CBT for depression

What is CTfD?

Couples Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is a therapy for couples where one or both partners are experiencing depression or low mood. It uses the relationship as a source of support, helping both partners better understand depression, improve communication, and work together towards recovery.

The therapy can help strengthen your relationship, rebuild closeness, and develop practical skills to manage difficulties more effectively.

Who is CTfD for?

CTfD may be helpful if:

• You have been together for more than 6 months
• You plan to stay together
• One or both of you is depressed
• You would like to attend sessions together
• You would like to improve your relationship.

CTfD may not be helpful if:

• There is violence or coercive control in your relationship
• One of you is struggling with addictions
• One of you needs to work with a different service on more serious issues
• You are unable to attend sessions together

What happens in CTfD?

Couples Therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes to an hour. CTfD helps couples:

• Understand the impact of depression on their relationship
• Improve communication and problem-solving skills
• Gain a better understanding of each other's thoughts and feelings
• Build on existing relationship strengths
• Develop new ways of supporting one another

CTfD takes place in three stages:

• Getting started - You will meet with the therapist together, followed by an individual session for each partner. Together, you will identify goals for therapy and explore how depression is affecting your relationship.
• Working together - You will develop a better understanding of each other's experiences, improve communication, and learn practical ways to support one another and manage difficulties together.
• Looking ahead - You will build on your strengths as a couple, review the progress you have made, and develop ways to maintain positive changes beyond therapy.

Accessing this treatment

To access this therapy, you will need to complete an assessment with NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies and be offered this treatment by one of our therapists. You may be offered a different treatment if we believe another therapy or service may be better suited to your needs.