Depression
Psychologist specialising in depression and emotion regulation will help you regain energy and hope. For people experiencing loss of interest or demotivation, sadness, loneliness, irritability, insecurity, low self-esteem, shyness.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression and is the first-line treatment recommended by clinical guidelines. The impact of depression extends to social relationships, work and daily life; so the approach is not limited to mood but includes behavioural activation, restoring routines and working on the thoughts that maintain low mood. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria we offer a trusting space to assess your situation, set concrete goals and move forward with a structured plan and between-session tasks that speed up improvement.
How we work with depression
At Mente y Salud we use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the first-line treatment recommended by international guidelines for depression. CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, emotions and behaviour: we identify automatic negative thoughts and deeper beliefs that maintain low mood, and work actively to change them and replace them with more realistic and helpful interpretations.
The process includes psychoeducation about depression (what it is, why it persists), thought and activity recording to spot patterns, behavioural activation to restore routines and sources of positive experience, cognitive restructuring to question distortions (catastrophising, disqualifying the positive, all-or-nothing thinking) and training in coping and problem-solving. When needed we integrate mindfulness and acceptance techniques to handle difficult emotions without avoiding them.
Everyone has their own pace; so we adapt the plan to your situation and goals. Sessions are weekly at first and between-session tasks are an essential part of treatment: small steps of activation and recording that together produce noticeable changes in mood and energy. The aim is for you to regain interest in life and the sense that you can face day-to-day life with more resources.
What to expect during treatment
First sessions (assessment and alliance)
In the first 1–2 sessions we carry out a detailed assessment of your mood, history and current circumstances. We set concrete, measurable goals and explain how CBT works. The therapeutic alliance is central: you will notice a safe space to speak without judgment.
Active phase (first 6–12 weeks)
We work with records and between-session tasks: activation (small activities that restore a sense of achievement and social contact) and restructuring of thoughts. Frequency is usually weekly. Many people notice an improvement in mood and energy over the first few weeks.
Consolidation and relapse prevention
When symptoms ease we devote sessions to consolidating what you have learned and designing a relapse-prevention plan: warning signs, strategies that have worked for you and what to do if negative thoughts or low mood return. Sessions can be spaced (fortnightly or monthly) before discharge.
Symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the first step?
Choose the option that best fits your situation:
Free orientation call
No commitment. Answer your questions, explain how therapy works and see if we're a good fit. It's your opportunity to take the first step.