How Hypnotherapy Works for Depression: A Conversation with James

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When people think about hypnotherapy, many imagine stage shows or dramatic television portrayals. But in reality, hypnotherapy is a deeply personal, gentle, and powerful approach to healing, especially for those living with depression. Today, I want to share the story of James (name changed for privacy), one of my clients, who came to me after struggling with depression for years. This is how our conversation unfolded.

Dean: James, can you tell me what life was like for you before starting hypnotherapy?

James: It felt like I was stuck in a dark fog, constantly exhausted, sleeping long hours but never feeling rested. I missed work often because I couldn’t face the day. Most of my time was spent hiding away at home, avoiding friends and family. I started losing weight because I barely ate, and my friends were genuinely concerned about me. I looked frail, and even small things like making a cup of tea felt overwhelming. They were worried I might hurt myself, and honestly, there were moments when I wondered if life would ever feel okay again. It was frightening to feel so lost and disconnected from everything.

Dean: What do you think contributed to you feeling this way?

James: The biggest thing was falling out with my family. We had a disagreement years ago that we never resolved, and the distance just grew. I felt abandoned and lonely. On top of that, work stress became unbearable, and my health kept getting worse. I felt like a failure in every part of my life, which made it impossible to see a way out. I doubted myself constantly and thought I didn’t matter to anyone anymore.

Dean: Before coming to see me, what other things did you try to help with your depression?

James: I tried counselling, medication, exercise, even mindfulness apps. Counselling helped me talk, but it didn’t lift the weight I was carrying. Medication numbed things but left me feeling empty. Exercise gave me a small boost, but I lacked the motivation to keep it up. It felt like nothing touched the real problem inside me. My friends suggested I reach out to my family, but I knew that wasn’t the answer. I didn’t want to keep patching things up on the surface, I wanted to feel alive again.

Dean: How did you feel in your first sessions?

James: Nervous, but also hopeful. You didn’t make me relive every painful moment, which was such a relief. Instead, we focused on what life could feel like if things got better. That gave me something to hold onto, a picture of hope.

Dean: What was the hardest part about the sessions for you?

James: The inconsistent feeling during the first couple of sessions. At first, my mind wandered a lot, and I wasn’t sure if it was working. It felt strange trying something new after years of feeling stuck. But after a few sessions, it clicked, and I started noticing real changes.

Dean: Did you notice changes quickly?

James: Yes, after just a couple of sessions the fog in my mind started to lift. I slept better, my appetite came back, and my energy improved. My friends noticed before I did, saying I looked more like myself again. That gave me even more hope.

Dean: How did things change over time?

James: I began going out again, meeting friends, enjoying small things like a walk in the park or cooking a proper meal. The depression wasn’t suffocating me anymore. My friends were relieved, and I could see the worry in their eyes fade. For the first time in years, I felt like life had colour again.

Dean: How are you now, James?

James: I feel free. The heavy weight I carried every day is gone. I can handle challenges now without falling apart. I’m eating well, sleeping properly, working regularly, and enjoying my time with friends. I can finally say I’m living, not just surviving.

Dean: Was there a turning point in your sessions where you knew things were changing?

James: Yes, I remember one session where I walked out and realised I’d been smiling without forcing it. That hadn’t happened in years. It was a small but powerful moment, a sign that I was coming back to myself.

Dean: Did hypnotherapy help you rebuild relationships in your life?

James: Definitely. Even though I didn’t need to reach out to my family, I became closer to my friends. I stopped shutting them out and started enjoying their company again. It felt good to laugh and not feel like a burden anymore.

Dean: How do you see the future now?

James: Bright. I feel like there’s so much I want to do, and now I have the energy and confidence to go after it. Life doesn’t feel impossible anymore, it feels exciting.

Dean: What advice would you give someone who feels hopeless right now?

James: I’d tell them that no matter how dark things seem, there’s always a way forward. You might not see it yet, but with the right support, life can change in ways you can’t imagine.

Dean: Did you feel hypnotherapy changed your thoughts or habits directly?

James: Yes, it helped me stop overthinking every small thing. I don’t get stuck replaying old arguments or mistakes in my head anymore. Instead, I think about what I can do today to make life better.

Dean: What did you personally like the most about hypnotherapy?

James: I loved that it gave me real tools to calm my mind. It felt safe, comforting, and empowering. It wasn’t about talking endlessly or digging up old pain, it was about giving me the ability to move forward.

Dean: Is there something you wish more people knew about depression and hypnotherapy?

James: That depression doesn’t have to be forever. It’s not who you are, it’s just something you’re experiencing. And hypnotherapy can really help you change how you feel inside, without fear or judgement.

Evidence Supporting Hypnotherapy for Depression

A study by Northumbria Police explored the use of solution-focused hypnotherapy for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Participants reported significant improvements in mood, resilience, and their ability to manage emotions after regular sessions. You can read the study here.

Other research shows that hypnotherapy can help rewire thought patterns in the brain. It encourages relaxation, improves sleep, reduces cycles of negative thinking, and strengthens a sense of calm and control, all key components in overcoming depression. Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to create positive, lasting change, offering a practical way to support mental health recovery.

While hypnotherapy isn’t a quick fix, it is increasingly recognised as a valuable approach that can work alongside other therapies and lifestyle changes to help people regain balance and well-being.

Thank you James for the interview.

For more information, visit www.hypnotherapywithdean.com, follow me on Instagram @hypnotherapywithdean, and join the conversation on Facebook Hypnotherapy with Dean. Have you tried hypnotherapy for depression? Share your story in the comments, your experience could help someone else take their first step toward healing.