Hypnosis for Depression
Hello,
We receive many inquiries about the use of therapeutic hypnosis for feelings of the blues, low mood, or even diagnosed depression.
Here are a few details on what hypnosis can and cannot do for people who are depressed.
First of all—and this is very important—only your doctor can make a diagnosis and recommend the medications or therapies that are best for you.

The Different Facets of Depression
Depression is a silent suffering that affects millions of people. With its emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation, and social withdrawal, it profoundly affects quality of life.
A bout of the blues, temporary or seasonal low mood, depression…
Depressive episodes vary in severity and are characterized by symptoms—which often occur in combination—that affect a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
The most common symptoms are:
- Intense sadness and a loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Chronic Fatigue and sleep disorders
- Difficulty concentrating, finding motivation, feelings of helplessness
- Decline in Self-Esteem, sometimes a sense of guilt or the feeling of being a burden to others
- Negative Thoughts about oneself, about the world, or even suicidal thoughts
Sometimes symptoms develop gradually, making it harder to recognize them.
Hypnosis for Depression: When Should You Seek Treatment?
In fact, most of the time, the people who come to see us for therapeutic hypnosis don't mention depression.
They come to alleviate certain symptoms, such as trouble sleeping or a loss of self-confidence.
But very soon they’ll start talking about sadness, a loss of energy, a loss of desire, a loss of zest for life and pleasure, and anxious rumination…
And sometimes, too, a knot in the stomach, a feeling of physical heaviness, a foggy mind…
If these individuals are not receiving medical or psychological care, we will, of course, refer them to their doctor.
Nevertheless, most of our clients have already tried quite a few things: seeing a doctor, taking sleeping pills, and even going to the hospital to address their stomach discomfort, thinking it was a digestive issue—especially when they’ve lost their appetite or, conversely, are eating a lot.

I've met people who were depressed after a breakup, because of difficulties at work, or due to burnout. There's also depression among the elderly, and depression among teenagers who realize they're about to become adults and must leave the world of childhood behind.
Transitional periods in life—marked by a loss of bearings, turning new pages in life, and coming to terms with leaving important things behind—can lead to depression. Some people navigate these periods more or less easily, in a matter of months, while for others it takes much longer.
Anne-Géraldine Lavielle
Hypnotherapist at Solutions Hypnose
Hypnosis is therefore a valuable tool that complements medical and psychological care, helping individuals gain perspective on their situation, identify and change their negative self-talk, and alleviate certain symptoms.
It’s often an opportunity for significant personal growth: to get through this period, tap into one’s inner resources, and also let go of any emotions that are present…
But it's rewarding work that will be very helpful to the person both during this time and in the future.

Hypnotherapy for Depression: How Does It Work?
While medical and psychotherapeutic treatments are essential, therapeutic hypnosis can be a very useful complementary tool for supporting those who suffer from depressive disorders. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.
Therapeutic Hypnosis is an approach designed to access the subconscious mind, identify the resources already present within a person, identify and change negative thought patterns, and promote greater well-being in daily life.
In the case of depression, this might involve, for example, working to:
- Changing Negative Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs :
Depressive states are fueled by negative automatic thoughts ("I'm worthless", "Everything's ruined").
Under hypnosis, the person will be able to identify these beliefs and replace them with more helpful ones, ensuring that their unconscious mind understands that there is something else beyond this, that they will not remain in this situation—in this darkness or this fog—forever.
- Tapping into Your Inner Resources:
Hypnosis also helps you tap into your personal resources, reminding you that you’ve been able to bounce back, make changes, make decisions, and adapt to new situations. It helps combat feelings of helplessness and boost self-confidence.
- Reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety:
By inducing a state of deep relaxation, hypnosis helps calm the nervous system, thereby reducing the tension and anxiety that people with depression often experience.
- Reigniting Motivation:
If a person’s energy levels are very low, they may end up staying cooped up at home, or even staying in bed all day. Therapeutic hypnosis can play an important role in encouraging the person to take action even if they don’t really feel like it or lack the courage to do so.
Through positive suggestions, the hypnotherapist can encourage the desire to reconnect with enjoyable activities and restore meaning and pleasure to daily life.
Often, during a life transition, our needs change: what brought us joy in the past no longer appeals to us, and we seek out other things, other external stimuli.
"For example, I remember this person who was going through a mild bout of depression and who came out of a hypnosis session telling me, «Yoga is what's going to help me,» and apparently yoga was indeed one of the tools that helped them overcome their depression."
- Finally, the relationship with your hypnotherapist is, of course, essential:
As in any helping relationship, you need to feel comfortable.
Empathy, listening, and sometimes also feeling reassured…

Would you like to try hypnotherapy to better manage your symptoms of depression?
The entire Solutions Hypnose team—in Quebec, France, Morocco, and via video—is here to support you.
As for me, I see patients in Alsace—in Saverne and Strasbourg—but also via video.
Contact me to find out how I can support you on your journey toward more joy and positive energy in your life.
See you soon.
Anne-Géraldine Lavielle
Hypnotherapist and Holistic Coach at Solutions Hypnose
Meet Anne-Géraldine Lavielle, a specialist in Hypnosis and Emotional Management
Consultations in Strasbourg, Saverne, and via video worldwide (this works really well, too!).

Anne-Géraldine Lavielle
SAVERNE (67) & STRASBOURG (67) & VIDEO
Ericksonian and Therapeutic Hypnosis
Personal Coaching - MBSR and Mindfulness
Professional Coaching - Work-Life Balance
Adults - Teens - Children
Meet the Solutions Hypnose Team
- A team of hypnotherapists Experienced and passionate professionals in France, Canada, and Morocco
They are also often NLP coaches, sophrologists… - A professional recruitment process to identify both the technical expertise and the personal qualities you expect in a personalized coaching process.
- A network for the exchange of best practices and collective supervision
- A Continuing Education Academy
We have a presence in Canada, France, and Morocco.
If you can't find a hypnotherapist near you, most of our team members offer video sessions 💻 (and the(Video consultations work really well, too...)
Schedule an appointment now to create the life you want through hypnosis!


























