Hypnotherapy for Depression

Depression arises from a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors and may present as an acute episode. However, it often presents as a chronic relapsing condition, and therefore requires additional interventions along with medication.


Depression often co-exists with some degree of anxiety and varies across a spectrum, from mild to severe. Loss of self-confidence, anxiety, social stigma and substance misuse cause long term effects and further contribute to its chronic nature. 

In Depression the nature of thinking is “ruminative”. Rumination means repeatedly chewing over thoughts associated with the same feelings, which are often catastrophic in case of depression. There is a strong tendency with rumination to overgeneralise, which is the strongest predictor of severity, relapse and duration of depression. 

Hypnotherapy works to tackle this ruminative style of thinking and works to empower the patient with various tools to help themselves. Cognitive restructuring, both during hypnosis and out of hypnosis, helps to re-pattern the thinking process. Therapy is directed towards building self-esteem, resolving any past traumatic memories, building resilience and dealing with insomnia which is often associated with depression and often worsens the condition contributing to relapse in many cases.

Mindfulness for Depression has been proved to be a great clinical and therapeutic tool. One approach in Mindfulness is to explore the relationship to one's’ thoughts, such as whether thoughts can be seen as an external phenomenon . Introducing the concept of observership versus ownership . Mindfulness enables one to become aware of the negative depressive thoughts; and through various practises weaken the power of these thoughts to keep one trapped in a depressive state. 

Patients are advised to pursue therapy in tandem with their prescribed medical treatment. GPs are always kept informed of the therapeutic progress of a person with depression.