Just before you go to sleep or in the morning before you’re fully awake, you experience a relaxed state of body and mind. That is one example of hypnosis. The goal of hypnotherapy is to enter into that state of relaxation deliberately.
For years, hypnotherapy has been used to cure several disorders in children and adults, and today we’ll talk about how children’s hypnosis works.
Did you know that between 15 and 20 percent of children in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders? This makes it the most common mental health disorder in children under 18. Childhood anxiety can be challenging to live with and seek medical treatment for. However, hypnotherapy is a great way to manage anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety
The symptoms of anxiety include:
- Lack of concentration
- Panic attacks
- Negative self-talk
- Anger and irritability
- Withdrawn or clingy
- Hyperactivity
If you spot any of these signs in your kids, we recommend considering children’s hypnosis to deal with the anxiety.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
So how exactly does hypnotherapy work?
Children have an unparalleled imagination; they can come up with many scenarios in their heads. Hypnotherapy relies on this quality to provide treatment for anxiety. The treatment consists of three phases;
- Establishing the source of the problem.
- Initiating new behavioral patterns.
- Repetition- Encouraging the child to repeat these patterns until they become automatic.
Before going to the hypnotherapist, it’s essential to explain to your child who they will see and why. That way, they will be more receptive to the treatment and its benefits.
The therapist then uses their vivid imaginations to help the child deal with the issue affecting them. A combination of stories, adventures, or their favorite television star telling your child what to do is very effective in the treatment process.
One of the most popular therapies used is Solution-Based Hypnotherapy. It focuses on reducing anxiety in the moment and equipping the child with ways to cope with stress in the future.
If your child isn’t comfortable going for an in-person therapy session with a hypnotherapist, you can do the therapy from home using these methods:
- Self-hypnosis, where the child uses recorded script routines to make them relax
- Mindfulness for kids. Here, the physician trains the child to know when the emotional states manifest. That enables them to recognize and deal with their emotions early enough.
- Progressive relaxation. You and your child find a quiet place and bring attention to your bodies with your eyes closed. Take note of the areas where there’s some tension and try to relax.
Is Children’s hypnosis Effective?
The short answer is yes. Several studies show that hypnotherapy has been successful in helping children deal with anxiety and several other issues.
For example, a 2014 article deduced that hypnosis is an excellent method to teach children self-regulation skills. It also suggested that more pediatric training in hypnosis be made available.
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Infographic created by MySpectrum, a counseling center
Conclusion
Children, like adults, have a lot to deal with when they’re growing up, and sometimes we forget that. With hypnotherapy, children can get rid of their anxiety in a natural, non-invasive manner that will ensure they will be well equipped to deal with the issues whenever they arise.
