Hypnosis For Kids & Teens: How It Works, Examples, & Effectiveness

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural, relaxed state of body and mind, like the moments before falling asleep and just before waking up. In this semi-waking state, the mind is focused while the critical faculty is temporarily suspended. A hypnotherapist helps people deliberately enter this state to create emotional and behavioral therapeutic changes. Hypnotherapy can be effective as a stand-alone treatment or combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, play therapy, and family counseling.

Hypnosis-based treatment for kids may help in the treatment of:

• Childhood anxiety
• Childhood depression
• Nail biting
• Bedwetting
• Behavior issues
• Academic motivation
• School/sports performance issues
• Night terrors
• Fear of the dark and other specific phobias

How Does Hypnotherapy for Kids Work?

Any successful hypnosis session relies on the child or teen participating with the therapist. A child can participate in hypnosis by maintaining focused awareness, following suggestions, and being willing to play. These criteria only indicate that hypnosis treatment has the potential for positive results. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hypnotherapy depends on the consensus of the child, caregiver, and therapist.

Focused Attention

During waking consciousness, we constantly shift our focus from one object to another. This is true for kids and teens as well as adults. Before, during, and after a hypnosis session, the therapist will help the child bring their attention into a sharper focus and keep it there. This can be accomplished by instructing the child to focus on the therapist’s voice, the sensations in their body, or the guided imagery used during therapeutic work.

Following Suggestions

Following the basic instructions of the therapist is essential to a successful hypnosis session. The main objective of any hypnosis treatment is to change behaviors and emotional states that have become ingrained and problematic. Following suggestions helps the child temporarily let go of their critical faculty and rigid ways of thinking, making those changes easier to accomplish.

Suggestions are generally simple and easy to understand. “Close your eyes and begin to relax,” “Now focus your attention on your breathing,” and “Imagine yourself entering a calm, safe place where you feel at ease and relaxed” are all examples of suggestions a therapist might use.

Willingness to Play

Hypnosis can be an effective way to help kids because it relies on imagination and playfulness. Children can better discover their innate strengths and resources to help create the changes they want by engaging in an atmosphere of novelty, creativity, respect, and trust. ¹

How Can Hypnotherapy Help a Child or Teen?

As mentioned before, hypnosis works best when play and imagination are fostered and encouraged. Skillful child hypnotherapists tap into the natural capacity for play and make the experience fun and engaging. Even the novelty of the word “hypnosis” often stimulates the child’s curiosity and imagination. This makes it more likely that the kid or teen will “buy in” to the treatment and participate.

Many children and their parents are seeking treatment for fears, insecurities, phobias, and anxieties. Hypnotic states induce feelings of relaxation, calm, and safety. In this state, the child can face their fears in a safe setting and discover new ways of relating to them. The child and therapist can find collaborative solutions to the problem.

Examples of Hypnosis for Children

A typical course of hypnosis treatment for children and teens will include an initial assessment, several hypnosis sessions, and some follow-up and support. Usually, especially with children under 12, the caregiver and child will meet with the therapist and discuss the presenting issue. Having a parent or caregiver present can help put the child at ease and feel safe. One way to speed up this process is to have the parent model some hypnotic techniques. These joint meetings can continue until the child is ready to meet with the therapist alone.

During the initial assessment and first sessions, the child may be asked about their past and current experience of the problem state. As this can be connected with other medical and mental health issues, a therapist will likely ask about any past or current treatments so they can coordinate with other providers as needed.

Therapists may also help the child identify triggers, note their physical and emotional symptoms, and clarify goals for treatment. They may review the child’s mental images, inner dialog, and looping thoughts accompanying their problems and discuss these experiences.

Next are the actual hypnosis sessions. The number of sessions needed will vary from child to child. Some experience satisfying results after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a prolonged treatment plan.

At some point, the therapist will induce the first hypnotic trance, guiding the child into deep relaxation and focused awareness. In addition to the strategies mentioned above, a therapist can then employ various techniques to relieve the symptoms and address the underlying causes of the problem.

Is Hypnotherapy for Kids Effective? 

Hypnosis, self-hypnosis, and hypnotherapy are effective in helping children and teens with various issues, including chronic headaches, pain management, and other self-regulation skills.

One study showed that participating children and youths who learned self-hypnosis for recurrent headaches reported reduced headaches without adverse side effects of treatment.² Research on chronic pain management with self-hypnosis reported decreased pain intensity in participants, and many reached all or most of their therapeutic goals.³ Hypnosis for children can also help teach self-regulation skills and lower anxiety associated with dental anesthesia.^4,6

How to Find a Hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy as a treatment emphasizes personal empowerment and choice. Read articles and books, watch YouTube videos, and listen to podcasts about hypnosis. A little knowledge goes a long way when making decisions about your health and well-being.

Not all hypnotists and hypnotherapists work with children and teens. Most will be upfront about this on their websites and other marketing material. Once you’ve found a potential hypnotist, ask them about their training, degrees, or experience working with children. You can also review testimonials from other parents and caregivers. In the end, trust your heart as well as your head. If you get the impression that the therapist has empathy for your issue and you feel a sense of rapport, then that person may be a good fit.

Questions to ask a hypnotherapist for your child include:

• What is your experience with helping children and teens?
• What kind of success have you had with past clients?
• What additional support do you offer before and after your sessions?
• Who do you consider to be an ideal client?

At-Home Hypnosis for Kids

Hypnosis is a natural state. It is safe and can be effective in clinical settings and at home.⁶ Most, if not all, hypnotherapists will teach some form of self-hypnosis to their clients.

Hypnosis-related techniques that parents, caregivers, and children can use at home include:

• Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis is not that difficult to learn. Scripts for self-hypnosis routines that can be memorized or recorded. Once one has learned how to elicit a trance state for themselves, they can either simply relax or apply the therapeutic techniques they have learned from a therapist.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation is easy to learn and apply at home. Simply find a quiet space, close your eyes, and bring your attention to each part of the body from the top of the head down to the feet. Spend some time noticing where there is tension or stress and do your best to let go and relax.
• Mindfulness: Part of any successful treatment of problem emotional states is being able to recognize them immediately when they come up. Mindfulness for kids can help them identify these states before they become unmanageable and remember to apply whatever antidotes work best for them.

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis for kids can be an effective treatment for children struggling with anxiety, pain, and other challenges. If you are ready to find a hypnotherapist for your child, consider asking friends, family, or your child’s pediatrician for recommendations.