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.

Solution-Focused Therapy for Depression Explained

Gary Smith

7 days ago

4 min read

Depression can feel like a heavy cloud that follows you everywhere. It’s tough, draining, and often makes it hard to see a way forward. But what if there was a therapy that focused less on the problem itself and more on finding practical solutions to help you move ahead? That’s exactly what solution-focused therapy offers. In this post, I’ll walk you through what solution-focused therapy is, how it works for depression, and why it might be the right approach for you.

Understanding Solution-Focused Therapy for Depression

Solution-focused therapy is a brief, goal-oriented approach that centres on your strengths and resources rather than dwelling on the causes of your depression. Instead of digging deep into past traumas or analysing every detail of your feelings, this therapy encourages you to envision a future where your problems are less overwhelming and to identify small, achievable steps to get there.

This method is particularly empowering because it puts you in the driver’s seat. You become the expert on your own life, and the therapist acts as a guide to help you discover solutions that work for you. It’s about building hope and confidence by focusing on what’s possible, not what’s wrong.

Here’s what makes solution-focused therapy stand out:

Brief and focused: Typically, therapy lasts for a few sessions, making it accessible and less daunting.
Strength-based: It highlights your existing skills and past successes.
Future-oriented: The focus is on where you want to be, not where you’ve been.
Collaborative: You and your therapist work together to find practical solutions.

If you’re curious to learn more, you can explore solution focused therapy for depression in detail.

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

How Does Solution-Focused Therapy Work in Practice?

When you start solution-focused therapy, your therapist will ask you questions that help you clarify your goals and recognise your strengths. These questions might seem simple but are powerful in shifting your mindset. For example:

“What would be different in your life if your depression was less severe?”
“Can you tell me about a time when you felt even a little better?”
“What small step could you take today that would make a positive difference?”

The idea is to break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, you focus on small, realistic changes that build momentum.

One technique often used is the “miracle question”. It asks you to imagine waking up tomorrow and finding that your depression has lifted overnight. What would be the first signs? What would you do differently? This helps you identify concrete goals and the steps needed to reach them.

Therapists also encourage you to notice and celebrate progress, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement helps build confidence and motivation.

Practical Example

Imagine you’re struggling with low energy and lack of motivation. Instead of analysing why you feel this way, your therapist might ask:

“What’s one small thing you could do tomorrow that would make you feel a bit more energised?”

You might decide to take a short walk or spend five minutes doing a hobby you enjoy. The next session, you discuss how that went and build on it.

This approach helps you regain control and see that change is possible, even when depression feels overwhelming.

Close-up view of a notebook with a pen and a list of small goals written down

What are the 5 R's of Depression?

Understanding depression can be complex, but the 5 R’s offer a helpful framework to make sense of it. These are:

Recognise - Identifying the symptoms and acknowledging that you’re struggling.
Respond - Taking action, whether that’s seeking help or making lifestyle changes.
Reduce - Working on strategies to lessen the impact of depression.
Relapse Prevention - Learning how to maintain progress and avoid setbacks.
Recovery - Moving towards a state of improved wellbeing and functioning.

Solution-focused therapy fits well within this framework because it encourages early recognition and response by focusing on practical steps. It also supports relapse prevention by equipping you with tools to manage future challenges.

By keeping these 5 R’s in mind, you can better understand your journey and the role therapy plays in it.

Who Can Benefit from Solution-Focused Therapy?

This therapy is suitable for many people experiencing depression, especially those who:

Prefer a brief, goal-oriented approach.
Want to focus on practical solutions rather than exploring deep-rooted causes.
Feel stuck and need help identifying small steps forward.
Appreciate a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.

It’s also a great option if you’re balancing a busy life and want therapy that fits into your schedule without long-term commitment.

While solution-focused therapy is effective for mild to moderate depression, it can also complement other treatments like medication or more intensive therapy if needed.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Solution-Focused Therapy

If you decide to try this approach, here are some tips to maximise its benefits:

Be open and honest: Share your goals and challenges clearly with your therapist.
Focus on small wins: Celebrate every step forward, no matter how minor it seems.
Practice outside sessions: Try the small actions you agree on and reflect on how they make you feel.
Keep a journal: Writing down your progress can help you see patterns and stay motivated.
Stay patient: Change takes time, and setbacks are part of the process.

Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.

Moving Forward with Hope and Confidence

Depression can feel isolating, but solution-focused therapy offers a refreshing way to regain control and build a brighter future. By focusing on your strengths and practical steps, it helps you move beyond the heaviness and find hope in everyday moments.

If you’re ready to explore this approach, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist who specialises in solution-focused methods. Whether you’re in Swindon, Wiltshire, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, or prefer online sessions, support is available to help you take those first steps.

Your journey towards feeling better doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a clear focus on solutions and a little encouragement to start seeing the light again.

I hope this post has given you a clear understanding of solution-focused therapy for depression and how it might help you or someone you care about. Remember, every small step counts, and there is always a way forward.