I do not agree that depression is an illness and i hate te idea of anti-depressant drugs. Depression is like a 'void' we can slip into now and again. it is the most common 'mental illness' out of them all, as psychiatrist state this as -'the common cold of psychiatry' the fact that so many people have had a depression at some point in there lives gives enough reason for it not to be an illness, its simple an emotion ( my opinion, i cannot stress enough ).
I only deem abnormal behaviour as an actual possible 'illness'.
But back on subject - I believe that counselling will get rid of any depression. I am speaking from first hand experience from taking medication then under going therapy.
When i was on the drugs it was a strange feeling, i didn't feel down but i knew i should be down but i wasn't down so i ended up getting really confused and stressed. I then stopped taking the medication (fluruxotine sp?) and went back to my usual ways, only difference now was the questions id get when i had my low spells had gone, id just me left feeling down without knowing why or how to get rid of it.
I then started seeing a psychologist and we've discus almost every aspect of my life, from college to personal perception. At the time i didn't think it was working, i had it set in my mind no one can help me ect, but eventfully the lower points started happening less and less until now its totally disappeared.
I believe depression happens on an unconscious level. After the stages of repression, feelings are buried down into the ego. Therapy simply brings these feelings to the surface and sort of, 'sorts them out'.
If you now say you've been in therapy for god knows how long and it isn't working i suggest you find another therapist