Colour Therapy

Colour therapy is a complementary wellbeing approach that uses colour—through visualisation, creative exercises or light-based methods—to support relaxation and emotional balance. Sessions are typically calm and may include reflective discussion and practical self-care tools.

It should be viewed as supportive rather than a replacement for medical or psychological treatment.

Lets find you a Colour Therapist...

Or, view all Colour Therapist's

Colour therapy (sometimes called chromotherapy) is a complementary approach that uses colour as part of relaxation, reflection and wellbeing routines. Different practitioners use different methods, such as guided imagery, colour-focused creative tasks, or light exposure devices.

What happens in a colour therapy session?

Most sessions start with a discussion about your goals (for example stress reduction, mood support, or feeling more grounded). The practitioner may then guide you through colour-based exercises—such as visualisation, selecting colours linked to emotional states, or structured creative work—followed by reflection and self-care suggestions.

What can colour therapy help with?

Stress and relaxation routines
Low mood and emotional wellbeing support
Sleep support when stress is a factor

Evidence and limitations

Evidence varies widely depending on the method used. In many cases, any benefit may come from the relaxation response, structured self-reflection and supportive conversation rather than a specific effect of colour itself.

Safety considerations

If light devices are used, ask about safety for migraine, photosensitive epilepsy, and eye conditions. For persistent or severe mental health symptoms, seek evidence-based support and medical guidance.

History of Colour Therapy

Colour has been used symbolically and therapeutically across cultures for centuries, often linked to ritual, art and wellbeing practices. Modern colour therapy developed into various schools that combine ideas from psychology, design, and holistic health traditions.

In contemporary UK practice, colour therapy is most commonly positioned as a supportive wellbeing approach rather than a medical treatment.

Typical conditions that use Colour Therapy

Condition	Evidence	Notes
Stress	limited	Relaxation and reflective exercises may help some people.
Anxiety	limited	Complementary; outcomes vary.
Low mood	limited	Supportive; not a substitute for mental health care.
Caregiver stress	limited	Used supportively for carer stress.
Chronic illness adjustment	limited	Supportive for chronic illness adjustment.
Depression	limited	Used supportively for depression.
Fatigue	limited	Used supportively for fatigue.
Grief and bereavement	limited	Used supportively in grief.
Insomnia	limited	If used, treat as relaxation routine support.
Low confidence	limited	Used supportively for low confidence.
Low energy	limited	Used supportively for low energy.
Low motivation	limited	Used supportively for low motivation.
Menopause symptoms	limited	Used supportively for menopausal wellbeing.
Non-restorative sleep	limited	Used supportively for sleep quality.
Panic attacks	limited	Used supportively for panic.
Postnatal emotional support	limited	Used supportively in postnatal care.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)	limited	Colour therapy used for SAD support.
Shame	limited	Used supportively for shame and self-worth.
Sleep anxiety	limited	Used supportively for sleep anxiety.
Social anxiety	limited	Used supportively for social anxiety.
Trouble falling asleep	limited	Used supportively for sleep onset.

Frequently asked questions

Is there bright light exposure?

Methods vary. Sensitivities are discussed and approaches adapted to comfort and safety.

Does it diagnose conditions?

No. It is non-diagnostic and complementary.

What will I do at home?

Simple, optional practices may be suggested, such as colour-focused relaxation.