Why Hypnotherapy for Depression?

What is Depression?
The basis of Depression is a sense of Helplessness and Hopelessness.  According to the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) there are 227 different symptom combinations that could result in a Diagnosis of Depression.   The symptoms of Depression and the signs of depression seem to be growing as society becomes more influenced by non-personal social interaction via the internet.  Anxiety and Depression often go hand in hand and Insomnia is another common symptom of Depression, particularly early morning waking.  Post Partrum Depression is thought to affect 1 in 5 new mums in Australia.

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What are the Origins of Depression?
Depression has many origins, there isn’t one single cause however there are many factors that contribute to it.  Speaking in broad terms these factors can be allotted into 3 groups
1. Biological Factors i.e. genetic, biochemical
2. Psychological Factors e.g.  Temperament, coping skills, attributional style and personal history
3. Social Factors e.g. relationships, culture, employment pressures
Sometimes more than one of these Group Factors will be a contributor for the same person.
When we are children we learn about attachment to others, and we rely upon the modelling of our family to teach us how to cope with stress and adversity and how to make sense of the world around us.  f we are subject to poor modelling this can make us vulnerable to depression later in life.  This learning of course continues throughout our entire lives;  think of how romantic relationships and friendships can influence our view of the world.
Most depressed people don’t seek help because they don’t believe they can be helped.  It’s estimated only 20 to 25% of depressed people seek treatment.  The remaining 70 to 75% feel stuck, stuck in their patterns of thought and behaviour. 

There is Hope!
The good news is that if we have learned poor coping behaviours and picked up a distorted view of the world as children, we can undo that learning and learn constructive behaviours and perspectives.
A good therapist can work with their clients to help them  break free of depressed patterns.  This can be done by teaching skills; thinking skills, processing skills, relationship skills, social skills, resilience skills and relaxation skills.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy are two of the most successful therapies when treating depression.  I combine these therapies with Hypnosis because this accelerates the learning process by utilising my client’s imagination.  When engaged and focused the imagination enables my client to process at multiple levels.  The conscious understanding stimulates the unconscious to create new associations and understanding.  This process  allows new windows to different possibilities to open in the clients mind.  Hypnotherapy provides a context for the client to learn things in a much more concentrated way, which is why it is one of the faster forms of therapy.  By combining the Therapies mentioned above, the client not only learns to think differently but they get to experience what it’s like to feel different.  This experience in my opinion is what really embeds the learning, because once the client has experienced feeling different they truly understand that change is possible and are motivated to create that change.

Hypfocus Programs for Depression
*I structure my sessions to the needs of my individual clients, so that they can experience real and positive change.  Often  Hypnotherapy is seen as a last resort, but I can testify that it is a remarkably effective therapy, I’ve seen it’s transformative benefits in action and have watched my clients turn their lives around and really take control of how the want to live.

The Black Dog of Depression will visit most of us at some point in our lives.  If you would like help with Depression,   call me on 0435 923 817.  If you’d like to book a free 30 minute phone consultation I’m happy to discuss how I can help you.  For more information visit this page

If you need someone to talk to urgently  are feeling depressed or suicidal please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website  help is available.

More information is available at Beyond Blue
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If life is in danger call 000

As with all treatments results may vary from person to person