Hypnotherapy for Depression
Reduce overwhelm, regain motivation, and start feeling like yourself again.
Learn to calm a low, overactive mind, reduce depressive rumination, and regain a sense of control through evidence-based, solution focused hypnotherapy.
How Hypnotherapy Helps Control Depression
Solution focused hypnotherapy does not claim to cure depression and does not replace medical or psychological treatment. However, it can be a valuable supportive therapy.
Hypnotherapy can help to:
Calm the nervous system
Reduce overwhelm and mental fatigue
Improve emotional regulation
Support better sleep and rest
Reduce self-critical or negative thought patterns
Increase motivation and confidence gradually
Support engagement with daily life
Many clients notice improvements in coping, stability, and emotional resilience, even if their mood lifts slowly.
Why Choose Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to Manage Your Depression?
Solution focused hypnotherapy is a forward-focused therapeutic approach that combines:
Solution focused brief therapy techniques
Neuroscience-based psychoeducation
Clinical hypnosis
Rather than analysing the past or reliving painful experiences, this approach focuses on what helps you cope, stabilise, and move forward, even in small steps.
It is structured, practical, and adapted to your pace and energy levels.
Who Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can support people experiencing depression by helping to quiet persistent negative thought patterns, mental rumination, low mood, emotional overwhelm, and stress-related sleep problems.
Rather than repeatedly revisiting painful experiences or analysing the past, this approach focuses on helping the mind and nervous system settle, creating space for clearer thinking and emotional balance.
Sessions are practical, structured, and time-limited, with an emphasis on restoring a sense of control, improving emotional resilience, and gently guiding the mind out of depressive loops. Many clients find this a positive, forward-focused alternative to traditional talking therapies, supporting wellbeing without dwelling on distressing content.
How It Works
Over our sessions, we’ll work together to help you:
Over our sessions, we’ll work together to help you:
Understand how the brain creates and maintains depressive thought patterns
Learn tools to calm low mood and gently reframe negative thinking
Develop a more positive, solution-focused mindset
Reinforce calm and confidence through relaxing hypnosis
Each session is structured as follows:
A discussion of “what’s been good?” to help your brain notice positives and move into a calmer, more rational state. These do not need to be big things — perhaps the sun is shining, the traffic was light on your journey, or someone said something kind to you at work.
Brain revision to remind you of the neuroscience behind depression, the recovery process, and the importance of good sleep, doing things you enjoy, connecting with people who make you feel supported, and developing healthier thought patterns.
A simple scaling exercise to explore how you are feeling this week and what might help move you slightly higher on the mood scale.
A visualisation exercise to expand on what your preferred future would look like, how you will feel as your mood improves, and what small step you can take to move in that direction.
A guided sleep relaxation to reinforce your preferred future and support emotional balance at a subconscious level.
Many clients notice a real difference after just a few sessions.
Meet Laura
My name is Laura Bartlett and I am a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist, with a strong academic and professional background in psychology and evidence-based therapy. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, alongside a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and a Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma.
I am a registered member of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH), fully insured, and hold an enhanced DBS certificate — so you can be confident you are working with a qualified, professional, and ethical practitioner.
Before retraining as a therapist, I spent 20 years working in the London corporate world as an insurance broker. With an Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) and a Level 3 Diploma in Management and Leadership, my approach is practical, grounded, and evidence-informed.
You’re In Safe Hands
Membership Number: 2625
The Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (AfSFH) maintains the only dedicated register for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists. All members are fully qualified, insured, and required to follow a strict Code of Conduct and professional standards. AfSFH also sets and monitors best-practice standards, with members completing at least 21 hours of ongoing professional development each year, including regular supervision and further training.
Membership Number: 12094
The National Council for Hypnotherapy holds one of the largest registers of independent Hypnotherapists in the United Kingdom and strives to maintain the highest standards among its members.
There is an agreed Code of Conduct, an established Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure and all members are obliged to maintain comprehensive Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance, maintain regular CPD (continuing professional development) hours, and attend Supervision when needed.
CASE STUDY: Regaining Confidence and Purpose After a Health Scare
Details changed for confidentiality reasons)
John, in his early seventies, had always been fit, active, and independent. He enjoyed socialising with friends, spending time with extended family, and keeping busy with hobbies he loved. Following a sudden health scare, however, his confidence was shaken.
Although he was recovering physically, the emotional impact lingered. John began to feel increasingly low and vulnerable, withdrawing from social situations and losing interest in activities that had once brought him enjoyment. His wife also felt the impact, as his low mood and withdrawal affected their relationship and day-to-day life together.
John decided to explore solution focused hypnotherapy as a way to support his emotional wellbeing. The early focus of the sessions was on calming his nervous system and helping his brain move out of a prolonged stress response following the health scare.
Over the course of twelve sessions, John gradually began to feel more settled and emotionally balanced. Rather than pushing himself, he took very small, manageable steps towards re-engaging with life. One of his long-standing passions had been classic cars, so he began by simply buying a classic car magazine and reading a page at a time. As his focus improved, he found himself able to watch car programmes again without feeling distracted or overwhelmed.
As his confidence grew, John started spending time outside, washing his classic car and tending to the garden. These small actions marked an important shift in motivation and self-belief. Eventually, he felt able to reconnect socially, inviting his son out for a drink and rebuilding connections he had previously avoided.
By the end of his sessions, John described feeling calmer, more present, and more like himself again. His relationship with his wife improved, and he felt better able to enjoy everyday life. Through solution focused hypnotherapy, John was able to gently rebuild confidence, reconnect with meaningful activities, and regain a sense of purpose at his own pace.
Client Testimonials
“Laura helped me when I was in a bit of a dark hole. Now I have different and positive attitude on life 100% recommend Laura.” — CB, Female, 33
“Great therapy sessions that helped me through a difficult time in my life. Thank you Laura.” — TP, Male, 76
Next Steps…
Ready to overcome depression and low mood?
Book an initial consultation or learn how solution focused hypnotherapy can help you overcome obsessive and negative thought patterns.
I service the local areas of Hadleigh, Leigh-on-Sea, Benfleet, Chalkwell, Southend-on-Sea, Canvey Island, Dunton, Laindon, Basildon, Horndon on the Hill, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Pitsea, Thundersley, Hockley, Hawkwell, Rochford, Westcliff-on-Sea, Wickford and Rayleigh. Or anywhere in the World via Zoom.
An initial consultation is £35 and takes up to 45 minutes. It can take place online via Zoom or in-person in my relaxing therapy room at 96 Westwood Gardens, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2SJ.
During the initial consultation I will take some basic information from you - including what you are looking to achieve from sessions. I will then explain how the brain works including why it is negatively biased and what causes our intrusive thoughts. We will discuss the format of further sessions and you will leave with a sleep audio to listen to at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy for Depression and Low Mood
Is hypnotherapy suitable if I feel very low?
Yes, hypnotherapy can be suitable for people feeling low, provided it is delivered safely and appropriately.
Sessions are gentle, structured, and paced according to your energy and capacity. There is no pressure to talk in detail about painful experiences, and safeguarding is always prioritised. If additional support is needed, this will be discussed openly and sensitively.
Will hypnosis make me relive past experiences?
No. Solution focused hypnotherapy does not require you to relive or analyse past experiences.
The focus is on how you are feeling now and what helps you cope, stabilise, and move forward. You remain fully in control of what you share, and sessions are kept present-focused and supportive.
How does hypnotherapy help depression?
Depression often keeps the brain and nervous system in a low-energy or survival state.
Hypnotherapy helps by:
Calming the nervous system
Reducing overwhelm and mental fatigue
Supporting emotional regulation
Improving sleep and relaxation
Reducing negative or self-critical thinking
This creates the conditions for gradual improvement in mood and motivation.
Can hypnotherapy be used alongside antidepressants?
Yes. Solution focused hypnotherapy can be used alongside antidepressant medication and GP or psychiatric care.
It does not replace medical treatment. Hypnotherapy focuses on emotional wellbeing, stress regulation, and coping strategies, complementing other forms of support.