Hypnotherapy for depression is a short-term, solution-based treatment that takes a natural approach to problem-solving. By entering the physically and mentally relaxed state of hypnosis, people are more easily able to make emotional and behavioral changes. In conjunction with other therapies, hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective treating depression, as well as anxiety and seasonal affective disorder.
Depression Is Treatable with Therapy
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What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an intervention used by certified hypnotherapists. In this intervention, a person is taken into a state of relaxation and lowered inhibitions. A professional will give verbal commands and help the client resolve some subconscious thoughts contributing to a mental health or behavioral concern.
How Can Hypnotherapy Help Someone With Depression?
Hypnotherapy differs from other depression treatments in that it focuses on solutions to problem states and behaviors rather than simply seeking to alleviate symptoms of depression. Some areas hypnosis for depression might address include subconscious causes, behaviors, self-image, and core identity.
Resolving Subconscious Elements of Depression
Some people report feeling depressed with no obvious or apparent reason. In these cases, there may be hidden, subconscious causes for their depression. One of the main objectives of hypnosis is to bring subconscious elements of the mind to the foreground.
In the relaxed state of hypnotic trance, it is possible to recall long-forgotten memories, recognize unhealthy thought patterns or beliefs, and identify previously unconscious biases and assumptions. The therapist will then guide the person to resolve these subconscious elements so emotional change occurs.
Addressing Depressive Behaviors
Depression can sometimes be linked to various behavioral factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise.3 If the client is amenable, they can work on these issues with their hypnotist. In some cases, behavioral changes are enough to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Improving Self-Image & Self-Esteem
Whether the cause or result of depression, self-image and low self-esteem can play a major role in the condition.4 Hypnosis can help people recognize and change flawed, habitual thinking about their inherent value and increase their self-worth and self-love. This can be accomplished through guided imagery, positive affirmations, and post-hypnotic suggestions while in the trance state.
What Does Hypnosis for Depression Address?
Most people who are willing and ready to change can benefit from hypnotherapy. However, because many people suffering from depression also experience low self-esteem, they may believe that change is impossible.1
Regulations for hypnotherapy vary by cand region. Some regulatory agencies limit how hypnotists can treat mental disorders. It’s still possible to receive hypnotherapy as an adjunct treatment (perhaps alongside depression therapy and/or medication for depression) when referred by a licensed health provider.
Self-efficacy, the belief that a person has the ability to succeed in achieving their goals, plays an important part in the outcome of any program involving hypnosis treatment.2 If a person lacks self-confidence, the hypnotherapist will take that into account and work with the person to reframe any doubts or hesitations that may limit the effectiveness of the treatment.
Because hypnotherapy is a solution-based therapy, much time will be spent addressing underlying subconscious causes of depression rather than the symptoms.
Causes addressed in hypnotherapy may be related to:
- Stressful life events such as divorce or losing a job
- Grief and loss
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Sexual trauma
- Early childhood trauma
- Alcoholism and addiction
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Nutritional or exercise deficiencies
Any of these issues can be serious in and of themselves. As a result, it is important to consider all available treatment methods. Consulting with medical, mental health, and other professionals can increase the chances of success.
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Typical Course of Hypnotherapy
A typical course of hypnotherapy treatment tends to be short, with clients attending 60-minute sessions weekly over several months. Hypnotherapy is often not covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider before committing to a course of hypnosis treatment if you cannot pay out of pocket.
How Hypnosis Works For Depression
Hypnosis treatment for depression or other mood disorders includes an initial assessment, sessions, and aftercare. During the initial assessment, a person may be asked about their past and current experience with depression. Depression can be a severe medical and mental health issue, so a hypnotherapist will likely ask about any past or current treatments so they can coordinate with other providers as needed. These may include counselors, primary care physicians, and other mental health therapists.
The therapist may also review recent major life events, noticeable mood swing patterns, nutritional routines, and relationship problems. Using all this information, the person will work with the therapist to create hypnotic suggestions and a plan of treatment that will best work towards alleviating the depression.
What Is a First Session Like?
During the first session, the therapist will induce a hypnotic trance, guiding the person into deep relaxation and focused awareness. In addition to the strategies mentioned above, a therapist can then employ various techniques to relieve the symptoms of depression and address the underlying causes.
Hypnosis techniques for depression may include:
- Post hypnotic suggestions that encourage and reinforce positive beliefs and behaviors
- Anchoring positive resource states such as confidence and optimism that can be accessed after formal sessions
- Memory regression to address any correlation between depression and past experiences
- Teaching pattern interruption techniques that help a person break out of depressive thought cycles
Is Hypnotherapy Effective For Depression?
Promising research suggests that hypnotherapy can be an effective depression or mood disorder treatment. Some studies found that hypnosis significantly improved depression symptoms, possibly offering a viable alternative to pharmacological treatments.5 Hypnosis may be especially effective for symptoms such as agitation and rumination, helping to decrease helplessness and hopelessness.6,7 Additionally, other research concluded that self-hypnosis should be considered more regularly as a primary care option.8
Pros & Cons of Hypnotherapy For Depression
Hypnotherapy is an all-natural and non-intrusive alternative to traditional mood disorder treatments. However, as with any course of treatment, all the pros and cons should be considered.
The pros of utilizing hypnosis for depression can include:
- Drug-free alternative: Pharmacological solutions are common when treating depression. Medications pose risks of unpleasant side effects, including sleep problems, sexual side effects, and, in some cases, worsening symptoms.
- Safe and effective: Hypnosis is a non-invasive form of treatment. In addition, the person in a trance is always aware of their experience and is in no danger of doing anything against their will. A 2016 review of five meta-analyses concluded that hypnotherapy is safe and effective for treating various issues.9
- Self-empowering: Most hypnotherapy treatments will include learning some form of self-hypnosis. This is an effective way of treating many issues and allows the person to take their mental health and well-being into their own hands.
The cons of using hypnosis for depression can include:
- May not solve all the issues: Although hypnosis has been proven to be effective for depression, not every case will yield successful results. As a result, additional therapy for depression, or medication for some, should be considered with the advice of a medical professional.
- Insurance: Hypnotherapy is not always covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider before committing to a course of hypnosis treatment if paying out of pocket is prohibitive.
- Results vary: Not all hypnosis treatments are the same. As of yet, there are no definitive industry-wide standards for how to treat any given issue. Ask your therapist about their specific treatment plan for depression when deciding what course of action to take.
Depression Is Treatable with Therapy
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How to Find a Hypnotherapist to Help With Depression
The mental health consumer has more choices available to them than ever before. This applies to all forms of treatment, including hypnotherapy. Therefore, it is helpful to begin looking for a hypnotherapist armed with as much information as possible to help with your depression symptoms.
A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to making decisions about your health and well-being. Before you begin to shop for a therapist, learn the basics of hypnosis. Next, check the credentials of any prospective therapist and make sure they are qualified to practice in your state or region. Credentials can include degrees in other fields, or the types of hypnosis training your prospective therapist has received.
Take advantage of free consultations to meet several different therapists and compare their services. You can also “get the feel” of the person through your conversation. Do you feel comfortable sharing your issues with this therapist? Do they seem to empathize with you? Ask yourself these questions before moving forward with treatment.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of treatment options for depression. However, hypnosis for depression may be worth trying if other interventions aren’t seeming to give you results. Together, you and your practitioner will develop a plan to help you improve your depression symptoms.
Additional Resources
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Hypnosis for Depression Infographics
