CHILDREN AND HYPNOTHERAPY

Children and Hypnotherapy

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL TODAY ABOUT WORKING WITH CHILDREN

Life is becoming increasingly stressful for children, as well as adults. Growing up can be a difficult time. Coping with changes in their bodies and the way that they think about relationships can cause anxiety and stress. Children can suffer problems with school, sometimes in their relationships with others and sometimes with expectations of gaining results. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy for children is an excellent solution to the problem.

Does your child suffer with

Bedwetting, general anxiety, separation anxiety, various fears and phobias (with fear of dogs being the most common), study and exam related stress, school bullying, thumb sucking, nail biting and various compulsive habits, childhood tics, selective eating, anger problems, lack of confidence and poor Self-esteem?

Body image anxiety, school refusal, selective mutism, depression, self-harm, various OCD behaviours, severe constipation and withholding, defecating in underwear?

Solution focused hypnotherapy works using the child’s imagination and creativity as a tool to change unhelpful thought patterns. I would not expect a child to lie still with eyes closed, but encourage a daydream like state that might mean lots of wriggling around! Children are often much more animated than adults in hypnotherapy and may not even close their eyes. I use stories, metaphors and activities (that are age appropriate) that are matched to a child’s interests and personality. Certain difficulties such as ADHD and high functioning autism are also taken very much into account when choosing the type of activity. I offer shorter sessions for my younger clients, and obviously always invite a parent or guardian to be present.

 
I find that children respond more effectively to hypnotherapy than adults, as I can engage with a child’s natural desire to slip in and out of play acting, their imagination and their ability to “be in the present”. My colourful therapy space will enchant your child and allow them to feel unintimidated and comfortable. We spend part of the sessions building a trusting relationship by asking about their interests, school, favourite stories and games. This allows me to tailor the sessions to the individual child's personality, as it is important that your child engages with the process for it to be effective.

I understand that meeting the therapist before therapy begins is really important. First impressions are usually correct so if you don’t feel comfortable during our free DISCOVERY CALL there is no obligation to any subsequent sessions.

How does it work?
Parents should always involve their GP and take advice on any support agencies who could offer help in the first instance, but when this is not effective, or not available, then hypnotherapy may offer a solution.

Whilst the parent/carer may sit in on the actual session with a younger child, it is not a participation session. The parent should not be interrupting the session, unless specifically requested to do so by the therapist e.g. the child refers to a beloved grandparent – the therapist may request confirmation that the grandparent is alive or deceased. For young people, the parent/carer may be asked to sit in another room.

Booking a free DISCOVERY CALL will help you to understand your anxiety and how hypnotherapy will help you, but without being obligated to continue with further sessions.
All my sessions are conducted in accordance with the National Council of Hypnotherapy guidelines.