HYPNOTIC SUGGESTIBILITY IN CHILDREN

Research and clinical literature on hypnosis with children suggests that they are usually excellent hypnotic subjects.  In fact, they are often more hypnotizable than adults.  Children live in their imaginations most of the time, which is exactly what hypnosis is.  It is being in your imagination.  Here is much research that suggests that children are THE most suggestible subjects between the ages of 8 and 12.  There is significant research that suggests that preschoolers are also very suggestible.  Hypnosis is also very effective with adolescents, especially if it involves something that they, themselves, want to accomplish. 

HYPNOSIS THROUGH STORIES.  Hypnosis occurs naturally when listening to a story in both children and adults.  The hypnotic metaphor is the basis of Ericksonian hypnosis.  Milton Erickson, MD was a psychiatrist whom we could easily call the father of hypnotherapy as we know it today.  Crippled by polio in the 1950’s and he spent a good deal of his childhood paralyzed in bed.  He became an acute observer of human behavior.  When he later became a medical doctor and psychiatrist., he laid down the foundations of what we know call hypnotherapy.  We owe him a great debt of gratitude for all he taught us.

The hypnotic metaphor, guided imagery and storytelling are all used in adult hypnotherapy very effectively.  The subconscious mind can often accept an idea when presented as a story that it might otherwise reject.  As we know, children learn easily from stories and we go into hypnosis naturally when engrossed in a story, movie, TV show or computer.

HYPNOSIS AND LEARNING ENHANCEMENT.  Learning is the process of gathering information effectively through the senses, storing it in the subconscious mind in such a way that it can be retrieved again and then conditioning the mind to be able to retrieve it.  And as with anything that involves the subconscious mind, hypnosis can help.

Hypnosis can help you learn more quickly, retain information more fully and access them more reliably.  It can also help you improve your concentration and focus.

Also, factors such as self-esteem, self-concept and limiting beliefs can get in the way of a person's ability to learn.  Hypnosis can help you change beliefs about yourself that stand in your way.

In today’s complex, busy world, it’s not easy to find the time and the right words to help your child deal with issues that he or she faces each day.

SOME DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS TO CONSIDER

• Celebrating Individuality - Dealing with Differences
• Interacting with Others in a Healthy Way
• Overcoming Reluctance
• A New Sense of Optimism
• Facing Fears with Confidence
• Sleeping Naturally
• Learning New Things

Some of the most common applications of hypnosis for children are:

• Pain Relief
• Reducing fear of pain medical procedures
• Bedwetting
• Thumbsucking
• Weight and fitness
• Sibling rivalry, birth of a new sibling
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Acting out
• ADD/ADHD
• Dyslexia and other learning problems
• Temper tantrums and aggression
• Trauma
• Tourettes and other motor disorders
• Asthma and other respiratory disfunction
• Stuttering
• School phobia
• Transitions such as death of a pet or loved one, moving, divorce
• Academics
• Sports performance
• Public speaking
• Motion sickness

 

CLINICAL STUDIES

• Mind-Body Connection - Pediatricians Using Hypnotherapy
  Hypnotherapy offers another tool pediatricians can add to their arsenal to treat conditions ranging from nail biting to severe asthma.
  2007 August - American Academy of Pediatrics
• Homework and Hypnosis
  When I tell people that I am a Hypnotherapist who specializes in parenting, I often get asked if it is possible to use hypnosis so that homework is a positive and stress free experience for the whole family.
  2007 June 06 - Hypnosis Motivation Institute - Lisa Machenberg
• The hypnotic approach in anesthesia in children.
  Daniels, E. (1962) American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 4, 244-248
• Hypnosis in children: The complete cure of forty cases of asthma. 
  Diamond, H. H. (1959) American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 1, 124-129

HOW DO I GET STARTED?  Today is the first day of the rest of your child’s life.  Children struggle with life’s challenges also.  If your child needs help, hypnotherapy may well be your answer.  Don’t let a small problem become a big one. 

Ask about my specialized work with children.  I love working with children and they seem to like working with me.

You can schedule a free consultation by calling me at 877-583-2026 to schedule appointment or get more information.
Susan French – “My clients achieve their goals.  You can too! Call today.  All questions are welcome.

CLICK HERE FOR CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES

OTHER COMMON APPLICATIONS OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS