Low mood can feel like carrying an invisible weight, making even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. When motivation disappears and that familiar heaviness settles in, you might wonder if there’s a gentler way forward than traditional talking therapies alone.

Hypnotherapy offers a unique approach to addressing low mood by working with your subconscious mind to create positive shifts in thinking patterns. What if you could access that part of your mind where automatic thoughts form, and gradually influence them towards more balanced perspectives?

Many people find hypnotherapy particularly helpful because it feels deeply relaxing whilst working on the underlying patterns that contribute to low mood. The combination of profound relaxation and focused therapeutic work can create space for genuine change to emerge naturally.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to create a trance-like state. In this deeply relaxed state, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and new perspectives, whilst you remain fully in control throughout the process.

Think of it as accessing the same natural state you experience when completely absorbed in a good book or film. Your conscious, analytical mind steps back slightly, allowing your therapist to communicate more directly with the part of your mind that governs automatic thoughts and emotional responses.

During hypnosis, you’re not asleep or unconscious. Instead, you’re in a heightened state of focus and relaxation. Many people describe it as feeling like that peaceful moment just before falling asleep, where you’re aware but deeply calm.

The therapeutic suggestions offered during this state are designed to help reframe negative thought patterns and build more positive mental habits. Your hypnotherapist might help you visualise yourself responding differently to challenging situations or developing greater self-compassion when facing difficulties.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Low Mood?

Low mood often stems from repetitive negative thought patterns that become deeply embedded in our subconscious mind. These automatic thoughts can create a cycle where low mood triggers negative thinking, which in turn deepens the low mood further.

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind where these patterns are stored, allowing for gentle reprogramming of unhelpful thought habits. Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis has shown significant improvements in mood-related symptoms following hypnotherapy treatment.

A study in Contemporary Hypnosis found that participants experienced measurable improvements in mood and overall wellbeing after a course of hypnotherapy sessions. The research suggested that hypnosis may help by reducing rumination and increasing access to positive emotional states.

Imagine your mind as a well-worn path through a forest, where negative thoughts have created deep grooves over time. Hypnotherapy is like gently creating new pathways, allowing your thoughts to flow in more positive directions naturally.

Sarah, a teacher in her forties, began noticing small shifts after her third session. She found herself waking with less of that familiar dread about the day ahead, and gradually felt more able to appreciate small moments of joy that had previously passed unnoticed.

Individual responses vary considerably, and hypnotherapy works best as part of a holistic approach to mental wellbeing. Some people experience subtle shifts quite quickly, whilst others find the changes emerge more gradually over several weeks. Many clients also find it helpful to address related concerns such as feelings of isolation that often accompany low mood.

What Happens in a Session for Low Mood?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed discussion about your experience of low mood. Your hypnotherapist will want to understand your particular triggers, thought patterns, and what you hope to achieve through the sessions.

This initial conversation helps tailor the hypnotic approach to your specific needs. Some people benefit from visualising themselves feeling more energetic and motivated, whilst others need to work on reducing self-critical thoughts or building resilience to daily stressors.

The hypnosis portion usually begins with progressive relaxation, where you’ll be guided to release tension from different parts of your body. Many clients find this deeply soothing, especially if low mood has been accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue or tension.

Once you’re deeply relaxed, your therapist will offer carefully crafted suggestions designed to shift your subconscious responses to challenging situations. These might include visualisations of feeling more hopeful, developing greater self-compassion, or accessing inner resources for coping with difficulties.

Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, with the hypnotic portion taking up about half of this time. You’ll emerge feeling deeply relaxed, often describing the experience as similar to having had a refreshing nap, but with a clearer, calmer mindset.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry they might reveal embarrassing secrets or lose control during hypnosis. In reality, you remain fully aware and in control throughout the session, able to speak, move, or open your eyes whenever you choose.

Another common concern is that hypnosis only works on highly suggestible people. Research shows that most people can benefit from hypnotherapy, though individual responsiveness does vary. Your ability to become absorbed in activities like reading or watching films is often a good indicator of your natural capacity for therapeutic trance states.

Some worry that hypnotherapy might uncover repressed memories or traumatic experiences. Reputable hypnotherapists focus on building positive resources and coping strategies rather than delving into potentially destabilising material. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy provides standards for ethical hypnotherapy practice.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Low Mood?

Most people begin noticing subtle shifts in their mood and thinking patterns within 3-4 sessions. However, lasting change typically requires 6-8 sessions, allowing time for new thought patterns to become established.

The timeline can vary significantly depending on how long you’ve been experiencing low mood and whether other factors are involved. Some clients find monthly sessions sufficient for maintaining progress, whilst others prefer weekly sessions initially.

Your hypnotherapist will typically review progress after the first few sessions and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Some people achieve their goals more quickly, particularly if their low mood is relatively recent or linked to specific life circumstances.

It’s worth remembering that sustainable change often happens gradually. Rather than expecting dramatic shifts, many clients find the most lasting improvements come through consistent, gentle progress over several weeks or months.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy can be particularly helpful if you’re drawn to gentle, non-invasive approaches to improving your mental wellbeing. It works well alongside other treatments and is especially suitable if you enjoy relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices.

Consider hypnotherapy if you find yourself caught in repetitive negative thinking patterns or if traditional talking therapies haven’t provided the shifts you’re seeking. Many people find it helpful for addressing the subconscious aspects of low mood that can be difficult to access through conscious effort alone.

If you’re experiencing severe depression or have complex mental health needs, hypnotherapy works best as a complementary treatment alongside appropriate medical or psychological support. It’s particularly effective for those also dealing with broader depressive symptoms or seasonal mood changes.

The most important factor is finding a qualified, experienced hypnotherapist who makes you feel comfortable and understood. Trust your instincts about whether the therapeutic relationship feels right for you.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Depression & Low Mood.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.