Best Mind Therapy · Low Mood & Depression · Swindon & UK Online
When life feels heavy, there is still room for change.
Low mood can make even an ordinary day feel difficult. You deserve a conversation that feels supportive, practical and free from judgement.
I'm Gary Smith, a Swindon-based psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist. I offer Solution Focused conversations, clinical hypnosis and NLP-informed approaches to explore wellbeing, coping and manageable next steps, with careful attention to what support is right for you.
In person in Swindon · Enquiries within approximately 50 miles · Suitable online appointments throughout the UK · No obligation to continue
01 / Understanding what you're experiencing
Sometimes it isn't sadness. It's feeling unlike yourself.
You may be managing on the outside while struggling quietly on the inside.
Low mood can look like feeling flat, withdrawn, irritable, exhausted or unable to enjoy the things that used to matter. Depression can affect sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships and the way you see yourself or the future.
These experiences can have several contributing factors, including stress, loss, physical health problems or changing circumstances. You don't have to diagnose yourself before asking for help.
If symptoms are persistent, recur or interfere with everyday life, a GP can assess what is happening and discuss appropriate treatment options. Read NHS information about depression.
02 / The many faces of low mood
No two experiences look quite the same.
Whether you're finding everyday life difficult or simply feeling a long way from the person you want to be, your experience deserves attention.
Everything feels like effort
Getting out of bed, keeping up with tasks or answering messages may feel unusually difficult.
Things you once enjoyed feel distant
You might feel flat, disconnected or unable to take pleasure in familiar activities.
Your inner voice has become harsh
Self-criticism, guilt, pessimism or feeling not good enough can take up more space.
Your sleep and energy have changed
You may be sleeping more or less, feeling tired, restless or unable to switch off.
You pull away from other people
Social plans, relationships and everyday conversations can begin to feel demanding.
Thinking clearly is harder
Concentration, choices and motivation may be more difficult than usual.
03 / When things begin to narrow
Small changes can be easier to imagine than one enormous leap.
When energy and motivation fall, it can become harder to do the things that once helped you feel connected.
People sometimes describe a pattern of withdrawal, overthinking, interrupted sleep and less contact with enjoyable activities. The longer that pattern continues, the more difficult change may seem.
A Solution Focused conversation is a place to notice moments when things are even a little different, reconnect with personal strengths and explore steps that feel realistic for your circumstances.
There is no pressure to feel positive or to dismiss what you are experiencing.
04 / My therapeutic approach
A calm space for constructive conversations and new possibilities.
My work is led by Solution Focused psychotherapy, with clinical hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT-informed elements considered where appropriate.
Solution Focused psychotherapy
We talk about your preferred future, your resources, the times you already cope a little better and achievable goals. There is room to acknowledge difficulties without making every session revolve around them.
Clinical hypnotherapy
When suitable, guided hypnosis and relaxation may support calm, attention and mental rehearsal. You remain involved and in control, and we agree how the process fits your needs.
NLP-informed techniques
Practical exercises such as reframing, anchoring and future rehearsal may help you explore different responses to unhelpful patterns. Their role and limitations are discussed openly.
An informed, individual approach: I may also use CBT-informed strategies to notice thinking patterns and habits. Hypnotherapy and NLP are not described here as proven treatments for diagnosed depression. I will discuss recommended care, including GP assessment, NHS Talking Therapies and specialist services, where relevant.
05 / Safe, informed choices
Support should fit the person, not the other way around.
Your safety and ability to make informed choices come first.
Depression is a recognised mental health condition, and the right treatment depends on the nature and severity of symptoms. NICE recommends a range of approaches, including guided self-help, CBT, behavioural activation, counselling and medication where clinically appropriate.
If you have persistent symptoms, marked changes in functioning, or concerns about medication or your safety, I will encourage appropriate medical or specialist support. Never stop or change prescribed medication without speaking to your prescriber.
My private practice is not an emergency or crisis-response service.
NICE: depression in adults — recommendations · NHS: treatment options
06 / Beginning together
One conversation. No pressure. A place to begin.
We take time to establish whether this approach is right for you before deciding on anything further.
Start with a free conversation
Tell me what you would like support with, ask questions and find out how I work. We will discuss any relevant healthcare needs.
Choose what feels appropriate
If we decide to work together, we agree clear aims and talk through the approaches available, including any limitations.
Review as we go
We check whether sessions are useful, adjust where appropriate and discuss other support if your needs change.
07 / Meet your therapist
Hello, I'm Gary.
A Swindon-based psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, lecturer and clinical supervisor.
I know that reaching out can feel like a big decision, especially when energy is low or it is hard to picture things being different. You can expect a friendly, practical and respectful conversation.
My work centres on Solution Focused approaches, alongside hypnosis, NLP-informed exercises and appropriate CBT-informed strategies. I value honesty about suitability and the importance of other treatment choices.
I am registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council.
08 / Where support is available
In Swindon or from your own space, online across the UK.
There is one physical Best Mind Therapy practice in Swindon. Local areas below describe where clients may travel from, not additional clinics.
In-person appointments
Swindon, Wiltshire
Based on Northbourne Road in Swindon. Enquiries are welcome from nearby areas including Cirencester, Royal Wootton Bassett, Chippenham, Marlborough, Devizes and communities within approximately 50 miles.
Online appointments
Throughout the United Kingdom
When clinically suitable, conversations and agreed techniques may take place online in a quiet, private setting. We can discuss whether remote sessions suit your needs during the consultation.
09 / Related support and information
Sometimes the issues overlap.
Stress, disrupted sleep, anxiety, overwhelm and relationship pressures can all coexist with periods of low mood. The following pages explain additional areas of support.
10 / Frequently asked questions
Low mood, depression and hypnotherapy: your questions answered.
Considered answers about what support looks like, how we work and when to seek other care.
What is the difference between feeling low and depression?
Everyone can experience a period of low mood. Depression can involve persistent sadness or loss of interest alongside changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and everyday functioning. If symptoms last around two weeks or more, recur, or significantly affect your life, speaking with a GP can help you understand what is happening.
Can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy support me when I feel low?
My approach offers supportive conversations about your strengths, what matters to you and achievable next steps, alongside guided hypnosis or relaxation where suitable. Some people find this useful for stress, confidence and emotional wellbeing. It is not presented as a proven standalone treatment for clinical depression, and I will discuss other options when relevant.
How is Solution Focused therapy different from traditional talking therapy?
Solution Focused conversations pay attention to your preferred future, existing resources and small changes that could make daily life more manageable. Your experience still matters, but you do not have to revisit every difficult event to have a constructive conversation.
What happens during hypnosis? Will I lose control?
Clinical hypnosis is a collaborative process involving focused attention and suggestions. You remain able to respond, disagree or stop, and we discuss the process and obtain your agreement first. It is not mind control.
Do you include NLP in your sessions?
Where it is suitable and agreed, I may use NLP-informed tools such as reframing, resource anchoring and future rehearsal. I explain how each exercise is intended to be used and do not represent NLP as an established treatment for depression.
Is CBT part of your approach?
I may draw on CBT-informed ideas such as understanding links between thoughts, routines, avoidance and feelings. This does not mean that I am delivering a full NICE-recommended specialist CBT programme for depression. If CBT or behavioural activation would be more appropriate, I can help you consider how to access them.
Can I still have sessions if I am taking antidepressants?
Often, supportive therapy can take place alongside healthcare provided by a GP or other clinician, subject to suitability. Do not stop, change or reduce prescribed medication on the basis of this website or a hypnotherapy session. Discuss medication decisions with your prescriber.
Do I have to talk about everything that has happened to me?
No. You can choose what you share, and we can work at a pace that feels manageable. We will discuss any information needed to assess suitability and your safety, with respect for your boundaries.
What if I feel exhausted, disconnected or unmotivated rather than sad?
Low mood can show up as fatigue, loss of pleasure, irritability, withdrawal, poor concentration or a sense of being stuck. These experiences can have several causes, including physical health conditions or medication effects. It is sensible to speak to your GP if they persist.
Can therapy help with rumination and negative self-talk?
We can explore patterns such as replaying conversations, predicting the worst or being highly self-critical, then consider practical ways to respond more constructively. What helps is individual, and progress is reviewed together.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no reliable fixed number. We will discuss what you want from support, whether my approach is appropriate and how we can review progress. You are free to pause, stop or seek a different service.
Can I book a free consultation?
Yes. The first consultation is free and without obligation. You can ask about the approach, suitability, fees and online or in-person options before deciding.
Where do you see clients?
In-person sessions take place at my Swindon practice on Northbourne Road, with enquiries welcome from Cirencester, Wiltshire and nearby communities within approximately 50 miles. Suitable online appointments are available throughout the United Kingdom.
How much does a session cost?
The published standard session fee is £75, with a £65 concession for eligible clients. Fees may change, so please check the current fees page before booking. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Will everything I say be confidential?
Therapeutic conversations are handled confidentially in accordance with professional obligations and the privacy policy. I will explain important exceptions, including safeguarding, serious risk and legal disclosure requirements, before we work together.
What if I need NHS mental health care instead?
You can speak to your GP about assessment and appropriate treatment. In England, NHS Talking Therapies often accepts self-referrals. Depending on your needs, NICE-recommended approaches for depression may include CBT, behavioural activation, counselling, other psychological therapies and, in some situations, medication.
What if I am worried about my safety or having thoughts of suicide?
Please seek urgent help rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option; if there is immediate danger or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. Samaritans can listen at any time on 116 123.
11 / Your next step
You don't need to have the right words before reaching out.
A free initial consultation is simply a chance to talk, ask questions and decide whether this approach could be useful for you.
If you need urgent mental health care or feel unsafe, use NHS urgent services rather than this booking link.
Or telephone 07359 071210