The Three Goals of Psychotherapy

The second goal in treating your depression is to bring you to a full state of remission. Remission is clinically defined as the experience of being symptom-free from illness. This differs from response in that you not only report an improvement from when you started treatment, but you also describe the presence of well-being, optimism, self-confidence and a return to a healthy state of functioning.

It's important to follow your treatment plan so you can achieve a full state of remission. Not doing so can lead to a partial remission - where relapse is likely to occur.

Recovery is clinically defined as the absence of symptoms for at least 4 months following the onset of remission. Recovery presents with periods of improvement and growth as well as with setbacks and stumbling blocks. So, essentially, you'll have good days and you'll have bad days. It's important to monitor your depressive disorder by being mindful about your physical and emotional experiences - along with many of the other tools and techniques you've learned in psychotherapy. Also, it's vital to keep up with your medication if that's part of your treatment plan.

Living with a moderate or severe mental illness requires consistent treatment and coordinated care. For those who experience treatment-resistant depression, alternative treatment plans will be created to deal with these unique challenges. But for others who have treatable depressive disorders, strive to make psychotherapy a priority. Aim to reach all levels of response, remission, and recovery.