I thought childhood was supposed to be an easy time. Why is
it so hard for my kids?
Childhood is a time of great
discovery and learning. Adults can sometimes forget that life
can be very stressful for children. While adults are taking
care of major events, they can lose sight of the impact on
their children, until there is a problem of some sort.
Children grapple with change,
learning, loss, and their own sometimes unwieldy bodies in
the space of a few short years. They deal with new friends
and bullies and unfamiliar classwork. Sometimes comparisons
can make feelings of inferiority or depression rise to the
surface.
How do I know if my child is having
trouble?
Children show their response
to stress, change, grief and loss in many different ways.
For some, schoolwork may begin to slide. Your child may lose
things or steal them. She may have headaches or stomachaches.
He might bite his nails or pull his hair. Children often develop
fears of needles or doctors or dentists. Bedwetting may become
a problem. Particular health problems like asthma and hay
fever may be exacerbated. Stuttering may become more prominent.
Your child may not be able to put words to the overall feeling
of anxiety or tension.
Can hypnosis work with children?
Children are
great discoverers. With limited life experiences, they are
hungry and open to new learning. They enjoy responding to
new ideas that are presented in a way they understand. Their
openness and imagination make them good subjects for hypnosis
When children
work with an adult they trust, they can easily become relaxed
and focused, open to ideas that will help them to deal with
the world they are facing.
What is a session like
for a child?
The first session
involves the child, the parents, and the therapist. After
getting acquainted and establishing some trust, the therapist
and the child identify what the problem is and what they want
to do about it. Just as with adult clients, it is important
that the child wants to change and is willing to work with
the therapist. Both parents and child should understand what
hypnosis is and what it can do. Only when all questions are
answered can the work begin.
All work is
done with a parent close by. A child may need to be alone
in order to tell the therapist what she needs to know, but
if the child is more comfortable with the parents in the room,
that too can be arranged.
When the child
is ready to begin the hypnosis process, simple methods are
used. The stories, visualization and positive suggestions
that are used are appropriate to the age of the child.
When the session
is over, the therapist spends a few minutes with the parents
to give them a brief overview of the session.
What if we want to
help our child become more confident and less stressed?
Hypnosis is
a good tool to strengthen your child's confidence in using
natural gifts and talents. Simple techniques can be taught
so that your child learns ways to help herself in school or
performance or competition. Using these tools can make childhood
an easier place for your son or daughter.
"Your work
is so critical for helping children get in touch with themselves."
(Health Practitioner, Taiwan)
"I'm especially
impressed with your ability to work with children. You take
their issues seriously. There are not many people who do."
(Insurance Agent)
"I'm more
relaxed and have more energy." (Child)
"I'm feeling
much happier, and I'm not weepy any more." (Child)
"I remember
a LOT better now. I'm less distracted when I study."
(Child)
"I understand
more of what I read, and I'm reading faster." (Child)
"I'm getting
all my work done faster and I feel really good about it."
(Child)
"Writing
was so hard before. Now, it's a breeze!" (Child)
"I enjoy
my brother; we're getting along much better now." (Child)
"I'm doing
pretty good getting to sleep; it takes no more than 15 minutes
maximum now." (Child) |
