Hypnosis for children?

[LynetteScavo]

I'm taking DS1 to see a hypnotherapist on Monday morning to see if she can help with his school phobia.

I'm inerested what other peoples opinions/experiences are on this.

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Don't know but someone suggested it to me for DD2 who seems to dislike school and might become a bit phobic in the future...will be watching this with interest.

Well, we saw the hypnotherapist today, who spent 1 1/2 hours talking to DS. ASk him what he did that was brave, asked him what he didn't like about school, asked him what he did like about school. Explained why he needed to learn English / maths / geography to be a formula 1 racing driver. Sugested we make a star chart. Told him to be brave going into school tommorow.

So nothing we hadn't done already.I think I've just paid £75 for someone else to give DS a pep talk.

It could be one of two things a) the therapist wanted to ascertain his level of fear , therefore asked many questions , normally they will not perform "hypnosis" in the 1st session as they want to understand th problem initially or b) may be practitioner felt that may be the fears and worries could be dealt with in a form of talk therapy , allowing ds to be open about his fears in s safe place, sometimes its easier to let things out to some one not connected.

Did you find the therapist through a societiey or association ? Sorry to ask as dont want to doubt your judgment. If they are good and believe me Ive been to both kinds (one suspect one saw me over and over for 9mths and I thought it was the right thing ), then they will deal with things pretty quickly through a form of dynamic therapies (not all hypnosis but some form or another). The 2nd practioner has sorted me in 1-2 sessions for fears and anxiety issues some quite intense and deep.

If they havent a clue , you'll soon pick up their scent so to speak if going with to sessions.

LS, just being curious, what else did he do??? Did you notice that he spoke slightly differently to your ds??

ooh, and meant to ask if he gave you guys "homework?...

No, no homework. She didn't seem to talk to DS in a different way, but was a lovely kind, calm, relaxed, confident person. I've been to hypnobirthing classes, and I know what you mean about talking in different way. She's just phoned me to chat, as she didn't want to talk in front of DS, and I've booked another session. She insisted on booking it for an after school time, and seems petty confident he'll be going in tommorow. Well see.

I found her through a hypnobirthing ad' she's placed in the local NCT new letter. She has a web site, and a lot of certificates on her wall, showing qualifications and associations she's a member of. I really can't afford this long term though.

With children you often have to work more indirectly, and definately the most important thing is to get comfortable with the child and vice versa. Does she have experience working with children?? It may not have seemed like she was doing much, but she was probably building a foundation for the next few sessions. If you are concerned, phone and ask her (not in front of ds!) and ask her what her "plan of attack" so to speak is. She may not know exactly; as things change with your ds, her plan will also change. But she should really welcome your interest as often it is very important that parents get involved. Good Luck!!

Thanks, purple duck. She has worked with children before, and was very natural with DS, and they warmed to each other well.

I'm just feeling a bit sceptical because I felt she was already covering ground we'd covered 100 times before. Maybe I was hoping she'd wave a magic wand and he'd decide he'd be moe than happy to go into school.

The cost of the sessions - were also seeing a private clinical psychologist,- and finding childcare for the younger ones is a huge hassle, but I'll hang in there.

good to hear!!!