Shift Your Depression
Depression is a widespread and serious mental health condition that significantly impacts how individuals feel, think, and behave. It goes beyond merely feeling sad or down for a few days; rather, it embodies a persistent sense of sadness and a disinterest in activities that once brought joy. This condition can disrupt daily life, harm relationships, and negatively affect physical health.
Understanding Depression
Depression is classified as a mood disorder and is characterized by:
- Continuous feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- A diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Alterations in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, and concentration
- Negative thought patterns, self-criticism, or even suicidal thoughts in severe cases
The severity of depression can vary from mild to profound, often necessitating professional treatment for improvement.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Individuals with depression may experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness almost every day
- A noticeable loss of interest in hobbies, social activities, or personal relationships
- Disruptions in sleep patterns—either insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or a significant lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt
- In severe cases, thoughts about death or suicide
To be diagnosed with clinical depression, these symptoms typically need to persist for at least two weeks and hinder one’s ability to function effectively.
What Causes Depression?
The origins of depression are multifaceted and do not stem from a single cause. Instead, it often results from an interplay of:
- Biological factors such as brain chemistry imbalances, hormonal changes, and genetic predispositions
- Psychological influences including trauma, grief experiences, abuse histories, and chronic stress
- Environmental conditions like social isolation, poverty challenges, and difficult life events
Recognizing these aspects can help foster understanding and empathy towards those affected by this complex condition.
Hello, I’m Mary Galanis
As an accredited Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, passionate about helping you navigate and resolve life’s challenges with a practical yet compassionate approach. I understand how Depression can leave you feeling debilitated, overwhelmed, with deep physical and emotional limitations. I aim to empower you with the tools and treatments that are required to heal and regain control.
With a focus on tangible results, I offer personalised treatment plans using a variety of proven methods like Hypnosis, EMDR for trauma, Psychotherapy, and Somatic Healing, ensuring your holistic well-being is always at the centre of our work together.
Clinical Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy are recognised by medical professionals as proven, safe, and effective methods for treating Chronic Pain and many other issues. My goal is to empower you, offering tailored treatments to help you to regain peace of mind, quickly and effectively.
When I’m not helping clients, I enjoy spending time with my two adult daughters, practising yoga, and relaxing with my two cats. I believe in continuous growth—both in my personal life and in my practice—always striving to help you become a well-balanced and the best version of yourself.
We work together on your tailored treatment for your unique journey to better wellness.
Here’s to better and better.
Treating Depression with Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
Treating Depression with Hypnotherapy: A Gentle and Effective Approach
Depression is a prevalent and challenging mental health condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It influences emotions, thoughts, and daily functioning, often leading to profound feelings of sadness and isolation. While many individuals find relief through traditional treatments like medication and therapy, others seek alternative methods. Among these options, **hypnotherapy** stands out as a promising approach.
Understanding Depression
Before exploring hypnotherapy, it’s essential to understand depression itself.
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it is a long-lasting condition that can affect:
Mood: Experiencing feelings of emptiness or numbness.
Thinking: Struggling to concentrate or make decisions.
Energy: Feeling tired or lacking motivation.
Behavior: Withdrawing from social interactions or neglecting responsibilities.
Physical health: Noticing changes in appetite or sleep patterns along with physical discomfort.
Traditional treatment usually involves a combination of medications (like antidepressants) and psychotherapy methods such as CBT. While effective for many individuals, these approaches may not work for everyone. Some prefer non-drug alternatives or wish to address deeper underlying issues.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that employs guided hypnosis to help individuals tap into their subconscious mind. In a deeply relaxed state with heightened focus, clients become more receptive to positive suggestions and emotional healing.
Importantly, hypnotherapy is neither magic nor mind control; clients remain aware and in control throughout the process. The objective is to bypass the analytical part of the mind—the conscious—and directly engage with the subconscious, where emotional patterns and beliefs reside.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Depression
Though depression is complex with various contributing factors, hypnotherapy offers several ways to address it effectively at the subconscious level.
1. Accessing Root Causes
Hypnotherapy enables individuals to gently explore:
* Past traumas or losses
* Negative core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not good enough”)
* Suppressed emotions or unresolved grief
Identifying these root issues allows clients to experience emotional release and healing more quickly than traditional therapy might provide.
2. Changing Negative Thinking Patterns
Negative self-talk plays a significant role in depression. During hypnosis, therapists can introduce positive suggestions aimed at:
* Rebuilding self-worth
* Shifting perspectives
* Reducing self-blame
For instance, suggestions might include:
“You are learning to speak to yourself with kindness.”
“Looking into the past does not serv you.”
These affirmations can gradually replace harmful inner dialogues over time.
3. Enhancing Emotional Resilience
Hypnotherapy frequently incorporates visualization techniques that empower clients to manage difficult emotions more easily. This fosters:
* Greater emotional strength
* Increased stress tolerance
* A sense of inner calm
Imagining positive outcomes can also combat feelings of hopelessness commonly associated with depression.
4. Improving Sleep and Relaxation
Many who suffer from depression also struggle with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Hypnotherapy can help by:
* Promoting deep relaxation
* Encouraging better sleep habits
* Reducing nighttime worries
Some therapists even provide personalized self-hypnosis recordings that clients can use before bed for improved sleep consistency.
5. Restoring Motivation and Joy
Through hypnosis, individuals can reconnect with positive memories and values that once brought them joy—envisioning themselves returning to those fulfilling states. This internal "rehearsal" helps reignite motivation and purpose in life.
What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?
A typical hypnotherapy session for depression generally includes the following steps:
1. Initial Discussion
The therapist will discuss your current emotional state as well as your history of depression or trauma while clarifying your goals for therapy. They’ll inquire about specific symptoms you'd like to address—such as low energy or difficulties sleeping.
2. Induction
You’ll be guided into a relaxed state using soothing voice cues along with breathing exercises—a process akin to deep meditation.
3. Therapeutic Suggestions or Regression Work
Depending on your needs, the session may incorporate:
* Positive affirmations
* Visualization exercises
* Exploration of past memories
* Addressing limiting beliefs
The therapist carefully chooses language designed to support emotional healing and behavioral change throughout the session.
4. Re-orientation
Finally, you will be gently brought back to full awareness—often feeling calm and refreshed afterward.
Most sessions last between 60-90 minutes. Many clients notice positive effects after just a few visits; however, additional sessions may be necessary for long-term challenges related to depression.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe for Depression?
Yes—when conducted by an appropriately trained therapist! Hypnotherapy is generally safe for most individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression. However:
- It should not replace medical care for severe cases involving suicidal thoughts or serious psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia.
- Always consult your general practitioner or mental health professional before starting any new therapy.
- Seek out therapists trained in clinical hypnotherapy who have experience specifically treating depression.
What Does Research Say?
Research into hypnotherapy's effectiveness for treating depression is expanding rapidly—and early findings are encouraging!
- A meta-analysis published in *International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis*(2013) concluded that hypnotherapy was often more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy alone in alleviating depressive symptoms.
- Another study featured in the *American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis*(2017) reported significant symptom reductions among patients receiving multiple sessions of hypnotherapy when combined with other therapies.
Real-Life Example (Fictional Case Study)
Mark is a 45-year-old graphic designer who had been grappling with mild depression for years—feeling stuck without energy or restful sleep. After four sessions of hypnotherapy, Mark discovered his feelings were tied to childhood pressures surrounding success which led him toward internalized shame. With his therapist’s guidance, he worked on releasing these old beliefs while developing new affirmations focused on self-worth creativity. For the first time in years, Mark felt hopeful again!
Final Thoughts
Depression presents unique challenges; healing often requires personalized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all answers. For those seeking alternatives beyond medication or talk therapy—or aiming to complement those methods—hypnotherapy provides an empowering way forward by accessing the subconscious mind while fostering emotional healing along the journey toward inner strength and joy.
If you're facing struggles related to depression but feel open-minded about trying something different—consider giving hypnotherapy a chance! Each session could bring you closer toward transforming your inner landscape positively!
Success Stories
Depression is like a dark hallway that has no end. I am so glad I am no longer there. I wish no person to go there. Living in the present is where my life belongs.
Depression was a dark hole in my life.