Doc Can You Help?

Doc, Can You Help? My Friend is Depressed!

Doc, Can You Help? My Friend is Depressed!

Dear Doc,

I received a status update from a friend the other day. I believe that she is clinically depressed and lists very classic indicators of such. Her mother passed away recently and my friend was her sole caretaker. I know depression is a normal stage of grief and I have told her so but I am concerned that it is prolonged. The following are her words, any advice?

Doc, Can You Help? Therapy for a Secular Humanist?

Doc, Can You Help? Therapy for a Secular Humanist?

Dear Doc,

I've been thinking about getting therapy again. It's worked for me before; indeed, I think it's done me more good than medication. I think I had CBT with a touch of Zen. My therapist stressed mindfulness and she was willing to work with me where I was at. She was Jewish (a convert to Judaism) who seemed to have a little bit of Zen going in her practice and I was a Secular Humanist. She got me which was something I really liked. When I get therapy again, I really hope I get her again and maybe we could go through Zen this time, a little more actively.

I've also thought about getting into DBT and wondered if you knew anything about that particular form of therapy. I mostly want to use it for weight loss; my boss is all about this therapy. She's read up on it and I believe she's had some training in it. She said it's helped her; I'm just looking for a variety of opinions on this subject from therapists and counselors.

Thank you, 

Mindful and Wondering