Hypnotherapy and Children
Is Hypnotherapy suitable for children?
Hypnotherapy can be used with children from a young age. Children up to about age 12 can be highly susceptible to hypnosis as they have less inhibitions and limitations on their imagination and are often more than happy to engross themselves in a tale of magic and fantasy ... therapy would usually consist of a magical tale through which healing powers or magical imagery would be suggested.
Is Hypnotherapy suitable for MY children?
Obviously, as parents, carers, guardians, we have spent many hours trying to instill great things into our children because we want what is best for them. The last thing we want to do is to allow someone else to instill their thoughts and beliefs into our children, right? Absolutely right, I couldn't agree more.
In Hypnotherapy, a child can be encouraged to identify their own personal strengths in areas of their life where they feel confident and strong to boost areas of their life where they need help, without instilling anyone else's beliefs or thoughts at all.
For example, a child may feel good about themself (in control, strong, confident, etc) when playing football and by using visualising techniques whilst relaxing, the child can be encouraged to imagine feeling that same way when they are faced with something that makes them feel unsafe, worried, anxious, etc., for example, when taking exams. They build upon their strengths in their own personal way.
What if my child won't sit still for very long?
Children as clients are not expected to sit still with their eyes closed as an adult client would be; it would be OK for a child to fidget, to become verbally involved with the story or to prefer to have a visual focus such as a moving image on a computer screen whilst the subconscious mind listens to the suggestions made through imagery.
What else might happen?
Hypnotherapy works by changing expectation and beliefs and I might feel that some drawing would benefit your child, in which case they would be encouraged to demonstrate their understanding of an issue and to bring about positive change through their own illustrations of how the situation could be different.
Would I be part of the process?
A parent or guardian would be expected to attend sessions with a child below 17 years of age. Discussion of the issue would usually take place with both the child and the adult, to gain each individual's perspective. Less usually, it would be possible to see the child without the adult present – in these circumstances, the session would be recorded to maintain a safeguard for the child and therapist. Presence of an adult is preferred. The adult is invited to close their eyes, relax and enjoy the session.
What kind of issues can Hypnotherapy help in a child?
Hypnotherapy is a safe and relaxing therapy that can be adapted to many issues and it is simply impossible for me to pre-empt every issue that may be of concern to caring parents and guardians – if your issue is not listed here and you would like to know more about whether or not hypnotherapy can help, please feel free to contact by phone or email for a free 15 minutes consultation, with absolutely no obligation to attend for therapy. You may wish for your child to meet me for a few minutes prior to the day of the therapy session to allay any fears or worries they may have.
Typical treatment issues for children might include;
- increasing self-confidence
- increasing self-worth
- increasing self-belief
(in general or perhaps in response to the arrival of a new sibling or bullying)
- enuresis (bed-wetting)
- control pain/fight illness*
- enhancing sleep
- stopping habits such as thumb sucking or nail biting
- improving concentration, memory, learning skills
(recommended for encouraging those who experience difficulties, rather than enhancing a good performance)
* a GP referral will be requested - simply a letter from your child's GP/consultant to state that they consider it to be beneficial (or at least not unhelpful) at this stage to help relieve pain and/or to fight illness. As pain is often present to indicate a problem, it would not be ethical to remove pain without having permission from a doctor.
HYPNOBIRTHING
Any family wishing to explore the positive, relaxing experience of Hypnobirthing or have the reassurance of a Doula present at their child's birth may wish to contact Clare Taggart at Beautiful Births in Gnosall, 44 High Street. More information is available at www.beautifulbirths.co.uk
