find out how they treated 'depression' before that includes some weird and amusing methods. And finally, you will learn about the history of counselling - when and how it started developing!

As a counsellor you would have to know what signs and symptoms of depression are currently known and established in both medical and therapeutic domains. You will go through both psychological and physiological symptoms so that you knew what to look out for in other people, whether they are your clients, friends and family. You will be also introduced to the statistical manual that is used for diagnostic purposes of depression. 

There is no doubt that depression affects human brain, but 'how' and 'to what degree'? Brain is a multi-complex part of our bodies that has been studied for many years, and we can talk about it for many lectures. But here we will focus on what we need to know in relation to 'depression': what specific reactions take place within the brain and which areas are affected the most. 

In this lecture we will continue talking about 'depression' and its affect on the brain. But here will look at it even more deeply. We will be learning about 'neurons' and 'neurotransmitters': what they are, what is their function, and what role they play in the link between the brain and 'depression'. Finally, you will find out what the most important neurotransmitters are and what you can do to keep their levels high at all times!

Stress is a part of our lives, and it seems that we cannot eliminate it no matter how hard we try. Stressors are all around us - whether it is running for the bus, getting late for work, having children who demand time and more new toys, getting sucked from work, and on and on. The list is endless. 

So how does 'stress' grows into 'depression'? Listen to this lecture and you will find out! A very interesting topic indeed (and is your tutor's speciality too!)

Depression can manifest because of biological and psychological factors. But what about other ones such as environmental or health-related? 

Both of these factors are also play an important role in manifestation and duration of this disorder. If you think about it, it is really important to consider something like 'where your client is from', what their childhood was like, in which socio economic level they live, what is their relationship with their family, how they cope with their current illness if they have any. So all this needs to be taken into consideration when we discuss the topic of 'depression'! 

Do you think that 'depression' and 'sleep disorders' can be interlinked in any way? Well, the research shows that people with depression often suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia and hypersomnia. These people are not able to have a good night sleep each night as people without depression seem to have. Is this coincidence or 'the cause and effect' factor? 

Let's have a look at the current research and make certain conclusions about this topic! :)

You might have heard of this notion - 'somatic symptoms' before. But do you really know what it means? The person is complaining about their physical symptoms but there is no obvious reasons that something is wrong with him or her. 

In this lecture we will have a look at definition of 'somatic symptoms', how they manifest in people and why, how they affect people with depression. 

Not every person who gets stressed can develop depression and you have probably noticed that yourself. There are certain risk factors that need to be considered. Those risk factors can actually predict who would be more likely to develop depression in the long run. You can see for yourself if you have risk factors too!

Risk factors can be environmental or biological, physiological or psychological. In this lecture we will go through various examples so that you could have a good grasp on this subject. 

This video is one of the few that I'm offering you in the end of each section. Here we will briefly discuss what we've learned during all the lectures in the module. And the main thing - I will give you some homework to do!

Don't worry, the homework is very doable. There will be certain questions that you will need to research and reflect on. This will help you to learn this course even better!

In this lecture you will learn about different classification methods and what is a general approach to medical diagnostic and classification of depression. 

Many mental health disorders overlap with each other, and it is complex to distinguish their boundaries. This makes the whole process of classification and diagnosis very difficult for everyone. Nevertheless, the manuals such as DSM are doing the best in helping the therapists and medical professionals with this question. 

This is a very interesting topic indeed. You might be aware of what 'cyclothymia' is or maybe you have never heard about this one before. The disorder is very common and many people do not even suspect that they have that! Instead, they are coping with their symptoms as much as possible, thinking that it's 'normal' and most people have that too. 

On the contrary, they could get diagnosed, get individual treatment and feel better. This is why we need to be aware of what 'cyclothymia' is so that we could advise others to get the treatment. 

Perhaps you've heard that all talented people are a bit crazy. I certainly have. And this is not new. Even previously, in the history, people who were creative such as artists thought be as 'a bit mad'. Is it coincidence or there is some scientific explanation to that? Let's have a look at the latest research here, discuss it and make some conclusions! 

In this lecture we will have a look at 3 other types of depression: Dysthymia (which is now called the 'persistent depressive disorder', Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (which is different from PMS), and Atypical depression (you will see why it is called like this!)

As you have noticed by now, there are many types and forms of depression. And as we said earlier, they tend to overlap with each other too which makes it difficult for us to understand where one starts and the other finishes. All three types have some similarities but also have certain differences too. Let's discuss them here!

Perhaps you have hear of 'bipolar disorder' before, or maybe you even know someone who is suffering from this disorder. It is a very serious mental health problem and the person with bipolar needs to be on medication for as long as it continues (typically all their lives). 

Bipolar is a unique disorder because it has two extremes. The person can be severely depressed or hypomanic. Both of these polarities have strong features and can make the person exhausted from their manifestations. This is why they need to be on constant medication and receiving some kind of therapy too. 

Pregnancy is a complicated period of life. There are many changes that happen in the body of the pregnant woman. For example, her hormones are changing, her biology adapts to the baby that is growing inside of her body. 

The psychological changes are also clear. The woman needs to  be prepared for the birth ahead and for learning so much about the motherhood and the newborn. There is no surprise that so much pressure can make the woman stressed, warned out and even depressed. 

Here in this lecture we will be discussing 2 types of depression, the one that happens during pregnancy and the one that can happen straight after!

Bereavement and grief is a part of our life that we cannot avoid. Here in this lecture we will have a look at what 'bereavement' and 'grief' are, what are their definitions and symptoms. But most important question is how do we know that we suffer from grief and not from depression? Or 'depressive episode' is enough to get the diagnosis and even treatment. 

Also, we will have a look how they classify and diagnose depression that is related to grief and bereavement, what stages of grief the person needs to go through in order to understand where is 'grief' and where is 'depression', what treatments can be offered and how counselling can help. 

Persistent Depressive Disorder (which is formerly known as dysthymia) can affect anyone at any time. As we said earlier, PDD is a mild form of depression where a pervasive depressed or irritable mood is present for at least 1 year for children and adolescents (and 2 for adults).

Here in this lecture we will discuss what is causing PDD in children and adolescents, what is the difference between this disorder in the adulthood age and the childhood, and of course what treatments are available to children with this disorder. 

Do you think that depression is a part of life for elderly people? Is it 'normal' to suffer from depression once you get to the certain age? 

Elderly people can have many health related issues, and there is no question about that. But does depression reflects their physical state or it is completely unrelated? Let's discuss the symptoms and treatments of depression for the elderly here. 

In this lecture we will continue discussing the topic of 'depression in the elderly' and particularly what other factors can contribute to the manifestation of this disorder. Whether these factors related to their social functioning or health-related issues, we will have a look at the research behind these assumptions and make conclusion in the end!

This lesson is another post-section video where we will briefly talk about what we've learned in the lectures during the module 2. And of course there will be your next homework - some question to reflect on and to research. If you do your homework each time, then you will derive the best value from this course, no doubt about that! 

In this lecture we will talk about the 'neurogenesis theory'. Neurogenesis is not a form of medicine. 

Neurogenesis is a concept. 

The main thing you need to consider here is the connection of the brain and our ability to think, reflect and memorise. In this lecture we will discuss whether it is possible to have these abilities in our older age, or once the old cells die is simply unpreventable. A very interesting topic indeed!

There are many types of medicine that can be prescribe to people suffering from depression today. Some have stronger ability to make the person better but also have serious side effects and safety concerns. Others have a milder function but also less side effects. 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOI) is the first type of antidepressant that we will be looking at. We will discuss what exactly they represent, under which names they get sold, what kind of side effects they can cause, and who they get prescribed to. 

Can be too much of a good thing? Sometimes this can happen. 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can make us to feel happier, have better sleep and be more positive about everything. So anything that can boost our serotonin level will be good, right? 

Serotonin syndrome happens when for some reason we have too much of serotonin in our brain and our body, and this can lead to a disaster! Let's have a look at this topic here. 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - SSRIs - is a group of commonly prescribed antidepressant medicines, which are considered one of the safest on the market currently. But as every other drug on the market, it can also cause certain side effects too. 

In this lecture we will have a look at what SSRIs are, how they work and how they affect our brain functioning, what side effects they can cause, and who can benefit from them. 

Tyramine is not another type of antidepressant. It's a substance that is derived from natural foods. 

It is possible that some foods and substances can interfere with our biological and chemical processes, and with any current medication that we are taking. Tyramine is one of those. 

Here we'll be discussing what exactly tyramine is, and how it can interfere with certain antidepressants. 

In this lecture we will talk about some interesting facts and figures that are related to medication and doctors in the UK and USA. We will have a look at some data and compare the figures, particularly those that are related to 'depression' and 'antidepressants'. We will also have a look at the age expectancy in different countries and the percentage of deaths caused by medical personnel!

Here is yet another post-module video where we briefly talk about what we've covered during the previous module and again, there will be time for your homework. Some more questions to reflect on and research!

This module we will start with the most straightforward complimentary approach that involves changes in ones' lifestyle, looking at the person's diet and exercising levels, and possibility of meditation. 

In this lecture we will have a look at research behind those approaches too. If depression is preventable or even can be minimised through certain lifestyle and nutritional changes, then we need definitely to consider them and give such advice to our clients!

In this lecture we are continuing to discuss alternative methods for depression, and in this lecture we will be talking about one specific plant - St John's Wort. Maybe you are sceptical about using plants for the treatment, or maybe you are open minded. In any case, we need to have a look at the evidence from scientific studies before making any conclusions. Many people believe in its effectiveness, then perhaps there is some research that can backs it up too? Let's have a look at it here!

You might have heard about Omega 3 fatty acids before, and particulary Omega 3 supplements that come in the form of fish oil capsules or liquid which is supposed to be beneficial for health. So is this so? Let’s have a look!

In this lecture we will have a look at the research studies that are done in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Omega 3 supplementation, whether we should use fish oil capsules and whether there is a mercury in fish!

Tai chi is a form of chinese martial arts which can be practiced for defence training or health benefits. Many people have heard of Tai - Chi and Qigong as a form of energy work that is done regularly for health benefits. 

In this lecture we'll have a look at using this form of martial arts as a treatment for depression and anxiety. If this exercise can reduce the symptoms of depression, then perhaps it needs to be considered as a complimentary or alternative approach to treatment? 

As we were going through the past few lectures I hope you made some conclusions about alternative treatment as something that people could try and what could help them in the treatment of depression. We’ve been talking about Tai chi, and regular exercising of all kinds and forms, we we’ve been talking about remedies and supplements  and tha they found to be helpful in some cases especially mild and moderate depression. So in this lecture we will have a look at yoga and the possible benefits of it for people with depression.

In this lecture we’ll talk about one form of alternative treatment - acupuncture. This is one of the ancient Chinese techniques that was practiced for centuries for various disorders and conditions. This is why it is believed as being effective for mental health disorders too. But instead of guessing, let's have a look at whether it works or isn't and what the current research said about that!

Depression can be challenging to cope with. A person with depression typically doesn’t have interest in hobbies or activities. But art therapy can offer a variety of ways to express the person’s feelings and emotions, and through that expression he or she might find a way to heal or at least to feel better. 

In this lecture we will have a look at both art therapy and music therapy as complimentary approaches to the treatment of depression and what research is actually showing!

In this lecture you will be given some tasks to do that hopefully you will find enjoyable and engaging. More questions to research and reflect on, and some rehearse of what we've learned so far!

If you took any of my other courses, you might be already familiar with this approach as I also teach it in other counselling and psychology related classes. 

When we talk about person centred therapy, we have to mention one important person within this counselling area - Carl Rogers. Person centred therapy is the one that includes a humanistic approach, when the person is values as much as the therapist. Or in other words, they are equal...

Family or couples therapy has a straightforward meaning, it’s a therapeutic or counselling session where a couple or a family is present in order to resolve an issue that belongs to either one individual or the whole family. 

In this lecture we'll have a look why family and couple therapy might be the most effective form of counselling especially in cases of depression. 

Since 2004, stepped care (SCM) approach have been introduced in many clinical establishments globally. The SC approach became an important link between the client who requires a treatment and the treatment provider. It is known that within mental health it is very common for the patients to wait for the treatment for a long time, often for few or several months, as the waiting lists are long for the number of therapists and psychiatrists present. 

In this lecture we will discuss whether the SCM is as effective as it was planned to be when it was introduced to the national health services. And if it is not, then what could be the possible reasons for its dysfunctionality  

Psychodynamic therapy has its roots in psychoanalysis which became as one of the well established forms of psychotherapy at the times of Sigmund Freud and his colleagues. Psychodynamic therapy these days have many similarities to the psychoanalytic therapy of those times, apart from the fact that the client is not laying on the couch without facing the therapist anymore. 

In this lecture we will discuss what PIT involves and whether it is suitable for treating depression. 

Whereas psychodynamic therapy as we’ve seen in the previous lecture is involved with examining the past of the client, the REBT does not go too deeply into that. However, REBT therapists believe that many of unhelpful beliefs and unhealthy behaviour come from the past so they do encourage the client to look at the past to spot the origins of those patterns.

In this lecture we will discuss the origins of REBT, what exactly it involves during counselling approach, and whether it can be considered as one of the best treatments for people suffering with depression. 

Hypnotherapy is a set of techniques that evoke hypnotic state or a state of trance, where the client is able to change their perceptions, feelings, and thinking patterns. Through giving suggestive words and phrases, the client in their meditative state is the most responsive to them and is able to alter their unhelpful or unhealthy behaviour.

In this lecture we will have a look at 2 treatments that can be very effective in depression treatments: hypnotherapy and CBT (which are offered as complementary treatments by the national health services these days)

Anyone who experienced a traumatic episode or event, could have a difficult time with getting back  to normal self. The person could have nightmares and flashbacks, they would engage in long thinking processes, analysing what happened and why it happened to them.

In this lecture we will discuss whether hypnotherapy can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and help the person to get back to their 'normal self' 

Gestalt approach presumes that people are influenced by their environments and relationships with others, but every one of us want to grow and have a good balance in our emotional state. Gestalt approach is a bit similar to the humanistic approach in the ways that it employs empathy, understanding and unconditional acceptance towards the client so that he or she could make the needed change. 

In this lecture we will talk about this interesting approach to counselling, what exactly it involves and whether it is suitable to people with depression

Establishing a good therapeutic relationship from the start is imperative to any therapy, and particulary to the recovery of the client. The person who come to the therapist must develop full trust in the therapist’s ability to provide professional treatment and confidential service, trust that the client can be in their vulnerable state during the process and that they would not be judged, trust that the client will be listened to and understood, and trust that the therapist will do their best to help the client to achieve the state of recovery and growth. 

Successful counselling depends on many factors such as skills and qualities of the counsellor, an ability to create safe and confidential environment for the client, and to establish a good communication with the client. 

Professional knowledge and qualities are essential to a positive counselling relationship and the opportunity for the client’s recovery. 

This is the last post-module video of the course. Just a little homework this time! ;)

This is the last video of the course where your instructor would like to say thank you and good bye to you. Hope to see you in my other courses!