How Hypnotherapy Empowers Youth to Help Themselves
Written By: Dr. Elena Man
Sharing the Potential of Pediatric Hypnotherapy: A Technique that Empowers Young Minds for Healing and Growth
Hypnotherapy may seem unconventional but it is an effective and gentle therapeutic approach for addressing a range of physical and emotional concerns and can be used to complement traditional treatments. Pediatric hypnotherapy is used for a range of pediatric challenges including emotional and behavioral concerns, pain management, and coping with chronic disease.
Debunking Myths: Clarifying Misconceptions about Hypnotherapy
Contrary to common misconceptions, hypnotherapy does not involve mind control or manipulation. Individuals undergoing hypnosis retain control over their actions and cannot be forced to act against their wishes or ethical principles. Hypnotherapy is not about imposing change (Kirsch, 1994); rather, it is about empowering individuals to effect positive changes themselves. Hypnotherapists often emphasize that “all hypnosis is self-hypnosis”.
Understanding Components of Pediatric Hypnotherapy:
Relaxation, Specifically Tailored Language + Imagery, and Change
Pediatric hypnotherapy involves the use of techniques tailored individually for a child's desired change. Youth particularly excel at using this approach because of their superior imaginations, so they often find it easy after discussing their concern to use offered imagery and stress reduction techniques to transition to a relaxed hypnotic state that is akin to daydreaming. In this state of focused attention, youth are able to access and shift thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns. The “therapy” in hypnotherapy is the use of imagery, empowering language, and metaphor that allows the individual to transform the habit, thinking pattern, or perception for the desired change.
Are There Particular Children Who Benefit?
Hypnotherapy is only appropriate when youth are self-motivated to address a particular concern.
Ages: Elementary school-aged youth (Ages 5 and older), as well as middle/ high school students, open to practicing this approach between visits are most likely to benefit and be able to independently use this technique to manage other concerns in their future.
At MindBody7, youth can learn how to use this technique for themselves.
Concerns That May Benefit From Hypnotherapy
EMOTIONAL CONCERNS
Stress/Mild anxiety
Fears and phobias
BEHAVIORAL CONCERNS
Insomnia
Bed Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis) age > 8 years old
Habits such as thumb sucking, nail-biting, hair pulling
Tics both motor and vocal/ Tourette’s
PAIN MANAGEMENT to ENABLE COMFORT
Tolerating procedures such as shots, blood tests, or other procedures
Nausea
Recurrent headaches
Recurrent stomach aches
Other chronic pain
COPING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
Asthma (to reduce wheezing/stress cycle)
Cancer (for stress, tolerating procedures, pain, nausea)
Typically, skills are learned in the first few visits. Office sessions of hypnotherapy are recorded to allow for practice at home. This is encouraged along with learning to do self-hypnosis independently.
Are There Any Side Effects?
None other than Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Through guided imagery and positive reinforcement, pediatric hypnotherapy helps children develop a strong sense of self-esteem and confidence.
Conclusion
Pediatric hypnotherapy offers an empowering approach for youth to address various physical and emotional challenges by enabling them to use their own minds to overcome an obstacle, develop positive coping mechanisms, and enhance overall well-being. It is yet another example of how the mind-body connection influences health.
Interested in learning more? contact MindBody7 at info@mindbody7.com to set up a consultation call about pediatric hypnotherapy at our office.
Adult hypnotherapy, offered virtually, is also available.
Mind Body Seven clinicians offer treatment in Brooklyn and via teletherapy for adolescents and adults. If have not worked with us and want to get started please contact us here, so we can set you up with the clinicians that best suit your individual needs. If you are an existing patient get in touch with us here to set up your next appointment.