Can hypnotherapy work for depression?

The most common first-line approach to the treatment of depression in the UK is the use of anti-depressants; other approaches involve “talking therapies” such as counselling and psychotherapy. Recent studies indicate that hypnotherapy can be successful in the treatment of depression, importantly hypnotherapy is compatible with the other commonly used treatments for depression.

How does Hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy works on the assumption that what we perceive as the external world is hugely influenced by our own state of mind. If we consider being at a train station platform and hearing a far away train we are fooled into thinking that we are actually hearing the train at its distant location. In reality we are only perceiving the sound waves as they hit our eardrum – we consider the sound to be a distant train based
on the context of being on a train line and how loud the sound is. Similarly, when we see a rainbow we perceive it as being objectively “out-there” but in reality it is unique to ourselves; someone standing nearby will claim to see the same rainbow but it will be slightly different and unique to them as the refracted light interacts with their own eyes.

How can hypnotherapy help with depression?

Hypnotherapy begins by guiding the client into a natural state of deep relaxation. In this state, the therapist can help gently reshape how the client perceives themselves and the world around them.

When someone is depressed, they often develop a persistently negative view of life and themselves. The mind, in turn, seeks out evidence to reinforce this negative perspective. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle that can be hard to break.

Hypnotherapy aims to interrupt this cycle. By encouraging more balanced and positive perceptions, it can help slow, and even reverse, the spiral of negative thoughts. In doing so, it supports emotional healing and creates space for a more hopeful outlook.

Find out more about hypnotherapy here.