Hypnotherapy for teenagers and young people
Why do teenagers and young people have hypnotherapy?
Just as with adults there are a wide range of reasons why young people seek support but the most common reason is for anxiety. Fears around exams are particularly common (for more information on this please see my blog post here.) Anxieties may also arise around changes such as leaving home, changing school or college, sports or drama performances or may be more general. Some young people can react with anger and frustration under stress, lashing out at school or at home and hypnotherapy can also be helpful in these circumstances.
Although it is now a few years since the impact of Covid and online learning many teenagers have continued to struggle with anxiety and problems at school as a a result of this. Social media and the online world continue to have a deep and often difficult impact on teens. All of these factors add to the stress that young people face.
My experience in working with children and teenagers
I have a professional background in working with children and young people. I started my career as a teacher and later spent 7 years working with families and children in the charity sector. I have undergone additional training in safeguarding and working with young people with additional needs.
As I first experienced hypnotherapy as a teenager I recognise what a difference it can make to young people, and I particularly enjoy working with this age group. Hypnotherapy is a well established and supportive way of helping young people get back on track. I have worked with children from the age of seven through to teenagers at secondary school or university with great results.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session for a teenager?
The way I work follows a similar format although this is flexible according to the young person and the situation.
There are usually two parts to a session. The first part involves a conversation where we discuss what the young person has been doing this week to make them happy….and what they have done that they are proud of. Through this I can draw out their strengths and what we can build upon going forward. This is a gentle conversation that does not focus on the problem. There is some discussion of how the brain works…..perhaps on how to quieten the inner critic, understanding the fight and flight response or learning some new calming techniques. We go on to talk about what might be helpful next steps.
After talking, we go into the hypnotherapy. This helps to calm down a young person’s mind, build confidence, reduce anxiety and embed positive ideas. Each hypnotherapy session is carefully tailored to the individual. Some young people prefer to keep their eyes open during hypnotherapy. They may want to draw or play with a fidget toy. This is fine. They will still be absorbing all the benefits.
Next steps if you are considering hypnotherapy for your child or teenager
As a parent or carer it is important to note that your child has to want to make changes for themselves in order for hypnotherapy to succeed. A parent may want their their teenager to play fewer computer games but if the young person is happy with the situation as it stands then hypnotherapy will not change things.
If you are considering hypnotherapy for your child or teenager please get in touch. I offer a free 20 minute phone call to discuss whether hypnotherapy could be the right course of action for your child.
The next step would be an initial consultation which is an opportunity for you and your child to ask questions, find out more before committing to further sessions. Some teenagers prefer their parent to sit in the room with them when they are having sessions and some prefer to be on their own. This is a personal decision for you and your child to consider.
You and your child are very welcome to join my next free ‘Relax and Recharge’ which people attend anonymously. This is a good opportunity for you and your child to see me online to see how you both feel about working with me. It is very important for your child to feel comfortable with any therapist you may choose to see.
Safeguarding
While sessions are confidential it is important to emphasise that if I have any concerns about the safety of a child or adult further action will be taken. This could involve getting in touch with a GP or a parent. When young people are involved with other agencies I may get in touch with them. I also discuss cases (anonymously) with a supervisor.
Online hypnotherapy for children and teenagers
I see clients face to face in Hayfield and I continue to work online. I have found online hypnotherapy a very successful way of working. Clients, whatever their age, are able to relax in their home environment which helps them feel safe and comfortable for the therapy work. Hypnosis works well over Zoom and is safe. (For more information about how hypnotherapy works online please click here.)
Reviews from my hypnotherapy sessions with teenagers
‘I would highly recommend Elizabeth. My teenage son has had a number of hypnotherapy sessions with Elizabeth for stress and anxiety. He felt instantly at ease with her. The sessions have been extremely helpful and have encouraged him to have a more positive outlook. Elizabeth did some specific work around exam stress which enabled him to approach his exams in a much more calm and positive frame of mind.’
‘Beth helped my daughter significantly with her anxiety and stress towards coping with exams. The calming, friendly approach Beth has enabled her to open up about her worries and Beth helped her to work through these and turn them into a positive. She learnt techniques and methods how to cope when she can feel the anxiety coming on and has coped with her mock exams amazingly which I am so pleased about. I am so thankful to Beth who is so professional, caring, calming and goes beyond to help when someone is in need. I would 100% recommend her services to anyone.’