Kids and hypnotherapy
One in 14 children experiences an anxiety disorder.*
Are we surprised? The last few years have been filled with uncertainty and negative messaging.
So what's the difference between how adults and children process stress? Kids are missing the life experience to know how to deal with their issues and as a result, the problems can manifest into something more serious. As children grow up, if the issues aren't addressed, it can impact their lives. Things like low confidence often start in childhood as well as IBS can be caused as a result of childhood trauma^
Typically, anxiety in children can appear as
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bedwetting
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anger issues
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low self-esteem
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separation anxiety
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phobias
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body dysmorphia
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self-harm
How the approach is different with kids
Essentially, for teenagers, the approach is similar to sessions with adults. Meaning, we'll initially look at the problem, break it into smaller more manageable steps and then go into the hypnosis part of the session. We'll also agree on tasks and goals to work towards. For younger kids because of the lack of experience, we tend to use storytelling and build them up to relate to their heroes. Parents are encouraged to stay for the initial part of the session, but if the child prefers, is not in the room for the hypnosis part.
Whatever the age, it's critical the child wants to resolve the issue themselves.
* Aged 4-17. Source: Children's Health Queensland and Health Services
Source: Hypnotherapy for Children. Karen E Wells
^Source: Corner, Jayne. The Calm Happy Gut
...But names will never hurt you?
Have you caught yourself saying things like "don't be naughty", or "be good and don't wet the bed"? Although we think we're saying the right thing, the message kids hear is "I'm naughty" and "I wet the bed"
You can support and reinforce what happens in the session, by being mindful of the language you use around the problem space. For example, if your child is wetting the bed, you can use "dry bed" language. It's a subtle difference, but it changes the language from problem focussed, to outcome focussed. We'll discuss how we can do things in-between sessions to get the best results.
Working with children accreditation
Note: For your peace of mind and, as a member of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association, I am required to hold a Working With Children check
