Hypnotherapy and Children:
As someone who has vast experience of working with children as a class teacher, resource teacher and head teacher, Maire is aware that children are often better candidates for hypnosis than adults. Their imagination is wonderful which is why children respond so well. Maire has trained with the Child Abuse Prevention Programme when introducing the ‘the stay safe programme’ into Primary schools.
Here are some of the issues that may be helped by hypnotherapy.
- Ill-health children undergoing cancer treatments can be quite scared as are their parents. Maire again in consultation with the parent/s will devise sessions enabling the child to successfully undergo treatments and live life to the full.
- Bullying – Maire trained with the ‘child abuse prevention programme’ and also as a head teacher has a vast knowledge of the effects of bullying and it’s prevention. Children respond well under hypnosis as often they are unable to truly express themselves when asked about this topic n the conscious state.
- Bed-Wetting –(Enuresis) The usefulness of hypnosis in dealing with enuresis is well documented. Once any medical reason is eliminated work on the subconscious is very effective. It is also essential that the therapist has experience dealing with children in a positive, supportive way.
Other areas
- Confidence building.
- Low self esteem
- Fears/phobias.
- Childhood obesity
Children can be hypnotized as early as age 3, but I have found that children aged 5 or older respond best to the treatment.
- In fact, hypnosis can be used with children in many ways, not listed. Ring Maire for advice.
How effective is hypnosis in children?
In the right child, hypnotherapy can be very successful. Remember, there are some children who have a harder time letting go. But for those who can, the results can be very positive. Another plus of hypnotherapy is that unlike drugs, the risk of harm is practically zero.
Children can be hypnotized as early as age 3, “but I have found that children ages 5 or older respond best to the treatment”.
The role of parents during a hypnotherapy session?
As in any therapy, it is important for parents to know what is going on. Maire’s office is arranged so that the parent can sit in on the sessions or have a visible view of their child. In my experience the child responds better in one-to one context. The parent really don’t play any part in the actual therapy; however their assistance is vital if dealing with childhood obesity. Parents are encouraged to observe and understand the therapeutic process that is being administered.
How Many times does a typical child visit a hypnotherapist?
Most children attend 4 to 6 sessions with a qualified hypnotherapist. As all hypnoses is self-hypnosis, the child learns how to hypnotize him/herself.
How do I know if my child is a candidate for hypnotherapy?
Most children are good candidates. However Maire advises a parent to have a telephone call with her before booking any appointments.