Hypnosis is the subject of many misconceptions, including the idea that it isn’t suitable for children. Yet, quite the opposite, this age group is particularly receptive to this therapeutic approach, thanks in large part to their vivid imagination, a superpower the professional doesn’t hesitate to use to help them face their difficulties. Here’s how.
Why consult a hypnotherapist?
When a child isn’t feeling well, parents take action to help them feel better, drawing on their own experience, gathering advice from friends, or searching online for information to help deal with the situation.
But when the distress continues, parents can turn to a hypnotherapist: the consultation is therapeutic for everyone, as it brings relief once an explanation, an emotion or a condition (DYS, ADHD, giftedness…) comes to light.
With the professional’s help, the child is listened to, supported and acknowledged in their distress. They will gradually see their stress decrease, along with all the worries that sometimes arise in everyday life, as they come to understand and accept their difficulties…
Metaphor, commonly used in hypnotherapy
Hypnosis in children relies on imagination to soothe, release pressure and quieten the conscious mind. To help them through difficult situations, the professional uses metaphor to give shape to an emotion, a sensation, a feeling, and to give the child the means to act on it.
This can take the form of threads of love during moments of separation, an imaginary bubble to reduce anxiety, a hot air balloon ride to help with falling asleep, or even a magic cream against pain.
For example, if grief is likened to a wound, the child can better understand it by visualising the stages: at first, it bleeds, it’s red and it hurts, but as the days go by, the skin heals, the pain fades and you start to feel better. Of course, the wound may leave a faint scar, but you learn to live with it…
The superpowers of a child’s imagination
Without judgement or barriers, hypnosis works very well with children: for 45 minutes to an hour, they play, take part in creative activities, relaxation exercises, role-play scenarios, and more.
Each time, the metaphors used take them into an imaginary world where they access their superpowers: the power to relax, to concentrate, to fall asleep, and so on.
Through these “explorations,” the child becomes aware of their inner resources and can better adapt to all kinds of everyday situations. Gradually, they can regain self-confidence.
Whatever the nature of the problem (bedwetting, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, DYS disorders…), don’t hesitate to get in touch with a hypnotherapist on the Ora-Visio platform: take the time to discuss with them whether a consultation would be worthwhile, and let them show you how they can help your child.
