It is extremely distressing to witness your child experiencing something difficult whether it is anxiety, bedwetting, bullying, social anxiety, a traumatic event, exam stress, fear of flying or indeed grief following the loss of a loved one. Parents often do not know where to turn to find appropriate help. Hypnotherapy can provide solutions to some of the most challenging issues that children may experience. Hypnosis has long demonstrated its effectiveness in facilitating approaches used in psychotherapy.
Hypnotherapy for Children
Children respond exceptionally well to hypnotherapy. Their creative imaginations, love of magic and ability to be in the present moment allows them to engage fully in therapy. Children are naturally open to new ideas and experiences and can make remarkable progress relatively quickly. They can overcome fears, release emotions and break habits much more easily than adults.
How does Hypnotherapy Work with Children?
Hypnotherapy for Children
The focus of the treatment will be established at the outset, clarifying the presenting problem and how hypnotherapy can help. Sessions are unique to each child and the therapeutic techniques and strategies used will be specific to the child’s problem, age and stage of social and cognitive development.
Parents are invited to remain present with their child throughout the duration of the session. In the case of older children and adolescents consent is required before treatment can begin. It is really important that your child feels safe and secure during therapy and that they are speaking to someone that they can trust.
Thankfully, younger children do not have the same misconceptions about hypnosis that adults have learned
from performing hypnotherapists on TV, therefore they respond readily and make progress.
Your child’s imagination, curiosity and sense of adventure will be used in order to desensitise fears and overcome difficulties. They can release unwanted emotion and overcome negative experiences. Metaphorical stories, drawings, visualisations, games and other tools may also be used.
The hypnotherapy sessions for children are approximately one hour long. A good indication of the number of sessions needed can be given based on assessment of each child on their initial visit.
Children’s Issues Treated in Hypnotherapy
Parents seek hypnotherapy and psychotherapy for their children in order to solve cognitive, emotional and behavioural issues. Below is a summary of the treatments available. If you have a query about something that is not listed, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Anger
Bedwetting (Enuresis)
Behavioural Problems
Bullying
Confidence Issues
Depression
Exams Stress
Encopresis
Exam Nerves
Fears
Low Self-Esteem
Nail Biting
Nervousness
Night Terrors
Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Actions
Panic Attacks
Performance Anxiety
Phobias
Post-Traumatc Stress
Self-Harm
Separation Anxiety
Shyness
Speech Issues
Sleeping Difficulties
Thumb Sucking
Tics and Habits
Trauma
Weight Issues
Reduce Anxiety, Improve Memory, and Stay Focused During Exams
Exam season can bring intense pressure. For many students, the fear of failure, mental overload, and sleepless nights can start months before the exams even begin. While a certain level of stress can enhance motivation, excessive exam stress and anxiety can impair concentration, memory retention, and academic performance. Hypnotherapy has helped many students manage exam stress and perform at their best.
It is quite normal to feel apprehensive before exams, especially when your results affect your future choices and opportunities. However when too much worry can lead to anxiety and panic which in turn effects performance. Patterns of poor sleep and late night studying can compound the problem
When the mind is calm, concentration flows, memory improves, and exams feel more manageable.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Exam Stress
Hypnotherapy for exam anxiety is a natural and effective approach that helps calm the nervous system, reduce performance anxiety, and improve focus and confidence. With guided relaxation and positive suggestion techniques, students can access a more balanced mental state that supports memory and clear thinking.
Research supports the use of Hypnotherapy for academic performance:
- A 2020 study in Contemporary Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy found that students who received hypnotherapy for test anxiety showed significant improvements in exam scores and mental focus.
- Hypnosis has been shown to increase alpha brainwave activity, which is associated with relaxed alertness and improved recall.
- According to the British Psychological Society, hypnotherapy can be a useful adjunct for students managing anxiety and sleep disturbances before exams.
Hypnotherapy Helps Exam Students:
- Reduce anxiety and nervousness that impair memory
- Improve concentration and attention span
- Boost confidence and motivation
- Support deep relaxation and restorative sleep
- Enhance mental clarity and information recall
“With a calm mind you can perform at your best.”
Start Early for Best Results
Hypnotherapy works best when there is time to prepare and practice. Regular sessions before exam season allow the mind to build resilience, reduce stress levels, and anchor a sense of confidence and readiness.
A well prepared mind is an effective one