Anxiety is a normal response to a feeling of unease, distress, or even fear. While common at certain stages of a child’s development, it becomes pathological when it noticeably disrupts daily life. Signs of anxiety can vary from one child to another (sudden changes in behaviour, sleep disturbances, physical symptoms, an excessive need for reassurance…). While psychology can offer valuable help, so can hypnotherapy…
Ericksonian hypnosis for anxiety disorders
Ericksonian hypnosis is the most influential and widespread branch of therapeutic hypnosis: brought to light by Milton Erickson, it draws on the patient’s inner resources, often untapped, to find a solution to their problem. For DYS disorders, it doesn’t cure them, but it does help improve the child’s ability to manage their symptoms, anxiety being a very common one.
With this method, the hypnotherapist can trigger 5 benefits: identifying the root causes of anxiety, helping the child anchor themselves in the present moment, encouraging positive visualisation, reducing the physical effects of anxiety, and building self-confidence.
How does the hypnotherapist trigger these benefits?
During the hypnotherapy session, the professional works on identifying the causes of anxiety in the child with DYS. Immersed in a hypnotic trance state or a state of relaxation, while remaining conscious, the patient becomes more receptive to suggestions and prompts aimed at bringing thoughts and feelings buried in their unconscious to the surface.
If the child’s anxiety is caused by fear of future events, which can physically manifest as panic or anxiety attacks, the therapist helps them anchor themselves more firmly in the present. They work on the child’s sensations, breathing, and position in space, so the child has a point of reference when stress rises.
Anxiety is often fuelled by false beliefs or negative thoughts, so the hypnotherapist works on visualising positive situations to immediately lift mood and strengthen feelings of hope and motivation over the long term.
To counter the physical effects of stress, the professional may recommend that a child with DYS release tension through sophrology exercises to better control physiological responses to anxiety.
Finally, to build self-confidence, the hypnotherapist draws on a wide range of tools and techniques to help restore it.
Contact an Ora-Visio hypnotherapist for your child with DYS
In any case, it’s important to keep in mind that hypnosis is safe for a child (and an adult): they remain conscious throughout the session and continue to be aware of their surroundings. Since the child’s best interests always come first, the professional will often ask at the start of each session whether the child would like one of their parents present or not.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the hypnotherapists on the Ora-Visio platform, who specialise in DYS disorders: they’ll be happy to explain their approach and the benefits they can bring to your child!
