Put down the weight you've been carrying
Compassion-focused counselling and hypnotherapy for guilt and shame, a kind, confidential space to untangle the past and treat yourself more gently.
Let Go of Guilt & Shame with Hypnotherapy & Counselling
Guilt can gnaw away at you, quietly draining your confidence and peace of mind. Some guilt is healthy and helps us grow. But when it becomes heavy, misplaced or relentless, it is time to set it down. We can gently help you do exactly that.
Is guilt ever a good thing?
Guilt is a universal emotion we have all felt. We learn it early in life, and it plays a real role in shaping our sense of responsibility. Unlike love or anger, which point outwards, guilt is deeply personal, something we feel alone, often with regret or self-reproach. The key is knowing which kind of guilt you are carrying.
Healthy, proportionate guilt
This arises when we have genuinely acted out of step with our own values. It is constructive: it helps us reflect, take responsibility, and make amends. Saying something hurtful in an argument, then feeling moved to apologise, is guilt doing its proper job.
Heavy, misplaced guilt
This is guilt that lingers long after it is useful, or that was never fair to begin with. It can be disproportionate, misplaced, or rooted in old experiences, and it quietly wears you down rather than helping you grow.
The weight it can leave behind
When guilt is held onto and internalised, it can quietly take a toll. You might recognise some of this.
Low self-esteem, and a sense of not being good enough.
Feeling stuck, unable to move on from a situation.
Being highly self-critical, and hard on yourself.
Persistent negative thoughts about who you are.
It is easy to see how consuming guilt can become. The kind, healthy step is to deal with it properly, and then let it go.
How CBT helps with guilt
Guilt often grows from irrational or exaggerated beliefs about responsibility. CBT helps you notice and challenge those unhelpful thoughts, replacing them with more balanced, realistic ones.
Through cognitive restructuring, you learn to reframe harsh self-judgements and recognise when guilt is disproportionate or misplaced. It also helps break the cycle of rumination, and builds healthier ways of responding, such as making amends and practising self-forgiveness.
How hypnotherapy helps with guilt
Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, where our deeply held beliefs and emotional responses live. In a relaxed, focused state, you can gently explore the root of your guilt, whether from past experiences or distorted self-perceptions.
It helps reframe negative thought patterns and nurture self-compassion, softening the emotional intensity of guilt so that misplaced feelings can be released. Above all, it encourages self-forgiveness and emotional healing, so you can move past regret and shame.
How counselling helps with guilt
Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore the reasons behind your guilt. Together you can unpack the thoughts and emotions involved, and gain insight into whether the guilt is proportionate or misplaced.
It encourages self-compassion and a more balanced view of your actions, recognising that mistakes are part of being human. A counsellor can also guide you through forgiving yourself and releasing past regrets, easing the burden of guilt over time.
Compassionate, award-winning support
Voted Hypnotherapy & Counselling Centre of the Year, with over two decades of experience helping people set down old burdens and feel lighter again.
Guilt and shame therapy FAQs
Is all guilt bad?
Not at all. Healthy, proportionate guilt is a normal, useful emotion that helps us reflect and make amends. The kind that causes problems is guilt that is disproportionate, misplaced, or held onto long after it is helpful. Therapy helps you tell the difference and release what you no longer need to carry.
Which therapy is best for guilt and shame?
It depends on you. We use CBT, hypnotherapy and counselling, and often a blend works best. At your free consultation we listen to what you are carrying, then match you to the right approach and therapist.
What if my guilt is about something I really did?
That is very common, and therapy can still help enormously. Rather than ignoring it, we help you take any constructive steps that are needed, such as making amends, and then move toward genuine self-forgiveness, so the guilt no longer weighs you down indefinitely.
Can therapy help with shame as well as guilt?
Yes. Guilt and shame are closely linked, and both respond well to support. We help ease the self-criticism and negative beliefs that shame brings, nurturing self-compassion and a kinder relationship with yourself.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different, so it depends on your situation. We will talk this through honestly at your free consultation so you have a realistic idea from the very start.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. You can be seen in person at our Fareham practice or online from anywhere in the UK. Both are equally effective, and many people find online sessions a comfortable, private way to open up.
You do not have to carry it alone
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we will gently talk through how we can help you let go of guilt and feel lighter.
Prefer to talk first? Call 0800 970 4776 or email hello@oliptherapy.co.uk
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