How much do sessions cost?

Individual sessions are £70 for evening appointments and £65 for daytime sessions (10am-4pm). I also offer various package deals including a 6-session pre-pay for £390, 8-session block for £500, and specialized plans for phobias (£325) and trauma (£390). The initial discovery consultation is £50.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I use evidence-based approaches including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), neuroscience principles, solution-focused hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EFT techniques.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some issues like phobias can be addressed in as few as 5 sessions, while more complex issues may require 8-12 sessions or more. We'll discuss this during your discovery consultation.

Can you treat phobias without exposure therapy?

Yes, I can reduce phobias and fears without the need for exposure. We work together to desensitize the feelings around the phobia and build confidence using specialized techniques.

Do you offer both face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, I provide therapy sessions both in-person at my Swindon office and online to accommodate different preferences and circumstances.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of treatment that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Using neurolinguistic programming, we identify the root cause of trauma and help the brain process information differently to reduce emotional responses.

What symptoms can trauma therapy help with?

Trauma therapy can help with phobias, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, distorted self-image, interrupted emotional functioning, increased sensitivity to threat perception, flashbacks, and depression.

How does trauma therapy work?

We use neurolinguistic programming to identify the root cause of trauma and allow the brain to process information in a different way to reduce emotional responses. We also utilize guided relaxation in sessions to reduce anxiety, which drastically speeds up the healing process.

Where are trauma therapy sessions held?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, SN25 4YE. We are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm and Friday 8:30am - 6pm.

Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. It can significantly impact daily life through psychological symptoms like intense anxiety, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and behavioral avoidance of certain foods, places, or situations.

What are the symptoms of emetophobia?

Symptoms include intense anxiety at the thought of vomiting, persistent intrusive thoughts, catastrophic thinking, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and avoidance behaviors such as not eating certain foods, avoiding restaurants or social events, and constantly checking food safety.

How do you treat emetophobia without exposure?

We reduce the effects and triggers of emetophobia using the NLP rewind technique and hypnosis, mental rehearsal and desensitisation. This approach allows you to overcome the fear without being exposed to triggering situations, enabling you to lead a life without constant fear.

Where can I get emetophobia therapy?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire or online. Our office is located at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, Swindon, SN25 4YE. We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm. Contact us at 07359 071210 to book a consultation.

How much does therapy cost?

Discovery Consultation costs £50, Daytime sessions are £65, and Evening sessions are £70. We offer various pre-pay packages with discounts for NHS, blue light workers, and teachers.

Do you offer face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, we offer both face-to-face sessions at our Swindon location and online sessions via secure video conferencing platforms.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be charged at the full session rate.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, allowing sufficient time for effective therapeutic work.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

We use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, combining elements of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and neuroscience to help clients achieve their goals.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and goals. Many clients see improvements within 6-12 sessions, though this can vary.

Do you treat phobias?

Yes, we specialize in phobia treatment using proven hypnotherapy techniques. We offer a specific Phobia Reduction Plan for £325.

What is a Discovery Consultation?

A Discovery Consultation is an initial 50-minute session where we discuss your needs, explain our approach, and determine if our services are right for you. It costs £50.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we offer discounts for NHS workers, blue light workers (police, fire, ambulance), and teachers. We also have pre-pay packages that offer savings.

What are your opening hours?

We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm, and Friday 8:30am-6:00pm. Weekend appointments may be available by arrangement.

How Psychotherapy for Depression Can Change Your Life

Gary Smith
Apr 28
3 min read

Depression is a heavy burden that many people carry silently. It can feel like a dark cloud that follows you everywhere, draining your energy and joy. But there is hope. Psychotherapy offers a powerful way to understand and manage depression, helping you regain control and find light again. In this post, I want to share with you how psychotherapy for depression works, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of your journey.

Understanding Psychotherapy for Depression

Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is a treatment that involves talking with a trained mental health professional. It’s a safe space where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. When it comes to depression, psychotherapy helps by identifying the root causes and patterns that contribute to your low mood.

There are different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy. Each has its own approach, but all aim to support you in developing healthier ways to cope and think.

For example, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns that fuel depression. If you often think, “I’m worthless,” CBT helps you challenge and replace that thought with something more balanced, like “I have value and strengths.” This shift can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.

Eye-level view of a cozy therapy room with a comfortable chair and soft lighting

What Makes Psychotherapy for Depression Effective?

One of the reasons psychotherapy is so effective is the relationship you build with your therapist. This connection is based on trust, empathy, and understanding. Feeling heard and supported can itself be healing.

Psychotherapy also provides practical tools and strategies. You might learn relaxation techniques, ways to manage stress, or how to set realistic goals. These skills empower you to handle challenges outside of sessions.

Another key factor is the personalised nature of therapy. Your therapist tailors the approach to your unique situation, whether you’re dealing with persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness.

If you’re curious about the science behind it, you can explore how does psychotherapy work for depression for a detailed explanation.

How Long Does Psychotherapy Take for Depression?

A common question is how long psychotherapy takes to help with depression. The answer varies depending on several factors:

Severity of depression: Mild depression might improve in a few sessions, while more severe cases can take months.
Type of therapy: Some therapies are short-term and goal-focused, like CBT, which often lasts 6-20 sessions. Others, like psychodynamic therapy, may be longer.
Your commitment: Regular attendance and active participation speed up progress.
Personal circumstances: Life events, support systems, and other health issues can influence the timeline.

Typically, you might start noticing changes within 6 to 12 weeks. However, therapy is not a race. It’s about steady growth and learning to manage your mental health in the long term.

Close-up view of a calendar with therapy appointments marked

Practical Tips to Get the Most from Psychotherapy

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but there are ways to make it more effective and comfortable:

Be honest: Share your thoughts and feelings openly. The more your therapist knows, the better they can help.
Set goals: Think about what you want to achieve. It could be improving mood, managing anxiety, or rebuilding relationships.
Practice outside sessions: Use the tools and techniques you learn in daily life. This reinforces progress.
Ask questions: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your therapist for explanations.
Be patient: Change takes time. Celebrate small victories along the way.

Remember, therapy is a partnership. Your active involvement is key to success.

Embracing a Brighter Future with Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy for depression is more than just treatment - it’s a journey towards understanding yourself better and building resilience. It helps you break free from the cycle of negative thoughts and feelings, opening the door to hope and healing.

If you’re ready to take the first step, know that support is available both in person and online. Whether you’re in Swindon, Wiltshire, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, or beyond, professional help can guide you through this challenging time.

Taking care of your mental health is a brave and important decision. With psychotherapy, you don’t have to face depression alone. Together with your therapist, you can find new ways to thrive and enjoy life again.

If you want to explore more about how psychotherapy can help you or someone you care about, reaching out to a qualified therapist is a great place to start. Your journey to wellness is worth it.