Hypnosis can be highly effective for the treatment of various children’s issues. Unlike adults, children are generally more receptive to hypnosis because they are much more suggestible. They have vivid imaginations which makes it much easier to access the unconscious and bring about the desired change. As a result, hypnosis with children can bring about effective results very quickly. A hypnotherapist can use a variety of techniques with children including visualization, stories, puppets and role-playing.
Children are great candidates for hypnosis because they don’t have the years of conditioning and resistance which adults have. Because they are used to learning they are often more receptive to trying something new, such as hypnosis. Children are not as prone to question the process. These things make it very easy for a hypnotherapist to work with them. Adults, on the other hand, are often wary and even reluctant and may have both conscious as well as unconscious resistance to being hypnotized. This doesn’t mean they cannot be hypnotized, but it just may not happen quite as readily.
Hypnosis can be an effective treatment for a huge variety of problems, issues and disorders in children. Common ones include learning problems, academic performance, anxiety, anger, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, homework struggles, thumb sucking, and fear of the dark. Also, coping with a traumatic event such as the death of parent or dealing with parents who are divorcing are challenges which can be helped with hypnosis. Children who struggle with frequent nightmares may benefit from hypnosis also. Hypnosis can also help children feel less anxious when facing a serious medical procedure such as surgery.